Belgium trip: stay in Brussels or Bruges?

[ZenNudist]

So I've got a big birthday coming up and I want to do a trip to Belgium. I'm very keen to go to the fine art gallery in Brussels and see the beautiful sights of Bruges and Ghent. I also want to go to classical music concert. Plus I want to have some nice meals out but Belgian food doesn't sound brilliant.

I'm going for five days at the end of October, flying to Brussels. Was going to stay near the station in Brussels and day trip to Bruges and Ghent. My friends who know Belgium well tell me to stay in Bruges instead and day trip to Brussels and Ghent. What's the best thing to do?

I'd stay in Brussels the first and last days, base in Ghent and day trip to Bruges from there. Ghent is so much better than Bruges for beautiful things to see and do.
When are you going? There always seems to be festivals in Ghent

@Sluj that's interesting. Not thought of staying in Ghent.

Going thurs 25 Oct back mon 29. I definitely want to stay somewhere fabulous over my birthday weekend. Figured Bruges has the wow factor.

Ghent is much nicer than Bruges. There are some amazing restaurants in Belgium too. I would also do the itinerary that slug suggests

Ghent at night. Lots of restaurants and bars

Are there not restaurants and bars in Bruges too?

Thanks for this tip. I see Ghent is closer to Brussels so shorter trip to see the sights there. I think i will drop the Brussels plan. I like the idea of catching Bruges when day trip tourists have gone home. Perhaps thurs and fri stay in Ghent and sat sun in Bruges. Day trip to Brussels on Friday and monday morning before heading to airport. Bit of a hectic schedule for me. I wanted to base in one place and catch trains.

@Sluj it looks beautiful 😊

Bruges is lovely and has plenty to do.

I’ve always found Brussels to lack much character.

I think Ghent is just as lovely as Bruges but there's fewer tourists

Ghent is great. But i'd recommend Mechelin . At least for a day.