To ask if you prefer Ghent or Bruges

[OptimismvsRealism]

For a September long weekend

I know Bruges is the most delightful for photos but is it also too full to enjoy now?

Also wondered about Antwerp.

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.

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.

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.

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

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".

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

aw that’s where my gran was from ❤️

Mechelen is supposedly nice too but I haven’t been

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

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.

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.