Bruges or York

Tom, I've been to Bruges and York and I found both of them to be "enjoyable/interesting". Both cities are quite different and unique, so it's hard to compare them. York has a LOT of interesting history (including Henry VIII and the Vikings as I recall), the incredible Minster (try to attend an Evensong service), a very beautiful old section called "The Shambles", a fantastic Rail Museum (it was free last time I was there) and the possibility of some interesting day trips such as Eden Camp (if you're interested in WW-II history). Bruges also has interesting history, beautiful canals, good beer and chocolate, and the possibility of a few day trips (ie: take a bicycle ride to Damme, about 30 minutes, and reward yourself with a Triple or two for your effort). Whichever one you choose, you may wish you had more than one day for touring. Good luck with your decision!

I have been to both and enjoyed both. Like Ken said, they are each unique and very interesting. Research attractions in both places and I think it will come down to whichever best matches your personal interests. If I were to return to one, I would choose Bruges. My choice is partially influenced by weather, my weekend in Bruges was sunny and bright. My weekend in York was rainy, cool and overcast. Check the weather averages for both areas before you decide. Both are easy to get around, walkable to all major sites.

Interesting. Both have well-preserved medieval and early modern buildings, water, and can get heavily tourist dominated at times. York has: an English-speaking population (although English is widely spoken among shop/restaurant/hotel staff in Flanders), the railway museum, walls, Viking and Roman remains, better tea. Bruges has: a much better art gallery, better food, better coffee. York now has some very nice chocolate (especially "Monks Bar Chocolate") that rivals all but the very top Belgian makers. I won't dare to get into the question of which has better beer.

As everyone else has noted, apples and oranges! Since you are traveling in June, you might be likelier to get lovely weather in York than you would at a gloomier time of year, so that might be a factor in choosing. I.e., strike York while the sun is out! If it were me, I would choose York. The cathedral is magnificent, the town is splendid and has so many gorgeous old buildings to see, and the Jorvik Viking Centre is EXCELLENT. If you are at all into medieval/Viking history, it's a must-see, IMHO. Then again, Brugges is really, really lovely... As for the beer, CAMRA hosted their 2012 Beer & Cider Festival in York. 'Nuff said. :-)

Have enjoyed both, but keep on going back to york. probably just a personal preference. Although I could quite happily spend a full two days in York, York also has the advantage that you can spend a full day driving through the Yorkshire moors and visiting some of the ruined abbeys

All, Thank you so much for your insights. It is much appreciated! Tom

I much preferred Bruges, but the point above about weather is a good one. York would have a narrower window of "nice" weather, so for June, you might choose it (assuming you have read about both and have no other reason to prefer one or the other). I also agree that they are very different, except in both being "touristy." This upsets some people, but remember, there's a reason the tourists flock there.

I have been to York a few times and Bruges just a few weeks ago and have to agree with the other posters... they are both great places to visit. I have not been to either in the summer, however. Winter travel to both. I personally would travel to the location that is the easiest from wherever you are coming from.

Great cities both, but I'd lean towards York with the superb York Minster and excellent museums. Bonus: view the Mallard at the National Railway Museum, the fastest steam locomotive.

All, Thanks again for your feedback. While both cities are worth visiting it looks like York has a slight edge for what appears to be good reasons. Thanks. Tom

Tom, I've not been to Bruges, but I can definitely recommend York, and I would add that if you can, get out of town and drive north to an old abbey or two. I went to Rievaulx Abbey this past summer, and completely fell in love with the place; it was my favorite site of my 18-day trip!

Haven't been to York but been to Bruge. Go to www.flickr.com and look at photos of both cities. That might help. In the search feature also look at night time photos. Bruges is very pretty at night with reflections off the canals. Night time is also very calm with all the daytrippers gone.

I have been wondering where you'll be immediately prior to the stay in Bruges or York. ; ) Travel time would factor into my decision... ; ) I have been to both and I'm having a hard time deciding, thus my wondering about logistics. The cathedral is magnificent and the history is fascinating in York. I got a kick out of the Jorvick Viking Centre. In Bruges I had one of the best afternoons in a long time in the Brewery Beer Garden drinking Zot. The canals were lovely, and the town square and its tower are impressive. Good luck with that decision. ; ) Pam

Pamela, I will be leaving Amsterdam on my way to England. One thought was to go to York then come back south to London. Or, skip York and stop at Bruges on my way to London.