Connecting London to mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel, Eurostar has been uniting cities and towns for over 30 years, making it easier to reach top destinations without hopping on a plane.
For those who want to reduce their plane usage in 2026, travelling via rail for a city break has proved to be a more sustainable – and sometimes more convenient – way of getting to your destination, so it may be time to swap the flying frequency for some time on the train.
While there’s not much to see when in the Channel Tunnel, glimpses of the countryside, towns and cities as you speed through countries like France, the Netherlands and Belgium make it an interesting journey, while the absence of weight limits on your luggage means you can pack whatever you need (although you still need to be able to carry that hefty suitcase yourself).
There are plenty of places to hop off the train in Europe, with the Eurostar reaching some destinations in as little as one hour and 22 minutes. Watch out for some last-minute deals dropped by the high-speed rail company, as getting to Paris could cost you as little as £35 during its flash sales.
Here are our picks of the best places to travel to via the Eurostar, with suggestions on where to stay.
