When Brussels was chosen as the EU capital, the EU was smaller and Brussels felt like the logical capital because it lay right at the heart of it. History has moved on, but Brussels is well connected by train with many countries in Western Europe.
There is the Eurostar, with its high-speed direct journeys from Brussels Midi to London and Amsterdam; there are high-speed connections to Paris and even Lyon! But this is just the beginning. Add a connection, and you can visit half of Europe by train for the weekend!
So, if you fancy a long weekend trip abroad from Brussels, and want to reduce your carbon footprint- and maximise the enjoyment! -, consider the train first.
Instead of spending 6-7 hours travelling to and from an airport and in the air, you can reach your long weekend destination from the comfort of a train carriage, and treat yourself to a break within the break. Depending on your destination, you can watch some of the great cities and rivers of Europe, and the French countryside, go by!
21 fantastic long weekend trips from Brussels by train
Ready to start planning a long week end by train from Brussels? Below is a list of journeys you can do from Brussels even for a long weekend:
Canterbury
1. London
Big Ben, winter dusk © Alps2Coast
It takes just two and a half hours from the centre of Brussels to the centre of London, and thanks to its extensive metro and bus network you can see a lot of London even in a couple of days and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Delve into London's medieval and royal past by visiting the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey, go on a guided (or self-guided) tour along the Thames, explore the magnificent parks and vibrant neighborhoods such as Camden and Notting Hill.
Allow more to visit attractions further afield, or the great museums and galleries. Depending on your interests, you can spend half a day at the British Museum (for ancient history and artifacts), the V&A (with its eclectic collection of art and design from many ages and cultures), the National Gallery for the grand masters of painting. All are free, although donations are welcome.
Here are links to some of London's attractions:
2. Paris
The Eiffel Tower © Wix
You can get to Paris from Brussels in less than two hours.
You will have to be selective, but you can squeeze quite a lof of sights into a weekend trip to Paris, from visiting a world-famous museum such as the Louvre, the Centre Pompidou or the Musée d'Orsay, to walking along the Seine from the Eiffel Tower to the Latin Quarter, to exploring Montmartre or strolling through the Tuileries, or visiting its great churches and palatial historical homes.
Given the journey is so fast, you can even go for a day trip!
I do it about once a year. I just walk around the centre, have lunch at one of my favourite spots and revisit a well-loved site - or discover a new one.
If you have time to stay than a couple of days, you can explore in depth. Great patissiers, literary hangouts, vibrant neighbourhoods, the choice is yours.
You can book tickets to the top attractions online at Paris Je t'aime.
3. Amsterdam - and anywhere in the Netherlands
Amsterdam in winter © Leif Niemczik/Unsplash
Between Brussels and Amsterdam the countryside is magnificent, the views from your train window will feel like a Flemish painting. And Amsterdam's cultural and night scenes are one of the best Europe.
I love going in winter, when it is quieter. The canals become very peaceful, and you can wonder around the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum without the crowds.
Other great cities to visit from Brussels are the elegant The Hague, which I visited in the summer, and the futuristic and vibrant Rotterdam.
The journey takes 2 hours.
4. Reims, Troyes and Champagne region
Reims Cathedral © Pascal Bernardon/Unsplash
You'll be surprised by how easy it is to go on a weekend trip to the Champagne region from Brussels. The TGV arrives in Paris at Gare du Nord. Both Reims (pictured above) and Troyes are reachable from Paris Gare de 'Est - a 10-minute walk from Gare du Nord. Depending on the connections, you'll be in Reims in just over 4 hours and Troyes in just over 5.
Apart from being gateways to the Champagne wine region, both cities boast stunning historical centres and architecture.
Reims has champagne houses in town and is also a very important city in French history. Its beautiful Gothic cathedral is where the kings of France used to be crowned.
If you need inspiration, check my post on a long weekend to Champagne by train.
As for Troyes, it boasts delightful medieval churches and a beautiful compact city centre, with original fifteenth-century half-timbered houses. I share travel tips here.
5. Aachen
Aachen © Liz Pullan Patathy/Unsplash
The former capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Aachen is only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Brussels Midi.
Aachen is a wonderful German cities, with a lovely compact city centre, dominated by the Aachener Dom, the palace chapel and burial place of Charlemagne.
Called Aachen because of the thermal waters, the city is also a wellness getaway. During Advent, it hosts a delightful and atmospheric Christmas market, often ranked as one of the best in Germany.
In a nutshell, if you are looking for culture, relaxation, and a proper break from the hustle and bustle of Brussels, Aachen is a perfect choice.
6. Nuremberg
A view of Nürnberg © Alps2Coast
It takes just under six hours to get from Brussels Midi to the magnificent medieval centre of Nuremberg.
Beer, bratwurst, canals, and stunning architecture make this small city a perfect short-break destination.
I spent a long weekend in Nürnberg recently, and it is in my view one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Check out my post for ideas of what to see and do.
7. Cologne & Bonn
Cologne cathedral © Wix
A Roman city with two thousand years of history, famed for its iconic Gothic cathedral and its carnival, Cologne is just over 2 hours from Brussels Midi.
The iconic Cologne cathedral, one of the symbols of Germany, will welcome you as it is just outside the station! Walk through the delightful Old Town; visit the Romano-Germanic museum for an immersion in the city's Roman origins; relax in nature in Rheinpark (great views of the cathedral from across the Rhine) or by the Aachener Weiher Lake; visit one of its historic breweries.
If you are a classical music lover, Bonn, the former capital of Western Germany, and birthplace of Beethoven, is 20 minutes from Cologne.
For more info on Cologne's top attractions visit the Cologne tourist board's website.
8. Lyon
A view of the Saone © Alps2Coast
You can travel directly from Brussels to Lyon in 3 hours and 30 minutes. Lyon is a stunning city which deserves to be better known.
Crossed by not one but two magnificent rivers, the Saone and the Rhone, Lyon has an elegant city centre with cobbled streets and grand squares, unique architecture, and even a Roman settlement at the top of a hill. Add to all that some of the best food in France!
Check out my post on a long weekend in Lyon for ideas on what to do.
9. Normandy
The Old Port of Honfleur © Alps2Coast
Normandy is a state of mind, Dramatically, wildly beautiful, with its windswept coastline and verdant countryside. No wonder it made such an impression on the Impressionists!!
Many of Normandy's famous towns and villages are easily accessible from Brussels. Deauville, Bayeux, Rouen, Caen, and delightful Honfleur are all accessible with a change of station in Paris - the Normandy line leaves from Saint Lazare. The journey will take between 4 and 5 hours.
With a short bus ride (3o minutes) you can also visit Normandy's most iconic sight, and the second most visited site in France after Paris - Mont Saint Michel. The medieval rocktop monastic complex can be reached on foot at low tide, whereas at high tide it becomes an island.
Book a train to Pontorson, where you can also stay and get on the bus from there - or rent a bicycle.
Mont Saint Michel © Alps2Coast
10. Canterbury
Spring magic in Canterbury © Karen Olfans/Unsplash
The Eurostar does not just connect Brussels with London. It also opens up to Brussels-based travellers other incredible UK destinations.
One of them is the magnificent cathedral city of Canterbury. To tempt you even more. fast trains from London to Canterbury run from St Pancras International - the same station the Eurostar arrives at. The Eurostar from Brussels to London takes roughly 2 hours, and the train to Canterbury adds only another 40 minutes to the journey. You are looking at a total journey time of under 3 hours. Visiting one of England's most beautiful cities by train from Brussels could not be easier!
Canterbury boasts an incredibly well-preserved historic centre, with Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Tudor monuments, including the UNESCO-Listed Canterbury cathedral
Literary buffs will enjoy walking through the setting of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales," which is also the birthplace of the Renaissance dramatist Christopher Marlowe.
The river Stour runs through the city, and a delightful path runs along it. You can also take a leisurely punt (flat-bottomed boat) tour down the River Stour, to enjoy the city from the tranquillity of the water.
Kent is known as the garden of England and the surrounding countryside is beautiful. Have you ever dreamt of hiking the Via Francigena? It actually starts just outside Canterbury Cathedral. So you can get a taste of it before committing to walking to Rome!
Canterbury also has a rich foodie scene, from charming tea shops to Michelin-starred restaurants.
I spent 3 days in Canterbury recently, also walking the English stretch of the Via Francigena. You can read all about my trip here.
11. Berlin
The Branderburger Tor © Reisehu/Unsplash
From the Arc du Cinquantenaire to the Brandenburg Gate for the weekend! It is now possible, thanks to the direct night train services between Brussels and Berlin, offered by ÖBB and European Sleeper!
Reichstag © Jannick Kress/Unsplash
Berlin is a sprawling city so it will take you more than a weekend to explore it properly. But you can easily fit in the most famous sights and some of the great museums in a couple of days.
Start with a walk through the vast Tiergarten, then head to the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the nearby Reichstag, the German parliament building, famous for its glass dome.
Face 20th-century history in all its horror at the Holocaust Memorial, and the Topography of Terror, an outdoor/indoor museum on the site of the former Gestapo building, documenting the Nazi regime's atrocities.
Discover postwar tragedy at Checkpoint Charlie, which will bring home the trauma of the divided city. Surviving portions of the Berlin Wall are visible throughout the city and specialised tours take you to many of the most interesting parts.
Checkpoint Charlie © Michael Fousert/Unsplash
After the tragedies of history, discover the incredible beauty and culture of Berlin, starting with Museum Island, home to some of the world's most important museums.
A day pass will let you into the Neues Museum (Nefertiti's bust), the Altes Museum (Excellent Graeco-Roman and Etruscan collection, the Bode Museum (Grand Masters), and the currently closed Pergamon Museum (home of the most incredible Hellenistic art on earth and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon).
When you feel overwhelmed by culture, go shopping at Alexanderplatz (known for the TV Tower) and elegant Kurfürstendamm; take a boat tour on the Spree - or a walk on its bridges, and discover the delights of its neighborhoods, with parks, rivers, and even lakes!
12. Strasbourg & the Alsace Wine route
Strasbourg © Harvid Heidahl/Unsplash
With a quick change of station in Paris (Gare du Nord to Gare de l'Est) you can get from Brussels to the medieval wonders of Strasbourg in just over 5 hours. The TGV also takes you to Colmar, the most famous of postcard-perfect villages of Alsace.
Strasbourg is a medieval wonder, with a UNESCO-Heritage-listed medieval city centre, la Grande Île. The cathedral is hailed as a Gothic masterpiece. If you have an interest in contemporary politics, you can visit the European Parliament. In the evening, you can relax over a hearty Alsatian meal washed down with a delicious local beer or wine.
Are you not a fan of big cities? You can base yourself in one of the delightful Alsatian villages, such as Colmar which is only 30 minutes from Strasbourg by train. Colmar is surrounded by other equally interesting villages such as Eguisheim. (16 minutes by bus).
Colmar © Aswathy N/Unsplash
13. Rhineland Germany
Mainz © Markus Winkler/Unsplash
Germany is one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Europe.
There is so much to see along the German side of the Rhine. The great cathedral cities of the Holy Roman Empire such as Mainz, Worms, and Speyer, the university town of Heidelberg, the elegant spa resort of Baden Baden, are all a train ride away from Brussels, with a swift change in Cologne.
You can get to Mainz and Heidelberg in just over 4 hours. Baden Baden takes one hour longer.
A view of Heidelberg © Maria Lopez Jorge/Unsplash
Picturesque Heidelberg, the seat of Germany's most ancient university, is a lively city on the Neckar river, with stunning architecture, an imposing castle, lovely town squares and surrounded by lush forests, A walk on the Philosophenweg will give you a feel for a city where nature and culture seem to fuse.
Baden Baden is also a great base for visiting the area. Its thermal waters have been popular since the days of the Romans, and the city is surrounded by gentle hills perfect for hiking, It also hosts one of Germany's most popular Christmas markets.
The stunning 11th-century UNESCO-listed medieval cathedral of Speyer is 51 minutes by train from Baden-Baden, while Worms is 41 minutes away.
Worms in turns is 30 minutes from Mainz, so you can design your itinerary based on the number of days you have and interests.
14. Marseille
A view of the Port Vieux © Wix
Unique is how I would define Marseilles, one of the most ancient European cities - it was a Greek colony - and France's gateway to the Mediterranean. It has a gritty edge, and even in winter blinding sunshine, which seems reflected in the colour of its buildings, all white or yellow.
From ancient neighbourhoods to architect Le Corbusier's utopian dream of La Cité Radieuse (now a UNESCO World Heritage site), from a hilltop cathedral to the charming Port Vieux and the enigmatic Chateau d'If (or maybe I read too much Dumas), this is a city you will not forget.
It is a perfect getaway from Brussels. There are three direct non-stop services, and a number of options with a connection in Paris (changing from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon). Either way, you will be in sunny Provence in under 6 hours.
Here are some links to inspire you:
15. Avignon & Provence
Avignon's bridge © Wix
From Brussels, you can get to Avignon TGV in just over 5 hours with a direct train, and to Aix en Provence in 5 and a half. You will need a change of train and station in Pris (Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon).
Aix en Provence © Delfina Galani/Unsplash
Aix and Avignon are both great weekend destinations. Avignon, with its papal palace complex, will appeal more to the history buffs; Aix has a charming and relaxed vibe, with its cafes loved by the Impressionists, its Roman thermae, and its fantastic Saturday market.
Once you get to Provence, if you stay more than a couple of nights, you can reach some of Provence's most charming villages by local train.
16. Dijon & Burgundy
Dijon © Fred Clery/Unsplash
Fancy a gourmet weekend in Burgundy? Catch a train from Brussels to Paris Gare du Nord, hop across to Gare de Lyon and get on a superfast TGV Lyria. The whole journey from the centre of Brussels to the centre of Dijon will take 4 and a half hours.
Dijon is the capital of Burgundy, one of France's most fascinating historical regions, a former duchy and before that an independent kingdom! The distinctive polychrome roofs, toits bourguignons, add character to this really special city, brimming with building ranging from medieval Gothic to art deco.
Visit the Palais des Ducs, also home of one of France's great museums, the Musée de Beaux Arts, pause to admire the stunningly elegant Notre Dame de Dijon with its slender gothic columns, or step inside to admire Notre-Dame de Bon-Espoir (Our Lady of Good Hope), one of the most ancient French statues of the Virgin Mary. Visit the cathedral of Saint Bénigne, walk through the ancient streets to soak in the atmosphere, or if you are feeling more epicurean visit the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin. There is plenty of inspiration on the Tourist Board's website.
Surrounded by vineyards, Dijon is the starting point of the Route des Grands Crus, where eight of the world's top ten most expensive wines are produced.
The Route des Grand Crus ends in stunning Beaune, which is 20 minutes away from Dijon by train. Wander through the half-timbered houses of the Old Town, admire the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu), and hike or cycle the Chemin des Grand Crus to visit wine cellars the active way.
17. Loire Valley
Chenonceau © AXP Photography/Unsplash
After Burgundy, another fairy tale destination easily reachable from Brussels for a long week end escape to the French Renaissance, is the Loire Valley. Change train and station in Paris (From Gare du Nord to Gare d'Austerlitz).
The whole region is UNESCO-listed, and boasts France's most celebrated Renaissance chateaux. From the water-straddling Chenonceau to Leonardo da Vinci's final retreat at Amboise, you'll be steeped in history with a capital H.
Blois-Chambord, the main TGV station to visit the Loire valley and its magnificent castles, is under 4 hours from Brussels. Another great option is Amboise. 20 minutes from Blois. Or change for a local train and get yourself directly to unforgettable Chenonceau, with its arches spanning the river Cher.
Once there, you can move around by local train, or make the most of the Loire landscape and rent a bicycle - like I hope to do next time I am in the area.
The ramparts of Amboise © Chalev Cohen/Unsplash
Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. is quite special. Visiting his last home at Clos Luce on the outskirts of town, and his tomb in the royal chapel, within the chateau precinct, can be deeply moving.
Amboise, with its delightful centre, is also a great base to reach Blois, Chambord, Tours, Azay le Rideau, and Chenonceau - and to appreciate the natural beauty of the area, and the landscapes created by the Loire, the longest in France.
Azay le Rideau © AXP Photography/Unsplash
18. Bordeaux
Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux © Juan di Nella/Unsplash
The Paris-Bordeaux line leaves from Montparnasse, and depending on time the direct train takes between 2 and 3 hours. So, if you arrive from Brussels, you have the perfect excuse for lunch of early dinner in the Latin Quarter before boarding your train to Bordeaux.
This southern French city with a sunny climate, world-class wines and an intriguing blend of Gothic and 18th-century architecture is a perfect place to escape winter gloom or enjoy a late summer sunset. If you cannot escape to nearby St Emilion to sample the Grand Crus, you can educate yourself in the local wines at La Cité du Vin.
Visit Bordeaux Tourism for sightseeing and experience ideas.
Porte Cailhau © Alps2Coast
19. Offenburg, Karlsruhe or Freiburg (Black Forest)
Typical Black Forest landscape © Florian Schmetz/Unsplash
The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) remains one of the eeriest densely forested areas of Europe. The dark conifers to which it owes its name since Roman times kept the ravages of civilisation away. Even today there are only a string of pretty villages but no major cities within it.
However, trains snake through it. If you come from Brussels, with an easy change in Paris from Gare du Nord to the nearby Gare de l'Est you can reach Offenburg - across the Rhine from Strasbourg - or Karlsruhe in about 5 hours. From there, you can explore postcard-perfect villages through a mix of trains and coaches.
In under 6 hours you can also reach the southern side of the Black Forest, the splendid city of Freiburg, and use it as a base to visit Titisee and Donaueschingen, where you can see the symbolic source of the Rhine (in the park of a princely residence).
Scenic local trains get you to the various villages.
If you go in winter and your dates allow it, don't miss the RavennaSchlucht Christmas Market, held under a train viaduct in the middle of the Black Forest. Book in advance as places are limited and it seels out very quickly!
Freiburg itself boasts a wonderful Christmas Market and is well worth a visit in any season. You can spend a weekend exploring the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt, crossing the medieval gates, making your way to the bustling market square (Münstermarkt) in front of the iconic gothic Freiburger Münster (the Gothic cathedral) with its spire and stained glass windows, and visiting the Augustiner Museum, a medieval monastery turned into a museum.
20. Saint Malo (Brittany)
Saint Malo beaches © Xavier Foucrier/Unsplash
From Paris Montparnasse you can get to the walled city of Saint Malo in 2 hours and 20 minutes, so a long weekend by train from Brussels is eminently feasible. And once in Saint Malo you can relax on the magnificent beaches and explore the city centre, or use it as a base to explore the rest of Brittany
Local trains take you to the half-timbered centre of Rennes, the regional capital, and frequent buses to the abbey of Mont Saint Michel, in Normandy..
I cannot think of a better apex for a low-carbon long weekend than embracing the magic of ocean tides.
21. Metz
Metz has applied for UNESCO-Heritage status for its historic centre, but that has not been granted yet. So, this is the best time to go and discover it, before the rest of the world does!
With a pedestrianised historic centre and immaculate green credentials - it has been nicknamed La Ville Verte ('The Green City') - Metz nonchalantly wears its three-thousand-year history.
The Porte des Allemands © Alps2Coast
Visit the majestic hilltop Gothic cathedral. discover its leafy squares, enjoy hearty  Lorraine fare at the Marché Couvert  (Covered Market), let yourself be charmed by elegant 17th-century mansions, ancient city (the Porte des Allemands is fairy tale stuff) and walls, as well as futuristic contemporary buildings, such as the Centre George Pompidou Metz (younger sibling of the Parisian institution).
In December, discover its delightful Marché de Noël (Christmas market), one of my favourite Christmas markets in Europe - and a secret that the people of Northern France and Luxemburg seem to have kept for themselves!
This fascinating and under-rated city is between 3 and a half and 4 and a half hours from Brussels by train. You can change in Paris (arriving in Gare du Nord and departing from Gare de l'Est next door), Luxemburg or at Lorraine TGV.
Practical tips
Ready to start planning your flightless trip from Brussels?
Also make sure you check the national rail operators of Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and France if you need more flexibility in designing your break..
If you are designing an Interrail itinerary, RailEurope should be your first port of call.
There are also night routes, and they are growing! Keep an eye on the ÖBB Nightjet and European Sleeper websites for new connections.
A continent of possibilities
If you want to travel by train from Brussels, you literally have a continent of possibilities.
The suggestions above are just the beginning. What do you love, what makes you travel, what inspires you? Make a list, and before browsing flights, check if there is a train that can take you there!
For more inspiration on how to travel from anywhere in Europe by train, sign up to receive my blog posts straight to your inbox.
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