Thorn Tree travel forum

1

Well, it depends on what you want. Do you like architecture, museums, nightlife? Give us some more information because this is important to give you a good recommendation.

I personally would give Antwerp or Ghent a shot. Stay in Ghent for two days, make a daytrip to Bruges (it's beautiful but a bit dull) and come back to Ghent in the evening, it's a lively town and nightlife is great due to the large student population (and it's also a lovely city to walk around). Or have a look at Antwerp! Forget about Brussels - whatever you like (if you are into museums or into nightlife), there are always better cities in Belgium. And don't forget that distances are short in Belgium. Even when staying in Antwerp for two days it is very easy to make a daytrip to Ghent of Bruges (one hour away by train).

I wouldn't go to Luxemburg myself unless you have a car or a bike. Luxemburg City is nice, but could be a bit boring for a full day. The best parts of the country are the small villages and beautiful nature - and that isn't quite doable with public transport.

2

Overrated if you put them on line with Paris and Rome. But both and Ghent and Antwerp are far better than Luxembourg City.
Personally I enjoy Brugge (Bruges) very much at night - completely different from the daytime experience - but I am sure that the partying is better in Gent - but that may be even better at home?
All 4 cities compare well wuth the "best" large cities in the Netherlands IMHO.

3

Don't give up on Luxembourg!!
http://www.youthhostels.lu/?t=50&language=EN&topmenu[]=10

This is the youth hostel in Pfaffenthal, an amazingly gorgeous area of the city, and directly in the city. If you are in terrible shape, it is near the bottom of the gorge that runs through the city, but it isn't terrible unless you really aren't used to walking much. But bus number 9 runs right by as well, so its not much of a worry. Luxembourg city is beautiful and easy to get around, and very safe for single travellers. I will admit that it is not the most exciting night life, etc, but there are places to go and if you like to walk in gorgeous surroundings, I think it is one of the best cities as it will take one day and you'll see it all. If you want a big party scene, you'll definately be dissappointed, though, and then I'd recommend Brussels, perhaps?

4

I'm afraid I disagree with #1 and #2 - Luxembourg is a fabulous place for a couple of days. The bridges across the gorges, the gorges themselves, the old casemates - lot of interesting stuff. Getting into the country in Luxembourg is quite easy as well - there are frequent and fast trains to all points in the country. To the north, west and east there are interesting little villages to explore, some of them in the black forest. South is mostly industrial - don't bother.

Brussels also has a reputation for being boring, but this isn't the case. Brussels main square is surely the most beautiful city square in Europe, with graceful, classic and very stylish architecture and buildings. It has an unusual comic-book museum (Herge, author of Tin-Tin, was Belgian).

http://PaulKilfoil.webs.com (travelogues & photos since 1987)

5

If you are hesitating between Luxembourg City and Bruges/Brugge or Bruxelles/Brussels, by no means : go to Belgium! Youth hostels are not in the outskirts of these cities, there is plenty to see within walking distance, food is great. Luxembourg City IMO does not compare to Bruges when it comes to sheer beauty, nor does it compare to Brussels when it comes to what you can see when on a budget, nor can it sustain the comparison when it comes to the capacity of locals to engage a conversation and be friendly to you. If you had a car and some time in your hands, there are very scenic roads and pretty towns in Luxemburg country, but I understand it is not the case.

Those who say that Bruges and Brussels are overrated are the same that will "do Venice" in less than 24 hours, and will go: "pfff! ... Way overrated, man!". Just go, and make your own opinion on these places.

Tel je vis, tel je voyage: sans attaches, sans attentes, et avec bonheur
100 things to do in Scotland before you die
Why I will always go back to Scotland ...
... and Ireland...

6

If you are hesitating between Luxembourg City and Bruges/Brugge or Bruxelles/Brussels, by no means : go to Belgium! Youth hostels are not in the outskirts of these cities, there is plenty to see within walking distance, food is great. Luxembourg City IMO does not compare to Bruges when it comes to sheer beauty, nor does it compare to Brussels when it comes to what you can see when on a budget, nor can it sustain the comparison when it comes to the capacity of locals to engage a conversation and be friendly to you. If you had a car and some time in your hands, there are very scenic roads and pretty towns in Luxemburg country, but I understand it is not the case.

Those who say that Bruges and Brussels are overrated are the same that will "do Venice" in less than 24 hours, and will go: "pfff! ... Way overrated, man!". Just go, and make your own opinion on these places.

Tel je vis, tel je voyage: sans attaches, sans attentes, et avec bonheur
100 things to do in Scotland before you die
Why I will always go back to Scotland ...
... and Ireland...

7

Thanks for all your fab advice everyone, I am leaning towards the Ghent/Antwerp option at the moment because it is something a bit different and it sounds like there are cool hostels there and good sights, cheers!

8

But pleeeeeease, while you're there, do not miss an overnight stay in Bruges ...

Tel je vis, tel je voyage: sans attaches, sans attentes, et avec bonheur
100 things to do in Scotland before you die
Why I will always go back to Scotland ...
... and Ireland...

9

Thanks Saskja, I will try to fit it in! That is my big problem at the moment, too many places I want to see and not enough time to see them. You really want to make the most of it when you are coming from the other side of the world ;-)

10

I know, I know olivekay : ) I do not know where exactly Thorn Tree World is, but I come from the other side of the pound and I understand what it feels like. Missing Bruges would be criminal...

Tel je vis, tel je voyage: sans attaches, sans attentes, et avec bonheur
100 things to do in Scotland before you die
Why I will always go back to Scotland ...
... and Ireland...

11

Well, I have to admit, Bruges is lovely, and is probably the most beautiful city in the whole Benelux (BElgium-NEtherlands-LUXemburg), even better than the likes of Brussels and Amsterdam when it comes to sheer beauty. It's just that as a Dutch person it is nothing special for me (it would certainly be different for one living in Spain, Asia or from the other side of the pound). When I look at Ghent for example I see a city rivalling Bruges in beauty. The medieval architecture and museums can certainly compete with Bruges. But what is better with Ghent is that the city is far more lively than Bruges, and less touristy. If you go, visit the castle (Gravensteen), the Sint-Baafs cathedral (with the famous painting "De aanbidding van het Lam God" from Jan van Eyck), and if you like modern art, the "Gentse Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst" (SMAK).

Perhaps the best advice is to combine these two cities (Bruges and Ghent), which will make saskja happy and me also :-) but really don't miss out on Ghent - which I think is the most underrated city in Belgium (well, for foreign tourists - the Flamish people know the charms of the city and know how to appreciate it). The distance is only half an hour by train between these two towns! If you are short on time, it isn't a real problem. You can see the main sights and appreciate the charms of both cities when you spend one day in each town. Two would be better of course, but it isn't really a problem when you have only one day for each. The towns are compact and it's really easy to walk around!