Antwerp or Brussels;Ghent or Bruges
Mar 8th, 2006, 10:09 PM
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Antwerp or Brussels;Ghent or Bruges
We will be on a tulip tour and must make some difficult decisions. We will go to Antwerp with an optional excursion to Brussels. Which city would be more enjoyable? Then on to Ghent with an optional excursion to Bruges. Another conflict -which city to spend time in. Is there anyone who can compare these cities for me or give me suggestions?
Mar 13th, 2006, 05:23 PM
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The tulip tour will be on a boat and will spend a day in Antwerp. WE can stay there or take side trip to Brussels. Another day we will be in Ghent with a side trip offered to Bruges . I want to see and do it all, but obviously, I have to make choices. I'm leaning toward the side trips to Burssels and Bruges. Suggestons?
Mar 15th, 2006, 12:06 PM
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I would favor Antwerp over Brussels, especially if you are into museums as there are some good ones in Antwerp. Brussels didn't show me much beyond the Grand'Place.
I'd probably take the side trip to Bruges, which is a much lovelier town than Ghent. However, Ghent is home to one singularly fantastic piece of art, Jan van Eyck's Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in St. Bavo's. There are only a handful of van Eycks in existence, and each of them is extraordinary. But unless you are a van Eyck fanatic, you will probably enjoy Bruges much more.
I'd probably take the side trip to Bruges, which is a much lovelier town than Ghent. However, Ghent is home to one singularly fantastic piece of art, Jan van Eyck's Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in St. Bavo's. There are only a handful of van Eycks in existence, and each of them is extraordinary. But unless you are a van Eyck fanatic, you will probably enjoy Bruges much more.
Mar 18th, 2006, 12:10 PM
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Thanks to everyone who replied. Sounds like a need an extra couple of days !! I want to see it all !!!!!!!! Hopefully we will have a little time in Antwerp and Ghent before bussing off to Brussels and Bruge, where more time will be spent.
Mar 28th, 2006, 05:11 PM
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of the cities you mentioned, brugges is by far the most beautiful and medieval. with fantastic restaurants and great pubs! beer is king. brussels is nice especially the area around the Great Old Square! in my humble opinion, put brugges at the top of your list!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mar 28th, 2006, 07:49 PM
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Obviously opinions may differ, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Antwerp and how little I liked Brussels. I had scheduled only one day in Antwerp and was sorry, wishing I had spent the time allocated to Brussels in Antwerp instead. It was at least partly a function of size, as Antwerp felt smaller and more accessible in a short visit.
I haven't visited Ghent and while Bruges was pretty, much of it felt rather Disneyland-ish to me: worth seeing, but just a bit disappointing.
I haven't visited Ghent and while Bruges was pretty, much of it felt rather Disneyland-ish to me: worth seeing, but just a bit disappointing.
Mar 28th, 2006, 08:32 PM
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If you had lots of time I think there is more to do in Antwerp than Brussels, but this sounds like you only have time for a quick pass. In that case I'd say Brussels just to see the Grand Palace and Square, and the famous Mannequin Pis -- sure the touristy things to do, but that's what it's all about, isn't it?
Between Bruges and Ghent? I'd say there is no comparison. While Ghent was interesting, it's no Bruges!
Between Bruges and Ghent? I'd say there is no comparison. While Ghent was interesting, it's no Bruges!
