siren6214

Hi all,
My husband and I are planning 2-month backpacking trip through Europe in 2016.
We are going to Ireland, then Scotland, then London...before catching train to Brussels. I planned the trip to revolve around the 20th annual Flower carpet because it looks so beautiful! We would get in August 14th- and after reading other posts will likely go to Chaloupe Dor to take in the view. We only plan on spending one night in Brussels.

I've read the back and forth between Ghent and Bruges so I've decided to take a train to Ghent the next day and stay for 2-nights before taking a train to Bruges and staying for 1 night. We would then leave from Bruges to Paris the following morning.

We only plan to have our backpacks no rental cars- what would you recommend doing/seeing/staying in these 3 areas?

Thanks!

nytraveler

There is no nee to stay in both Bruges and Ghent - they are only about 30 minutes apart by train. Much more efficient to stay in one and just ay trip to the other. While Ghent is lovely we prefer Bruges - but I would decide based on what specific things you want to see.do.

PalenQ

Stay in Bruges, one of the prettiest cities in northern Europe - Gent is neat but no oh oh so romantic - especially after dark when the day trippers and bus tours have gone and the town takes on even more charm.

Brussels is a city that leaves many unexcited - consider throwing your bags in a station locker at Gare Midi (where Eurostar trains come in and train to Bruges depart) and spend the few hours to see the few must sights - the Mannequin Pis and the Grand' Place being the biggest one - then go onto Bruges for the night - making only one base and less hassle relocating.

With your Eurostar ticket to Brussels get the ABS fare that for a few euros lets you go within 24 (48?) hours of your arrival in Brussels to any other train station in Belgium.

If going by train for loads of great stuff on European trains check these fab sites IMO - www.seat61.com - great info on discounted Eurostar tickets; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

PalenQ

antwerp is a larger city - much larger than Bruges or Gent but a really neat city - try to get that in as well since you are on a trip that is so long. If going to Amsterdam consider stopping off there.

joannyc

Another recommendation for spending the nights In Brugge! Day trip to Ghent.

I liked Ghent and Antwerp (in that order) but loved Brugge! In fact, my entire trip that year was built around it! ;-)

PalenQ

In the long past I took over 1,000 folks on tours thru Bruges and they nearly all loved it so so much - they liked Gent and Antwerp where we also stayed overnight but they loved Bruges - some came back after the trip they loved it so much. In the eyes of typical Americans at least Bruges is so so dreamy - locals may consider it a museum town but Americans and non-Europeans just fall in love with it - though the daytime crowds can tarnish the romance a tad or two.

Aramis

Another vote for all three nights in Brugge and a day trip to Ghent.