I’d always wanted to make it across to our friends on the European continent, so just over half a decade ago, I did — for the first time. I took the Eurostar to Lille in France to stay with a pal for a few days. I enjoyed French food for the first time, partied just like the French do for Bastille Day, and had an all-round blast. Although it was firmly a city break, with no time for the prettiest beach known to Secret London, getting there by Eurostar made it a wonderful experience, something I’ve continued to do ever since.
But the Eurostar doesn’t just go to France, non, non, non. And I’d caught a travel bug. It traverses several countries in Western Europe on direct routes (and heads further out with a change of train). Apart from France, it also heads into Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany on main routes from the capital. I’ve rounded up Secret Media’s expert writers from across the continent to give me the lowdown on where to go in each major city served directly from London by the Eurostar.
Table Of Contents
🇫🇷 France
Paris
Called interchangeably the City of Lights or the City of Love, depending on whom you ask, Paris is a firm favourite of mine. It’s got stunning architecture, elegant museums, a deep, rich, and diverse history, and unrivalled cuisine. The Parisians are reputed to take themselves a bit too seriously, but the truth is they’re just being Parisians. I’ve gate-crashed many a dinner party on trips to the capital city, and had a brilliant time. Plus, the Eiffel Tower is an engineering and architectural marvel, as well as a certified worldwide icon.
🤷♀️ What to do: I asked our writers, who recommended great spots to chill out, like an urban forest near Hôtel de Ville, a rustic, almost rural island that inspired Monet and Van Gogh — on the banks of the river Seine, and an art exhibition featuring a huge 18-metre pool.
I’ve always done Paris on a budget, with locals who are friends. I’ve timed visits to museums when they’re free, swung through the chic gay district of Le Marais, and popped into charity shops to find cheap yet funky clothes; the Parisians don’t mess around when it comes to fashion.
Where to eat: If I’m not rushing around and making a pit stop at Quick! in Pigalle (like a Belgian version of McDonald’s, in France), I like to eat at authentic Franco-African restaurants. Our friends over at Paris Secret rave about BeefBar, a restaurant with the “best meat in the world” , all set in a gorgeous Art-Deco building over a century old.
🚂 Distance from London: 2 hours 16 minutes, direct.
Lille
I tapped one of my lovely pals who’s ooh-la-Lille about this northern French city. They said that, while Lille was once a thriving industrial hub at the crossroads of Europe, it has reinvented itself without forgetting its roots. Its Flemish heritage, past in textile making, and unfussed working-class identity are tangible throughout the place. Thanks to its sensibilities in moving forward inclusively, Lille’s a vibrant, youthful place, with a mix of open-minded, politically diverse people. It’s a city full of potential.
🤷♀️ What to do: Museum buffs should get themselves down to the Beaux-Arts, or La Piscine (it’s a touch out of town, but entirely reachable). My friend pointed out the stunning Renaissance collection, as well as the miniature medieval/modern towns of the region in Piscine’s cellar. If you’re into amazing events surrounded by urban art and culture, nip down to La Condition Publique, and Tri Postal takes the crown for stellar exhibitions.
Shop-till-you-droppers can go to Westfield Euralille (sound familiar? Think Shepherd’s Bush and Stratford). In addition, the central streets in Lille are tick-box perfect for chic shoppers. Plus, in a shout-out to all that’s fun and frivolous: Le Bistrot de St So is great fun with good nightlife, and drag bingo for good measure.
Where to eat: Ginza (my mate’s favourite; best ramen), Meert (hot chocolate and waffles), or Wilderie (vegan health food surrounded by plants). And for those wanting proper traditional French food, Estaminet Au Vieux De La Vieille’s your place.
🚂 Distance from London: 1 hour 22 minutes, direct.
🇧🇪 Belgium
Brussels
Brussels has more titles than my aunt’s had name changes. It’s the largest municipality and historical centre of the Brussels-Capital Region, the capital of the French Community of Belgium, the Flemish Region, and most notably, it’s the capital of the EU (European Union). Just like me on a weekend, it’s known for waffles and beer, with more than 250 authentic Belgian breweries and an excess of 150 beer companies. Much to my delight, it’s also home to some of the world’s finest chocolatiers. For real, I need to go back.
🤷♀️ What to do: Get yourself down to the Grand Place, where the stunning architecture of this UNESCO-listed central square is especially pretty when lit up at night. Then get over to the Comic Art Museum, which celebrates Belgium’s rich tradition of comic art, showcasing icons like Tintin, the Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. Mosey over to the Atomium: climb inside this futuristic structure for panoramic views and exhibitions on science and design. Wander through the Royal Palace—which is bigger than our very own Buckingham Palace—and explore the decadent halls of the Belgian king’s main workplace, open to the public in summer.
Finally, I recommend a visit to Koninklijk Museum voor Midden-Afrika, or Royal Museum for Central Africa (stylised as AfricaMuseum) which, although a touch outside of Brussels, focuses on Belgium’s colonial history and its troubled past with the Congo. As a museum and research centre, it’s a place for learning and conversations about society and nature in Sub-Saharan Africa. It’s also forward-looking, with works on the African continent today and towards its future.
Where to eat: Brasserie Ommegang for rich, slow-cooked carbonnade and proper classic Belgian dishes – the place is known for its cosy atmosphere and authentic brewing history. Maison Dandoy, where you can indulge in renowned Brussels waffles — crispy on the outside, light and fluffy inside, made fresh. Maison Antoine: crunch into crispy, twice-fried pommes frites — an iconic Brussels staple, served with indulgent sauces (because no visit to the city is complete without them)! Then finally, Lila29. Get lost in sweeping skyline views, fancy Iberian-inspired small plates and creative cocktails, all atop a hotel’s stylish 29th‑floor rooftop bar.
🚂 Distance from London: roughly 2 hours, direct.
🇳🇱 The Netherlands
Amsterdam
The Venice of the North, as it is sometimes nicknamed, is an instantly recognisable icon for its interweaving canal networks, and expressive architecture. Its waterway networks snake around the city like a flower’s roots. It also has efficient transport in the form of trams, or the Dutch use a busy, popular bike network. Stay aware of your surroundings by bike paths, and have courtesy for riders. Just outside of the city, glorious tulip fields have gone on to spark a worldwide flight to the floral fields. I haven’t been in a long time, and I’m overdue a return visit.
🤷♀️ What to do: Get yourself to the (slightly posher) Shoreditch of Amsterdam, in the Jordaan district. It is all about posh houses, quaint canals, boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Not my sort of vibe (you’d have found me in coffeeshops down the Red Light District – enough said on that), but you simply must go and visit. It’s a culturally enlightened, elegant way to see the city.
The city, aside from its nightlife hedonism, is famous for being a powerhouse of museums and culture. The Rembrandt House Museum is the former home and studio of the Dutch master Rembrandt, showing off his artworks and etching. Cruise along iconic canals on a boat tour to admire the city’s charming architecture and vibrancy, waterside. Or, at the Anne Frank House, step inside the storied hiding place and experience a moving journey through her life, and well-known diary.
Where to eat: I’ve heard good things here, so I’ll launch straight into it. De Silveren Spiegel for classic Dutch fine dining in a preserved 17th-century canal house with elegant traditional dishes; De Kop van Oost, where you’ll get a modern twist on Dutch cuisine—cosily and artfully—in the up-and-coming Oost area; or set sail on a 90-minute canal cruise with Miss G’s Brunch Boat where you can enjoy delicious brunch accompanied by bottomless drinks – all while soaking in the scenic views along the iconic canals.
🚂 Distance from London: approximately 4 hours, direct.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ second largest city, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s known for its modern architecture, quirky arts scene, and for having the largest port in Europe.
🤷♀️ What to do: Your camera roll will hate you, but it’s worth a trip to Kubuswoningen – those famous, cube-shaped homes tilted at a 45-degree angle. Keep your phone or camera close by, as you’ll want it out again for sunset photos of Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge), and of course any other architectural marvels you spot on the way.
Markthal, a massive market and foodhall, is also well worth a visit – it houses one of the world’s largest artworks on its ceiling. Or, for a different perspective of the city, hop in a water taxi. It’s a great way to see the busy port in action.
Where to eat: Head to Fenix Food Factory, a converted waterfront warehouse in Katendrecht (known as the Kaap), for craft beer and local food with global flavours; Old Scuola for Neapolitan pizza and natural wine (when in Ro…tterdam?); Supermercado for Latin-American street food and cool cocktails; or, if you consider yourself a bit of a coffee snob, pop into Harvest Coffee Brewers or Man Met Bril Koffie for a speciality brew.
🚂 Distance from London: as little as 3 hours 15 minutes, direct.
🇩🇪 Germany
Cologne
Okay this one isn’t direct, but I felt the urge to highlight western Germany’s cultural hub. At over 2000 years old, Cologne’s the place of dreams for lovers of anything gothic, renaissance architecture, expansive river views, and modern art. It’s a haven for art and culture fanatics, as somewhere that truly doesn’t mess around when it comes to museums and high culture. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the city’s most recognised landmark, and it could almost rival Barcelona’s Sagrada Família in Spain for taking an eternal amount of time to build (roughly 632 years).
🤷♀️ What to do: Carnival isn’t just a season, it’s a way of life. This vibrant Rhineland metropolis attracts countless visitors every single day. Start your day at the iconic Cologne Cathedral—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and end it relaxing in one of the city’s charming beer gardens with a legendary glass of Kölsch. Cologne offers the perfect setting for a day full of variety and local flavour.
Where to eat: For those who want to combine culinary delight with authentic experience, don’t miss out on Himmel un Ääd (mashed potatoes, applesauce, and black pudding) best enjoyed at Peters Brauhaus, just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral.
🚂 Distance from London: 4-5 hours, with a change in Brussels.
Well, there you have it. The west of Europe is waiting for you. We’ll add more recommendations to this guide as they trickle in from our in-the-know editors. If you want to travel even further afield via train, you can find a full list of destinations reachable on the Eurostar, with changes, by heading directly to the good people in blue.
