Sunday, September 15, 2024 Skip the airport hassle and hop on a scenic train ride to Bruges, Europe top-rated destination, where history, charm, and enchantment await at every turn. If you’re looking to skip the airport hassle, consider taking a rail journey to Bruges. This charming Flemish city was crowned the top European destination to visit by train in a recent survey of over 1,000 Which? members.
Just a quick three-and-a-half-hour train ride from London, Bruges surpassed popular destinations like Paris and Amsterdam, earning an impressive city score of 85%. Travelers raved about its “magical” and “enchanting” atmosphere, as they explored the historic canals and cobbled medieval streets on foot. Sign up for our monthly Travel newsletter to get expert tips and trusted recommendations for your next trip.
When you factor in airport wait times and the transfer to city centers, traveling by rail can often be faster. Even from cities outside of London—like Birmingham, Portsmouth, and Cardiff—train journeys to the capital can take as little as two hours. Plus, rail travel can reduce your carbon footprint by as much as 90%.
With the right tricks, train travel can also be cheaper than flying. By snagging a deal on Eurostar tickets, you can score round-trip fares to Paris or Brussels for just £70. And onward travel within Belgium, including to Bruges, can cost as little as €12.
Best rail destination for food and drink: Bordeaux Bordeaux, along with Lyon, was one of only two cities to receive five stars for its food and drink in the survey. Enjoy a wine-tasting tour in the nearby Médoc or Graves regions, or visit the Cité du Vin museum, which celebrates 2,000 years of local winemaking. The city’s culinary offerings are just as enticing.
From tender Bazas beef to fresh oysters from Cap Ferret, Bordeaux’s restaurants cater to all tastes and budgets. Holidaymakers were particularly impressed by the “superb restaurants” and variety on offer. How long? Bordeaux is about a six-hour train journey from London.
Best rail destinations for culture: Amsterdam and Avignon Amsterdam and Avignon tied for third place with an 82% city score, both earning five stars for their cultural sights and attractions. Amsterdam’s picturesque canals and iconic gabled houses make it an unforgettable destination. Highlights like the Royal Palace, Anne Frank House, and Rembrandt House Museum are all within walking distance of the train station.
For art lovers, the Rijksmuseum houses masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch . Avignon, set in the heart of Provence, is equally captivating. The UNESCO-listed Popes’ Palace offers a glimpse into the city’s unique history as a former papal seat.
The grand churches and fortified stone walls surrounding the city also stand as a testament to this period. How long? Amsterdam is four hours by direct train; Avignon takes six. Rotterdam: A fresh take on train travel Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second-largest city, also secured a top-five spot.
Although much of the city was destroyed in WWII, innovative architects have transformed its landscape. The gleaming Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen museum and the iconic Erasmus Bridge, known as “The Swan,” are prime examples. How long? A direct train from London takes just three hours and 30 minutes.
Why consider destinations beyond Paris for your next Eurostar adventure? Paris is undoubtedly a quick and convenient choice, with direct trains whisking you from London in just over two hours. But in the survey, it didn’t fare as well as some lesser-visited cities, landing mid-table, though still ahead of Cologne and Brussels. While Paris scored well for cultural landmarks, it struggled with crowding (earning just one star) and value for money (receiving two stars).
At the bottom of the list was Geneva, Switzerland’s lakeside city, which scored just 60%. Despite its natural beauty, many found it expensive and somewhat “dull.” The train ride from London takes about six and a half hours.
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