Brussels by Eurostar: A Complete Guide to a Weekend in Belgium

Brussels is one of the easiest European cities to add to a multi-country trip. Thanks to Eurostar, you can travel from London to Brussels by train and go from the heart of one European capital to another without the hassle of flying.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a longer Belgium trip or a multi-city European adventure, Brussels is a destination worth adding to your itinerary.

Why visit Brussels?

Brussels is much more than the political capital of Europe.

The city combines historic architecture, Belgian cuisine, art, beer culture and lively neighbourhoods, making it an easy destination to explore over a couple of days.

Some of the highlights include:

• Grand Place: the city’s spectacular historic square.
• Manneken Pis: one of Brussels’ most recognisable landmarks.
• Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: beautiful historic shopping arcades.
• Mont des Arts: one of the best viewpoints in the city.
• Sablon: a charming neighbourhood known for cafés, antiques and chocolate.
• European Quarter: home to some of the European Union’s main institutions.

And, of course, you can’t visit Brussels without trying Belgian chocolate, waffles and fries.

London to Brussels by Eurostar

One of the easiest ways to reach Brussels from the UK is by Eurostar.

The route connects London St Pancras International with Brussels Midi/Zuid, taking you directly between the city centres.

This makes Eurostar particularly convenient for a short city break.

Instead of travelling to an airport, checking in for a flight and then transferring back into the city after landing, you can travel directly from central London to central Brussels.

If you’re considering travelling between the UK and mainland Europe by train, our guide to travelling through Europe by train explains how to plan a multi-country itinerary and make the most of international rail connections.

How long do you need in Brussels?

For a first visit, 2–3 days is a good amount of time to experience the city’s main highlights without rushing.

H3: Day 1 – Historic Brussels

Start around Grand Place and explore the historic centre.

Visit:

• Grand Place
• Manneken Pis
• Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
• Brussels Town Hall
• Mont des Arts

Leave some time to stop for Belgian chocolate or a traditional waffle along the way.

Day 2 – Neighbourhoods, food and culture

Use your second day to explore some of Brussels’ neighbourhoods.

You could visit the Sablon, explore local markets, discover Belgian art or spend some time in the European Quarter.

And don’t forget to try some of Belgium’s most famous foods.

Day 3 – Brussels or a day trip

If you have three days, you can either slow down and discover more of Brussels or use the city as a base for a day trip.

Belgium’s compact size makes it particularly convenient for travellers who want to explore more than one destination.

Why choose Eurostar instead of flying?

For the London–Brussels journey, the train has several practical advantages.

With Eurostar, you can:

• Depart from central London.
• Arrive directly in Brussels.
• Avoid travelling to an airport outside the city.
• Keep your luggage with you throughout the journey.
• Work, read or relax during the trip.
• Easily continue your journey to another European destination.

For a short weekend trip, avoiding unnecessary airport transfers can make a noticeable difference.

Brussels as part of a multi-country European trip

One of the best things about travelling to Brussels by train is that you don’t have to make it your final destination.

Brussels can work as a stop on a much longer European itinerary.

For example:

London → Brussels → Amsterdam

or:

London → Brussels → Paris

This makes the city particularly attractive for travellers who want to visit several European capitals during the same holiday.

Planning to continue your journey after Brussels? Our guide to the best way to travel between Paris and Amsterdam can help you compare another popular European rail route.

What to eat in Brussels

Brussels is a great destination for food lovers.

Make sure you try:

• Belgian waffles
• Belgian chocolate
• Belgian fries
• Moules-frites
• Local beers

You don’t necessarily need to plan a restaurant itinerary. Some of the best food experiences can come from simply exploring the city’s neighbourhoods and stopping when something catches your eye.

When is the best time to visit Brussels?

Brussels can be visited throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience.

Spring and summer are ideal for walking around the city and enjoying outdoor terraces.

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and a cosy atmosphere, perfect for museums, cafés and Belgian food.

Winter can be particularly atmospheric, especially around Christmas when the city hosts seasonal events and decorations.

For a weekend trip, the best time ultimately depends on what type of experience you want.

Tips for travelling to Brussels by Eurostar

Before your journey, keep a few practical points in mind:

• Check your departure station and arrival station.
• Allow enough time for the required pre-departure procedures.
• Keep your travel documents accessible.
• Check your ticket conditions before travelling.
• Consider booking ahead if you’re travelling during a busy period.
• If Brussels is one stop on a larger itinerary, leave enough time between connections.

Brussels is just the beginning

One of the biggest advantages of travelling through Europe by train is that one destination can easily become part of a much bigger journey.

You could start in London, spend a few days discovering Brussels and then continue by rail towards Amsterdam, Paris or another European destination.

That flexibility makes Eurostar particularly useful for travellers who want to turn a simple city break into a multi-country adventure.

Final thoughts

Brussels is compact, easy to explore and packed with history, food and culture. Add a direct rail connection from central London, and it becomes an especially convenient destination for a European getaway.

Whether you’re planning a weekend in Belgium or using Brussels as a stop on a longer European itinerary, Eurostar makes the journey part of the adventure.

Ready to discover Brussels? Compare Eurostar routes and start planning your next European train adventure with RailClick.