Brussels or Ghent

Go straight to Brugge see and stay there and daytrip to Ghent.

I'm probably going out on a limb here, but I'm going to stake claim to being the original proponent of Ghent on this website. This was before it became a Blue Book- certified destination. I recommended it not because it's some sort of "hidden gem" (it's a major city along a well-traveled corridor), but merely because I thought it's a destination that people on this website might enjoy and it's easily accessible from cities they may have planned to visit anyway. It has much of the old world charm, architecture and art that people travel to Brugge to see (admittedly, the historical core is a little smaller). But the difference is that while old Brugge is somewhat of a moth-balled city, Ghent hosts a large student and young adult population. Hence, it's a much more lively city after the sun goes down. Probably not much of a consideration for the over 50 crowd here, but a big one for the under 30 group. I think Eli may have been the only poster who took my recommendation. But then Mr. Steves added Ghent to the Blue Book, so now I don't need to promote it as much.

So, let me compare and contrast the three cities in question. Brussels has better restaurants, museums and parks than the other two. Also lots of interesting Art Nouveau buildings. Downside is that it isn't the cleanest city, and most of it's best sites are spread out over a large area, separated by blocks of rather plain, post-war architecture. Ghent- as mentioned above, a nice historical core that's tightly surrounded by the more modern city. Young population and lots of nightlife. Castle smack in the middle of town. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in St. Bav's cathedral is one of the few famous pieces of art that really knocked me out seeing it in person- in contrast to the Michelangelo statue in Brugge, that nobody would probably look at twice if someone less famous had sculpted it. Brugge- the most immediately pretty of the three. The Gronigen museum is one of the best small art museums in Europe that I have visited (and the Memling is one of the most over-rated). Of the three, old Brugge has most tourist-related businesses, like souvenir and chocolate shops. The old city is pretty dead at night.

Donna, I'd probably do what you suggested, or more likely hunker down in one or the other (possibly Brugge) for the whole time at one of the fabulous B&Bs and daytrip to Gent as much as you like. Tom - its possible that you have me beat for date, as I haven't been been back to see when your first post on Gent was but I've only been active here a couple of years. I've certainly extolled the lovely city of Gent many times. I love the place. I'll be there again, along with Brugge, in a couple of weeks. But I won't fight you for first mention. Here's the way I see it. Gent - Best proper artisinal hand made chocolate, by a long way. Two very excellent hotels, both very different from each other, better IMVHO, than anything in Brugge and much nicer situated than anything I've seen in Brussel - the Harmony (prices have shot up since we used to stay there, back before it was "discovered"); and the Marriott. A real living city with a small town atmosphere, great transport, really nice places. The bird market is fun, all the other markets are great and the town feels lived in. Oh, and the chocolate. Brugge - Very good chocolate but most is factory made (Mrs Verbeeke closed many years ago) and extremely touristy. The whole town is yummy archietecture but it is plagued by being overrun by tourists. Not only Americans but people from all over the world absolutely descend on the place. Haven't found restaurants which move me like Gent or Brussel. The best B&B culture I have ever seen. We very rarely stay in hotels in Brugge.
Car parking is a disaster ever since the blue zone arrived. ... TBC

... con't Brussel - Never rang my bells. The city is too grimy, the Brussels drivers are disasters with pileups just waiting to happen, I always wonder about petty thieves or worse in Brussel. The food has to be searched out but can be good - or awful. Chocolate all mass produced.
Its possible on weekends and in business holidays to get pretty cheap fancy hotel rooms. YMMV

I agree with Tom. Brussels has by far the most to see. Brugges is charming and easily seen in a day. Ghent is interesting and easily seen in a half day. I would, and did, stay in Brussels and trained to Brugges and Ghent. Brugges is pretty enough to stay a couple of days. Ghent, no. Brussels dirty and gritty, sorry, I don't get it.

Thank you all for the responses. I think what we will end up doing is sticking with Brussels. We do like museums and I would like to learn a little more about the European Union politics that go on, so hopefully we can take a tour of the EU and the Grand Palace The other thing is, since we have such a short time in Belgium, I want to spend the least amount of time as possible commuting. So, now I just need a b&b in Brussels and a b&b Brugges (reasonable). I am considering the hop on hop off bus in Brussels. We have taken them in New York, San Fran, and Boston, and for the price, they give a nice snapshot and orientation. Then from that point on, we can tour some highlights, hopefully, more indepth. The ACRA (or whateve the name of that company in Brussles is) only has a tour on Saturday, at 10. Unfortunately we arrive from the US at 9:30. So won't make that one. Thank you all for all your insights. I actually wish I had more time to do Ipers, Flanders, Ghent and Antwerp, but there is always next time.

There is a walking tour of Brussels that meets in the main square by tourism office. Excellent tour, was to be 2 hours, but he spent 3 hours with us. Agree Brussels as base city. You could do Brugges in a day by train. We stayed at the Novotel and I'd highly recommend it.