I also did not like Brussels apart from the Grand Place, sorry. But that is my opinion only. I did find Brugge to be much nicer. I don't understand why get upset if people state that they don't like a particular city or country. For example, I like Paris alot, but there are many who find it to be ugly and boring. I don't understand their reasoning but they are entitled to their opinions.

I think it's interesting that people refer to Brussels as boring due to the EU institutions being there, when I think that's precisely one of the things that makes it such a buzzing, lively, cosmopolitan city.

I love the fact that my friends here are Latvian, English, Irish, Scottish, French, Belgian, Romanian, German, Finnish, Italian, Spanish... I love the fact that my local supermarket stocks Swedish bread and Spanish cookies and British soft drinks, and that I can hear conversations in 5 different European languages when I catch the bus or metro. I love the fact that it's no big deal to be foreign, that you can dress how you like, that people are open minded. I love the fact that if I want to eat great ethnic food I can find authentic restaurants patronised by natives of the country in question. It's the very antithesis of the dull, grey city that people (including me, before I moved there!) imagine.

There are many opinions here.
I personally like Brussels.
I spend a week on business each September, and I never tire of the city.
It depends what you are looking for.
We love to stroll around Grand Place, and eat in the outdoor restaurants.
It is a great city to "people watch".
It is not exciting, but plenty of good food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
There is an abundance of nightlife and clubs if that is what you are looking for.
It is not a great shopping city, if that is your main purpose.
Everyone should see Brugge at least once.
Again, you can walk almost everywhere, and the city is built on canals.
Also you will see the Flemish rather than the French part of Belgium.
When I took my daughters to Europe for the first time we made our first stop in Brugge, as I wanted them to see the old historical Europe.
Ghent has much history, but not the beauty of Brugge.
From Brussels, right off Grand Place, there is a bus tour company.
They have many day trips including one to Antwerp, another to Ghent and Brugge, etc.
Wherever you go, enjoy!