Just Belgium
Jan 16th, 2007 | 10:04 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,439
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Just Belgium
Good afternoon friends!
May I suggest taking a bathroom break and grabbing a beverage? Perhaps settling in to a squishy comfy chair?
My husband and I are taking our second trip as a couple to Europe and have chosen Belgium for 4 nights in early March (Fri-Tue).
Please allow me to give a quick “shout out” to <b>BTilke</b> who suggested Belgium to me months ago-thank you!
We are flying into Brussels. Wed like to visit Brussels, Bruge, and Ghent (and possibly Antwerp and outerlying areas).
<font color="blue">So what are we looking for in a town?</font>
Another poster had me laughing and stated they liked to “eat” but not necessarily “dine,” hah! We are the same way-we will pretty much be happy living on chocolate, beer, and waffles for our trip, hee hee. Seriously though, more important to us than restaurants is the architectural feel of the town, proximity to public transportation, the “charm” of our lodging, and the availability of a few things to do.
I imagine us walking hand in hand along cobbled streets, water on one side, beautiful buildings adorning centuries-old architecture on the other, engulfed in the heavenly smell of piping hot fresh waffles (I hope), popping into various museums and cafes, just enjoying life!!
>>sigh<<
quot;>
Ok, ok, NatureGirl, back to earth!
<u>Where To Stay</u>
Based upon my research (including much on this forum), Im thinking Ghent or Bruge is an appealing place to base our visit. I like the canals and the village-feel versus the apparent city-feel of Brussels (and if this is wrong please please please correct me).
And b/w Ghent and Bruge Im leaning towards Ghent b/c Ive found more places to stay and its more central (although I realize the train/short distance b/w cities kind of makes everything easily accessible).
Although I figured it would be comparable to the other cities Ive mentioned, my husband wonders if Ghent is too far off the beaten track such that things would be more expensive than in, say, Brussels?
Ideally Id like a clean, stylish (I know, subjective), perhaps even historic, affordable place near public transportation and with pretty views of maybe the canals/river or the city (is all this even possible?). The locations below dont necessarily satisfy those reqs but they are the ones Ive found so far that Ive liked:
<font color="green">Places To Stay In Ghent</font>
B&B Karavanserai
Harmony Hotel
Puerto Patershol (Studio)
Monasterium
<font color="green">Places To Stay In Bruge</font>
Bruges and Breakfast (though not exactly a local experience, I presume)
Im open to other suggestions.
I used, in addition to random searches,
http://www.bedandbreakfast-gent.be/en/links.php
and
http://www.brugge-bedandbreakfast.co...1&taal=eng
Some of these (Harmony) are out of our price range but I listed them for future travelers.
Speaking of price range, it would be nice if we could limit the air/hotel to $1500 total. There are some packages (air & hotel) I found but they limit your lodging. There is a reasonable flight on Continental but then you dont get the discount offered by using a “package” to book flight/hotel together. If we dont go with a package we could stay in more than one city, if we chose, but we might not get the best lodging rate (b/c we wouldnt be booking it as a package with the airfare) but the hotels offered with such packages (that Ive come across) arent my favorite. Did I explain all that clearly?
Im sorry, I realize I have some kinks I need to work out in that regard (book as package or separately). Sometimes my thoughts go round and round like a carousel…hhaa!
<u>Where To Go</u>
We also tossed around the idea of seeing some of the eastern/northeastern areas. There were some nature conservations that appealed to us plus it would be nice to see some natural environment (versus city). <font color="red">Is it worth a days travel to do this?</font>
Like, one description of a town, I forget which, said wed be greeted by smokestacks puffing out billowing clouds of black smoke.
If it <i>is</i> worth it, my husband thinks renting a car to do this would be better (more flexibility, he says). Ive not checked the train schedule for that area (eg whether it goes there) but I think train would be better-thoughts on this?
<u>Things To Do</u>
Auto World looks fun (for my husband at least)
Musical Instruments Museum looks fun, too
There are so many museums that Im sure wed pop into a few others
Ive not researched this yet for Belgium but Im on the lookout for self-guided walking tours. There are websites that offer a guide you print, take with you, and follow along as you read about what youre looking at (we did this in London). Usually takes from one to a few hours to complete and is cool b/c you can go whenever youd like and at your own pace.
I was clicking around Thalys last night trying to find something like the trolley pass in San Fran where you pay once and can use the transportation for X number of days. First off, I know Thalys is the train wed use to get from Belgium to Paris, Germany, Amsterdam, and vice versa, but is it also the train wed use b/w the cities in Belgium? And do you know whether such a pass exists? Ill admit, I havent thoroughly researched this aspect yet.
I appreciate if anyone actually makes it this far into my longwinded post-I know I have packed a lot of questions/etc in here. You have no idea how long its taken me to write this (actually, maybe you do if youve gotten this far, he he he) and Im sure its not as clear and concise and Id like it to be. I just wanted to provide as much information as I could to better help you help me! My husband and I have spent a lot of time researching and feel weve hit a barrier of sorts that hopefully you can help us conquer!
Thanks very much in advance and have a great day!
<i>*I realize that there are several current/recent Belgium threads but Im not sure Ive been able to address all my questions based on those threads. Also, I dont want to take over someone elses thread with questions about cities it doesnt look like they plan to visit. Based on the above, Ive started this thread so I apologize if it seems like youve been over this a hundred times already! (And if others want to ask unrelated questions
about their trip to Belgium, please feel free to jump in, haha!)</i>
May I suggest taking a bathroom break and grabbing a beverage? Perhaps settling in to a squishy comfy chair?
My husband and I are taking our second trip as a couple to Europe and have chosen Belgium for 4 nights in early March (Fri-Tue).
Please allow me to give a quick “shout out” to <b>BTilke</b> who suggested Belgium to me months ago-thank you!
We are flying into Brussels. Wed like to visit Brussels, Bruge, and Ghent (and possibly Antwerp and outerlying areas).
<font color="blue">So what are we looking for in a town?</font>
Another poster had me laughing and stated they liked to “eat” but not necessarily “dine,” hah! We are the same way-we will pretty much be happy living on chocolate, beer, and waffles for our trip, hee hee. Seriously though, more important to us than restaurants is the architectural feel of the town, proximity to public transportation, the “charm” of our lodging, and the availability of a few things to do.
I imagine us walking hand in hand along cobbled streets, water on one side, beautiful buildings adorning centuries-old architecture on the other, engulfed in the heavenly smell of piping hot fresh waffles (I hope), popping into various museums and cafes, just enjoying life!!
>>sigh<<
quot;>Ok, ok, NatureGirl, back to earth!
<u>Where To Stay</u>
Based upon my research (including much on this forum), Im thinking Ghent or Bruge is an appealing place to base our visit. I like the canals and the village-feel versus the apparent city-feel of Brussels (and if this is wrong please please please correct me).
And b/w Ghent and Bruge Im leaning towards Ghent b/c Ive found more places to stay and its more central (although I realize the train/short distance b/w cities kind of makes everything easily accessible).
Although I figured it would be comparable to the other cities Ive mentioned, my husband wonders if Ghent is too far off the beaten track such that things would be more expensive than in, say, Brussels?
Ideally Id like a clean, stylish (I know, subjective), perhaps even historic, affordable place near public transportation and with pretty views of maybe the canals/river or the city (is all this even possible?). The locations below dont necessarily satisfy those reqs but they are the ones Ive found so far that Ive liked:
<font color="green">Places To Stay In Ghent</font>
B&B Karavanserai
Harmony Hotel
Puerto Patershol (Studio)
Monasterium
<font color="green">Places To Stay In Bruge</font>
Bruges and Breakfast (though not exactly a local experience, I presume)
Im open to other suggestions.
I used, in addition to random searches,
http://www.bedandbreakfast-gent.be/en/links.php
and
http://www.brugge-bedandbreakfast.co...1&taal=eng
Some of these (Harmony) are out of our price range but I listed them for future travelers.
Speaking of price range, it would be nice if we could limit the air/hotel to $1500 total. There are some packages (air & hotel) I found but they limit your lodging. There is a reasonable flight on Continental but then you dont get the discount offered by using a “package” to book flight/hotel together. If we dont go with a package we could stay in more than one city, if we chose, but we might not get the best lodging rate (b/c we wouldnt be booking it as a package with the airfare) but the hotels offered with such packages (that Ive come across) arent my favorite. Did I explain all that clearly?
Im sorry, I realize I have some kinks I need to work out in that regard (book as package or separately). Sometimes my thoughts go round and round like a carousel…hhaa!
<u>Where To Go</u>
We also tossed around the idea of seeing some of the eastern/northeastern areas. There were some nature conservations that appealed to us plus it would be nice to see some natural environment (versus city). <font color="red">Is it worth a days travel to do this?</font>
Like, one description of a town, I forget which, said wed be greeted by smokestacks puffing out billowing clouds of black smoke.
If it <i>is</i> worth it, my husband thinks renting a car to do this would be better (more flexibility, he says). Ive not checked the train schedule for that area (eg whether it goes there) but I think train would be better-thoughts on this?
<u>Things To Do</u>
Auto World looks fun (for my husband at least)
Musical Instruments Museum looks fun, too
There are so many museums that Im sure wed pop into a few others
Ive not researched this yet for Belgium but Im on the lookout for self-guided walking tours. There are websites that offer a guide you print, take with you, and follow along as you read about what youre looking at (we did this in London). Usually takes from one to a few hours to complete and is cool b/c you can go whenever youd like and at your own pace.
I was clicking around Thalys last night trying to find something like the trolley pass in San Fran where you pay once and can use the transportation for X number of days. First off, I know Thalys is the train wed use to get from Belgium to Paris, Germany, Amsterdam, and vice versa, but is it also the train wed use b/w the cities in Belgium? And do you know whether such a pass exists? Ill admit, I havent thoroughly researched this aspect yet.
I appreciate if anyone actually makes it this far into my longwinded post-I know I have packed a lot of questions/etc in here. You have no idea how long its taken me to write this (actually, maybe you do if youve gotten this far, he he he) and Im sure its not as clear and concise and Id like it to be. I just wanted to provide as much information as I could to better help you help me! My husband and I have spent a lot of time researching and feel weve hit a barrier of sorts that hopefully you can help us conquer!
Thanks very much in advance and have a great day!
<i>*I realize that there are several current/recent Belgium threads but Im not sure Ive been able to address all my questions based on those threads. Also, I dont want to take over someone elses thread with questions about cities it doesnt look like they plan to visit. Based on the above, Ive started this thread so I apologize if it seems like youve been over this a hundred times already! (And if others want to ask unrelated questions
about their trip to Belgium, please feel free to jump in, haha!)</i>
Jan 16th, 2007 | 11:03 AM
#2
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 0
Well, at one point recently I mentioned that I prefer to "eat" rather than "dine," primarily because I will be traveling solo this time around. Any chance we'll be there at the same time? I'll be in Belgium the first week in May. Somewhere (if I can find it) I have a Fodors lapel pin that I would wear overseas. Haven't met anyone through wearing it, but I think I got a better room at a hotel once when the person checking me in was clearly staring at it.
I'm also going to Belgium this year in spring, starting in Amsterdam and then Paris, ending in Brugge. I've been to these cities numerous times and am looking forward to returning, this time also visiting Ghent and Antwerp.
I'm also researching rail passes as train travel is more expensive than I expected. I'll probably go with a multi-country pass for a four-day duration. You can do some research at
http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/fa...ules/index.htm
and
www.b-rail.be/main/E/
My last time with a rail pass was a Eurail Pass in the 70s when a 21 day pass meant you could use the pass for 21 out of 21 consecutive days. I guess it doesn't work like that any more. Another good website for you is www.railsaver.com where you can see which pass is best for your needs.
Brussels is probably more expensive to stay in than Ghent, Antwerp, or Brugge. I've decided to base myself in Brugge at the Number 11 Bed and Breakfast. www.number11.be/ They were voted the number one B&B on TripAdvisor.com. I stayed at the Egmond Hotel a number of years ago and can recommend them also as an excellent choice. www.egmond.be/
In 1996, my friend and I rented a car and drove around Belgium for a week, primarily in the southeastern portion. It was different from the northeastern portion of the country and reminded me a bit of Virginia -- I had lived in Virginia a ways back. Lots of trees and greenery. We enjoyed the time very much. Neither of us spoke French and ran into a couple of situations where we could not find anyone who spoke English in that area, but that has probably changed over the years just as it has elsewhere. With only Friday-Tuesday, though, I would suggest you stick with a smaller area and save the rest of Belgium for another trip.
I'm also going to Belgium this year in spring, starting in Amsterdam and then Paris, ending in Brugge. I've been to these cities numerous times and am looking forward to returning, this time also visiting Ghent and Antwerp.
I'm also researching rail passes as train travel is more expensive than I expected. I'll probably go with a multi-country pass for a four-day duration. You can do some research at
http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/fa...ules/index.htm
and
www.b-rail.be/main/E/
My last time with a rail pass was a Eurail Pass in the 70s when a 21 day pass meant you could use the pass for 21 out of 21 consecutive days. I guess it doesn't work like that any more. Another good website for you is www.railsaver.com where you can see which pass is best for your needs.
Brussels is probably more expensive to stay in than Ghent, Antwerp, or Brugge. I've decided to base myself in Brugge at the Number 11 Bed and Breakfast. www.number11.be/ They were voted the number one B&B on TripAdvisor.com. I stayed at the Egmond Hotel a number of years ago and can recommend them also as an excellent choice. www.egmond.be/
In 1996, my friend and I rented a car and drove around Belgium for a week, primarily in the southeastern portion. It was different from the northeastern portion of the country and reminded me a bit of Virginia -- I had lived in Virginia a ways back. Lots of trees and greenery. We enjoyed the time very much. Neither of us spoke French and ran into a couple of situations where we could not find anyone who spoke English in that area, but that has probably changed over the years just as it has elsewhere. With only Friday-Tuesday, though, I would suggest you stick with a smaller area and save the rest of Belgium for another trip.
Jan 16th, 2007 | 12:00 PM
#4
Original Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 0
Fabulous responses-thank you!
Hi iluvtotravel: Yes, it was you for the eat/dine thing-very funny, I was cracking up!
Ooooh, we will be there the first week of March otherwise we would have loved to meet up. That would have been such fun!!
So does the pin ever get you a discount? Its like those bumper stickers given by the local police when you donate-put them on our car in hopes that the cops will go easy on us when we are pulled over for speeding, lol! It cant hurt, right?
I also came across the No 11 in my research and, although I havent completely ruled anything out yet, I think its going to be too much $$ for us.
You provided some great links for research so thank you-I plan to dive into them later tonight!
Hmmm, Ill admit thats not what I wanted to hear about the roadtrip east (not having enough time to really do it) but I have a feeling you know best! Ill save it for another trip-plus, Ive been to VA lots of times, he he he.
Hi nonconformist: Exactly what I needed to hear-Bruge it is then!
It seems like "the Market Place" (or at least w/in walking distance to it) is the best area-would you agree?
Thanks again!
Hi iluvtotravel: Yes, it was you for the eat/dine thing-very funny, I was cracking up!
Ooooh, we will be there the first week of March otherwise we would have loved to meet up. That would have been such fun!!
So does the pin ever get you a discount? Its like those bumper stickers given by the local police when you donate-put them on our car in hopes that the cops will go easy on us when we are pulled over for speeding, lol! It cant hurt, right?
I also came across the No 11 in my research and, although I havent completely ruled anything out yet, I think its going to be too much $$ for us.
You provided some great links for research so thank you-I plan to dive into them later tonight!
Hmmm, Ill admit thats not what I wanted to hear about the roadtrip east (not having enough time to really do it) but I have a feeling you know best! Ill save it for another trip-plus, Ive been to VA lots of times, he he he.
Hi nonconformist: Exactly what I needed to hear-Bruge it is then!
It seems like "the Market Place" (or at least w/in walking distance to it) is the best area-would you agree?
Thanks again!
Jan 16th, 2007 | 02:57 PM
#7
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
NatureGirl:
I agree with the baove post by NonConformist...you can walk to any oart of town from any other oart of town...therefore, my suggestion is to stay near the Beguinage/Minnewater area...delightful, romantic, as pretty as any place in Brugge. We love the little hotel Egmont in it's own garden and park, next to the lush Minnewater...a ten minute interesting, colorful walk to the Gros Markt end of town, easy walk to the train station and bike rentals..and eateries (reasonable type...and lovely little cafe called "Carpe Diem"..."seize the day"...is a block away from this parklike setting.
From what you say, I would guess that you'll love this part of town. Belive me, you'll see it all from here...also consider renting a bike, the best way to explore the town and I would suggest riding alongside the broad Damme Canal, for lunch in the tiny village of Damme. Or take the frequent boat ride up that canal.
http://www.egmond.be/ (about 90 euros for two, w/ big buffet breakfast)
Stu T.
I agree with the baove post by NonConformist...you can walk to any oart of town from any other oart of town...therefore, my suggestion is to stay near the Beguinage/Minnewater area...delightful, romantic, as pretty as any place in Brugge. We love the little hotel Egmont in it's own garden and park, next to the lush Minnewater...a ten minute interesting, colorful walk to the Gros Markt end of town, easy walk to the train station and bike rentals..and eateries (reasonable type...and lovely little cafe called "Carpe Diem"..."seize the day"...is a block away from this parklike setting.
From what you say, I would guess that you'll love this part of town. Belive me, you'll see it all from here...also consider renting a bike, the best way to explore the town and I would suggest riding alongside the broad Damme Canal, for lunch in the tiny village of Damme. Or take the frequent boat ride up that canal.
http://www.egmond.be/ (about 90 euros for two, w/ big buffet breakfast)
Stu T.
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Jan 17th, 2007 | 11:16 AM
#9
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Have a great time in Brugge. One of my favorite european meal memories is a bucket of moules (sp?), a basket of frites and a fabulous glass of kriek....of course followed by a couple of little somethings from a neighborhood chocolatier. Mmmmm.
Jan 20th, 2007 | 02:03 PM
#10
Original Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 0
Good evening!
Ive researched everyones suggestions (from this and other threads) so I appreciate the time youve taken to help me!
We are booked as follows:
Thursday: Depart for overnight flight
Friday: Spend the day in Brussels (staying at Sofitel Brussels Europe)
Saturday: Visit Antwerp or Ghent then head to Brugge (staying at Relais Oud Huis Amsterdam)
Sunday: Spend the day in Brugge (staying at Relais Oud Huis Amsterdam)
Monday: Visit Antwerp or Ghent (whichever we didnt visit on Saturday) then back to Brussels (staying at Novotel Brussels off Grand Place)
Tuesday: Early morning flight home
*I chose these two Brussels hotels to get a feel for different areas since they dont appear to be located in the same location (one in Grand Place, the other in the business section, if maps were correct).
*I chose this hotel in Brugge b/c I wanted to be on the canal and this hotel seems to be a great mix of style and affordability (some of the B&B looked beautiful but were just too expensive for this time around).
We are still working on our little itineraries for each city which will all hopefully involve chocolate-and maybe some diamonds? He he he!
Hopefully I can get your feedback on some more sightseeing options in the coming weeks!
Thanks again and have a great weekend!
Ive researched everyones suggestions (from this and other threads) so I appreciate the time youve taken to help me!
We are booked as follows:
Thursday: Depart for overnight flight
Friday: Spend the day in Brussels (staying at Sofitel Brussels Europe)
Saturday: Visit Antwerp or Ghent then head to Brugge (staying at Relais Oud Huis Amsterdam)
Sunday: Spend the day in Brugge (staying at Relais Oud Huis Amsterdam)
Monday: Visit Antwerp or Ghent (whichever we didnt visit on Saturday) then back to Brussels (staying at Novotel Brussels off Grand Place)
Tuesday: Early morning flight home
*I chose these two Brussels hotels to get a feel for different areas since they dont appear to be located in the same location (one in Grand Place, the other in the business section, if maps were correct).
*I chose this hotel in Brugge b/c I wanted to be on the canal and this hotel seems to be a great mix of style and affordability (some of the B&B looked beautiful but were just too expensive for this time around).
We are still working on our little itineraries for each city which will all hopefully involve chocolate-and maybe some diamonds? He he he!
Hopefully I can get your feedback on some more sightseeing options in the coming weeks!
Thanks again and have a great weekend!
Jan 29th, 2007 | 02:19 AM
#12
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I would suggest you stay in Antwerp and visit Gent, Brussels, Brugge ( and Seaside ), Leuven from there. Antwerp is a lovely city, not too small, not too big. There is a lot to see and do and it is centrally located in Flanders. As it is Belgiums second largest city there are good train connections to every other city in Belgium or Holland . Bruges is beatiful but rather small and thus few hotels and expensive. Antwerp has a lot more hotels and they are cheaper e.g. Hotel Cammerpoorte www.hotelcammerpoorte.be. Enjoy your trip to our country !
Jan 29th, 2007 | 09:01 PM
#15
Original Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 0
Hello Eliz-Im sorry if I was unclear!
We are sleeping Saturday and Sunday night in Brugge, both nights at the same hotel (Relais Oud Huis Amsterdam).
We might not necessarily spend both <i>days</i> in Brugge, however (ie we may take the train to Ghent in the morning and return to Brugge in the evening).
Hi Vargelas-thank you for the suggestions!
We are sleeping Saturday and Sunday night in Brugge, both nights at the same hotel (Relais Oud Huis Amsterdam).
We might not necessarily spend both <i>days</i> in Brugge, however (ie we may take the train to Ghent in the morning and return to Brugge in the evening).
Hi Vargelas-thank you for the suggestions!
Jan 30th, 2007 | 01:32 AM
#16
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,374
Likes: 0
Much as I love Antwerp, for your trip Brugge/Gent as a base sounds good. It's only 4 nights; doing Brugge, Gent, Brussels AND Antwerp would be a bit much.
Someone has already suggested Damme, which is nice. If it interests you , there is the nature reserve Zwin, on the border of Belgium and Holland, in Knokke, 15 mins by train from Brugge. Rent bicycles, cycle to the Zwin, then have a good lunch on the seafront.
Someone has already suggested Damme, which is nice. If it interests you , there is the nature reserve Zwin, on the border of Belgium and Holland, in Knokke, 15 mins by train from Brugge. Rent bicycles, cycle to the Zwin, then have a good lunch on the seafront.
Jan 30th, 2007 | 09:46 AM
#17
Original Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,439
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Oh Tulips that sounds perfect-thank you very much for that information!
My research suggested that most of the natural environment was off to the east, however, youve given me a sprig of hope for some much closer (and more easily accessible) scenery!
Ill certainly research it further-thanks again!
