Since launching in 1994, the Eurostar has carried over 200 million passengers across the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, offering return tickets to its destinations for as little as £78.
The iconic train service whizzes travellers across the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel, completing the journey from London to its nearest stop, Lille in northern France, in just 1h 22m.
Originally departing from Waterloo, the service moved its UK base to St Pancras in 2007. Trains to Amsterdam and Rotterdam were the latest additions to its network in 2018, although some of its previously popular routes, such as London-Marseille and the direct train to Disneyland Paris, have been scrapped due to a combination of Covid and Brexit red tape.
Despite this, Eurostar has proved an increasingly popular and environmentally sustainable way for Brits to travel directly to much-loved European cities such as Paris and Brussels, and provides a gateway to over 100 European destinations via onward connecting trains.
For those wanting a European holiday without the fuss of airports and airlines, The Independent has compiled a list of some of the best places that you can visit directly with Eurostar.
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 seelf-portrait respectively – while many visitors will take the opportunity to explore the city’s different ‘arrondissements’ (administrative districts).
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 where Paris really 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 23C and average temperatures around 20C, 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.
Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}}{{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}}
Rates provided by Booking.com
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Journey time from London: 3h 50m
The three hour and 50 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 is steeped in history and culture. 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.
Best time to visit Amsterdam
With a climate similar to that of the UK, Amsterdam is one European city that’s usually bearable to visit at the height of summer; July’s average temperature hovers around 18C (while average daily highs reach 23C). 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 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.
Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}}{{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}}
Rates provided by Booking.com
Read more on Europe travel:
Brussels, Belgium
Journey time from London: 1h 50m
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), with the potential for making it back in time for dinner if you leave early enough. Nevertheless, you’ll want to give more than just a day to the Belgian and EU capital.
The city centres around Grand Place, a 17th-century Unesco Heritage Site adorned with Baroque and Gothic buildings that serves 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 and driest 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.
Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}}{{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}}
Rates provided by Booking.com
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 cities such as 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 simply 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 weather is at its all-round best. Expect average highs of 23C, although this can drop as low as 14C 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.
Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}}{{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}}
Rates provided by Booking.com
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Journey time from London: 3h 13m
One of the company’s most recent additions, 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.
Rooms available from{{#price}}{{price}}per night{{/price}}{{^price}}Check availability for dates and prices{{/price}}
Rates provided by Booking.com
Travelski Express
Journey time from London: from 8h 17m
Although the Eurostar Ski Train has been scrapped, tour operator Travelski has picked up the slack, providing package skiing holidays including train travel operated by Eurostar. You can visit destinations including Les Arcs, Tignes, Val d’isere, Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel, with direct trains running from St Pancras to Moutiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. These are overnight trains, leaving at 8pm on Friday and arriving at 05.17 in Moutiers, 05.45 in Aime and 06.07 in Bourg-Saint-Maurice on Saturday mornings.
Packages offer “a broad range of accommodation options, from self-catered apartments to hotels and chalets”, and include a six-day lift pass. The easiest resort to reach is Les Arcs; from Bourg, travellers can simply catch the funicular service up the mountain at no extra cost.
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.
Where to stay
While many people will have their own favourite resorts and places to stay, a sample search of hotels in Les Deux Alpes (for a week-long stay in early February) gives results costing roughly £850 per person. uk.travelski.com
Read our reviews of the best hotels in Europe
