Brussel or Brugge or Amsterdam

Not being a fan of Brussels I would say base yourself in Bruges and make day trips from there to perhaps Ghent and/or Oostende. Amsterdam is another excellent choice (I suspect your teens will prefer Ams over Bruges/Brussels), but will be more expensive. In addition to flights there is also a direct night train from Amsterdam to Copenhagen

Because Bruges is such a nice ( read touristy) place, it is likely to cost more to stay there than in Brussels. We enjoyerd a nice apt in Brussels in 2006, called Aparthotel Poirot. The big and fancy hotels will certainly cost much more than any reasonable person can even imagine. Amsterdam is closer to Copenhagen but it, too , is expensive. This is our take on things. Experts here may know better

We visited all three places for the first time last October, with our 11yo daughter. Where you go depends on what you like. If you like art, a beautiful city with a somewhat different perspective on life, and aren't so much into food, then consider 3 nights in Amsterdam. Even though the Rijksmuseum is undergoing major renovations, the "highlights" of the museum are on display, and they're fantastic. And if you like Van Gogh, you can't miss his museum. Brugge we found very, very cute, though it was cold and rainy when we were there. We spent 2 nights here, and one night in Brussels. We liked Brussels far more than we thought we would, especially after hearing so much negative about it. I loved the Grand Place; it's a great place to hang out and people watch. The chocolate is amazing. We went to a number of different high-end chocolate stores, and bought some from each place, to compare and contrast. We really enjoyed the Belgian beer, too. The Brussels art museum is very good, too. If you don't mind changing hotels, consider spending at least one night in Brugge, as it's so beautiful at night. We loved all three places so much that we're planning another trip there next year, but adding some places we didn't get to last trip.

I wouldn't spend 3 nights in Brussels given the options you have...Bruges is a very pleasant walking and biking city, and depending on the orientation of your young teens, it could be somewhat interesting to thembut I would say that Amsterdam will probably be more fun to them in its diversity and "scene". If you have a car and are willing to have a looong day, Bruges is doable as a day trip and stop from Paris to Amsterdam. It will be long enough to take a bike tour through town, buy some chocolate, etc. before you go on your merry way to Amsterdam. It's an easy drive. In Amsterdam, there is plenty to do and see, and you can rent bikes to get around town. It is also fun to take a day trip to Haarlem, where you can stroll through town and even rent bikes to ride along the safe and paved beachside path in Bloemendaal aan zee).

Brugge is great, but not not as interesting as Amsterdam. In any case, 3 nights in Brugge would be a lot. So I'd say Amsterdam, if you can make the connections work.

We just returned from 4 nights in Brussels. We stayed at the Novotel at the grand palace , great hotel, next to the train so we did a day in Brugge by train. Also did a great walking tour offered I believe once a day outside tourist office of grand palace. It was in English for around 8-10 euro. Novotel may have a deal to include breakfast, take it. Food is expensive. it was a fun and lively town. Enjoy

Of all the large cities I have visited in europe Brussels is my least favorite and Amsterdam is in my top 5. Brugge is nice although not much to do in the town. Amsterdam has a lot more interesting things to do and i plan on going back next year.

I found Bruges to be pretty, but boring after 5 hours. Of course I day tripped from Amsterdam and spent more time on trains than in the city itself. The canal cruise is overrated. Skip it. I'd vote for Amsterdam, there's a lot to do there!

It would be easier to reply if we understood how you ed Paris and Copenhagen-for example, if it's anybody's first trip to Europe. There is plenty to see in Brussels. I think a day in Brugge is fine. Although I like Ghent, there's no need to go to both of them (although they are on the same train line.) The Ghent Altarpiece is important, but probably not to teenagers! Having just been to Osteende, I recommend that you do not go there, especially out-of-season. A good day trip, and much closer than Brugge is Antwerp. (Antwerp:Brussels = Boston:New York in my book.) I agree that Amsterdam is even better for teenagers, and is easy to get to by train from Paris. Some of those trains stop in Brussels and Antwerp.

I also recommend Amsterdam. It's a very walkable city and there's a lot to do.

My wife didn't want to fly to Amsterdam, nor lose a day on the train, so we are going to Brugge and get a day trip into Brussel the same day we fly to Copenhagen. Maybe back to Amsterdam another day I hope - seems the consensus was Amsterdam. Thanks for the help!

Brugge for three days is about 2 days too long. You can keep yourself busy for 3 days in Amsterdam easy, not so easily in Brussels. If I had three nights to spare in Belgium it would be spent in Ghent.

We love Bruges, but I would also agree that your teens would probably find Amsterdam much more to their liking. We love Amsterdam, and there's plenty to see and do for everyone.

Have been to all three. They are very different. Amsterdam is my favorite of the three. Brussels has things the other two do not. The guild houses around the square are spectacular. There is a picturesque street of restaurants near the central that is a pretty as Bruges. There is a glass ceilinged pedestrian shopping mall that equals most any. There is also an art nouveau area. Bruges is small and picturesque; great for the above mentioned 5 hours. I think I would recommend all three days in Amsterdam first choice. Second would be Brussels with a day trip to Bruges. Definitely last choice would be 3 days in Bruges.