Belgium home base suggestions for 6 nights / 5 days

I stayed in Bruge one night before in May. Not as many tourists. It was quite photogenic.
But somehow it did not live up to the hype.
I've stayed in Ghent and Antwerp and Brussels.
Ghent was the most memorable of all. But I caught it when some kind of street festival was going on.
Stay in Ghent and do daytrips that should work.

We based ourselves in Ghent and took the train to Brugge and Antwerp for day trips. We thought it was a good way of doing it for us. I loved Antwerp. The train station is one of the most beautiful stations i’ve seen.

Ghent is a great choice since it's centrally located and you'll be able to do efficient day trips to the other destinations. However, you might get tired of the city if you're staying there for six nights, even with day trips elsewhere. If you want a more urban vibe with lots of local sights and restaurants, I'd choose Antwerp instead.

For 5 full days, stay in Gent and travel to the other destinations nearby. No need to stay in multiple cities.

Hotel suggestions in Gent:

https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-0961-ibis-gent-centrum-st-baafs-kathedraal/index.shtml

http://www.hotel-harmony.be/en/home

Restaurant choice in Gent:

https://www.pakhuis.be/en/

I agree with T. from Rick Steves office. There's not that much of a time penalty for being in Antwerp and going to Bruges for the day. Antwerp has so much more to do. You are missing some great art museums in Brussels, but it's otherwise missable. (I've been to Brussels for the day from Antwerp at least four times. So my OPINION has some data behind it. I also like art.

I hope you're flying to Switzerland. Do you have to get to BRU? Or are you making a tedious train trip.

You might wish to use the Search box top center to learn more about this area of Belgium.