I am in the early planning a trip to Europe for my upcomming long-service leave. I've got about 4 weeks off, and am hoping to see some of the Low Countries. Should I have Amsterdam or Brussels as my base? Which one is more interesting? Some of my friends have told me that unless I am interested in EU politics, Brussels wasn't worth seeing. Are they right? What other places around this area are worth seeing? I was thinking Delft, Ghent, Bruges and Lille (France). Are these good ones, or are their any others?

I would greatly appreciate any reply.

1. Brugges....the Venice of the North!

Awesome smaller city, very romantic and quiet with outstanding restaurants, chocolates and beers!

Uncle Sam

I live in Brussels and, despite what some people say, Brussels actually has quite a bit to see. Too many tourists think the Grand'Place is all there is; they're simply not trying!
Amsterdam is a prettier city; Brussels has far better food. For a longer stay, Brussels also has the advantage of offering a far greater variety of furnished apartments available for short term lets (a week to a few months) in all price ranges, from the budget range ($800 for a month stay in a studio flat with private bath and kitchenette in a decent neighborhood) to the luxury market.
Definitely go to see Brugge/Bruges (for Uncle Sam et al, it's Bruges in French and Brugge in Dutch/Flemish. There is no city in Belgium spelled Brugges) and try to stay overnight if possible. Also contrary to what people say, Brugge is a lot more than a tourist trap. Brugge might be a possible base; if you are interested, I can refer you to a few places that rent very pretty, well maintained apartments in the historic area (for four weeks, you might enjoy staying in an apartment over a hotel).
Antwerp also is worth visiting. Ghent is fine, but Leuven is equally interesting and a bit off the tourist path.
The Jardins d'Annevoie near Dinant are wonderful (Dinant has its fans, but we find it gray and boring).
If you plan to spend most of your sightseeing time in the Netherlands (Leiden, Delft, Amsterdam, Utrecht, etc.), then Amsterdam might be a better bet.
Leiden might also be a possible base if you opt to stay in the Netherlands. It's a very attractive town with easy transport access to almost everywhere in the Benelux region.

Are you going in the summer? We had a home exchange along the coast of Belgium. It turned out to be very convenient drive to Bruges, Antwerp, Brussels, Delft, and Amsterdam. None more than two hours. There are a couple of fun coastal towns near the Hague too.

If I had four weeks, I'd stay in Amsterdam for two weeks and Brugge for two weeks. I'd get a Benelux rail pass and explore from those two bases.

I'd certtainly visit the WWI battlefields and spend a day or two in Ypres.

Hi,

Are you thinking of doing the whole 4 weeks in the Low Countries?

Definitely Bruges/Brugge!

I would base myself in Amsterdam for the first half of the trip. There are plenty of cities/villages to visit, including Gouda/Edam (do you like cheese?), visit the dikes and see how the turbines keep out the sea water, visit some windmills, and make sure you tour the Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam.

Go to the Library and grab some tour books of Holland (Fodors, Michelin, Frommers) -- lots of ideas of what to see & what to do.

Same for Belgium. Brugge, Ghent, Dinant are must sees. Lots to do in Brussels depending upon your interests. I would even take a day trip to Luxembourg City.

The Ardennes in Belgium are wonderfully beautiful and we, as Americans, can take pride in the WWII memorial at Bastogne, near the site of the Battle of the Bulge. You may want to rent a car to visit this area and venture into northern France before heading back to Brussels. The Belgian coast is also worth visiting, especially in summer; it's just a few minutes train ride from Bruges.

Agree with Patrick that splitting the time between 2 countries would be a good idea. If you want a 'country' vacation and also a 'city' one, I'd choose 2 weeks in Amsterdam (or Leiden, or Haarlem, or Delft, the latter being very well-situated for trips south) with day trips, and 2 weeks in the Ardennes (Dinant, etc) or further south so you can also take day trips to France. Maastricht is also a good base. Don't forget to rent a bike!