One of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the North. Andrew White finds out why, and tucks into beer and mussels, too

TELL someone you're going somewhere new and they'll usually give you a list of 'must see' recommendations. "You must see this, you must visit that or you must go in there," they'll say. But there was none of that when I told people I was taking a P&O Mini Cruise to Bruges.

I was told by friends it was a beautiful city and that I would have a great time – and they were right – but nobody mentioned any specific sights. Instead, people told me I must drink the beer, eat a pot of mussels with frites (French fries), sample a waffle, buy some chocolate or cigars – that sort of thing. You see, Bruges is not a city which has a lot of blockbuster jaw-dropping, eye popping, essential tourist attractions.

Not that there isn't anything to see or do in this fine medieval city - far from it. For example, there's the bustling main square, The Markt, with its fine buildings and imposing Belfry – you can buy a ticket to walk up its 366 steps. The Burg, an imposing, impressive historic city hall, is located nearby. A 12th century hospital, a beautiful 'lake of love', a preserved convent complex and many fine churches and museums with fabulous works of art are all within easy walking distance. Or you could take a brewery tour to see why the country is so famed for its beer.

Bruges historic city centre, a World Heritage Site, is contained within the egg-shaped boundary of a 7km canal – and the central zone where most of the tourists flock is even smaller – so it doesn't take long to wander around. And that it what makes it a perfect destination for the P&O Mini Cruise myself and my fiancee, Frances, took recently.

Setting off from Hull on a Friday afternoon, we arrived in the Belgian port of Zeebrugge the following morning. A short coach transfer later and we were in Bruges, where we had around seven hours to explore the city.

One of the best way to see Bruges is to take a tour. A boat tour on the city's famous canals is worthwhile, or take a trot round in a horse-drawn carriage. We took a two-hour walking tour. The city is presently dotted with artworks, part of the Triennial Bruges 2018: Liquid City programme, and our excellent host chose this as her theme for our stroll.

Among the series of impressive installations by international artists and architects, on the theme of water, are The Bruges Whale – made up of five tons of plastic ocean waste – the Selgascanoa multi-coloured transparent 'pavilion' on the canal, and the backbone shaped Lanchals sculpture, which draws heavily on the story of how the city has to allow 52 swans to live on its canals. The artworks will be in the city until September.

After our entertaining and instructive circuit and a spot of lunch – what else but mussels, frites and a glass of local beer – we contented ourselves on going for a wander. Although the very centre of Bruges is an essential part of any visit, it is very busy with tourists and within five minutes walk or so you're away from the crowds – but still surrounded by the medieval streets and buildings for which the city is renowned. Every side street has its own charm, the happy result of a decision to concentrate on and preserve the city's medieval structures after the industrial revolution passed Bruges by.

A few hours wandering, stopping here and there for a beer or a snack and watching the world – and the swans – go by and I'm a happy man, especially in a city as stunning as Bruges. Seven hours later and we were back on board our vessel, ready for the overnight trip back to Hull. And for me, the time spent on the ferry is part of the fun in taking a trip like this.

The cabin on our ferry, the Pride of Bruges, was clean and smart and more spacious than others I've experienced on previous crossings. There is a smart restaurant, but we opted for the all-you-can-eat buffet on both evenings we were on board. The menu was extensive and the quality superb – and the same applied at breakfast.

We sampled both bars – a lively showbar with entertainment which on our trip consisted of a duo playing cover versions of popular hits. Or there was a lounge with a more chilled-out relaxed atmosphere, again with an accomplished singer perched with his guitar on a bar stool. Both bars were well stocked with a wide selection of drinks and snacks. There was also a well-stocked souvenir shop, a casino and soft play area for the kids – plenty to keep everyone busy and amused for the duration.

The Bruges Mini Cruise only lasts a weekend, but with so much packed in during that time, it seems a lot longer and it makes an ideal break. It won't break the bank either and I'd recommend it to anyone.

TRAVEL FACTS

P&O Mini Cruise to Bruges – Hull to Zeebrugge breaks start at £169 each way, and include comfortable cabin accommodation, plenty of meal booking options, and pets are welcome. For more details, or to book, see poferries.com/en/hull-
zeebrugge