My parents and I have deciced to go to Belgium instead of Provence. We plan to visit Bruges for two nights and want to see either Ghent or Antwerp. Which is prettier, more too see and more interesting? Thanks!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Ghent is much prettier than Antwerp. Antwerp has a lot of history, a glorious late Gothic cathedral, and in my opinion, the most attractive Grote Markt in Belgium- even more so than Brussels´more famous example. But it´s also a little rough around the edges. Most Flemish TV shows and movies about crime take place here for good reason! So, if time is limited, I would choose Ghent. Actually, I would stay in Ghent and see Brugge and Antwerp as quick daytrips. They are all very close by train.
Posted by
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
Stay in Ghent and do day trips. Loved Ghent. Much better to stay than Brugge I think!
Posted by
Salisbury
22 posts
We've stayed in both cities and Gent is the better of the two, I think. And central for rail travel from Brugge and to Antwerpen should you want to take a day trip.
Hope the restoration of the The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is finished when you get there. They were still working on in when I was in Gent last September but had seen it two years prior and once before that. The painting I can't get out of my head. Amazing. Have fun!
Posted by
Haslett, MI, United States
26 posts
I haven't been to Antwerp (so I might not be a lot of help), but Ghent is definitely a good choice - very beautiful and lots to see. We just did the city as a sort of day trip on the way from Bruges to Brussels and could've easily spent more time there. And I'm sure you couldn't go wrong with staying in Ghent, but I'd highly recommend keeping your plan to stay in Bruges - we stayed for three nights last year and really enjoyed the city at night.