My husband and I will be visiting Belgium in late April. It sounds like many travelers have loved visiting Bruges and Ghent.
We are planning to stay in Bruges and do a day trip to Ghent.
Please share memorable restaurants, highlights, and favorite things that you experienced while visiting these areas.
We are anxious to visit this area and it is our first time going to Belgium.
Thank you
Hopefully my recent Trip Report can be helpful. Enjoy these beautiful areas. I can't wait to return! Safe travels.
How long do you want to stay in Bruges? Do you want to see more places in Belgium or will it just be Bruges and Ghent? If you can say more about your interests, museums or do you like chocolate for instance, it will be much easier to help you.
Ghent is easy to reach by train and takes only a half hour and an additonal tram ride of about 10 minutes. Not to miss, as Pat already mentions in her trip report is the Altarpiece in the St. Bavo Cathedral, that's absolutely a highlight.
My favorite part of Bruges was just walking around after sunset...crowds will have dispersed by then & it's stunningly beautiful with lots of the buildings along the canal uplit. I really enjoyed the Legends of Bruges free walking tour...my group's guide was fantastic (make sure to tip your guide!). And the tour at De Halve Moon Brewery was fun too...plus you get a beer at the end :)
My favorite meal in Bruges was a smoked duck salad at Cambrinus, which is a bar more known for their very extensive beer menu. I honestly can't remember too many actual meals from that part of my trip & I think it's cause I just stuffed myself with fries & waffles all day (highly recommend that too!)
Note that the Mystic Lamb requires pre-booking, but is open 7 days. You will have to travel via Brussels, and pass a few other nice cities, if you have enough time to make unreserved, frequent-scheduled, local train daytrips.
