I talked with my parents about whether to go to Bruges or not since we are already seeing Ghent. We all agreed we really want to see bruges as well. We will driving from Ghent to either Antwerp or Leuven then drive to Bruges. Which one would you choose as things to see and prettiness. We only want to walk the canals in Bruges. I think all 3 would be way too hectic for a day trip. Thanks!!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If you're already going to Ghent, Leuven probably won't add much to your Belgian experience. It's smaller and... well, a little less grand than Ghent. Although it is a fairly attractive city, I wouldn't exactly call it "pretty". Same university-town type of energy, though. The highlights would be the Stadthuis (although not that interesting on the inside), the University Library (not open to the public), and the Oude Markt when it's filled with students. Antwerp is very different. As a busy port and center of industry and finance, it has all the contrasts you would expect- grandeur and vice sit side by side. Again, "pretty" is not a word I would use to describe Antwerp. Highlights are the soaring late-Gothic cathedral, the Rubenshuis, and the Grote Markt, with the statue of Brado throwing the giant's severed hand. The massive main train station is a site all by itself. If you're considering a day trip, make it one city per day.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33861 posts
Gent to Antwerpen to Brugge is going around the sun to get to the moon. It is completely the other way. We found walking Antwerpen for the architecture took us all day. I agree with Tom - one a day.