I have three days free in Brussels - Friday to Sunday in a couple of weeks time. We will be using Brussels as a base and was planning a day trip to Brugge and one to Ghent. I have read that Brugge can get very crowded - especially on weekends - so was thinking Brugge on Friday (train there and back) and then Ghent on Saturday, leaving Sunday for Brussels? Does that seem like a logical plan?

Sounds good to me. Bruges really can get overcrowded on the weekend.

Hint: do not eat at any of the restaurants on the central square across from the belfry.

FYI, the Belgian Railways offer 50% off same-day roundtrip tickets on weekends. So if budget is a concern, you should visit Brugge and Ghent on the weekend to save € on the train.

Forgot to add, though you may not want to eat at the sit-down restos near the Brugge belfry, you should try the frites from the frites stand just underneath the Belfry. It's artery-clogging good.

Thanks for the tip on the eating and discount. This is a last minute trip to fill in a few days between business commitments - airfares covered by either business or points and hotel is covered - so budget is not too pushed so am prepared to pay a few more euros is it means fewer people.

If you can head to Brugge either early, or stay as late as you can, you'd be able to enjoy the town without the daytrippers.

Enjoy your trip and I hope you'll post a brief report when you return. DH & I will be there in September.

Thanks yk - we plan to get an early train there and will make it a long day.

I will do a TR when I get back - I have received so much good info on the site I think that the time has come to repay the kindness!