We found out that my dad has two weeks of extra vacation time. So...we were thinking of flying into Belgium and spending a few days there before going to Paris. How long would you spend in Belgium and where would you go and see?? Thanks!! We are thinking mostly Brussels and Bruges. Thanks!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33865 posts
Brendon, Are you using the RS book for the area? If so, you will see that RS now (and many of us for many years) recommends Ghent (Gent). The book goes into good detail about all three places. Or are you running bare-bones and need suggestions?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
I'm not a big fan of Brussels, but both Bruges and Ghent are nice places to visit. Base yourself in Bruges for three full days/nights. Do Ghent as a day trip, and enjoy the rest of the time in Bruges. Here's a taste of the beauty of Bruges: http://youtu.be/nm-O0b5Ul3o http://youtu.be/iHZzOdGHaOY
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
I would also skip Brussels, especially if you will only spend a few days in Belgium. I definitely recommend Ghent; Bruges was okay; and I liked Tournai very much (it has a fabulous cathedral and some cool Roman and medieval sites).
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7893 posts
Let me mention Antwerp, which is to Brussels as Boston is to New York. (Opinion, of course ...) It's not quite as "historic" as Bruges or Gent, but much bigger, with something for everyone, especially children. It has great art gallery and restaurant scenes, a beautiful riverfront, lots of museums and good mass transit. It's very close to Bruges and Gent, and even closer to Mechelen and Lier, which are often overlooked small cities with loads of history. In the middle ages, Mechelen was the third largest city in Europe. Today, it has almost as many great churches as Antwerp, but is otherwise as overlooked as, well, Philadelphia, a former capital city.
Posted by
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
Stay in Ghent.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
I cannot disagree more with the previous posters. We found Brussels to be a wonderful city with a great deal to offer. Bruges is beautiful and well worth a day or two, but I would never base there. Ghent has charm, but whereas Brussels is worth at least 2-3 days, Bruges 1-2 days, I would give Ghent one day including travel time from Brussels and tram from train station to the small area of interest.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
Stay in Ghent, in between Bruges and Brussels, so you don't have to change hotels. I'd say 4 days for the 3 places. How long are you going to be in Paris? My problem would be that every day in Belgium is one day less in Paris.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Exactly what Chani said,,,
Posted by
Coeur d Alene
28 posts
We just got back yesterday from a weekend in Brugge, it is a gorgeous place but I don't know that I'd base myself there. It is definitely worth at least two days. I've been in Brussels mainly to catch the train but did spend a day exploring the Market area, I think it is worthwhile to see as well. We didn't stop in Gent. I do agree with some of the others that I wouldn't let Belgium take away too many Paris days! Good luck and have fun!