There’s a certain magic to stepping off a long-haul flight and straight into Europe’s cultural heart. With smart planning, even a short itinerary can feel expansive – full of art, history, great food and easy elegance. For travellers seeking to experience more in one seamless journey, pairing London with Brussels – and adding a day trip to Bruges – offers the perfect balance of pace and pleasure.
Start in Mayfair
London’s energy is a thrilling first act, and there’s no better base than Brown’s Hotel. In fashionable Mayfair, it places guests within walking distance of Bond Street’s boutiques, the Royal Academy of Arts, and the green expanses of Green Park and St James’s. A British institution - and London’s oldest luxury hotel - Brown’s combines heritage with contemporary style, perfect for easing into the time zone and the culture. After a long-haul arrival, this is the kind of place that welcomes and revives in equal measure. For seamless adventures for every type of trip, our concierge team can tailor every moment, from art-focused itineraries and gourmet tours to family treasure hunts and behind-the-scenes experiences. Now, there’s even more time to explore as clients can enjoy a complimentary fourth night during their stay with Mayfair Delights, alongside key Rocco Forte Knights benefits including preferential upgrades, early check in/check out, and generous hotel credit.
Crossing the Channel
When it’s time to move on, the Eurostar makes it effortless. In just over two hours, you can glide from London to central Brussels – no airport transfers, no baggage reclaim, just city-to-city comfort. It’s a reminder of how delightfully connected Europe can be.
Base yourself in Brussels
Blending a rich history with refined, playful interiors and contemporary comforts, Hotel Amigo offers a characterful home just moments from the Grand Place. Art is everywhere – on the walls, in the streets, and in the soul of the city. Brussels is compact and walkable, with a creative energy that surprises even seasoned travellers. Guests can spend their days browsing world-class museums, sampling waffles and moules-frites, or following in the footsteps of Hergé, Bruegel, and Magritte - before heading back to enjoy a cocktail in the hotel’s Bar Magritte, inspired by Brussels’ Surrealist son.
A day in storybook Bruges
Just over an hour by train from Brussels, Bruges offers a fairytale change of pace. Its canals, cobbled lanes, and gabled houses feel lifted from a painting. Spend a day wandering its historic heart, pausing for hot chocolate or local beer, before returning to the comfort of Brussels by nightfall.
Return with ease
From Brussels, it’s a quick return to London for a final night at Brown’s – or a direct flight home. Either way, it’s a journey that proves how simple – and satisfying – it can be to discover so much in just one trip.
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