This destination has beaten Paris and Amsterdam as the best European city break by train

Bruges has been named as the best European city break to visit by train according to a new survey, beating out top cities easily visited by rail such as Paris and Amsterdam.

Results from a Which? survey of over 1,000 travellers carried out in February revealed that Bruges has come out on top as the best city break out of all other destinations reachable from London in seven hours or less.

The city breaks were given an overall score based on satisfaction and likeliness to recommend, and marks out of five stars were given for criteria such as food and drink, accommodation, cultural sights and attractions.

The Belgian city scored a surprising 85 per cent, while Paris only received 79 per cent and Amsterdam ended up with a score of 82 per cent.

A train to Bruges from London St Pancras only takes around three-and-a-half hours in total, and respondents noted that the city’s canals and medieval cobbled streets stood out to them while on their visit.

However, it was the city’s “magical” and “enchanting” atmosphere that set it apart from the other European destinations reached by train.

Known for its chocolate shops, cosy cafes and Belgian beer, Bruges scored four stars for its food and drink options, also gaining the same score for its cultural sights, attractions, accommodation, value for money and how easy it was to get around, with respondents saying the city was compact and easily walkable.

While the city is not so far away from London, its atmosphere could not feel more different. Tourists who are fans of medieval or Gothic architecture should visit the infamous Belfry bell tower or take a trip on a canal boat tour to learn more about the city’s history.

Placing second, with a score of 84 per cent is Bordeaux, beating out the French capital as the best place to visit in France by train.

Taking around six hours on the train from London, this city is renowned for its wine and scored a maximum of five stars for food and drink in the survey, with respondents saying Bordeaux has “superb restaurants” which “cater to all tastes and pockets.”

The city also received five stars for how easy it was to get around, with tourists noting that…