Brussels with 77 year old mother

silvia, welcome to this newsboard with your first post ever.

Please tell us how you settled on Brussels as the second stop? Are you flying into Paris and out of Brussels? Are the two of you sharing a room with two beds? Does she need a shower, to avoid stepping into a tub? How about grab rails? Does she prioritize art museums? How many days/nights on the ground, total? Is it essential to visit two countries?

My first comment is that no one will ask her back home if she went to Brussels. They will ask her if she went to Bruges. Although Belgium is closer to Paris than Amsterdam, but I think Amsterdam may be a better choice.

Thank you Tim. I selected Brussels due to proximity by train from Paris. We will arrive first in Paris then to to 2nd city. Fortunately, my mother does not need any special accommodations (ex: shower instead of tub or hand rails). She likes art, museums, restaurants and wine. We will be in Europe a total of 10 days and a second country is not a must buy I figured let's try to see a different city while on that side of the world. Thanks for your suggestion to look into Bruges and/or Amsterdam.

I've been to Belgium and the Netherlands once (Paris many times) and loved it but after much research and on this forum chose to skip Brussels. Especially after Paris, Brussels may be a letdown.

Thank you KD. I'm now rethinking Brussels and started looking at Bruges. I may also change order and start in Bruges and close out my mother's celebration trip in Paris.

I agree with Tim and KD. You won't find many people with Brussels on their "must see" list. And proximity shouldnt be the main determining factor in selecting places to visit. Bruges, or Ghent, or Amsterdam would all be a better fit, given your mother's interests. And to avoid wasting time and money backtracking, book multicity flight tickets into Brussels (or Amsterdam) and out of Paris, or vice versa.

CJean, thank you for the response and useful information. You all have been extremely helpful and insightful!!! Truly appreciate responses!!

Have you already booked your flights? You could possibly visit London, or maybe another city in France - Avignon or somewhere in the Loire Valley. So many great places to choose from.

For ease of train travel go to Amsterdam. While I'd chose Bruges over Brussels, visiting there requires transferring to a 2nd train whereas it's a direct Eurostar train journey past Brussels to Amsterdam. So head over to the Netherlands forums for hotel recs and ideas of things to do in Amsterdam, especially the Anne Frank house.

There's nothing sacred about Amsterdam; I feel it's a good visit for someone's first time in Europe, and the prevalence of English there can be a relaxation after Paris. (Although it is no longer necessary to have any French language at all to visit Paris, as you know.) Amsterdam also has a lot of air links, which is important to Americans who don't live near, say, NYC or Boston. I trust you understand what a "Multi-City" air booking is.

I find that the UK and the continent don't pair well. But for someone who hates flying, or can't stand long in a security line, the train between London and Paris is pretty convenient. And it sounds like your mother would really enjoy places like the British Museum and V&A. Two other cities, which take longer to get to, but can't be seen in 4 days, are Berlin and Rome. Cologne can be seen in 3 days, and is very walkable, if she's interested in Germany. Maybe no direct flights home, though.

Since I am 73 myself, and have no memory of World War II, I did not suggest that your mother might be interested in the D-Day sights. But many Americans who heard stories from their uncles or parents, or relish recent American history, make that their priority when visiting France. We waiting until our seventh (?) trip to Paris to see the Normandy beaches.

Good morning and thanks everyone for additional information!! Really appreciate it. I normally get the Rick Steven's guidebooks when I travel and find these so useful. Since I'm gong with my mom this time I want to be even better prepared and all y'alls input is extremely helpful. I have not yet booked flights but will do so soon. Paris is a must for my mom and will decide on 2nd city soon. Thanks again!!

No need for a second city. There is so much to see and do in Paris so don’t bother to eat up a day of your travels with a trip to another city. Travel days are get up, pack, go to train station, take a ride on a train, look and arrive at your hotel, unpack, relax and then, well the whole day is done!!!!!! Stay there and return and go to Italy!

PS. When in Paris take your Mom to Josephine Chez Dumont. It is really wonderful and have eaten there a number of times and never had a bad meal. Split between locals and tourists which is good for Paris!

For what it's worth, my favorite airport to fly into in Europe is Brussels (BRU). I wish I could choose it for every time I fly over. I have been lucky to arrive when there are next to no crowds, and immigration and customs have been so easy. Also just go down about 4 levels, catch a train and you are off.

There is no need to stay in Brussels. Stay in Leuven, Mechelen, or Ghent. The train system in Belgium is amazing, and easy to navigate. Day trips from city to city are very easy to accomplish.

Paris is my least favorite city in Europe, so I will keep my comments to myself about it.

Since she likes art, you need to go to Amsterdam, although if it were my first, and possibly only, trip to Europe, I would not want to miss London and the British Museum. The last time I was there, the National Gallery in London was quite uncrowded. And you could celebrate her birthday with tea at Fortnum and Mason.