The best places you can visit on the Eurostar from London

Connecting London to mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel, Eurostar has been uniting cities and towns for over 30 years, making it easier to reach top destinations without hopping on to a plane.

For those who want to reduce their plane usage in 2025, travelling via rail for a city break has proved to be a more sustainable – and sometimes more convenient – way of getting to your destination, so it may be time to swap the flying frequency for some time on the train.

While there’s not much to see when in the Channel Tunnel, glimpses of the countryside, towns and cities as you speed through countries like France, the Netherlands and Belgium make it an interesting journey , while the absence of weight limits on your luggage means you can pack whatever you need (although you still need to be able to carry that hefty suitcase yourself).

There are plenty of places to hop off the train in Europe, with the Eurostar reaching some destinations in as little as one hour and 22 minutes. Watch out for some last-minute deals dropped by the high-speed rail company, as getting to Paris could cost you as little as £35 during its flash sales.

Here are our picks of the best places to travel to via the Eurostar, with suggestions on where to stay.

Best Eurostar destinations to visit in 2025

1. Paris, France

Journey time from London: 2h 16m

The French capital is Eurostar’s flagship destination, with journeys from London taking just two hours and 16 minutes. In 2023, Paris remains as popular as ever, welcoming over 30 million tourists per year. Its architectural sights and attractions are among some of the most visited in Europe, from the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

Art lovers can visit the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay galleries – containing works such as the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s self-portrait – while many visitors will take the opportunity to explore the city’s different districts (known as arrondissements).

Read more: The best hotels in Paris

Many of the main tourist attractions are located in the 1st arrondissement, though neighbourhoods such as the quaint, atmospheric Latin Quarter (5th) or historic, traditional Le Marais (4th) are also well worth exploring. For those who really want to tick off all the sites on their trip, Montmartre (and Sacre Coeur, in the 18th) and the Champs-Elysees (8th) will undoubtedly be on the list.

Best time to visit Paris

June is a month when Paris shines. The middle of the month plays host to the end of the French Open at Roland Garros, while the weather is usually pleasantly warm and the city receives less rain than almost every other month. With average highs of 22C, it’s the perfect time to explore the City of Light.

Where to stay

The beauty of visiting such a large city is that you don’t have to stay in the centre to get the best experience. Le Pigalle is located in the neighbourhood of the same name, just a mile-and-a-half away from Sacre Coeur, the Champs-Elysees and the Louvre, while its prices are far more affordable than city centre rivals.

Read more: Understanding Victor Hugo, the artist, and tracing his footsteps through a hidden Paris

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Journey time from London: 4h 19m

The four-hour and 19-minute journey to Amsterdam has quickly soared in popularity since its launch in 2018 due to its simplicity and convenience. Another city that is beloved by Brits, the Dutch capital is famous for its picturesque, gabled-house-lined streets and network of interlocking canals, all of which are resplendent when the sun shines.

From the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to the Anne Frank House, the city has plenty of cultural and historic landmarks. It is also a great size to explore on foot or by bike, whether wandering the streets of the controversial Red Light District (known as De Wallen) or more trendy neighbourhoods such as Oud-West or De Pijp.

Read more: The best hotels in Amsterdam

After a period of closure, Eurostar has resumed running direct services from Amsterdam and Rotterdam back to London, however, on 29 March 2025 the service will then close again for “essential works” at Amsterdam Centraal. The direct service from both Netherlands cities will resume at the end of April 2025.

While the direct services were not running, travellers have had to change trains in Brussels.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

With a climate similar to that of the UK, Amsterdam is a European city that’s usually bearable to visit at the height of summer; July’s average highs hover around 22C. However, with plenty to see and do whatever the weather, it makes for a great year-round city break destination that’s just as charming in winter, autumn and spring.

Where to stay

Located on the grand Herengracht canal, the Ambassade Hotel is within easy walking distance of the Royal Palace, Anne Frank Museum and Rijksmuseum, and offers grand, elegant interiors in its canal-side building.

Read more: The best family-friendly hotels in Amsterdam for a fun city break with the kids

3. Brussels, Belgium

Journey time from London: 1h 53m

Another historic European city, Brussels also acts as Eurostar’s Belgian hub, with connecting trains available for equally scenic cities such as Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent. The journey is one of Eurostar’s shortest (at just over one hour and 50 minutes), though it’s great to spend more than just a day in the Belgian and EU capital.

The city centres around the Grand Place, a 17th-century Unesco Heritage Site adorned with Baroque and Gothic buildings that serve as the city’s central square. Museums such as The Atomium, Royal Museums of Fine Art and House of European History offer different exhibitions on Belgian and European history, arts and science, while those exploring further may come across Brussels icons including Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace or Cinquantenaire Park. When it all gets too much, sit down and sample some of the city’s famous beer, chocolate, waffles or fries.

When to visit Brussels

July and August are the warmest months in Brussels, with average highs reaching 23C. However, travelling outside of school in late spring or early autumn will see accommodation and travel prices drop significantly.

Where to stay

With its own indoor pool, Finnish sauna and hot tub, 9Hotel Sablon is just five minutes away from Grand Place and is well-placed for exploring the city centre.

Read more: From living roofs to smashed peas on toast - what does it take to become a B Corp hotel?

4. Lille, France

Journey time from London: 1h 22m

At just one hour and 22 minutes from London, Lille is Eurostar’s nearest destination and the gateway to northern France. Another 17th-century city, Lille is characterised by its Old Town area, with red brick buildings and paved pedestrian streets centring around its own ‘Grand Place’ (named after famed general, Charles de Gaulle) and buildings such as the old Stock Exchange (known as the Vieille Bourse).

While few cities can compete with the wealth of tourist offerings in Paris, Lille has its own notable gothic cathedral (Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille) and the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, a fine arts museum containing works from artists including Goya and Picasso. You can also easily explore the city on foot, taking in its eclectic mix of Flemish, Baroque, Art Deco and modern architecture.

When to visit Lille

July is the best month to experience the northern French city, when the weather is at its all-around best. Expect average highs of 23C, although this can drop as low as 12C at night.

Where to stay

Found on the city’s Grand Place, the Grand Hotel Bellevue is set in a Flemish building just 100 yards away from the metro. The hotel has been recently renovated and offers comfortable rooms with traditional decor and views onto the square.

Read more: From convents to craft breweries - how this sleepy French region became cool

5. Rotterdam, Netherlands

Journey time from London: 3h 31m

The Netherlands’ second city is much less visited than nearby Amsterdam but is a more modern, futuristic alternative to the historic capital. Architecture such as the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, the Markthal food market and even the city’s central station attest to this, as does the presence of skyscrapers and modern shopping centres in the central district. Nevertheless, the city still has several green spaces and older areas that have contributed to its contemporary identity.

First among the parks are Kralingse Bos and Het Park, where the Euromast tower provides excellent views over the city. To see where the city has preserved more of its history, head to the bustling Rotterdam Harbour – the largest seaport in Europe – and the Maritime Museum, or art and architecture museums such as the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen or the Netherlands Architecture Institute.

When to visit Rotterdam

Much like neighbouring Amsterdam, Rotterdam’s best weather comes at the height of summer when there are plenty of festivals and events on, but it’s similarly suitable to visit at any time of year thanks to its wide range of indoor activities.

Where to stay

Housed in a charming old building that was formerly the head office of the Holland America Line cruise operator, Hotel New York provides spacious rooms with modern interiors, two restaurants, its own terrace and extensive views over the harbour and the river.

Read more: Amsterdam in tulip season is short and sweet – but may be the most incredible time for a city break

6. Cologne, Germany

Journey time from London: over 5hrs

Cologne is the only German city that you can reach on Eurostar trains – though you stop for a connection in Brussels – and is the furthest you can get using only Eurostar. This northern city is famed for its extensive carnival celebrations, it’s Christmas markets and a vast gothic cathedral that took around 600 years to complete.

One of the city’s most well-known exports is its kölsch, an ale brewed in the city and served in any of the many brauhäuser (brewhouses, which are the local equivalent of pubs) that dot the streets of the old town. Once you’ve taken in the sights and tastes around the cathedral, banks of the Rhine and the botanical garden, take your tastebuds on another journey at the Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) or indulge your artistic tastes at the Ludwig Museum, home to the third largest collection of Picasso pieces in the world.

There isn’t a direct service from London to Cologne, it requires a quick change at Brussels. Between 3 to 18 May 2025, no trains will stop at Cologne.

When to visit Cologne

If you can brave the cold and potential snow, a visit in December will coincide with one of Germany’s largest and best Christmas markets, while February sees one of the largest carnival celebrations on the continent. To best enjoy the beer gardens and river views, opt for May or June.

Where to stay

The Eden Hotel Früh am Dom offers affordable accommodation in a convenient location near the cathedral. It is part of the Früh am Dom brewhouse, one of the most renowned in the city, and offers easy access to the old town and the riverside.

Read more: Why you should visit this German city packed with Cold War curiosities and oddball festivals

7. French Alps

Journey time from London: under 8hrs

After cutting back the service in 2020 due to Covid, Eurostar has rebooted its ski train this winter, allowing those travelling from London to hop on a train right into the heart of the French Alps. Trains take skiers and Alps sightseers to Lille, then a connecting ski train will drop off travellers at Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains, Aime-la-Plagne, or Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Departures run on Saturdays and return trips run on Sundays. In addition to its usual luggage allowance, passengers can also take on their ski equipment.

At Bourg-Saint-Maurice, skiers will be right next to the Les Arcs ski resort. Aside from hitting the slopes with your skis, the resort offers opportunities for snowboarding, sledging and walking, plus a zipline taking you to a speed of 130kmph as you launch yourself 1,800m across the peaks.

When to visit the French Alps

It is recommended to check conditions before you go (and many resorts will vary depending on altitude), but the best time to ski in the Alps is usually from January to early April, though the season can run from December to late April. Eurostar’s ski train only operates in the winter and finished its latest season on 1 March 2025; customers should keep an eye out for 2026 dates.

Where to stay

For a convenient stay a stone’s throw away from the station with impeccable views of the Alps, Base Camp Lodge offers rooms for every type of traveller, from family breaks to romantic weekends to friend trips. Rooms and suites are available, but for those on a budget, dormitories with kitchenettes are on hand.

Read more: Eurostar have rebooted their ‘ski train’ – here’s why you should give it a go for your next snowy holiday