Visit Bruges this trip or not?

I'd definitely go. It's really a beautiful place. Very easy train trip from Amsterdam. And don't forget to visit Mme. Dumon's.

The saying goes "the Belgians eat as well as the French and as much as the Germans." I'd go there any day just to eat and drink. It's worth the stop.

I'd rob the time out of Barcelona to do it.

Hi Stephanie - we thought Bruges was incredibly beautiful. We stayed at a Rick recommended B & B.
It was an old convent. The owner's name was Maggie. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

I would agree with Ed. It is at least worth an overnight if not two. However, it is a three,four hour train ride with at least one train change probably in Antwarp. So you need to factor that into your decision and costs. Unless you have other reasons to be there, Barcelona is not a ten day city.

We're planning on Bruges/Ghent now, for two nights, would you recommend staying over in Ghent or Bruges? I understand we can take a day trip into Bruges. I also read there's a fair bit of construction going on in Ghent, would it better to stay in Bruges in this case?

Bruges is beautiful. I'd definitely stay there for a few days. It's easy to take the train from Amsterdam -- we changed in Brussels.

Definitely see Brugge- it is easily reached by train. And make sure when you get there to go to the center of town and further- the initial arrival seemed very touristy to me. Probably where the buses drop off for groups.

Never been to Ghent, but Bruges is beautiful at night. It's particularly nice because it's so packed with tourists during the day but virtually empty at night. Nice outdoor restaurants.

We stayed at the Hotel Cordoeanier. Small clean rooms with great breakfast included. Steep stairs and no air conditioning when we there there in 05". Still looks nice on the website and it is very centrally located. I think it was recommended in Rick's book, not sure if it is now or not.

Have a great trip!

Forgot to add to try the kriek beer. Wonderful! Koolaid for adults.