The best destinations to visit via Eurostar
When we were young, boarding a train – hand clutching that of our parents – felt like the beginning of a magical experience. We were enamoured by the size of its wheels, by the undulating countryside that whipped past the windows and that familiar squeak of the trolley, laden with a smorgasbord of snacks. In short, a rail journey when we were mere children felt like the destination in and of itself. Even if we’d have just landed back at the same station we’d set off from, we’d be happy.
And though we are now less enchanted by the gentle chug of the vessel, travelling by train still manages to retain its charm; it’s often eco-friendly, it’s comfortable and you hardly ever need to queue to check your bags in. The crucial difference now? We do care about the destination.
Which is why, when it comes to taking a long-distance trip across Europe, the Eurostar’s myriad stops are too enticing to resist. As we make our way through historic towns and across beautiful countryside at a leisurely pace, the rare chance to watch everyday life unfold outside the window – sans the stress of passport control – only prefices the excitement of the holiday to come.
So, in an ode to the glorious freedom of train travel, we’ve rounded-up some of our favourite destinations to visit via Eurostar this year and beyond. As Richard Ratliff said, “the journey has its own lyrics, a duet of balanced motion, the rails and wheels in tune.”
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Ghent, Belgium
There’s a feeling in the air that weaves its way through Ghent’s medieval streets; one of discerning excitement. It bubbles just below the surface of shopkeepers’ smiles and can be felt in the low hum of restaurants which spill out onto the cobble streets and into the crisp evening. It’s the feeling of a city that, once overlooked in favour of larger, busier European destinations, is finally starting to receive its deserved recognition. Just 30 minutes from Brussels, this pint-sized city is a hive of gothic architecture, contemporary culture and boutique shops selling sustainable wares. Once the seat of the Count of Flanders, whose castle has now been restored – and includes an unmissable comedy audio guide tour, Ghent became known as the “Manchester of the Continent” thanks to its cotton mills and network of canals.
Where to stay: Beside the river in Ghent’s medieval centre, 1898 The Post is a sultry building, showcasing some of the city’s best gothic architecture – and cocktails. Once the incredibly grand post office, it is now an elegantly romantic hotel, with low lighting, myriad antiques and rooms that feel more like a pied-à-terre in the Roaring Twenties than a hotel.
Most nights of the week you’ll find a queue snaking up the spiral staircase for the hotel’s old-world Cobbler Bar – exuding the decadent charm of a bygone era mixed with a distinctly prohibition feel. Grab a spot by the fire and order a Child In Time – a mix of gin, Campari, grapefruit honey and, the French liqueur, green Chartreuse. Weekends are always busy, but if you’re visiting during the week then there is usually a quieter period between 8pm and 10pm.
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Paris, France
Any visitor to Paris has expectations. High expectations. It is, after all, one of the most visited cities in the world, perceived by many (especially Parisiennes) as the very epitome of high culture, elegance and of course, romance. Lucky then, that the myriad cobbled streets, curbside bistros that spill out onto the pavement and plethora of galleries that pepper the city, live up to the reputation that precedes a visit. The city is made of a clutch of districts, each with its own distinct feel and flair, from the buzz of the Champs Elysee to the vintage finds peppered among the designer shops in Le Marais, each offers a different flavour of Parisian life to those who traverse its streets, though they all have one thing in common: the opportunity for a perfect steak tartare on every corner.
Where to stay: One of the most luxurious hotels in Paris is undoubtedly The Mandarin Oriental, among the boutiques of rue Saint-Honoré, and just a 10-minute walk away from the world-famous Louvre. This vibrant city hotel, built around a central, leafy courtyard, brings in the fashion and creativity of Paris and blends it seamlessly with the flair and hospitality that the Mandarin Oriental group are so well known for. It is a hotel full of nods to Paris' history while simultaneously ushering in the future.
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Aix-en-Provence, France
The hometown of Cézanne and Émile Zola has been captivating visitors and tourists alike since Roman times. Aix (pronounced like the letter ‘X’) is right in the heart of Provence. It’s only 30-minutes away from Marseille (the city which took its title as the capital of Provence in the 12th century). It’s now a haven for leisure-seekers who will be captivated by the tableau-vivant of a town, whether strolling along the Cours Mirabeau (the main boulevard canopied by plane trees and studded with cafés), seeking out its 100 or so fountains, getting inspired by the city’s 18th-century Mazarin mansions and picturesque landscapes, or simply relaxing in the sunshine. Aix is the hometown of renowned post-Impressionist Paul Cézanne, who famously said “If you’re born in Aix, nowhere else will do” and so it will come as little surprise that the city is dripping in culture, from the modern art mecca of Hungarian-born artist Victor Vasarely’s 'Op Art' temple, the Fondation Vasarely, to Cézanne’s atelier, where you’ll see the artist’s coat still hanging on a hook and a selection of his artefacts (bottles, skulls, fruits) that made up his famed still-life pictures.
Where to stay: Inspired by Cézanne himself, Hotel Cézanne pays subtle (and not so subtle) homage to the artist throughout. Notably in the palette of strong colours on the walls (rusty reds, rich oranges and greens) and the impressionist-style lighting with purposefully cracked lamps. The rich colour accents extend to each of their 55 chic, sun-drenched rooms, where there's a mix of luxury rooms, junior rooms and suites. Whichever you go for you’ll be assured a king-size bed, plush pillows and super-soft Nobilis tweed blankets. Bathrooms are no less impressive with powerful tropical rain showers, tubs in some of the rooms and huge enveloping bathrobes.
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Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Amsterdam, with its tree-lined canals, cobbled streets and narrow, gabled houses, is an unsurprisingly popular city for a mini-break. Once the stag-do capital of the world, the iconic city, alive with cyclists and a cosmopolitan crowd, is now a not-too-far-away destination for those looking for a heady mix of art galleries, independent shopping, design-savvy hotels and a buzzy gastronomy scene. And since 2020, when Eurostar announced the launch of a new direct route to the quaint capital of the Netherlands, the boutique-lined labyrinth of waterways is now more accessible than ever.
The city has also seen tourists shift outward to the myriad neighbourhoods surrounding central Amsterdam, from great gastronomy (Restaurant De Kas, housed in a huge greenhouse, is an insider favourite) to beautiful gardens and striking architecture, these suburbs are central Amsterdam’s underrated, yet highly discerning, cousin, and merit a visit all on their own.
Where to stay: Through a courtyard discreetly set off one of Amsterdam’s finest canals, Keizersgracht, The Dylan speaks to its guests in a language that merges past and present, blends historical architecture with achingly-cool contemporary touches, all effervescing under the beamed roofs of several buildings strung together. The fire crackles in the grate of the low-lit lounge, the city’s most well-heeled slip behind the velvet curtain for a smooth nightcap and beyond that, the swanky Vinkeles, where French classics are given an innovatively modest (and typically Dutch) treatment, is one of the area’s best-kept gastronomy secrets.
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Bordeaux, France
The hub of the famed wine-growing region (just one reason for its popularity), the port city of Bordeaux languishes along the Garonne River in south west France. Often epitomised by its gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, 18th- to 19th-century mansions and notable art museums, it’s a haven for culture-lovers and those who enjoy a city break that offers a less strained tempo. Leisurely meanders through the public gardens that line the gently undulating river are a tonic for the punishing pace of day-to-day life, though just a day pottering on the pavements that wind through the city is a joyous way to while away a few hours between the boutiques, fromageries and hidden gems selling authentic wares. And, of course, given that the area is famous for its vineyards and award-winning wine labels, a tasting tour or a day trip around a string of the region’s top-notch wineries is a must for all oenophiles.
Where to stay: The InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel has been somewhat of an institution in the region since the 1920s when it underwent a sizeable restructure. Today, much of Bordeaux life rotates around this lavish neoclassical monument, rich in history, and those lucky enough to stay here are treated to a decadent dive into the best of the region’s hospitality, from the sun-drenched rooftop bar to the guest rooms draped in traditional tapestries.
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Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Once overshadowed by its larger sibling, Amsterdam, the major port city of Rotterdam has made strides over the past few years to step out from the shadow, shrug off its second-place spot and emerge as a distinctive destination, worthy of a city break in its own right. After teetering at the grittier end of ‘up-and-coming’ for more than a decade, the city is now an achingly-cool hub for sustainable innovation and cutting-edge design, where skateboarding is a viable mode of transport and concept shops are waiting around every corner. Though it suffered widespread destruction during World War II, the destination that has emerged from the ashes is one of strikingly modern architecture, cutting-edge design and a dynamic foodie scene. The 17th-century Delfshaven neighbourhood is home to canalside shopping and Pilgrim Fathers Church, where pilgrims worshipped before sailing to America, while Kralingen embraces a more biophilic outlook and is traditionally one of the richer areas of Rotterdam.
Where to stay: The Pincoffs is the result of a conversion from a 19th-century customs office into a luxury boutique hotel, stippled with style and an eclectic mix of antique and contemporary furniture and trinkets. Rooms are high-ceilinged, helping to add to the breezy, calm and uncluttered atmosphere, and offer guests ample space to spread out their imperative purchases. The cosy bar has a small range of local gins and beers, as well as cocktails and wines plus their own-label pink sparkling wine, and breakfasts and lunch take a simplified, yet delicious, perch. The hotel doesn’t offer dinner, though if you aren’t tempted by the surrounding quirky eateries then the hotel can bring in sustenance from a neighbouring restaurant.
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Brussels, Belgium
The Belgian capital has been having a drawn-out moment in the spotlight as a Ville créative for a while now, from Stromae’s catchy music to the fashionable concept stores and design ateliers that are popping up across town. Though it spent years lurking under a cloud of warring EU bureaucrats and Brexit negotiations, scratch beneath the surface here and you’ll find a well-kept mini-break secret that makes the two-hour Eurostar hop from London more than worthwhile. Plus, it’s still one of the best food cities in Europe - who wouldn't want to wash down a cone of fries with a Trappist beer?
Where to stay: Hotel des Galeries is an upbeat boutique hotel, plumb in the middle of one of the most attractive parts of central Brussels, combining smart service with charm in abundance. The rooms are flatteringly suave and modern, yet retain a respect for their historic context, and there’s a convivial restaurant and café attached.