Belgium for the weekend?
 

I am going to be in Amsterdam for the next 6 weeks and was wondering if anyone had been to Bruges or Brussels for the weekend? Is it worthwhile? Some people have told me they, Bruges especially, as too touristy. What's fun to do there?

Bruges is touristy but so is Venice, London, Rome, Florence, Munich, Amsterdam. I think the days of finding undiscovered cities are over. There are just cities with more and fewer tourists. I loved it and thoroughly recommend it. You'll probably get a reply from Marc and/or Roxy with some more specifics on where to stay (I was at a hostel that I was fairly neutral on; Charlie Rockets).

I visited Brussels as a day trip from Bruges (which is the opposite of what most people do) and thought it was okay.

Other cities to check out: Oostende and Ghent.

--Joey

Definitely get out to Bruges. Yeah its touristy but as Joey said, so is everywhere else. Its totally worth it though. If you want to really get a great experience, stay overnight. Thats when most of the day-trippers get on their bus and go back to Brussels so the town really clears out.

I stayed at Sir Leopold's and I definitely recommend it. Included breakfast, really clean rooms, in between the train station and the town centre, and a great owner who is super helpful. He runs the place with his wife and son. They gave us great hints for good cheap dinner spots that we probably wouldn't have found on our own.

Hey, I was in Brussels a few months back. Cant say I did or saw much, but you gotta have to find a place to have the classic belgium meal: belgium beer, belgium style mussels and fries with lots of mayo. MMMMMMMMMMMM :)

Absolutly go to Brugges and stay atleast one night. Rent a bike and take a tour of the city. We stayed at the Hotel Koffenbutenje (sp?) Great place. A little expensive, but located right at the main square.... We also went to Oostende and it was worth the trip. Only spent the morning there and headed back. Quick train ride though!
I would totally suggest walking into Brugges from the trainstation. Great way to really feel what its like to walk into a very well preserved 16th century city. Keep us posted with what you decide to do!
Cheers,
Marc & Roxy

FYI, the In Brugges movie with Colin Ferrel was a good flick. :)

Brussels is a tad boring...though, if you're a history buff, the battlefield of Waterloo is a short day trip away.

worldwidemike

I agree with everything about Bruges, it's fantastic! Eat waffles, chocolate, and papas fritas and drink their delicious beer! Renting bikes would be a great fun.

After Bruges, I wasn't so excited about Brussels.

I don't know if it's too late but I put my vote in for Bruges. Walk around the city and please eat the waffles!! I stayed at Snuffels and really liked it, smaller hostel so it was pretty easy to meet people. I've heard good stuff about St. Christopher's and Lybeer as well.

Another vote for Bruges. There is a fantastic restaurant I would highly recommend, if I can find my journal I'll come back and tell you the name of it. Sorry, my brain can't remember right now.