We have 5 days to spend in Belgium and from previous posts, it seems best to avoid Brussels. We have already booked 2 nights in Brugge, but wondering if we should add a night there or go ahead and spend 3 nights in Antwerp. Any ideas and suggestions for inexpensive places to stay in Antwerp?

Brugge and Antwerp are a bit different in character.

Antwerp is certainly more lively, diverse and highly recommended if you want to do some shopping as well.

Brugge on the other hand is smaller, more relaxing with better preserved architecture.

Personally I would vote for 3 nights in Antwerp. You should be able to find lots of hotels there through for example Hotels.com.

I agree with the above poster; Brugge has a more small-town charm and Antwerpen is a much bigger and very lively harbour-city.

2 nights in Brugge and 3 nights in Antwerpen will be a good way to spend a few days in Belgium!

I replied on your other thread. I'll top it for you.

Thank you. We are actually coming in from Paris and still wondering whether a one night stop in Brussels is worth it or not. What do you think?

I would stay in Antwerp the whole time. If you want to visit Brussels for 1 day just pick up a train from Antwerp. But stopping in Brussels for just 1 night then changing accommodations twice more? it seems to me like a waste of time.

Really depends on what you like. Most people snub Brussels - but it has such a wonderful art museum with lots of gems. Also, if you like art Nouveau, Brussels is really worth a visit.

Antwerp and Brugge are quite different. I personally like Brugge more, but if you're into newer and modern things, and into fashion, then Antwerp is more for you.