If you’re looking for a scenic break in Europe, there’s one place you simply must consider. It’s the perfect city to visit in spring, and it’s roughly one hour away from the UK by plane. Bruges in Belgium is known for its quaint style, picturesque cobblestone streets and old-fashioned buildings. You can reach Bruges easily for a weekend away by driving across the Channel or taking a plane. By train, the fastest Eurostar journey from London takes around three hours.

One visitor on TripAdvisor said: “Amazing! One of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. So much history and amazing architecture. I highly recommend visiting.” Another penned: “Oh wow!!! Love it here – gorgeous cobbled streets and just historic buildings everywhere. We walked through the streets, stopping for a coffee here and there. I’ve loved the atmosphere here, streets are not too crowded due to the time of year. So much more to see.”

One must-visit while you’re in the city is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The chapel contains a phial reputed to hold Christ’s blood, brought back from the Crusades.

The building itself is a work of art and a standout spot in the city, known for its incredible architecture and stunning interior design.

Built on two levels; the lower chapel has a plain simplicity to it, while the upper chapel, built in the Gothic style, is lavishly decorated.

While you’re in the city, you can try a Belgian waffle, which you can have topped with a choice of chocolate, whipped cream, strawberries or many other delicious sweet options.

Taste of Belgium says: “The history of Belgian waffles begun in medieval Europe. Originally, waffles were a simple dish made from basic ingredients like grain flour and water.

“These early waffles were often cooked between two iron plates, resulting in a flat, cake-like form that was easy to prepare and enjoy. During times of scarcity, peasants throughout Europe relied on this simple form of waffle for sustenance.”

Another food item to try is Belgian fries, which you’ll be able to spot all over the city – don’t forget to get some before you go.

The Brussels Times says the average Belgian family consumes around 16kg of fries a year. The country’s fries have become a cultural institution in their own right.

Bruges is a very walkable city – the best way to explore is by foot, and it won’t take you long to tour its scenic streets without taking any public transportation.

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As you walk, you will likely pass Minnewater Lake, a great place to explore if you love seeing open water.

Minnewaterpark sits at the southwestern edge of Bruges’ historic city center, offering people a tranquil green space centered around a picturesque lake. It is known as the Lake of Love – the urban park attracts tourists and locals alike.

A visitor on TripAdvisor said: “Beautiful Lake at Bruges, you must go if you go to Bruges. Very beautiful scenery, you can walk along the lake, the path around the lake is very shady with shady trees.”

If you’re hoping to enjoy a weekend away without going too far from the UK, Bruges could be the perfect place for you to explore for a couple of days.