In less than two and a half hours on the Eurostar you can be in another one of Europe’s great cities. The English capital is filled with historic and iconic landmarks, like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben just to name a few. Between visiting London Town’s famous attractions, shop your way through Oxford Street, indulge in the tradition of afternoon tea, and do some museum hopping. Like Paris, the options for every type of traveler are seemingly infinite and you’ll more than likely run into the problem of deciding what you’re willing to miss rather than what you’re open to doing.
Noteworthy Stays: Whether it’s five-star, internationally recognized brands like Rosewood or intimate boutique properties like the Twenty Two, there is no shortage of options to choose from. Here, check out our guide to the best hotels in London.
Bruges, Belgium
The Rozenhoedkaai Canal in the medieval old town of Bruges. Photo: Getty Images
Looking to make the most of your Europe trip or Eurail Pass with more country hopping? Belgium is just a stone’s throw away. While Brussels and Antwerp are the most easily accessible by the high-speed Thalys train, taking an hour and a half and just over two hours, respectively, from Paris, Bruges, is worth the intercity rail transfer. In about two and a half hours, you’ll reach a city that’s often described as the “Venice of the North.” With its picturesque canals (hence the moniker) weaving throughout the city, cobbled streets, and well-preserved medieval architecture, it’s a fairytale-like destination. Take in the sights, eat fries and chocolate, wander the Markt, and sip on locally brewed beer. Bruges is small enough that it can be done in a day if you’re tight on time—otherwise, stick around in the country for a couple of days then hop back aboard the Thalys to Amsterdam for a continuation of your great European adventure.
Chantilly
Dawn at the Château de Chantilly.Photo: Getty Images