A Mini Cruise from Hull to Bruges: A Perfect Short Getaway

Canal tour is a must do when visiting Bruges

Looking for a short but memorable European getaway? A mini cruise from Hull to Bruges is a fantastic way to experience the charm of Belgium’s most picturesque city while enjoying a relaxing journey by sea. My wife and I embarked on an overnight P&O cruise to Bruges a few years ago, and it turned out to be the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

The Journey: Cruising from Hull to Zeebrugge

Our trip began with an overnight sailing from Hull on a P&O ferry. The journey itself was a great experience—we spent the evening at the bar, played a few rounds of blackjack, and enjoyed the onboard entertainment. After a comfortable night's sleep in our cabin, we woke up refreshed and ready to explore Bruges.

Upon docking in Zeebrugge, we boarded a coach that took us to Bruges in around 40 minutes. The scenic drive built up our anticipation for what was to come, and we were eager to explore the city’s medieval streets, historic sites, and famous canals.

Arriving in Bruges: First Impressions and Exploring

The coach dropped us off at Bargeplein, a convenient starting point for discovering Bruges. We set off on foot toward the Grote Markt, the city’s main square, home to the iconic Belfort (Belfry of Bruges)—a stunning medieval bell tower. This area gained even more fame from the movie In Bruges, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.

On our way, we passed Wijngaardplein, where we saw an astonishing number of swans. We had never seen so many in one place before! The atmosphere of Bruges, with its winding cobbled streets and historic charm, was simply magical. We took our time, popping into small shops and beautiful churches along the way.

A classic Bruges pub that serves the best Belgian beer

A Taste of Belgium: Beer at the Famous Beerwall

Belgium is famous for its beer, so we couldn’t resist stopping at Beerwall, a renowned bar featuring a literal wall of beers. My wife opted for a cider, while I went for a classic strawberry beer. The bartender’s precision was impressive—he cleaned the glass, poured the beer slowly, and expertly scraped off the foam with a knife before serving. We managed to grab an outdoor seat under a large tree, sipping our drinks while watching the boats glide by on the canal.

Cruising the Canals: A Must-Do Experience

After our drink, we decided to take a canal boat tour, a must-do experience in Bruges. Watching the boats earlier had convinced us it was the best way to see the city. As it was July, the sun was blazing, and sitting on the benches while waiting for the boat felt like a challenge with the heat! Luckily, the wait wasn’t too long.

Our captain was fantastic—full of energy, storytelling, and charm. He wore a hat, which he dramatically waved to passersby on the riverbanks, making the tour even more memorable. The canals of Bruges are like a maze, but our captain navigated them effortlessly, pointing out key landmarks along the way. Some bridges were incredibly low, requiring us to duck to avoid hitting our heads! At one point, we passed a group of people swimming in the canal—I was tempted to jump in and cool off!

Lunch at Markt Square and The Best Tequila Sunrise In The World!

Following our boat ride, we made our way back to Markt Square, the heart of Bruges. The Belfort looked just as impressive in person as it did in the movie In Bruges. We found a restaurant called Craenenburg with outdoor seating, where I ordered another beer, and my wife got her favorite cocktail—a Tequila Sunrise. According to her, it was the best she’d ever had! We both enjoyed a delicious tuna salad, a light and refreshing meal perfect for the warm summer day.

The Belfort from the famous film In Bruges

Heading Back and Final Thoughts

With our pick-up time approaching, we decided to head back to the coach park early. Bruges has many winding streets that look similar, so we didn’t want to risk getting lost. Luckily, we navigated our way back with time to spare.

Overall, we loved our mini cruise to Bruges. The combination of a relaxing ferry journey, historic sights, stunning canals, and delicious food and drinks made for a fantastic short trip. Bruges has such a laid-back, romantic atmosphere, and we’d definitely return to spend more time soaking it all in. If you're considering a quick getaway, a Hull to Bruges mini cruise is a fantastic option!

Top Tips for Visiting Bruges on a Mini Cruise:

Book a canal boat tour – It’s the best way to see the city.
Try local Belgian beer – Beerwall is a great place to start.
Give yourself extra time to navigate – The streets can be confusing.
Visit in spring or autumn – Summer can be hot and crowded.
Watch In Bruges before your trip – It makes seeing the landmarks even more fun!

FAQs About Visiting Bruges

1. What is Bruges best known for?

Bruges is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming canals, and cobblestone streets. It's often called the "Venice of the North." The city is also known for its Belfry of Bruges, Belgian beer, chocolates, and lace-making tradition.

2. How many days do you need to see Bruges?

Bruges is compact and walkable, making it possible to see the highlights in one day. However, spending two days allows for a more relaxed visit, with time to enjoy museums, boat tours, and hidden gems.

3. What are the must-try foods in Bruges?

You can't visit Bruges without trying:

Belgian waffles – Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and served with toppings.
Fries (Frites) – Served with a variety of sauces.
Moules-frites – Mussels with fries, a Belgian classic.
Belgian beer – Try local brews at Beerwall or a historic brewery.
Handmade chocolates – Some of the best chocolatiers in the world are in Bruges!

4. What is the best way to explore Bruges?

The best way to see Bruges is on foot, as the historic center is small and pedestrian-friendly. A canal boat tour offers a unique perspective of the city, and renting a bike is a great way to explore the outskirts.

5. When is the best time to visit Bruges?

The best time to visit is spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. December is also a great time to experience the magical Christmas markets. Summer is beautiful but can be crowded and hot.