Hello!

I've been lurking on Fodors for years, was planning trips to Ireland & Scotland but now that's changed. I have looked into many threads on Bruges/Brugge but some are very scattered.

Four of us (cousin, Aunt, mother) are heading to Brussels and Bruges (2-3 days each) at the end of May 2006 with a small side trip to Ribe (Denmark) for 2 days (cousin's father's family from there). Flying in/out of Brussels.

Some questions:

-How crowded Brussels/Bruges in May with tourists?

-Favorite tours in Brussels/Bruges? (I've read boat tour great). Would Ghent be a good choice for a day trip?

-Read many good things about Number 11 B&B in Bruges but looks a little out of our price range. Any recommendations under 90 Euros along that line for either Brussels or Bruges? Willing to share rooms of course.

-Need to travel from Brussels/Bruges to Ribe:

We're assuming likely need to travel through Copenhagen, esp for flights. Recommendations on airlines, travel tips for airports on either end?

What about overnight train (I can look up schedule, looking for experiences/preferences on doing this)?

Many thanks in advance.

I highly recommend Marieke B&B in Bruges - http://users.belgacom.net/marieke Clean, conmfortable, canal view, wonderful hosts. I was there in Sept. and it was very crowded, imagine May would be the same. Still worth visiting, though.

We stopped in Ghent for an afteroon (train stop-over on the Brussels-Brugge line) and really enjoyed walking around the town. And I spent 45 minutes looking at one painting (Adoration of the Lamb), which I've never done before or since.

As for crowds, we went in mid-June, and found Belgium in general pleasantly free of the crowds we've seen elsewhere. I'd imagine that May would be even quieter?

We stayed in BB Verhulst, which I highly recommend - the proprietor, Benno, is fantastic and the breakfasts were great.

Enjoy!

I'm quite sure Brugge will be packed with tourists in May. I was there in mid-Jan and it was crowded.

Ghent would be a good place for a daytrip. You can take a canal boat ride, visit the Gravensteen, climb up the belfry, and definitely don't miss the "Mystic Lamb" altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers. Allow yourself at least 30-45 minutes for the Mystic Lamb.

ttt

In May we've booked the Adornes Hotel in Brugge for 100 Euros per night with breakfast and free bikes. Good reviews here and on www.tripadvisor.com.

Lily, you will love the Adornes. Tell Natalie hi from her friends in North Carolina. She is the best travel ambassador for Bruges!

Thank you all for the very helpful replies. The Adornes sounds great with breakfast and bikes. I ride often, but horse not bikes...would definitely have to practice.

Any idea on the overnight train for flights from Brussels to Copenhagen? Trying to make the most of our time since we don't have extra days to spend in transit.

At that time of year, Bruges will definitely have plenty of visitors. But a large percentage of them will be day trippers, so you will find the city much quieter after 6 pm and before 9:30 am (early morning is a great time to walk around and take pictures).
Ghent should be fine for a day trip, although it's not my favorite place in that part of Belgium. I had to go there several times for business; I used to walk around afterwards and it just didn't grab me.
Instead of an overnight train, would you consider a flight on Snowflake from Copenhagen to Brussels (www.flysnowflake.com) ? Also check Virgin Express.

FYI, a nice, quiet, modestly priced less touristy restaurant in Bruges is Bonheur on Smedenstraat near 'tZand. We stopped there for dinner last night. Friendly service. A two course dinner with wine, water and coffee costs about 25 euro per person. Smedenstraat is less crowded with tourists and has several attractive interior design, cookware, and clothing shops, pleasant for window shopping before or after dinner.

If you want some fresh air and excercise, take the train to Knokke, rent bicycles and cycle to the Zwin nature reserve. Have lunch along the seafront.

Be aware that Thursday May 25th is a public holiday, and then nearly everyone takes the Friday off as well; schools are closed. It's a very popular time for short breaks.

I am also planning a trip to Brugge. Does anyone know how much time the train from Paris to Brugge takes?

Train from Paris to Brugge takes approx 2-1/2 hours, most with a change in Brussels. Check times on www.bahn.hafas.de
Whatisup --In mid-May I have a reservation at the Hotel Ensor -- a single for 53 Euro per night. It's supposed to be within walking distance to everything, including the train station.