AMSTERDAM OR BRUGGE

Ross, on the To the West forum in October or so of last year, I started a thread on Amsterdam that drew a number of very different responses. It might be worth reading. You can probably do a search and find it.

Definitely go to Brugges for a day. Also plan on visiting other places in Netherlands. I think you will be glad you did.

I'm really not an A'dam fan but I don't want to color your visit.

I would remain in Amsterdam, but unlike Brad, am an unabashed Amsterdamophile and believe it deserves more than 1 day. And I have been places for 1 day so understand how that works too when you want to "see it all". I have been to Bruges, and it is a lovely town. However, were I in your position I would stay in Am'dam and see more of what it has to offer. In my opinion, Bruges is indeed very nice but quite similar(i.e. Northern European, Flemish, Hollandish, etc) For the time it would take to travel back and forth (and it would amount to several hours I imagine) I don't think you'd really feel you'd had that much different an experience than if you had stayed in Amdam and taken in all its beauty in a more relaxed and easy going pace...maybe something you might need more than you know at the end of a cruise trip. Amsterdam is a very walkable city and the historic center is easy to navigate. Walk along the canals, take in the museums, or visit a coffee house (now there's something you can't do in Bruges). If the urge hits take a trip to Delft or Haarlem or Utrecht...all will get you out of Amdam if you feel done with the city and will be faster and easier than Bruges. I can suggest a great B & B there too if you'd be interested. Have fun whatever you do.

Ross, it depends on taste, really. I'd go with either suggestion above, day tripping out of Amdam, or Bruge. I don't think Amsterdam itself is more than two days, unless you wish to go see a lot of the museums (which as worth it). However you can see most of Amdam in two days, and there are some other great towns nearby to visit.

I would put in a vote for Bruges! It would be a wonderful place to spend part of your anniversary. If you have a couple extra days then it would be worth it. We visited both places and liked Bruges more than Amsterdam (we liked Amsterdam fine, but liked Bruges a lot more!). We've found we really enjoy the smaller towns/cities as opposed to the larger ones (in general). Congratulations on your anniversary!

My husband and I really liked Amsterdam, but we really loved Bruges. It is very beautiful and romantic, and since it is an anniversary trip......

Ross,
I just got back from a trip last November which included Amsterdam and Brugge. We really liked Amsterdam (spent 2 days), a lot bigger than I imagined; however, we really loved Brugge (1 day). It is smaller and quaint, and we had the extra beauty of them having their christmas lights up. We travel like maniacs and try to push as much in as we can so I say if you can swing Brugge, it is well worth it.

It is always a tough decision.

Ross, I just got back from A-dam, for about the 3rd time, and still did new things. Bruges is great, but very small, and unless you want to do a lot of walking around, you might not need a lot of time. I personally think A-dam could be very romantic too! My recommendation is A-dam.

Happy Anniversary!

Amsterdam has more to do but I think you would enjoy seeing the nicer towns outside of Amsterdam.

I wouldn't suggest Brugges for three days, rather I would try to stay in two places and make a day stop in a third in between.

I'm not a fan of Amsterdam. I think it's extremely dirty (especially by Northern Europe standards). The museums are average and the drug culture is so prevalent, it's hard to avoid. IMO tourism in the city is geared toward illicit drugs and sex so it wasn't for me.

Other people consider Amsterdam one of their favorite places so you really have to decide for yourself.

Amsterdam has gone to the dogs!!! I have been twice: once a long time ago when it was much nicer and then a few years ago when I was dismayed at how much it has changed.
It has a huge drug and sex culture and it looked very shabby to me. I visited the Rijsmuseum and the Van Gogh
Museum (which is FABULOUS!)and walked back to the Central Station through the city. Very disappointd and I will never go again....although he Van Gogh Museum is fabulous.
I believe "coffee shop" is code for drug cafes.....need to check that reference.

I thought Bruges was lovely and worth at least one day.
Much more scenic and old worldly.

One caveat: since you will be in Amsterdam at the end of a long trip, you may be quite tired and less inclined to travel too much more!! Personally, I think one day in Amsterdam is sufficient but there are people who rave about it but I don't know why!!!

I've been to both places only once, and for short periods. I loved them both. I would think that Amsterdam offers more possibilities, though.

BTW, I had a great time on our Viking "Tulips and Windmills" cruise. I think you'll enjoy the experience.