Over the summer, millions of Brits head abroad to get some sea and sand on their holidays. But if you’ve never been the beachy type, perhaps a city break would be better suited to your tastes. Luckily, it’s not just coastlines on our doorstep – there are plenty of incredible cities not only in the UK but across Europe – and plenty of them don’t even need a flight to get to.
New research from global travel booking site Omio has found the perfect city to travel by train – and once you get rid of airport security queues, boarding times and airport transfers it’s actually faster to take the train than fly. This city has plenty of claims to fame – fabulous medieval architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites and of course, chocolate.
This magical city is Brussels, and it takes just 125 minutes on the Eurostar to start exploring.
The train will take you right to the heart of the city, and even better, Brussels is a walkable city, so you don’t have to waste time getting taxis or hiring a car. Instead, you can just follow your nose through this famous capital city, which is ideal for older travellers who wish to explore the city on foot.
Just 23 minutes on foot from the train station is the jewel in the crown of the city – the Grand Place. Surrounded by ornate buildings which have stood since the 17th century, this is the true heart of the city.
On TripAdvisor, a visitor said: “The night view is even more enchanting and captivating, holding your gaze for a long time. Fantastic buildings, with stunning architecture.”
Widely considered as one of the world’s most beautiful plazas, this UNESCO World Heritage site is beloved for its blend of Gothic, Baroque and Louis XIV architecture. There’s also the Hill Of the Arts, just five minutes (albeit uphill) from the train station.
This gorgeous landmark is famed for its geometric garden and it offers the best view out over the city – it can get busy at sunset as tourists flock to get the best picture to time your visit right.
Another five-minute walk away is one of Brussels’ most iconic neighbourhoods – Sablon. This is the birthplace of some of Belgium’s finest chocolatiers, so it’s perfect for a sweet treat after your wandering. The best place to explore in this neighbourhood is Place du Grand Sablon – a triangular plaza with stunning cafes, upscale boutiques and gourmet chocolate shops.
A large, triangular square lined with stunning 16th to 18th-century mansions. Today, it serves as a bustling hub for outdoor terrace dining, upscale boutiques, and gourmet chocolate shops.
August is the perfect time to visit Brussels if you’re struggling to cope in the UK’s fifth heatwave. Average temperatures in Brussels this month are around 23C, perfect for a break from the 35C temperatures sweeping the UK.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
