Kathie

For me, a mere two days in London would be frustrating. London is so full of history that it's the place I think of when you mention your love of history. But I wouldn't go there for two days. Somewhere in Belgium might be better for such a short stop.

bilboburgler

We Brits tend to struggle with Belgium see http://iwanttotieyourshoe.tumblr.com...enir-programme for a view of our love/dissinterest in Belgium.

Still the place is 1) full of very wealthy people trying to hide their money (so a bit like London) and 2) outside the big towns actually very pleasant with some of the world's great beers.

If I was in the area I'd stay there rather than catch the train to London, but if I had to fill 3 days the London is worth the trip

EYWandBTV

London for sure and Anyplace-But-Brussels, no contest! I lived in Brussels for a year. There's no "there" there (pace Gertrude Stein). Other than the Grand-Place, a medieval jewel of a town square, you have the Mannekin Pis (skip it) and fabulous beer. But then all of Flanders has fabulous beer. Go to Amsterdam, or Bruges, or Ghent, or....anyplace else.

I have always been fascinated by the contrast between Brussels and Amsterdam: same climate generally, some of the same cultural influences (Flemish/Dutch), but what a different look and feel to these two cities. Plus the presence of Eurocrat offices and NATO in Brussels has stuffed Brussels full of way too many expense account restaurants and bars and not enough great little cozy spots, which Amsterdam has in abundance. Not to mention Rembrandt. Just sayin' ...

WeisserTee

"I lived in Brussels for a year. There's no "there" there (pace Gertrude Stein)."

We lived in Brussels for five years. There's plenty of "there" there. There's the excellent, non-chain, moderately priced restaurants found throughout the attractive Ixelles area between Chatelain and the Ave. Winston Churchill. There's the scenic walks and beautiful homes that abound in the Woluwes. Ditto for the Cinquantenaire neighborhood. And Tervuren. There's the charm of La Hulpe, with it's Loire Valley-inspired chateau, huge parklands and Folon foundation.

sanderskn

I would definitely choose London. It's my second favorite city in the world after Paris.

SHAREEN3

WOW! You guys are filled with endless knowledge thank you so much. I have so much to take in. I have done 3 Euro Trips in the last 3 years and I know I tend to over book myself, maybe, when it comes to cities but it's just that I don't want to miss anything while there because I don't know when I'll be back!

I'm only in Europe this time for 9/10 days (I'm not including travel in here) 3 cities might be pushing it but I know it can be done.

Thanks again!

nytraveler

I think there has been some misunderstaning here. I have been to belgium numeorous times and love large parts of it - but not Brussels which I find boring. The smaller cities and the countryside is often charming and I think Belgium has the best food in europe - hand down - much better than France or Italy.

However, London is by far the largest city in europe, has an incredible living history and a huge number of fascinating and wonderful sights. And while food is not as good as Belgium, there are many places with excellent food.

If one wants to say I have only 2 or 3 days and prefer to do small towns, that is a perfectly rationale decision. But Brussels simply can't hold a candle to London.

As for disliking some places - yes, I do. Everyone does. Not sure what sacred places I have disliked that causes SandaList to regularly attack my posts - no matter the subject, country or
information of opinion provided.

John

SANDRALIST:
I totally agree with your "Heads Up' post!!!

Fra_Diavolo

Sandra's head's up somewhere, that's for sure.

Tulips

Hi Shareen, I live mostly Belgium, but also part of the year in London. You cannot compare Brussels to London, as cities go. Faced with a choice between the two, I'd go for London.
However with your itinerary, and in between Paris and Amsterdam, with so little time; go to Gent, Brugge or Antwerp. Coming from Paris, a stopover in Antwerp for 1 night/2 days would be easiest.

If you have only 9 days including travel time, and have not been to Paris or Amsterdam before, I would spend 4 or 5 days in Paris, 1 day stopover in Antwerp, 3 days in Amsterdam.

SHAREEN3

Thank you guys sooooo much for all of your input. I spoke with my husband and my mom (my 2 travel buddies lol) & as hard as this may be - we have chosen London. 9 vacation days will be split between the 3 big cities. Thankfully the train from paris to london is only 2.5 hrs - london to amsterdam is where we loose the most time. Last year we did Prague, Budapest & Berlin within 9/10 days and while I obviously wish we had more time... it all worked out.

THANK YOU all again!!!

SHAREEN3

As of now the plan is Paris - 4 days, London - 3 days, Amsterdam - 2 days