Ghent vs Bruge
 

My daughter and I are staynig 2 nights in Belgium before flying out of Brussels. Would anyone recommend Bruge over Ghent as a hub point and can you travel inexpensively between the two.

I would pick Brugge over Ghent (just because I liked it more).

It's been too long since I was there for me to give Belgian travel info - so I hope someone else answers the rest of your question.

Agree on Brugge over Ghent - but we drove so can;t comment on train fares.

We preferred Ghent over Bruges. It is also closer to Brussels and more varied. We stayed in a B&B close to the center of the old town (all within 10 minutes walking distance). I give the name in my trip report which starts with Ghent; click on my name to find it. It is an old report, but I believe that the B&B still exists.

we had the choice you did and picked Ghent. Walking around Ghent is like stepping wayyyyy back in time. It's not nearly as touristy as Bruges (so i've heard from folks that have been to both)It's a university town so you'll find far more college age students than tourists like yourselves. The medieval castle Gravensteen was my 2nd favorite of the ones i've visited in Europe (after Tower of London). Has a drawbridge, torture chamber, even a moat.
The historic center is one of the largest car free zones in all of Europe. Like Bruges there are canals as well which you can tour for very little money. very charming place but lives in the shadow of Bruges

Thanks for all the input . it sounds like its a toss up. As long as they have good Belgium beer I will be happy. Any good ideas for cute pubs with lots of character?

If you are picking one over the other as a hub, I would think Ghent was more central - better access to Bruges, Antwerp, Brussels by rail. If you want pretty, Bruges is no doubt more scenic. Ghent is a real city with real people that just happens to be medieval and very attractive, and not so many tourists.

In Brussels - Le Cirio, À La Mort Subite, Moeder Lambic, Falstaff are all nice for a drink. Interesting / traditional surroundings, good choice of beers.

Lavandula

if you end up going to Ghent head to the Vrijdagmarkt which is their town square. you'll have LOADS of choices for awesome places to try delicious Beligum beer on draft

Some ideas on Belgian beer and places to consume it on this thread
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...mendations.cfm