Hi all...

We have 3 1/2 days budgeted out of our Europe trip in March for Belgium. My girlfriend and I really want to see Bruges. Is there enough to do there for 3 days? Or should we dedicate some time to Brussels? The only drawback I've read is that Brussels is just one big business-oriented city... and not really a great place to visit as a tourist. Any feedback or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

I think Brussels is quite nice. Where have you read that it isn't a nice place to visit as a tourist? I'm puzzled by your post.

I think that if you enjoy a slow pace, Bruges (one of the world's loveliest small cities) should be able to keep you busy for three days. Lots of churches, small museums, cafes, shops to while away your time in. Having been there once (for a day and a half), I would probably say two days is ideal.

I've never been to Brussels, but, it does seem that many people find it a not very charming city. There has been some debate about it here on Fodors. My impression is that, if you like to discover a city's more subtle beauty, Brussels is great. But don't expect Paris or Rome.

You can certainly find enough to see in Bruges to fill up three days, and if that's your prefernec I'd say go for it. I spent four nights/three days there and didn't see everything - OTOH I like to go into almost every museum/house/church whereas others prefer to concentrate on the highlights. It's also a lovely place to just wander around without doing anything much.

We found 2 nights & 1 1/2 days in Bruges to be perfect. We didn't visit any museums, however. We spent 3 hrs in Brussels (between the time our plane arrived and the train departed for Paris). The main square there is probably the best we've seen in Europe. Like you, I read in several tour books (Rick Steves is one), that there are more interesting cities to spend time in than Brussels. How about Ghent or Amsterdam?

Stu Dudley

I didn’t find Brussels as scenic as Bruges, but that’s just my feeling only. Many others love Brussels.

I spent a day in Brussels while touring Belgium a few years ago and enjoyed the architecture and shops. I like Ghent and Bruges much more, though.

Ghent's fascinating as well, but Bruges has more charm. I had three days there before I went to Bruges, and I was pleased to have done it that way round. As you only have three days for the whole country, I'd be inclined to say pick one place, unless you are the sort of traveller who likes to move fast.

Hi, Fireman.

There's definitely plenty to keep you occupied in Bruges. It's a wonderful, stunningly beautiful town.

If the weather's good, you can rent bikes and pedal along the canal, past windmills, to the tiny village of Damme. Bike shops have maps. Of course, it's very flat and easy, and quite beautiful.

You'll love it, have fun.

Stay in Bruges and if after two days you feel that you have seen it, take a day trip to Ghent or Brussels.

We spent 3 days in Bruges over Christmas and absolutely LOVED it. If you click on my name you can see our trip report. There is definitely enough to keep busy for 3 days.

We like Bruges much better than Brussels but I agree that if you have time a day trip would be worthwhile.

I liked Bruges better than Brussels. I can truly say that few European capitals have left me so uninspired. In Bruges rent a bike and find your way out of the city, along a wonderful canal, to Damme (just 4 km). Lock the bike and enjoy a stroll and the wonderful cappuccinos.

A Brit speaking: Bruges (Brugge)is the brightest jewel in Belgium and if you pass up the chance of seeing it you will be a poorer person. If 3 days sounds too much add on Ypres (Ieper)or Antwerp perhaps. Belgian railways are easy, reliable and cheap - it's a small country.

Brussels is not the most striking capital in Europe but there are nevertheless many beautiful places depending on your interests and requirements.

Belgium is a delightful country and offers the finest beer on the continent, and just about the best food as well. 3 days? - you will just skim the surface.

I loved Brugge; there are multiple churches, museums, chocolate and lace shops to easily occupy you for 3 days. However, I would strongly recommend taking a full day and to tour the Western Front/Ipres. That would leave you 2 days in Brugges and you'll be as busy as you want to be. I just overnighted in Brussels enroute to Brugge (DH was working there and joined me a day or so later). It really is the 'venice of the north';the canals are beautiful especially at night with the lighting; restaurants along the banks,etc. You can take a canal ride or a carriage ride; we happened to be there when Prince Philip was visiting - a big surprise. you'll love it!

Brussels has some interesting sights - but I would prefer Bruges and Ghent - with perhaps the 1/2 day in Brussels on the way to wherever.

We recently spent 2 nights in Brussels and 2 nights in Bruges. We really enjoyed Brussels, although 2 nights is probably enough. There's nothing like sitting in the incredible Grand Place and eating pommes frites from a street vendor. The food was fabulous. We all agreed we would have liked an extra day in Bruges - what a fairy tale place that is. You must take the boat ride along the canals, and see the women hand making lace.

Bruges can keep you busy for 3 days. It is also worthwhile to leave the beaten tourist path in Bruges. Brussels can be a day trip by train (55 min). The old city center of Brussels is worth a visit. Furthermore, it is the capital with lots of national museums.

There's plenty to do in Bruges for just 3 days....and if you get bored (shame on you if you do!), then hop on a train one day and go elsewhere for a daytrip. I was in Bruges for 3 days and it was wonderful. It's a really "walking" little gem of a medieval city, perfectly preserved spotlessly clean, with the most amazing feeling to it.

We had 7 nights in Bruges and it was perfect,lots to see and do. The town is very scenic,great art galleries and museums. We did a couple of day trips,1 to The Flanders Fields,very worthwile and we walked to Damme and back. It is an easy town to get around in. We preferred it to Brussels,Ghent and Antwerp.