For me Brussels deserves at least an overnight. But then I'd want to include Antwerp and Ghent But with only a week in Paris I would suggest you confine yourselves to a day trip or two to one of the dozen or more splendid destinations much closer to Paris We did this trip last July. Took an early train from Paris to Brussels and transferred to Bruges. It was a long day but it was worth it. It is nice it stays light out until after 10p. Bruges is gorgeous. Watch the movie "in Bruges". We bought our train tickets way in advance and got cheap tickets We had left time between our return to Brussels and back to Paris so we could walk around Brussels for a few hours.
Brussels is pretty seedy and we didn't like it much. Although the Manneken Pis was interesting but small and the Grand palace area is gorgeous. Thanks to all who replied. I am leaning towards an overnight excursion to Bruges. I like the sound of its quaintness. I must watch that movie also!! I lived in Ghent and spent much time in both Bruges and Brussels.
Bruges is small, lovely and easy to see on foot with many canals, chocolate shops and lots and lots and lots of tourists. The film, "In Bruges," recommended by others, shows you just about everything the town has to offer and can help you decide whether this should be your destination.
I am partial to Brussels because of its incredible Grand Square, Art Nouveau architecture, parks and interesting museums. The Horta Museum is exquisite; the Magritte Museum, outstanding; the Musical Instruments Museum with more than 7, instruments, one of a kind; the Royal Museum of Central Africa, a fascinating insight into Belgium's connection with the Congo; the Belgian Comics Museum, an unusual look at this medium and located in a great Art Nouveau building; and the list goes on.
You can see the major attractions on foot, pick one or two museums that especially appeal and make it a day trip so that you're back in Paris to overnight and awaken with another whole day to enjoy the best city of the three. Skip to main content. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers. Brussels or Bruges? Browse all , Paris topics ». Watch this Topic. Two of its renowned cities: Brussels and Bruges attract countless visitors every year, but which is better to stay?
This artice explores the differences between Brussels and Bruges and looks at what both cities have to offer. You may be tempted by the city lights and cosmopolitan lifestyle of Brussels, or potentially more swayed by the the medieval charm and rich history of Bruges.
Both cities are hubs of Belgian tourism but which does the savvy traveler choose for a city break? Brussels is home to the EU headquarters and the nucleus of international politics. This metropolitan city is full of attractions; enticing visitors from all around the world.
With its baroque frames and opulent guildhalls, this square is one of the most important landmarks in Brussels. Surrounded by the City Hall and the Maison du Roi, the square is also home to the market place and other events. Atomium — An impressive monument in the heart of Brussels, originally built for the World Fair of Offering arguably the best panoramic views of Brussels at its peak, this monument is made up of 9 connected steel spheres in the shape of a cell of iron crystal.
Inside which, there are escalators that the public can access. Walking down Koningsstraat, the Royal Palace and Park are also worth a visit. The huge Palace of Justice deserves a look inside. Outside the Palace, a glass elevator takes you to the Marolles district with its unique atmosphere, small stores, and nice Sunday market.
Outside the town center, interesting areas include the Place Flagey with its unique architecture, the African district at Porte Namurm, the posh Sablon neighborhood with its authentic vibe, and the Brussels Park and Parc du Cinquantenaire for some urban nature lounging. You can catch a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus across the street from the central train station to see multiple sights with a single bus ticket.
Brussels also has some great museums. The Brussels Art museum is very large and comparable to other great European museums. The Musical Instruments Museum is also unique with over music instruments.
The Comics Museum is hosted in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. The Atomium is a renowned landmark building from the 50s and a futuristic cultural center outside the city.
Mini-Europe is a small park with miniature buildings from all over Europe. Brussels is also known for it many unique murals around the city.
It also has many Art Nouveau buildings scattered all over the city, which can be visited including private buildings via a tour offered by ARAU. In Bruges, the sights are much closer to each other. The town offers a great decor with beautiful buildings unique in Belgium. Visitors walk around the town, starting from the center square, up the belfry tower, across the bridges over canals and along the Minnewater lake, and into the historic buildings.
Other popular attractions include the Lace Center and the chocolate museum and stores. Travelers frequently book a horse carriage or bike ride around the city and through the Rozenhoedkaai quay.
Brussels, being a much larger city than Bruges, has a broader choice of restaurants, bars, and pubs. The Zael aka Sablon area is a lively neighborhood with many chic bars, trendy restaurants, and chocolate shops. Patisseries Witamer is a reputable pastry shop there. Place Saint-Gery is another great area for going out in Brussels with many bars and restaurants open late at night.
The Rue des Bouchers area also has lots of options although more of a tourist trap such as the Delirium bar and others offering a wide range of Belgian beers. There are numerous bars and pubs around the Grand Palace offering happy hours, open-air cocktail parties, and live music on workdays, catering to the UN, NATO, and overall business workers. Brussels is also famous for its Belgian fries and waffles , served in numerous fast-food places.
It also offers some of the best chocolate in the world, found in a wide range of high-end chocolate stores. Bruges is famous for its numerous chocolate shops , such as the reputable Chocolateir Dumon said to make the best chocolate.
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