I will be traveling by train through Belgium from Amsterdam to Paris. A business associate suggested a city named Brugge (or something close to that). I realize I can do my own research, but does anyone have any suggestions to get me started from personal experience or word of mouth? Where to stay, what to see, etc. I am traveling with wife and infant. Any help is appreciated <BR>

I was in Brugge last September. It really is my favorite town in Belgium. The rail service is wonderful in Belgium and Holland (was also in Amsterdam). While in Brugge, we stayed at a very nice hotel on a canal called Oud Huis Amsterdam. It was charming and the staff was wonderful. It is near all the sites and is a good value. There are quite a few sites in Bruges (town hall, nice churches, canal tours). Enjoy!!

I found good information on the internet just by searching under Bruge and Belgium.

Brugge (in Flemish), Bruges (in Waloon French), the Bridges (in English) is one of the most delightful small cities in Europe.The old city within a ring canal is virtually unchanged since the 16th century. Laced with canals with hundreds of bridges, it is a Venice of the North. It boasts of a large town square in front of the massive bell tower, 15th and 16th century guild houses, magnificent Gothic architecture in its provincial buildings, a lovely Madonna and Child of Michelangelo's in the Church of Our Lady and some of the finest dining in the world. About an hour by train from Brussels, it is one of Europe's treasures. Don't miss it if at all possible!

Just another vote for you to definitely not miss Brugge. If you like chocolate, you will love Brugge. Every other store is a chocolate store. The rest seemed to be lace. Be sure to go to the top of the Belfry for one of the best views in Europe.

...And do try the fantastic frites from the carts in front of the belltower. <BR>We loved riding around the town and along the "ring moat" by the windmills on a tandem bike - maybe they have infant carriers!! You'll pass bike rental shops as you walk around the town. Another easy (but much more $$) way to get around with a little one would be a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. The lovely medieval town is a perfect spot for that. <BR>

Brugge was the first stop on our three-week vacation last year, and I would have been content to stay there all three weeks! Brugge is a beautiful city, just the right size to make you feel like you are in your own hometown. <BR> <BR>Be sure to rent bicycles while you are there. The town is very easy to navigate by bike, and it is so much quicker to get around by bike than by walking. All the locals in Brugge get around by bicycle, so you will feel right at home amongst them. <BR> <BR>Market day is Tuesday and Thursday. Don't miss out on some of the most delicious treats you'll ever taste. It seems that every other store in Brugge is a chocolate shop, so get your sweet tooth ready. <BR> <BR>We did not have reservations when we got there, but this wonderful lady on a bike stopped us at the train station and asked if we were looking for a place to stay. She took us to a friend's home a few blocks away, and we were able to rent a flat, which was <BR>a two-story, two-bedroom, two-bathroom, kitchen, living room, and patio, for something like $50 a night. We stayed an extra two nights because the place was so wonderful. <BR> <BR>The outdoor cafes are very lovely, and we took a tour of a brewery which was fun. Don't miss going to the top of the belfrey to see a spectacular view of Brugge from above. Be sure to be at the top when the bells toll! It's an experience you won't forget. Also, don't miss out on a canal ride. <BR> <BR>There is a beautiful lake a little ways from the downtown area called "Love Lake." It is truly magical at dusk. We spent hours there every night just watching the swans swimming. You'll fall in love all over again! <BR> <BR>I wish I was going back tomorrow. Have a delightful time! And thank your friend for telling you about Brugge. It's a place you'll never forget. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Kevin, <BR> Amen to all of the above! <BR>I would like to add some points of interest for you, assuming you have the time. Another fantastic stop in Belgium is the FABULOUS medieval city of Ghent which is quite close to Brugge. It is a city that is at once close to the past and the present as it is home to a great University. <BR> Another GREAT stop is Antwerp (Anvers, Antwerpen) the 'capital' of Flemish Belgium. While many of the sites were destroyed in WW2 it is probably the most vibrant, alive and modern city in Belgium, if not all of northern Europe. If you are interested in culture and the arts - in getting to really know the Belgian people (atleast the Flemish ones) it is THE place to go! <BR> One last note. Belgium is not only home to the worlds BEST chocolate and Frites (french fries) but it also has the BEST BEER in Europe. I am a serious beer afficianado and I tell you, forget Germany, Austria and England, Belgium is the best. Every town has atleast one brewery with a unique product, each one better than the next! <BR> Also, Belgium is an ultra modern country with a standard of living equal if not higher than that of the US, travelling with your infant will not be a problem at all. <BR>Bon Voyage! <BR>Matt <BR>

We made our first car trip in Europe about ten years ago and we had heard something about Brugge so we decided to give it a try. We ended staying there three days even though it was raining most of the time. Dispite the weather it was one of the highlights of our trip. When you arrive in Brugge is just like arriving in a different era. We didn't know much about so we just walked around and enjoyed the atmosphere. I will revert to you if I find the name of the hotel we stayed in.

Both Brugge and Ghent (or Gent) are wonderful cities to visit! By all means, take the side trip. They have some great beers too!

Deena, in an early response, wrote: <BR> <BR>"While in Brugge, we stayed at a very nice hotel on a canal called Oud Huis Amsterdam." My wife and I also stayed there: it's an outstanding place with outstanding service in an outstanding city! <BR> <BR>While there, consider a boat trip to Damme. Also, if it's later in the year and you're in the area over a Sunday, try a train trip to Knokke. Have fun! <BR>

Brugge is at the top of my "must-go" list for any of my friends going to Europe. It is a delightful town...much more than chocolates and beer. You will love it...do try to be there for market-day...picture a lovely town square with the flower vendors and vegetable vendors and meat vendors with the rabbits hanging upside down and the bells ringing and just the wonderful locals out for a chat together and enjoying the sunshine, and then they get onto their bicycle and put their goods into the wicker basket and off they go to their home. <BR> You may want to visit the lace-making places...this is a reviving art in Brugge. Some of the local women...about a dozen at the time...go and make beautiful laces with dozens of bobbins...they just sign in and work for awhile...very charming to just wander among them as they quietly work and meet and chat with them and see their beautiful work and then see them go and sign the little book with a pencil and get their pay. You can also buy their work. It was nice for me to meet the lady who had made my piece and have her tell me how long it took for her to complete it. Then to see the young girls as they learn the art...maybe eight in a room...adorable. One of the shops...Rococo, I believe...had a lady, 100 years old who had been making lace since she was five, and she would come every day and work with those bobbins and just smile at you. I'm not sure if she is still there. <BR> The cleanest city in Europe...every day they wash the windows of the stores and at day's end scrub the sidewalks down with soapy water...each merchant out front of his store with his scrub brush and soapsuds. They speak five languages, beginning with one in first grade, another in third, another in 5th...ending with English...so you will have no problems communicating. <BR> Just "hanging out" in Brugge is a delight. Wander the streets. Take a ride on the canal. Sit in the outdoor restaurants. A truly delightful place! Go!

I can't add much to what everyone has said about Brugge, except to say it's all true. I would add another recommendation for a hotel - "T'Bourgognesche Cruyce," or The Burgundy Cross, a small inn centrally located on a canal, very comfortable and good breakfast. It's in most of the guide books. Enjoy your trip. <BR>

Having been there twice, I offer only this advice.....DON'T MISS IT!!!

<BR>Can not add anything to what has already been said on Bruges. I only can mention that we stayed for 3 nights there in a small but beautiful hotel called "Anselmus". It is right in the city center and the whole historical city center is within walking distance. <BR>It is runned by Magda and she is really doing well. <BR>