Side trip to Belgium,

Hi Stew!
I lived in France last year as a language assistant. Because of various different factors, I flew into Belgium initially.

I found Bruges to be a bit overrated (IMO, it's like a smaller version of Amsterdam, which I adore, by the way). It's ok. I had initially planned out two days and two nights there, but got bored and only did one full day there and did a day trip to Gent instead. Gent was charming but I don't know what you like, it's a cute little uni town that has a really good cathedral tour.

I adore Brussels, it's one of my top favorite cities in all of Europe. Some people think it's boring but I really really like it because for me, it is just the ideal European city. Lots to do. Go to the Grand Place, to the chocolate tour, tour a brewery, visit the EU (check into schedules should you chose to do this), and just check out the different neighborhoods. Another reason I love it because it's so diverse and it's got something for everyone.

Give Brussels 3 days and Bruges 1-2 days.... and do a sidetrip to Gent, Oostende (how do you spell that properly in English, anyway), or consider going to Liège (I've been there, too, it was cute but not lots to do. Fun to walk around there, though).

Enjoy Belgium!!!

I'd say just the opposite: we expected Bruges to be cute and touristy, and it surpassed our expectations. It was one of the highlights of our trip, and we wish we had more than the 2 days we spent there.

Brussels, on the other hand....we went with fairly low expectations and that was about right. We spent less than 24 hours there and frankly, we were happy to move on.

I'd say Brussels is good for a day, but I'd spend 2 or 3 in Bruges.

Vive la difference.

Brugge is lovely, but it can be overly touristy. We do like going there and have been several times, but usually just day trips. Oostende is cool too, with beaches and sea and promenade, including WW2 bunkers and emplacements. It is only a 15 min. trip there from Brugge. Antwerp is also really nice and if you like Maritime stuff, you will enjoy the harbor area. Why not go to some websites for each of these cities and see what appeals to you. It is hard for us to know what is interesting for you. History, architecture, art, churches, and so on. Some of it will also depend on what time of year you will be there too.

I'd have to agree with David. I enjoyed Brussels, but found Bruges to be more interesting (yes, sometimes touristy) and charming. One of our favorite things there was renting bikes and riding out to the windmills. The brewery tour that RS recommends was also very entertaining! Enjoy the chocolate in either Bruges or Brussels!

We liked Brussels pretty well (though not a favorite) but a full 24 hours would have been sufficient for us. The food was great though - waffles, mussels, chocolate (Marcolini) - all great!

We were just in Brugge and loved it. We spent 3 nights there and wish we could have stayed longer. We did not find it touristy but there were a lot of people, both locals and travelers, but it was August so it's to be expected. We also rented bikes for 24 hrs and had a great time riding all over Brugge and out to a smaller, also charming, town (Damme). There is so much to see and do in Brugge. We loved it.

IMO 1 day was plenty for either one. I thought Bruges was overrated and was frankly bored there even though I only did a day trip. I spent 2 days in Brussels and enjoyed the town, but 1 day would have been plenty.

Both towns are similar. I would plan to visit only one and you can see much more and take the canal cruise. I would allow two days for the one you choose. Do a google search for 'Brussels sights' and the same for Bruges. Then select the one which interests you most.

Great information from many. I, too was planning on a 2-3day side trip, but was interested in Burges and Antewerp. Is that resonable? Also, was hoping to return from Burges/Brussels by train straight to CDG to catch a flight. Is that too crazy? Thanks.

For me, Brussels is worth more time than Bruges, though both are well worth a visit. Bruges has the Groeninge and Gruuthuse Museums and Halve Maan Brewery and lots of romantic canals.

Brussels has the huge Royal Museums of Fine Art, Cantillon Brewery, Delerium Cafe (2000 different beers), Beer Circus and In t'Spinnekopke cafes, and more Art Nouveau architecture than anyplace else (Falstaff Cafe, Victor Horta house are 2 of many). And a great transit system gets you anywhere.

I like staying in the St. Catherine district, with a metro stop of the same name, quiet hotels and lots of good restaurants(Le Loop Galant, La Villette).

Venture beyond Stella Artois, Palm and even Leffe and discover beer like you never dreamed it could be. Try some Trappist ales and Abbey ales, in Dubbel and Tripel varieties, and see why "experts" claim Belgium has the world's best beer (including the dear, departed Michael Jackson of Britain). Enjoy!