Getting there

Eurostar tickets are now valid to any Belgian station at no extra cost, so getting to Bruges couldn’t be easier. From Brussels Midi/Zuid (where the Eurostar terminates), there is a half hourly service to Bruges and travel time is around an hour. If you are travelling by car, bypass the expensive parking in the centre of town and instead go for the car park located right next to the train station, which costs only £1.70 a day.

Ways to stay

Live it up

Situated in an 18th century carriage house, the four-star Pand hotel is shamelessly opulent. Not for the minimalist, you’ll find the rooms draped in Ralph Lauren fabrics and dripping with hand picked antiques. For that extra touch, ask about the special packages on offer - ranging from the luxurious ‘Total Relaxation’ through to the romantic ‘Tête-à-Tête’. Singles from £85. (Pandreitje 16, Tel: +32 50 340556)

Away from it all

The three-star, family run Egmond is located next to one of Bruges’ most tranquil canals. With only eight rooms on offer, the hotel’s diminutive size and welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for a chilled out weekend break. Another attraction is the sizeable garden, if you don’t mind sharing it with some of the city’s wildfowl community. Singles from £65. (Minnewater 15, Tel: +32 50 341445).

A life on the ocean wave

Originally one of the horse-drawn vessels that traversed the Bruges-Gent canal, DeBarge is Bruges’ only boat hotel. The rooms/cabins are more cosy than airy, but are tastefully furnished and equipped with all mod cons. Lifejackets (purely ornamental, I’m assured) come as standard. Singles from £70. (Bargeweg 15, Tel: +32 50 385150)

The best diners in town

Cutting edge eating

From the strangely shaped tableware to the striking art installations, Red makes a diverting change from Bruges’ predominantly conventional restaurants. If dishes such as goose liver crème brûlée served with marmalade and red onion or French dove served with caramelised endives sound to your taste, I recommend you pay a visit at lunchtime and take advantage of the floral terrace. Mains from £15. (Vlamingstraat 53, Tel: +32 50 614006) Closed Thursdays

Times Recommends

• Patty Hearst, the SLA and me
• Palin caught with crib notes scrawled on hand
• Hugo Chávez takes to the airwaves – 24/7