Brugge

Advantages: Scenery, Great hotels, food and shopping
Disadvantages: Can be crowded in Summer

...I have visited Brugge or Bruges to the French, in the Flanders region of Belgium many times. I have to say it is probably my favourite European city. There are two parts to Brugge, the new and the main residential exterior area, and the old walled medieval town and haunt for the many tourists that are drawn to it. Brugge dates back hundreds of years but detailed history of it starts around the 13th century, hence there is some marvellous architecture to observe, including the 272 foot high Belfry, located in the central Markt and main square. If you fancy the exercise, scale the 370 odd steps to gain a superb view of the town. There are great and inexpensive places to eat and drink in Brugge. If you like Belgian beer, try the local golden ales, that in some cases will literally blow your head off. The beers are served to you... Read review

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Advantages: cute.
Disadvantages: but bland, and if you've limited time you should go elsewhere

...Bruges was a big disappointment for me. Sure, it's a cute, well-preserved little city, but at the end of the day all the travel brochures describing it as "delightful" aren't that far of the mark, if you take "delightful" to mean "old but boring". If Bruges had more character, it might be more interesting. My big problem with it is seen as one of its virtues - it has remained relatively untouched by war, and so stands in pretty much the same state as it always has. This creates a sense of uniformity, but also of monotony, in the design of the old city - cute, but also twee and ultimately boring. Occasionally referred to as the "Venice of the North", the waterways which criss cross it are pretty, but do not deserve this moniker. There are positive aspects to Bruges. Some of the architecture is superb, the pubs and restaurants are good... Read review

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Advantages: It's beautiful, everyone speaks English
Disadvantages: The beer and chocolate are too nice (weightwatchers beware !!!)

...I spent a weekend in Bruges and I'm counting the days to my return. The city is absolutely stunning. I visted for the Christmas market in December 2000 and all I can say is visit Bruges. The city is absolutely beautiful. The view from the top of the tower in the main town sqaure is absolutely breathtaking giving a great view of the city (providing you don't mind heights!). For Christmas, a skating rink is put up in the town square and there are all sorts of market shops around as well. The square is the place to pick up a horse and trap excursion around the city and also the place to eat as well with plenty of restaurants around the edge. The food is excellent and fairly priced too. Canal trips are also available to see Bruges and both the canal trip and the horse and trap trips are well worth the money. If you have time, just walk... Read review

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