Brugge or Colmar

I've been to both and would like to visit both of them again. Brugge would be my first choice for no other reason than it just felt good to be there.'Charming' might be the word that best describes the city.

Sorry, haven't been to Colmar, but spent 2 nights in Bruges in September and loved it. We would definitely go back and possibly use as a home base to do some day trips. Bruges B&B was beautiful, great breakfast and location and was the cheapest place we stayed in Europe!

Been to both. Colmar feels like a town. Brugge is 'cute" we would go back to Brugge

I've been to both. Brugge, without a doubt. More going on, more to see, and better beer.

Two very favorite places of mine and you can't go wrong. I might consider what month you'd be going. We visited them both in September and had wonderful weather. I think in summer the weather may be more reliable in Colmar. We love the wine towns in Alsace, as well as Colmar, although not the overly commercial ones, but they might be too sleepy some months. I'd also have to see how it matched up to the rest of my trip and how easy it is to get there. When I revisit one place I like to add a new place as well. Lucky you to have such good choices

I've been to both, and my answer wholeheartedly would be Brugge. I liked Colmar, but feel that Brugge has more to offer. The only reason I'd opt for Colmar would be if you were going in the fall, during the harvest. But I absolutely loved the food, beer, and chocolate in Belgium and would fly there in a heartbeat just to eat and drink.

Roy, I can't offer any comments on Bruges, however I was in Colmar a few months ago and definitely want to return there. Aside from the sights of the town, beautiful canals, good restaurants and general ambience (and of course the Unterlinden Museum), it's also a good "home base" for exploring the Alsace wine country. A short ride to Strasbourg to see the beautiful Cathedral makes a nice day trip. Good luck with your decision!

We have been to both. Colmar is nice, and the Unterlinden Museum is absolutely fantastic. Bruges is off the charts, one of the most special destinations we have been to in ten Europe trips. It is very atmospheric with so much intact Medieval architecture, the overall feel is very harmonious. If I had to choose between the two, I would return to Bruges first.

Hi Roy! We've been to both and would probably return to Brugge over Colmar though we enjoyed both a lot! We were in Brugge during Christmas week and it was magical with the Christmas markets, etc.--we enjoyed the restaurants, the chocolate, and stayed in a very nice Hotel Patritius. Colmar is also nice with excellent Alsatian restaurants. We liked seeing the Isenheim alter at the Unterlinden Museum. I'd chose the city that fits best with your itinerary. You wouldn't go wrong with either one!

We have been to both. They are different enough that I could not make a recommendation without reference to personal tastes. Brugges is cuter, and has better beer. Colmar has more culture and the region has a very lively wine scene. I was not well during my visit to Colmar, and for that reason would probably choose to see it again (in good health). But this criterion can't possibly be helpful to you. I'd probably make the decision based on which fitted best with the rest of my itinerary, if I were genuinely indifferent.

Thanks, everyone. Brugge (or Bruges) it is. My research confirms what you have been saying. Colmar is on my to-do list but not for this trip.

I loved both but I would return to Bruges. Still think it is more picturesque; better chocolate:) and definitely more beer choices of beer. (my husband votes for this) We truly loved "the mad bellringer" at the bell tower in Bruges. If you go, you will understand what I mean.
We were there almost a week and could have stayed longer. It's beautiful and so incredibly peaceful.