But wait, there’s a whole other world north of Paris. Brussels is another direct hit from London, and it’s genuinely underrated. Why go to Paris when you can be in Belgium munching on frites and sipping a Trappist beer in under two hours? It feels like a cheat code for a weekend trip that’s weirdly different from France, but just as charming.
Think about it: you leave a rainy London morning, and by lunchtime, you’re wandering past the Grand-Place. It’s almost too easy, isn’t it? You don’t even have to deal with a flight, just a train that feels like a normal commute, except you end up in a different country.
The Dutch Connection: A Surprise Hit
Here’s where it gets even more fun. Eurostar now goes to the Netherlands. Yes, you can board in London and arrive in Amsterdam or Rotterdam without changing trains. The journey to Amsterdam takes about four hours, which sounds long, but it flies by when you’re watching the Belgian countryside blur past your window. It’s a straight shot to the land of canals and bicycles, and it feels incredibly rebellious to skip the airport security line entirely.
Ever wanted to see the Anne Frank House, then have a stroopwafel, all in the same day you left London? That’s the kind of magic we’re talking about. Plus, Rotterdam is a hidden gem for modern architecture, and it’s only about three hours on the train. Insider tip: book the early train, and you’re in the Netherlands before the Dutch even finish their morning coffee.
Cheap Eurostar trains
