DanM

Which do you chose and why? I will have two nights and one day to spend in one or the other while driving from Normandy back to Luxembourg. It will be me, my wife, our 5 yr-old son, and infant daughter. We will have just done Reims, Chartres, Giverny, and three days in Normandy.

Michael

I preferred Ghent to Bruges. It is less homogeneous, hence more alive in my mind; Bruges is overpreserved, as far as I'm concerned. Ghent has some interesting museums--a decorative arts museum and a folklore museum-- both close to the core tourist area. We stayed in a wonderful B&B. If interested in the name, I gave it in my Trip Report: Ghent, Normandy and Brittany (I have no other record of it)

nytraveler

I vastly prefer Brugge which has a more universally midieval atmosphere. ghent is a significantly larger town and a lot of it is much more modern.

tmh

I prefer Brugge. Several nice musuems, great plaza for people watching and the market; small enought not to get lost or spend hours to get from place A-B; large enough to wander for a day; small chocalte stores great waffles; nice and reasonable B&Bs...sorry getting lost in my thoughts.

jmw44

Another vote for Brugge. As with many gorgeous old places, the best time of day to explore is early morning or late evening. J.

DanM

Thank you for the replies. Most of the people I talk to are psuhing Brugge, but they have not been to Ghent. It is nice to hear from a few folks who have been to both. Thank you for taking the time to give your advice.

mgmargate

Having been to both I would choose brugge it is one of our favorite destinations in europe outside of the larger must see places.

BTilke

Another vote for Brugge. Although I have been to Ghent several times, I was never *that* enthralled by it and a second choice after Brugge, I would go to Leuven or even Ieper; but Brugge remains my first choice. And being in Brugge at night, after the day trippers are gone, is wonderful. If you poke around the edges of Brugge, you'll find it far less "homogenous" than expected.

JMM

Been to both - prefer Brugge - more consistently medaeval.

tmh

I too have been to both so felt qualified to reply. Brugges...unless you really want to go to Ghent

artstuff

I've also been to both towns, and much prefer Brugge. It's smaller, less modern. Ghent is close enough you can do a quick side trip, although your time is limited. Have a safe journey. Peace.

Robyn