Minipam - If you've already figured for it in your itinerary, then go!!! Better to go and wish you had more time there (and maybe plan for another trip to spend more time) then to not go at all, think you'll go in the future, and never get around to it.

I think you'll hear many differing reports on what the appropriate length of time is to give to Brugge...many people consider it a day trip only, and that works for them. We just prefer to spend more time in one place, perhaps rent an apartment, and explore every nook and cranny we possibly can.

Definitely do the day trip - and survey whether or not you would like to return. I think you'll know right away whether or not it's worth a second, longer visit.

Have a fabulous trip!

I am becomming more and more intrigued with visiting Brugge. My wife and I are going to Europe for the first time March 15-22nd, and are currently staying in Amsterdam the full visit. Would like to take a day or two to visit another part of Europe, and Paris and Brugge have been the two most suggested destinations. I'm hearing though that Paris is very spread out, and a day or two would be much more chaotic there; while Brugge is more compact and relaxed - opinions?

We're doing Amsterdam/Brugge. Four nights in A'dam; then morning train to Brugge; then evening train back to A'dam the following day; then fly home the next morning.

Paris is actually just as close, timewise (faster train, with no connection), but as most people here would tell you, it's better to save it for a longer stay.

Brugge seems to be just about right for a 2-day/1-night stay.

to all people thinking about going to Brugge. i was there last month for the first time. It is ok for a about 2 days. The beer is excellent however nightlife isn't very good. only a few busy bars in the evening. To be honest there is nothing to do in Brugge except eat and drink and you cant do that 24/7.
especially when your paying between 4 and 7 euro for a large beer in a bar.where you can buy the same ones in a supermarket for 0.60-1 euro, there are alot of places to eat at relatively good prices. In general the type of people who go to brugge are probably looking for a romantic stay or a little bit of culture. It's not that romantic and there is really no significant history or culture. You would be alot better going to Antwerp of Ghent, you'll get a better selction of chocolate and beers there if thats what your looking for and they are not as big and busy like brussels.

I'm sure the place is wonderful but it doesn't sound worth a week to me..perhaps that's a flaw in the trip report or just my own interests. Beer and chocolate for New Year's Eve.????.get real!

Even though I have not been to Brugge and am going in Sept. for 2 days, I have been to Paris and would pick Paris over Brugge. Of course, a longer stay would be better but still a weekend or 2 days in Paris can still be a great experience. Just stay in a central location. The food, ambiance, and just being there is great.

In response to: "It's not that romantic and there is really no significant history or culture."

Whether or not something is romantic is personal judgement - I will respectfully disagree but appreciate your personal opinion.

However - I would like to point out some historical and cultural significance. Brugge was honored as the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2002! You can view Michelangelo's Madonna inside the Church of Our Lady - it's the only Michelangelo that can be seen in the low countries.

Historically, Brugge was a major international trading center in the 13th century, and international finance center in the 14th century. Brugge has had 2000 (!) years of history - to say that is "not significant" is a shame.

beanweb24 thanks for your trip report and interaction on this thread. We're going to Brugge in Sept. for 2 nights and are really excited. If you are still reading this thread would be interested in your thoughts....we were thinking about riding bikes for a day in and around Brugge. Is that a good way to see and experience the town?

Hi Beechtree -

I've actually never rented bikes in Brugge! I do think that it would be a great way to see the city, though. We have walked *really* long distances, and I think the exploration would have been a little easier had we ridden bikes. Brugge is very flat, and there are tons of wonderful paths that wander along the canals - I think you would have a great time riding bikes!

beanweb24

Thanks for the info and reply. I can't wait for our trip.

Bob

I'm planning on being in Brugge during New Year's and I'm very interested in hearing about your dinner at Den Dyver. How did you arrange it? Did it need to be reserved much in advance? Any other options for New Years?
Fabulous trip report too, thank you!

Dumon is excellent and one of a few hand-made chocolate shops that I visit when I am in Bruges. I also go to The Chocolate Line in Simon Stevinplein which is very famous for it's unique window displays and expensive gift chocolates - but I also go to The Old Chocolate House which is nearby on Mariastraat (#1) and here I find excellent fresh belgian chocolates and very friendly service from Francoise and her daughter Barbe. They also ship chocs for my daughter when she needs lifting up!! http://www.oldchocolatehouse.com