Train Brussels London

Visiting the city of London

Taking the train from Brussels to London is the ideal choice for anyone who wants a city break. The capital of the UK is known around the world for its intriguing history, top-notch cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife. Take a trip there when you're in need of some excitement. 

London's most famous attractions

If it's your first time visiting the British capital, there are some sights you absolutely can't miss. They include:

• Buckingham Palace: Currently home to King Charles III, this is the official London residence of the British monarch. Don't miss the Changing of the Guard, which usually takes place at 11 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
• The Tower of London: This imposing castle is one of the most important historic buildings in the city. It's served as a palace, a prison, a fortress, a museum, and even a zoo. Exploring it - and seeing the magnificent crown jewels - will easily take half a day.
• Tower Bridge: Visitors often get confused by this! Despite its famous name, London Bridge is actually a rather dull road bridge. Tower Bridge is the one you recognise from a thousand postcards. It's located next to the Tower of London, and if you're lucky, you may see the bridge lifting to let a ship pass through.
• The British Museum: This museum is known for its collections of artefacts from around the world, including impressive treasures from Ancient Egypt. Entry is free, which is always a bonus in this expensive city.
• The National Gallery: This is another one of London's best free attractions. Highlights include paintings by Van Gogh, Monet and da Vinci, as well as British artists like Turner and Constable.

Annual events to enjoy in London

The Brussels to London train runs all year, so why not time your trip to coincide with one of the city's biggest events? To be honest, in this metropolis, you'll find some events taking place every weekend - but a few are particularly special. Annual highlights include the Notting Hill Carnival in August, a vibrant street festival that honours London's Caribbean community. Expect live music and dancing in the street, incredible costumes, and amazing Caribbean cuisine. The streets are also full of people in April, when the London marathon takes place. In 2025, this event became the largest marathon in the world, and even if you're not a runner, the vibes are unbeatable.

There are also more traditional events during the year. Trooping the Colour takes place in June, when regiments of the British military put on an impressive horseback parade to honour the monarch. In May, the Chelsea Flower Show is a must for keen gardeners, with some of the most impressive floral displays you're ever likely to see.

Top neighbourhoods to explore in London

London is a huge, sprawling city, and each neighbourhood has its own distinct character. First-time visitors try to stay lose to the attractions of the city centre, but if you've taken the train from Brussels to London before, you might want to go off the beaten track. To see another side of London, try visiting one of these areas:

• Camden Town is known for its street markets. Don't expect to find fruit and vegetables here, though; instead, its markets offer a chaotic mixture of vintage clothes, punk and alternative accessories, and quirky one-off pieces. This neighbourhood has long been a haven for musicians, and has some of London's best music venues.
• Greenwich is a neighbourhood which hugs the River Thames, and contains some of London's most interesting attractions. These include the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum. It's the perfect place for a relaxed walk along the river.
• In recent years, Shoreditch has become one of the trendiest places in London. It's known for its street art and hip bars, and contains some of the capital's most exciting restaurants. Foodies mustn't miss this cool neighbourhood.
• Southwark is on the south side of the river, directly opposite the skyscrapers of the City of London. There are two major attractions in this quiet, chilled neighbourhood: the gorgeous reconstructed Globe Theatre, where authentic Shakespeare performances are regularly held, and the massive Borough Market, London's best spot for street food and exotic ingredients.
• Visit Kensington for a taste of upscale luxury. This is where you'll find London's most exclusive shops, including the legendary Harrods department store. Even if your budget won't stretch beyond window shopping, it's still worth taking a walk around Kensington, admiring the architecture, and checking out the attractions on Museum Row.

London with the family: kid-friendly attractions your children will love

Once you arrive in the city, look for low-cost attractions. Most museums in London are free to enter; the Science Museum has hands-on experiments for youngsters to try, and the Natural History Museum is famous for its incredible dinosaur fossils. Anyone with an interest in fashion should also visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, which has an amazing collection of clothes through the ages. Kids will also love the chance to visit the enormous Hamleys Toy Shop on Regent Street, a truly magical destination.