Bruge and Belgium

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We’re going to go to Belgium for 7-10 days over Easter. We’re really keen to stay in Bruge for a few days, and then go somewhere else.
quetsion is - how long to stay in Bruge? Will we get bored if we stay there for 4 nights? Or should go for longer? And where to stay next? I’d like to see the big castle in Ghent, but could also stay in Brussels. I’ve also read about that huge zoo which the kids would like. Is there anywhere more countrysidey anyone would recommend to stay? Recos welcome!!

Thanis!

You can do some very good planned tours from Ypres to the battlefields. Planckendael, if this is the zoo you speak of, can be done via train to Mechelen and then a boat trip. It’s a great day out. Also prefer Ghent to Bruges. The Red Star Line museum in Antwerp is really good. Lots for kids in Blanckenberg. Agree the coast is lovely if the weather is good. Brussels has comic strip museum and a really good natural history museum. Nice to get the 44 tram out through the forest to Tervuren park and the African Museum.

A vote for me for Ghent and Antwerp.

Thanks guys! This is all so helpful :)

We absolutely love Bruges and have also stayed in Ghent too. But I have to say we’ve always enjoyed popping across the border to The Netherlands as it’s such an easy drive and so beautiful.
You can definitely do two nights in Bruges & combine with some days in Zeeland.

We did a day trip via train from Brussels to Bruges. It was enough for us, but as you are doing other things, a day or 2 would be enough.

Not your question I'm aware, but if any of you are musical, there is the Museu dels Instruments Musicals in Brussels. I found it fascinating, but would be boring if not musical.

I also enjoyed the Art History museum. I wasn't expecting it to be SO vast with exhibits from around the world. A moai head, Egyptian, Indonesia, Native American, Roman, Middle eastern exhibits and so much more. Like the British museum on steroids!

Forgot to mention, if you have spare time in Ypres, then apart from the museum and the Menin Gate, you could also do the walk around the old city ramparts. It's about a mile and a half, is very pleasant, and takes you past the old foritifications and also one of the WWI cemeteries.

My DCs really don’t like castles and ruins but Ghent castle was a roaring success. The audio guide is read by a Belgian comedian and is hilarious and quite rude. Turds are mentioned!
Both places are lovely, I’ve been to Ghent a few times times but not sure id go back to Bruge just because I feel like I’ve seen all I need to see.
Im planning on going the coast next time we are in that area so this thread is useful to me, too.

So many threads where people book holidays and only at the last minute think "what will we do there?". Surely you do all if this research before deciding to book at all?

We haven't booked yet! We can never book any of our holiday until last minute as our son is on treatment and we need confirmation before we can go anywhere. We got confirmation we can go last night, hence now booking :)

I hope your son's treatment is successful @blankittyblank
We loved Bruges, and found plenty to see and do during the three days we were there.

I've been to Gent 6 or 7 times and love it. Bruges is easy for a day trip if you are based in Gent too or stay for a couple of days. Personally, I didnt like Brussels and found it a bit edgy so I wouldn't stay there.

I'd say 3 days in Bruges, but I'm biased, I lived there. It's a beautiful city.

I prefer Ghent and Antwerp to Bruges. I also preferred Brussels.

I agree with the poster about the coast and the tram that runs along it.

Thanks so much everyone for your help.

We've now booked;
2 nights in Bruges
5 night in Ghent (we're doing trips every day from here, which take up each of the days)
3 nights in Antwerp (the zoo one day, one chill day) Or maybe 2 night is enough? I can change it.

Hopefully the kids will like it all :)

Ahhh enjoy! I think Belgium is very underrated- we have stayed in some lovely places both in the Flemish and French speaking parts.

There is something a bit quirky about Belgium that appeals to me 😎

Ghent is much nicer, I'd spend more time there than Bruges.