2 days in Brussels - Antwerp worth it?
#1
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2 days in Brussels - Antwerp worth it?
Hello we have ending our trip this year with 2 1/2 days in brussels, some of told me that 2 days is too much in Brussels and have recommened us taking a day trip to Antwerp. Just wondering if that is the best thing to do or if there are better day trips from Brussels?
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if you like art nouveau, take a half day tour of the Horta houses and other art nouveau structures, vist the old town and restaurants on the pedestrian street, sit in the square opposite the huge town hall and have an expresso and w a tch the world go by; use a second day for a day trip to bruges
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Not sure when you're going. I recall a flower market at some point in the spring/summer and theat would ltake time. They have a lovely museum as well as decent restaurants. (We were there in Dec and attended the Christmas markets). If those don't interest you I"d pick Brugge over Antwerp.
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My husband and I took a trip to Brugge from Brussels and we were charmed by its beauty and quaint feel. We took a boat trip through the canal and rented bikes to tour the many windmills surrounding the town.
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I must disagree with Lesg, and not just because I live close to Antwerp.
Brugge is pretty and quaint indeed, but the big difference between Brugge and Antwerpen is that Brugge is mainly for tourists while Antwerp is a city where people actually live and work. Antwerp is quite a bit larger than Brugge, too and being the third largest main port in the world our city is very cosmopolitan. It has some great architecture, lots of museums and impressive monuments, picturesque squares, cobblestoned streets. It's the centre of fashion in Belgium (the famous Antwerp Six) as well as the world centre of diamond trade. There's also some very good shopping in Antwerp, as well as great restaurants - both Belgian/French and multicultural, cafés and an interesting nightlife. In brief: our city has everything for those who - like us - love the good things in life.
Brugge is pretty and quaint indeed, but the big difference between Brugge and Antwerpen is that Brugge is mainly for tourists while Antwerp is a city where people actually live and work. Antwerp is quite a bit larger than Brugge, too and being the third largest main port in the world our city is very cosmopolitan. It has some great architecture, lots of museums and impressive monuments, picturesque squares, cobblestoned streets. It's the centre of fashion in Belgium (the famous Antwerp Six) as well as the world centre of diamond trade. There's also some very good shopping in Antwerp, as well as great restaurants - both Belgian/French and multicultural, cafés and an interesting nightlife. In brief: our city has everything for those who - like us - love the good things in life.
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First, I would never say two days is too much for Brussels and not just because I still live there (part time). Nor would I say to skip Antwerp, it is a vibrant, interesting city, even though it's not my favorite place.
But I would still say go to Brugge IF you want someplace beautiful and charming. Also, if on your trip you've been spending all your time in big cities, it might be nice to go to someplace smaller. What would you like to do on the last days of your trip?
Be advised that Brugge on a sunny, summer week-end will be VERY crowded. So do a tour of the main area, then rent a bike and get off the beaten path. And try to go back as late as night as you can, so you can see the city without the hordes of daytrippers (most leave by 7 pm).
But I would still say go to Brugge IF you want someplace beautiful and charming. Also, if on your trip you've been spending all your time in big cities, it might be nice to go to someplace smaller. What would you like to do on the last days of your trip?
Be advised that Brugge on a sunny, summer week-end will be VERY crowded. So do a tour of the main area, then rent a bike and get off the beaten path. And try to go back as late as night as you can, so you can see the city without the hordes of daytrippers (most leave by 7 pm).
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Well said Myriam (from another close-to-Antwerp resident).
Brugge is lovely, but soooo many tourists. I hear from residents who live in the center that it has become almost unlivable, and it is crowded all year round now.
Ibiza girl; it really all depend on what you like to do.
Brugge is lovely, but soooo many tourists. I hear from residents who live in the center that it has become almost unlivable, and it is crowded all year round now.
Ibiza girl; it really all depend on what you like to do.
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Thanks for all the feedback about Antwerp and Bruges. My husband is really into breweries, are there any good ones around Antwerp or Bruges that would be worthwhile? and one other question, how far by train is Bruges?