To ask if you prefer Ghent or Bruges

Aww we absolutely loved Bruges 😍
We went there last year on the way to Holland for Efteling and it was the best European city I've ever visited. (And we've done lots of them!)
Went with DS5 and DD2.5 - we sat in the square eating fries and waffles while we people watched and the kids danced to the music, we did a horse drawn carriage ride which was an amazing experience - the guide was so knowledgeable and taught us loads and the horses were beautiful and definitely very well looked after (as they would be if that's what your income is dependent on) we had a canal boat ride which we all loved and then of course bought some gorgeous chocolates.

I adore Bruges and spent half my childhood there, but tourism has ruined it. The bus loads of spatially unaware glued-to-their-phone day trippers make it impossible to get around. With regret, I’d say Ghent is your best bet.

I haven’t been to Mechelen so can not confirm or deny

aw that’s where my gran was from ❤️

Mechelen is supposedly nice too but I haven’t been

l love Ghent

Brugge is ok, but I prefer Ghent.

And I prefer them both to Brussels

not been to Antwerp for years mind you so can’t comment on that

Brussels has some great museums. I've lived here for 18 years and whilst it's not London or Paris, I would never describe it as a "shithole".

Well, I loved Bruges. But then, lace-making grannies are my jam.

The Red Star Line museum in Antwerp is marvellous and Ruben's House. It has lots of quirky shops and restaurants and cute squares. Leuven is very pretty but there's not really lots of "sights". Mechelen is also nice.

Ghent definitely, great spot.
Bruges is a one hour twee walk about IMO.
Antwerp is a buzzy place two.
The Bird market was a favourite of mine, wonder if it still happens.

Loved Belgium, nice people.
Had many many great weekends there.
Brussels is meh.
Great food in Dinant.
Leuven was a favourite of my husbands.
Lille does have great food.
The Hague is a great spot to consider too.
The inter cities are brilliant.

We spent a week there a few years ago and we just found everywhere a bit underwhelming.

I'm sure there are some nice bits but I think other Belgian cities are better for short break tourists.

Brussels is a great City, but massive so good to do a bit of research into areas if staying there as you could easily end up somewhere thats not the best. I've been 4 times and had a different experience every time as I've stayed in a different area. The St Giles neighborhood is definitely the best I've stayed in by far.

If you visit Bruges please don’t have a carriage ride, the horses are not treated well and they should be banned.

We love Belgium and did many happy long weekends there (pre DC!).

Ghent was definitely a favourite as has a nice university town buzz, famous altarpiece and fab art museum. Also go to all you can eat Ribs place (think called Amedeus).

Bruges beautiful but very touristy (not helped we went Feb half term so loads of valentines
couples).

We liked Brussels- it has great museums.

I also really liked Antwerp although a little more industrial. It had some great museums and quirky interesting places.

Lille (across border) is nice but not tons to see but good food.

DH has been to Leuven and says it is nice too.

Dinant is lovely

Both have their charms but Ghent is definitely quieter. It's so easy to get the train from one to the other too. If you go to Ghent and want to experience real Belgian food, go to Patyntje. Not the cheapest but excellent.
Antwerp and Leuven are also nice and if you really want to see a lovely part of Belgium, drive east to the Ardennes which are absolutely beautiful with some interesting towns.
Brussels also has some lovely areas but off the beaten tourist track and need some research rather than just heading into the Grand Place which is lovely at night especially when all lit up.

I disagree. Each city is easily 2 days.

DP says Ghent is lovely. It's only an hour on the train so you can do both!

Brussels is awful. Apart from a couple of roads around the Grand Place, it is just grey and grimy. The area around Midi station is a huge and hideous building site at the moment.

Both Bruges and Ghent are lovely. Visited both in October so off season and not too busy. Ghent is considered (by some!) to be the vegan capital of Europe. We ate really well.

We spent an afternoon in Antwerp and about a decade on the Antwerp ringroad. Do not even consider this road unless there is literally no other option.

Gent 100%.

If you chose a city in the Netherlands instead, Leiden or Haarlem.

Brussels is dirty. I like Ghent, Bruge and Leuven much better.

Ghent definitely. The driving does prepare you for Brussels Friday night rush hour driving though 😅

I agree about Brussels being a dump.

my last Belgium trip consisted of Eurostar to Lille, 2 nights in Lille. It’s a lovely city. Train from Lille to Ghent, think we had 3 nights in Ghent and fitted in a day trip to Bruges. Then train to Brussels and Eurostar back to uk.

I’ve not been but I can’t see how Antwerp could fail to be nicer than Brussels, given Brussels is disgusting

We've done loads of European Roadtrips both in our car and campervan, so I didn't find it too bad. Driving around Brussels in our 'van was a bit full on though! Belgian drivers are definitely a bit on the 'assertive' side though I agree, but generally pretty considerate, although I agree it takes a little bit of getting used to! Nowhere near as bad as driving in Italy though, i definitely needed several stiff drinks after driving from Milan to Lake Como!

Thanks for the Antwerp recommendation, I've wanted to go for ages and we're thinking of heading over just before Christmas actually, so will have to check that out!