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Post by Happygoin on May 3, 2012 7:27:45 GMT -5
Hi everyone,
I'm taking two 20-something girls to Paris next January for 8 days. I'd like to include a day trip to either Brussels or Bruges but don't know which one would be more interesting.
I'm officially soliciting opinions. Thanks!
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Post by Jody on May 3, 2012 7:39:24 GMT -5
I think if those are the choices I'd take Bruges. We spent a lovely 3 days there with a group of friends a few years ago and found plenty to do and see. Brussels is far down my list of favorites though we stayed at a lovely small hotel and enjoyed that and the great Belgium food. Antwerp is one of my favorite places , ranks high above Brussels IMO
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Post by geordy on May 3, 2012 8:36:11 GMT -5
I like them both..but for a day trip would probably choose Bruges...small and picturesque!
Have stayed a few nights in Brussels twice...one of those did a day trip to Antwerp...and enjoyed. Would like to stay overnight in Bruges someday...and I want to go to Waterloo..anyone been?
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Post by Anne on May 4, 2012 0:50:44 GMT -5
Happy, you should really go to Bruges.
Brussels is a much more lively city, well, it's a capital city after all, but it's not a "pretty" city IMO : the Grand Place is awesome but then it's only a square with a very small ancient area around, and there are also several Art Nouveau areas/buildings, but that's about it.
Bruges on the other hand is like an open-sky museum. Not sure whether I would like to live there, but visiting it is like stepping back into the Middle-Ages. It's called the "Venise of the North" because of its canals, it's incredibly beautiful and totally preserved (not like Brussels where you sometimes see a 70s' ugly concrete building built just next to a Middle-Ages house). The only drawback is that a daytrip is SO short, and with travel time too, you will just have the time to navigate the canals and see the main monuments, while the town needs a good 2 days, minimum.
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Post by Happygoin on May 4, 2012 6:48:04 GMT -5
Thank you, ladies. While I realize we're not visiting at the optimum time to enjoy either Belgium or Paris, it's the only time the girls have around school and jobs. I appreciate the opinions!  |
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Post by Sandy M on May 4, 2012 7:06:13 GMT -5
I'll put my 2 cents worth in also - I did enjoy seeing Brussels but also enjoyed Bruges very much - very quaint and interesting. Just don't get lost like I did as those canals wind around all over the place - I think you and the girls would really enjoy it. Like Anne said, Brussels is mainly the Grand Place is awesome but after that, it's pretty much just a big city - I vote for Bruges! And if you could stay overnight for at least one night, it would be even better!
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Post by Happygoin on May 4, 2012 9:23:12 GMT -5
Thanks, Sandy. If only we could stay overnight...but the apartment in Paris is a big splurge, and I can't waste it, even for one night!
Sounding more and more like Bruges is the overwhelming consensus...
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Post by PariS on May 4, 2012 15:53:54 GMT -5
I was debating this as well for our October trip. We've decided to set off for Bruges early in the day and head back to Brussels after dinner. We'll stay in Brussels for the night, then see a bit of that city before heading home to Paris. Darryl was willing to spend a night away, so I thought we may as well see both since we have to pass thru Brussels to get to Bruges anyway. I'm most excited about seeing Bruges tho!
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Post by denise on May 5, 2012 1:17:34 GMT -5
Another vote for Bruges. Along with others, I found Brussels rather boring apart from the main square.
LOve Denise
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Post by Happygoin on May 5, 2012 12:49:00 GMT -5
Again, overwhelmingly seems Bruges is the place to go. I appreciate all your comments, because I really didn't have a clue. Thanks!
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Post by suzanne on May 5, 2012 17:36:36 GMT -5
Bruges is wonderful. I loved it.
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Let the riot begin! LOL - 
hahahha