10 beautiful Eurostar destinations that aren’t Paris

When it comes to Eurostar destinations, we often just think of Paris. And sure enough, Paris is an incredible place to visit – but there are a number of other Eurostar destinations which are well worth your time too.

In this guide, I’ll share with you the best Eurostar destinations that you can visit from the UK. Some you can go to directly while others require you to hop to another connection first. 

Regardless, I know you’re going to love these places! So, let’s begin my guide by seeing what cities you can reach directly from London.

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Best Eurostar destinations directly from London

Though they aren’t much, below you’ll find some of the greatest cities you can go to directly from London via the Eurostar train:

1. Rotterdam

Best for: Architecture and innovation

Journey time: 3 hours 15 minutes

I’d definitely recommend visiting Rotterdam for a mix of modern flair and impressive innovation.

The city may not be as famous as Amsterdam but its maritime history is worth a look. It’s home to the largest port in Europe, making a boat tour around its harbour a must! 

You can also walk down the Erasmusbrug Bridge or hop to the Euromast observation tower. There’s plenty of jaw-dropping architecture to see in Rotterdam too.

The city is also one of my favourite day trips from Amsterdam.

2. Amsterdam

Best for: Museums

Journey time: 4 hours

Compared to Rotterdam, the trip to Amsterdam is a bit longer. It takes almost four hours and costs a similar amount for the standard Eurostar ticket. 

However, it’s certainly worth the extra journey time. For the longest time, Amsterdam has held an allure over tourists that I can’t simply put into words.

There are a seriously impressive number of museums in Amsterdam; some of my favourites are the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and the Moco Museum.

Don’t miss a stroll around Vondelpark – Amsterdam’s favourite park – or a cruise down the impossibly picturesque canals.

If you’re planning a visit to this popular European city, have a read of my Amsterdam guides:

• 20 luxury hotels in Amsterdam
• 20 Michelin-star restaurants in Amsterdam
• 21 amazing things to do in Amsterdam

3. Lille

Best for: A cultural fix

Journey time: 1 hour 30 minutes

In just an hour and a half, you can be in Lille – and I really think this city is one of France’s most underrated cities. 

It feels somewhat like a city of contrasts – from the vibrant and colourful buildings of the Old Town to the contemporary marvels of the Euralille district.

The city has a lot to offer visitors, such as the Général de Gaulle Square, Palais des Beaux-Arts, and La Vieille Bourse. 

If you want to immerse yourself in the city’s history, walk down Old Lille, where there are 17th-century stone houses and beautiful buildings to discover.

Discover more of the most affordable European city breaks.

Best Eurostar destinations from London with high-speed connections

There are many more cities for you to visit if you’re willing to change trains halfway through. These wonderful cities include:

4. Bruges

Best for: A fairytale feel

Journey time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Are you craving some Belgian waffles? If yes, this is your destination. If not, then I urge you to reconsider!

Belgium’s history, waffles, chocolate, and beautiful architecture aren’t something you want to miss.

I absolutely adore Bruges – it feels very much like a real-life fairytale. Plus, I love that the city is small enough to get around on foot.

There are various beautiful churches to discover, such as the iconic Church of Our Lady. Inside you’ll find the Madonna of Burges, Michelangelo’s only artwork found outside of Italy.

The trip to Bruges via Eurostar takes about three and a half hours and stops in Brussels, where I’d recommend spending a couple of nights too if you have the time.

If you’re planning a trip to Bruges, check out my guides before you go:

• 20 amazing things to do in Bruges
• 15 gorgeous luxury hotels in Bruges
• 15 Michelin-star restaurants in Bruges
• Brussels or Bruges: which city to visit?

5. Ghent

Best for: Beautiful architecture

Journey time: 3 hours

Instead of switching to Bruges from Brussels, why not try out Ghent? Although that said, I’d recommend doing all three if you can, seeing as they are so well-connected.

Ghent is another fairytale city in Belgium, known for the Gravensteen, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, and Saint Nicholas’ Church. 

All these buildings are centuries old and contain a wealth of history and architectural beauty. I’d also recommend taking a boat cruise through the city for a fun and unique way to see the sights.

6. Cologne

Best for: Beer lovers

Journey time: 4 hours

By hopping on a train from London and switching in Brussels, you can be in lively Cologne within about four hours.

Perhaps its most famous attraction is the monumental Cologne Cathedral, which was built around the 13th century in Gothic style. 

I’d also suggest visiting the Flora and Botanical Garden where you can explore tropical greenhouses, beautifully designed gardens and a seriously impressive array of plants.

Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local culture by trying the traditional German meal of sauerkraut and sausages!

For those of you who are partial to a pint, I’d recommend doing a brewery tour and tasting.

7. Bordeaux

Best for: Wine lovers

Journey time: 6 hours

This Eurostar destination may have a longer journey time of around six hours, but I promise you it’s worth it! I’m sure you’ll agree when you’re basking under the French sun in Bordeaux.

In the south of France, Bordeaux sprawls around the Garonne River, offering stunning views, world-renowned vineyards, and a rich cultural heritage. 

This is definitely one for the wine lovers amongst you, and you simply cannot visit Bordeaux without trying the local wine.

Personally, I’d recommend taking a trip to Saint-Emilion for a wine tasting.

8. Strasbourg

Best for: Multicultural vibe

Journey time: 5 hours

Close to the border with Germany is another of my favourite Eurostar destinations: Strasbourg.

The fastest way to the city is about five hours and requires a switch from the Paris Gare du Nord to the Gare de L’Est and finally to Strasbourg. 

When you get there, I’d recommend heading straight to the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg. The great structure with its Romanesque and Gothic features is a must-see.

You can also walk down La Petite France to see the well-preserved, half-timbered homes, cobbled streets, and canals.

Centuries ago, this district was full of tanners, millers and fishermen. It’s a truly beautiful region and I’d advise booking a historical day trip of Alsace.

9. Aix-En-Provence

Best for: Rosé and lavender

Journey time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Though the journey to the south of France is a tad long, it’s one of my favourite destinations in Europe so I know it’s worth the trip.

Aix-En-Provence, often referred to as the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” is perhaps most known for its gorgeous lavender fields. 

If you’re visiting for the lavender, you’ll need to plan your timing carefully as the season usually runs from the last week of June to the beginning of August.

This charming city is also the birthplace of the painter Paul Cézanne, and you can visit his studio to see where he created some of his masterpieces.

Aix-En-Provence is also famous for its enchanting architecture, such as the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, a Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 16th century.

Plus, if you’re partial to a delightful pale rosé like I am, then you’ll definitely feel at home in Provence!

10. Nice

Best for: Beach Lovers

Journey time: 9 hours

The last, but certainly not least, city on my list here is Nice, France. Though no introductions are required, it’s still essential to emphasise how magnificent this city and its beaches are!

The sun is always shining, the streets are full of colours, and the Mediterranean Sea is cool and inviting.

Not to mention, you’ve got the Place Masséna, Vieille Ville, or Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art for your cultural fix.

Of course the one drawback to this trip is its duration – but I’d recommend tying it into a wider holiday on the French Riviera to make it worth the journey.

If you’re planning a trip to the region, have a read of my guides before you go:

• 18 luxury hotels in Nice
• 10 Michelin star restaurants in Nice
• 15 fun things to do in Nice
• 15 amazing day trips from Nice
• Nice or Cannes: which city to visit?

From Rotterdam and Lille to Cologne, Strasbourg, and Nice, each city offers a glimpse into history and culture that’s uniquely their own. 

Have you visited any of these incredible Eurostar destinations from London? Let me know in the comments below!