Weekend in Brussels or Bruge

Unfortunately, I've not been to Belgium but have gotten some information from those that have. My daughter and I were in Paris in May '05 and took a side trip to Bruge. We loved it and actually stayed 4 nights. While I think you can do it in less time, we were trying to decide between Belgium and Bruge as well. We were not sorry about our decision. I've heard from others who experienced theft in Belgium that ruined their trip but absolutely loved Bruge. As a matter of fact, it was one of their favorite places during their travels to Europe. And ours as well. My daugher was 21 at the time so that may have made a difference but Bruge is a lovely town and well worth the visit.

I would stay both nights in Bruges. It is a beautiful town. There are great restaurants and musuems and of course the canals. And if you love chocolate this is the place to be!! When I was there I took a bike tour that took us out of the town and into the countryside, it was a great experience.

Brussels is only 90 minutes from Paris by high-speed train.....you can tour the Grand Place area over lunch, then head for Bruges for the two nights. Spending a night in Brussels isn't worth it.

I would suggest you stay both nights in Brugge. You will not be disappointed.

Brussels is a fun city if you need to stay there, but if you have to choose, go to Bruges for two nights. As others have written, if you really want to see the Grand Platz (and personally, I think Antwerp's is nicer), you can put your luggage in a locker at Brussel Central, and walk 3 minutes to it. Yes, Brussels deserves a good luck, but if time is a limit, I'd sacrifice it for Bruges.

Brussels is a fun city if you need to stay there, but if you have to choose, go to Bruges for two nights. As others have written, if you really want to see the Grand Platz (and personally, I think Antwerp's is nicer), you can put your luggage in a locker at Brussel Central, and walk 3 minutes to it. Yes, Brussels deserves a good look, but if time is a limit, I'd sacrifice it for Bruges.

A couple of years ago my daughter and I stayed a week in Brussels because of the ease of day trips. However, after our day trip to Brugge, we agreed that in the future we would stay in Brugge. It is a much more pleasant and very pretty town with plenty to see and do.

I think it depends on what you want to see or do. If you spend one day in both places, you'll get a taste of both. Brussels is the capital of Europe, and has a lot to offer, but it really takes more than a day or so to appreciate it. Bruges/Brugge has a lot of charm that's readily apparent and can give you a lot of fun in an short time.

If you've only got a couple of days, I'd spend the afternoon in Brussels, see the Grand Place and the Mannekin Pis and the Place de Sablon, then head to Bruges/Brugge for the rest of your weekend.

Both of them, however, are in Belgium!

I agree with everyone that Brugge is beautiful. However, I would stay in Brussels and day-trip to Brugge. It's a very short train ride. You could spend all day there (see everything), then spend an evening/day in Brussels. While Brussels is not as charming, it does have it's wonderful areas to visit.

I agree that you should stay in Bruges. As it is, 2 nights is not enough, but it is small enough to see, while Brussels is a big city. We are going back for a second trip (we were in Bruges 2 summers ago for a few days). This time we'll stay 4 nights and do lots of bicycling. Enjoy.

Thank you all for your sage advice. I am very excited about our little week-end excursion into Belgium. I appreciate all the tips.

My husband & I rented an apt in Brugge last May for 5 nights. We spent a day in Brussels on the way fro Amsterdam. Brugge, for us, was truly an extraordinary experience. Depending on the age of your daughter, however, if you prefer livelier nightlife, then Brussels might be a better choice for you.

Patty,
Hands down go to Brugge, it is something wonderful! I have been there twice and I would go again in a heartbeat!!!!! The canal ride is another good way to see another side of Brugge, have fun, and wish I were going! I have convince my sister and her friend to change their European vacation plans to fit Brugge in, it is so worth it.