Bruges

[~JeanneC~]

Our first port is Bruges and it looks so wonderful! However, we have the option of either going to Brussels or Antwerp for the day. What to do!!??

Appreciate all comments, thanks

[Uwe]

Hi, JeanneC,
first of all Welcome on board chruise-chat. Hope you will feel fine here.
I suggest the Trip to Brussels. You will see there the "Grande Place", maybe the most beautiful market place in the world, Manneken Pis, the Atomium (from the World Fare 1958).
Have a nice cruise
Uwe

[Crown Prince]

Hello Jeanne,

i don't like to contradict Uwe as he is always right but in this case i regret that i have to.

Brussels is for sure a very nice European Capital with many sights (but it is quite a distance from the sea). But Bruges is definitely one of Europe's biggest treasures, although not very well known. It is very romantic with its many waterways and narrow streets. If there weren't occasional cars (and of course Tourists) around, you'd feel like being in the "Middle Ages". Simply beautiful!

Have fun, Andreas

[Uwe]

@ CP,
sure, you are right with Bruges. But to choose between Brussels and Antwerpen, I always would prefer Brussels.
@ JeanneC
Bruges is an old commercial town. The prime time was between the 12th and the 14th Century. Bruges is also called the "lagoon town of the north". At the market place you will find memorial (monument) of the masters of the guild Pieter de Gonick and Jan Breydel. The curch shelters the famous sculpture "Madonna with the child" from Michelangelo. And, I absolutly agree with Crown Princes describtion of Bruges.
Habe a nice cruise
Uwe

[ChucksOK]

And, don't forget that in Brussels you will be able to see the famous fountain of the little boy peeing...

[Uwe]

Originally posted by ChucksOK:
And, don't forget that in Brussels you will be able to see the famous fountain of the little boy peeing...

Hi ChucksOK,
in Brussels the little boy is called "Manneken Pis".
Regards
Uwe

[fruby]

hello,

My DW and I have been to Bruges but not to Brussels or Antwerp. However, I highly recommend that you visit Bruges. From the ship there will be a shuttle bus to the train station in Blankenburg and then a short train ride to Bruges. Exit the train station and walk the path that leads to Bruges (this is about a half mile or so of very easy walking). On your left is a wall, and on your right is a meandering stream and lots of trees. Bruges has lots of charm, carriage rides, and architecture. While cars are not banned, except in the town square, you will be reminded of Williamsburg VA.

Hope that this helps,

Fred

[~JeanneC~]

Thank you all for your helpful comments about Bruges vs Brussels.

The romantic walking town of Bruges won out over the big city.

I hope someday to visit Brussels, it has always seemed exotic to me since the 1958 World's Fair. I was just 11 yrs old then and it was the first time I realized there was a world out there I did not know.

I love this site and wonder if there are any like it for land tours?

Again thank you all
JeanneC

[Uwe]

Hi, JeanneC,
in 1958 my Boy Scouts friend an I visited the Atomium. We went by bicycles from Aachen (Germany) to Brussels. On our tour we visited Bruges too. The years after I have been in Brussels for some stays, but never in Bruges again. Have a nice trip
Uwe