10 Chic European Cities You Can Reach by Train Directly From London

ByRachna Chandira

Save This Article

WANT TO SAVE THIS ARTICLE?

Enter your email below & I'll send it straight to your inbox!

And each week, I'll send you new tips to plan your next romantic couples trip! If you decide it's not for you, unsubscribing is always just a click away.

High-speed passenger train traveling through a rural landscape with green fields and power lines.
hpgruesen/Pixabay

Why deal with long airport lines when you can hop on a high-speed train from London and arrive in a chic European city within hours? Europe’s rail network connects the UK to stylish destinations filled with culture, cuisine, and elegance. Whether you’re craving fine art, designer boutiques, or just a scenic stroll through historic streets, these train-accessible cities deliver big on charm and convenience, without the airline chaos. It’s time to travel smart and travel beautifully.

Paris, France

View of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River in Paris with boats docked along the riverbank on a cloudy day.
Mario Caliaro/Pexels

In just over two hours, the Eurostar whisks you from London to Paris, the global capital of fashion and romance. Walk the Champs-Élysées, sip espresso in Montmartre, and browse luxury labels in the Marais. The city’s timeless style, world-class art, and gourmet food make every visit unforgettable. Paris offers endless opportunities to indulge your inner sophisticate, all without ever setting foot in an airport. Travel in the morning and be at a sidewalk café by lunch.

Brussels, Belgium

View of the Mont des Arts garden in Brussels with historic buildings and a tall church spire in the background.
JoaquinAranoa/Pixabay

A quick Eurostar ride lands you in Brussels, where medieval charm meets modern elegance. Discover ornate Art Nouveau buildings, savor some of Europe’s finest chocolate, and shop stylish boutiques in the Sablon district. The Grand Place sparkles with Baroque beauty, while quirky museums and chic cafés offer plenty to explore. Brussels may be the political hub of Europe, but it’s also a stylish, delicious, and easily walkable weekend getaway.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Scenic canal in Amsterdam lined with boats, trees, and traditional Dutch buildings under a sunny sky.
Hans/Pexels

Amsterdam is more than canals and tulips; it’s one of Europe’s coolest capitals. Catch a high-speed train via Brussels and find yourself amid boutique-lined streets, sleek museums, and cozy corner cafés. Stylish locals bike past historic townhouses, while vintage shops and designer brands await in the Nine Streets district. Whether you’re gallery hopping or lounging by the canals, Amsterdam delivers laid-back glamour with an unmistakable Dutch flair.

Lille, France

People walking along tram tracks in a sunlit European city square with historic buildings and overhead wires.
Adrien Olichon/Pexels

Under 90 minutes by train, Lille is a design lover’s dream with Flemish-inspired architecture, antique markets, and rich cuisine. Wander its cobbled streets, pop into stylish secondhand stores, or explore its modern art scene. Don’t miss the Sunday Wazemmes market for food, music, and people-watching. Lille is compact, charming, and full of surprises, perfect for travelers who want a sophisticated but unpretentious French escape just a short ride from London.

Lyon, France

Aerial view of Lyon, France, featuring the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Saône River surrounded by historic city buildings.
Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

Lyon is France’s culinary capital, where elegant bistros and bouchons line streets steeped in Roman and Renaissance history. Travel from London to Lyon with a simple change in Paris and be rewarded with gourmet meals, riverside walks, and stylish shops in the Presqu’île district. The city’s food scene is reason enough to visit, but its fashion-forward residents and stunning murals add even more appeal. Lyon is as tasteful as it is tasteful.

Cologne, Germany

Sunset view of Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine River in Cologne, Germany.
bea61/Pixabay

Cologne combines historical gravitas with edgy modern style. Ride the train via Brussels and arrive in a city known for its Gothic cathedral, art galleries, and vibrant fashion scene. Grab a Kölsch beer by the Rhine, shop indie boutiques, or stroll through its urban art-filled neighborhoods. Cologne’s mix of the old and new gives it a fresh energy that’s hard to resist, especially for travelers who love big city vibes with an offbeat twist.

Strasbourg, France

People walking across the wet cobblestone square of Place Kléber in Strasbourg, France, surrounded by historic buildings under a cloudy sky.
SLPix/Pixabay

Strasbourg feels like a fairy tale, with timber-framed houses, canals, and flower-filled balconies. Located on the French-German border, it’s a cultural blend of elegance and coziness. With one easy train change, you’ll be wandering the pastel-colored streets of Petite France or dining in Alsatian wine cellars. Strasbourg offers both history and hipness, making it ideal for couples, foodies, and style-savvy travelers seeking something unique.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Evening cityscape of Rotterdam, Netherlands, featuring the illuminated Erasmus Bridge and modern skyline along the river.
Stijn Hanegraaf/Unsplash

Bold and modern, Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ design-forward city, filled with striking skyscrapers, art spaces, and waterfront views. Trains connect you from London in under four hours with a quick change. Explore converted warehouses, dine in floating restaurants, and snap pics of cube houses. The city’s street style is just as cutting-edge as its skyline. Rotterdam is a cool, contemporary escape for travelers who like their cities sleek and surprising.

Antwerp, Belgium

Modern glass structure of the Port House in Antwerp, Belgium, built atop a historic fire station near the waterfront at dusk.
Pixabay/Pexels

Antwerp is where the stylish crowd shops and stays. Known for its fashion academy and avant-garde designers, this Belgian city is a haven for trendsetters. Reachable by train in about three hours, it boasts fashion museums, high-end boutiques, and a charming old town. Walk the cobbled lanes of the historic center before diving into the Diamond District or sipping wine at a trendy terrace. It’s a glamorous getaway without the hassle of flying.

Avignon, France

Panoramic view of a historic French village with terracotta rooftops and a medieval fortress on a hill under a bright blue sky.
MarcelDominic/Pixabay

Avignon might require a train change, but it’s worth every scenic mile. Nestled in the sun-drenched Provence region, this medieval city charms with lavender fields, cobblestone streets, and its iconic Papal Palace. Summer brings art festivals, while local markets overflow with olives, wine, and herbs. The warm hues of Avignon’s buildings and relaxed pace create the perfect setting for a stylish Southern French escape. All you need is a straw hat and sunglasses.

Rachna Chandira is a travel writer and communications professional known for her culturally rich and emotionally resonant storytelling.
With a background in development journalism, she brings a nuanced perspective to her writing, focusing on people, place, and purpose. Her work spans India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, often exploring slow travel, solo adventures, and underrepresented local narratives.
From crafting immersive city guides to curating thoughtful itineraries, Rachna combines journalistic depth with a storyteller’s heart. She views travel as a way to connect cultures, inspire empathy, and leave a meaningful impression on readers seeking more than just destinations.