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Brugges/Brussels/Gent

Posted by (Brisbane, QLD, Australia) on

We are going to have a 2 - 3 day side trip into Belgium, during our 3 week trip to Northern France. I think that we would rather hit one city and spend our time there, rather than trying to see all three. From the little bit of research I have done, all of them look like good destinations. Does anyone have a suggestion or opinion on which is the typical favourite place to visit? I don't really know too much about Belgium, other than they have fabulous chocolate and beer (both big with me). The only other place we may want to stop at is Ypres.

We will most likely be driving to whichever city we choose, if that makes a difference.

Thanks

JB

Posted by
69 posts

Brussels is the largest of the 3 places. I recommend it since you'll be able to see a lot more variety of sites instead of the other small towns. We stayed in Brussels for 10 days and took a day trip only to Bruges. It really depends on if you want city touring or village touring. Brussels definitely has a big city feel -- as it is the capital of Europe. Belgium is also known for their moules frites (mussels and fries), Gauffres (waffles to die for), comics (Tin Tin, Smurfs, etc...), and over 800 beers to choose from. It's a bilingual Flemish/French city -- but everyone we encountered in Brussels spoke English. Bruges was a pain for the language barrier -- but it makes it a fun experience wherever you go to interact with the locals.

Posted by
79 posts

My only experience with Belgium is Bruges, but I loved it! And it's not terribly small; but it's quite manageable for a couple of days. It has a very European feel to it and a lovely canal that you can take a boat ride on. I'd recommend it. I can't speak for the other two, though.

Oh, and they do have fabulous chocolate. Much better than Swiss in my opinion, and if I remember correctly, it's a lot cheaper than Swiss chocolates. Among the most affordable in Europe. Again, if I'm remembering correctly.

Posted by
239 posts

Hi JB--My favorite place to visit is Ieper. The fact that it was completely reconstruced after WW I is amazing to me. The city is lovely (albeit not a romantic as Brugge) with lovely parks and ramparts surrounding it. The battlefield tour is incredible, and the ceremony at the Menin Gate every night is very moving. My husband has been to every major city in Belgium (and many of the smaller ones) and thinks Ieper has the best chocolatiers! There is no language barrier whatsoever; their livelihood is primarily British and Canadian tourism. There are no art museums, though, if that is what you are interested in.

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