The following post and photos come from Olga of @liolaliola.

Brugge and Ghent have been on my travel wish-list list for a very long time. The Flanders’ finest medieval gems that are known for its picturesque architecture, cobbled lanes, dreamy canals, soaring towers and market squares. I couldn’t be more excited when P&O Ferries invited me to on board on of their ferries to Belgium. Not only because I had an opportunity to explore my dream destination, but because I could travel by sea.

The overnight journey from Hull to Zeebrugge takes about 12 hours. The best thing about travelling by ferry at night is that it feels like time pass by quickly, and you are provided with comfortable cabin accommodation, delicious food and entertainment throughout the trip.

It takes about 20 minutes to travel from Zeebrugge to Bruges by bus. A journey from Bruges to Ghent will take you about 25 min by train. You can easily explore these two cities in one day. But I would highly recommend to give yourself at least two days to visit Bruges and Ghent, so you can immerse yourself fully into these beautiful medieval cities.

Here’s list of places you can’t miss when visiting Bruges and Ghent:

5 things to do in one day in Bruges

1. Belfry Tower – a must place to visit, if you want to get that perfect picture from above. I would recommend to visit the tower early in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds.
2. Canal Boat Tour – Bruges is often referred as ‘The Venice of the North’. A visit to this medieval city isn’t complete without a boat trip on its canals. A canal ride lasts about 30 min and will take you to the most picturesque places that you can only access by boat.
3. ‘Cafune Espresso Bar’ – it’s a small and cosy specialty coffee bar in the centre of the city. They serve delicious coffee and fresh organic, seasonal food. A perfect place for breakfast or early brunch.
4. ‘Brunch and Books’ – a beautiful cafe that looks like a library. During your meal, you can read through their library or buy secondhand books. The atmosphere of this place can be described as ‘nice and easy’ and the food is really good as well.
5. Exploring Bruges – the city is one of the most popular European destinations. It attracts people from all over the world. Sometimes it can feel that it’s a little bit too crowded. If you can, I would highly recommend to stay one night in Bruges, so you wake up early in the morning to explore the city. This way you will be able to escape crowds and get a real feel for this medieval city.

4 things to do in one day in Ghent

1. Belfry of Ghent – when visiting Ghent for the first time, climbing the famous belfry tower is an absolute must. Not only you will be able to enjoy the view of the vibrant city of Ghent, but also to listen to the chiming sound of the carillon.
2. Brasserie Agrea – if you like waffles, that’s the place you absolutely can’t miss. If the weather is nice, I would suggest to get a takeaway and enjoy your waffles by the canal.
3. Antique shops – Ghent is famous for antique shops and interior design stores. At the antiques market at Big Sint-Jacobs you will be able to find everything from vintage and retro design to collectibles from your grandma’s era.
4. Bidon Coffee & Bicycle – probably the best coffee I’ve tried in Belgium. A cosy coffee shop that serves good coffee and delicious food. The place a nice quiet break from downtown Ghent.

If you are planning to a weekend getaway, Belgium is a great option. And P&O Ferries is a great choice for easy and pleasant travelling experience.