madamtrashheap

Thanks for the updated info sljap. With that in mind I would recommend at least one full day in Brussels to visit the Royal Museums of Fine Art, the Royal Museum of the Army as mentioned by cjbpjb (for historical context), the Comic Museum (big part of Belgian culture, plus the building was designed by renowned architech Victor Horta). Then there's the Brewery Museum, the Chocolate Museum, the Atomium, Mini-Europe, Mannekin Pis (and siste Jeanneke), Grand Place...and you've barely scratched the surface (although the above are a good start). Brugge is very pretty and warrants a full day also. Staying there two nights (it's a very short ride from Brussels) will also allow time to visit Ypres/Ieper. Then choosing between Ghent and Antwerp will be the next part (unless you want to leave them for next visit as they are both worth a day). You can do either as a day trip (from Brussel or Brugge) and both have their own charms. Read what has been written above and see if that helps with your decision. I enjoy Ghent's Graslei (waterfront area in the Old Town) but Antwerp also has a Royal Museum of Fine Arts and Rubenshuis and the Guildhouses and Market Place are also stunning.

As for food, i'm with cjbpjb in the notion that it's hard to have a bad meal in Belgium as the food, and choice, is great. Waterzooi is a must have if you enjoy fish, and mussels (done every which way, but in wine is good) are excellent. Ditto with fries - perfected by the Belgians, stolen and renamed by the French! And yes, waffles and chocolate abound. The beer is spectacular - beer to the Belgians is like wine to the French, and each beer has a specific glass to enhance aeration and flavour.

So, with that in mind, perhaps look at:
AMS - Brugge train via Antwerp (there's a 9am train that stops in Antwerp 1hr15mins into the journey. Then it's only another 1hr15 to Brugge. There is another train which stops in both Antwerp and Ghent if you decide to do Ghent instead) Time in Antwerp before arriving in Brugge later in evening.
Brugge - 2 nights; allows 1 day for Brugge and 1 day for Ypres/Ieper if you leave for Brussels in early evening of 2nd day, thus having very close to 2 full days in Brugge.
Brussels - 2 nights (which will equate to almost 2 full days as the train ride from Brugge is just under 1 hour)
train back to AMS (around 2h45 on InterCity from Brussels Central station or 2hrs on Thalys from Brussel Midi station).

spaarne

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sljap on Jul 22, 11 at 11:10am
My husband I love art, we love museums of any kind of art. We are super into food, any kind..total foodies. I believe my husband would enjoy seeing some batttlefields. I do enjoy shopping..I hope this helps for further suggestions. We are not afraid to get out in the weather and explore.
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Have you even thought about getting a guidebook and a map?

Odin

>>Have you even thought about getting a guidebook and a map?<<

I think the guidebook has been quoted quite well in the post prior to yours.

madamtrashheap

Odin wrote: <i>I think the guidebook has been quoted quite well in the post prior to yours.</i>
Interestingly enough I haven't read "the guidebook" on Belgium, info comes from my own travels and experiences. But thanks for the compliment Odin! ""

Ozarksbill

This has been pretty well answered. I do wonder if Novemember might be cold. Brugges is surely a choice with its Medieval charm...good place to stroll if temps are OK.
But some have pointed to Antwerp and Brussels for various reasons. And I would think you should take in some towns en route in the Netherlands if you haven't. This might include a stop at Den Haag as well with its Peace Palace and Maurithuis Museum featuring Vermeer and Rembrandt.

spaarne

<i>
Odin on Jul 23, 11 at 3:42am
>>Have you even thought about getting a guidebook and a map?<<
I think the guidebook has been quoted quite well in the post prior to yours.
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Repetition is helpful for slow learners. Spoken as a former school teacher.

sljap

you all have given my wonderful suggestions. I do have a guidebook with a map but I was just looking for some suggestions from people who have already been there and those who responded have been most helpful...