Belgium & Amsterdam Questions

[LesClaypool]

Just doing some preliminary research and planning. No dates yet. So far think I want to do something like the following though...

9-day trip
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Arrive in Brussels in the AM. Spend the day exploring Brussels. Overnight Brussels
Day 3: Morning & Afternoon in Brussels then Evening Train to Bruges. Overnight Bruges
Day 4: Take in in Bruges for the day and night. Overnight Bruges
Day 5: Morning train to Ghent. Explore Ghent all day and evening. Overnight Ghent
Day 6: Morning Train to Amsterdam. Explore Amsterdam. Overnight Amsterdam
Day 7: Explore Amsterdam. Overnight Amsterdam
Day 8: Explore Amsterdam and/or day trip outside the city. Overnight Amsterdam
Day 9: Fly Home

So...

1 night overnight flight
1 night in Brussels
2 nights in Bruges
1 night in Ghent
3 nights in Amsterdam
1 day/night returning home

Another thought that I'm strongly considering is to stay in Ghent the whole time that we're in Belgium, and use it as a home base since it's more or less equidistant to Brussels, Bruges, and pretty close to Antwerp, (in case we wanted to go there too.) Ghent looks like a really cool little town and the train to Bruges and Brussels would only be 30 minutes or less each way, which would allow us to just take day trips and not have to pack and unpack our suitcases so many times...which sounds really nice.

Thoughts on the itinerary, in general?
Thoughts on the individual cities listed?
Too much time in Amsterdam?
Strong feelings about adding another city or omitting any of the ones I've got listed?

 

[RunRonnieRun]

I did a very similar trip a few years ago but did not visit Ghent.

I'm torn on Brussels versus Bruges. We only took a day trip to Bruges, and while I'd definitely suggest an overnight there I wonder if there's enough to do for two nights. I didn't LOVE Brussels, but there's plenty to do there to add a second night.

Three nights in Amsterdam is fantastic.

IIRC, we did four nights in Brussels, four nights in Amsterdam, then one more night back in Brussels.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

You’ve been to Paris already, or no?

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

Just doing some preliminary research and planning. No dates yet. So far think I want to do something like the following though...

9-day trip
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Arrive in Brussels in the AM. Spend the day exploring Brussels. Overnight Brussels
Day 3: Morning & Afternoon in Brussels then Evening Train to Bruges. Overnight Bruges
Day 4: Take in in Bruges for the day and night. Overnight Bruges
Day 5: Morning train to Ghent. Explore Ghent all day and evening. Overnight Ghent
Day 6: Morning Train to Amsterdam. Explore Amsterdam. Overnight Amsterdam
Day 7: Explore Amsterdam. Overnight Amsterdam
Day 8: Explore Amsterdam and/or day trip outside the city. Overnight Amsterdam
Day 9: Fly Home

So...

1 night overnight flight
1 night in Brussels
2 nights in Bruges
1 night in Ghent
3 nights in Amsterdam
1 day/night returning home

Another thought that I'm strongly considering is to stay in Ghent the whole time that we're in Belgium, and use it as a home base since it's more or less equidistant to Brussels, Bruges, and pretty close to Antwerp, (in case we wanted to go there too.) Ghent looks like a really cool little town and the train to Bruges and Brussels would only be 30 minutes or less each way, which would allow us to just take day trips and not have to pack and unpack our suitcases so many times...which sounds really nice.

Thoughts on the itinerary, in general?
Thoughts on the individual cities listed?
Too much time in Amsterdam?
Strong feelings about adding another city or omitting any of the ones I've got listed?

Looks good to me! But I haven’t been to that area and haven’t done a lot of research on it yet. For my own plans I just want to do one more European trip to Greece, Malta and Dubrovnik for a combo GOT set and heritage (found out my maternal side wasn’t just German but German knights who settled in Malta and then moved to England) and then I want to switch to Africa and Asia. Once I’ve hit my bucket list places (Tanzania, South Africa, Japan, the natural wonders parts of China and maybe Nepal) then I’ll come back and hit my next round of European countries. But if I remember correctly you travel to Europe far more frequently than I do.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Did basically the same trip a few years back.
2 nights Bruges
3 nights AMS
1 night Brussels (had already been there before)

Really liked Bruges, easy to walk around, good food, fun/quaint bars, touristy but not too touristy.
AMS obviously has a ton to do regardless of your interests.
Brussels I thought was very plain and sterile, wasn't crazy about it.

Train is super easy for transit between the cities but do watch your stuff. We passed out on the trip from Bruges to AMS with our backpacks and luggage above us and some random dude stole my friend's backpack (with passport inside). That can happen anywhere, so not really an indictment of the countries but do beware of your belongings.

 

[totallynot321Nole]

(found out my maternal side wasn’t just German but German knights who bench pressed 500 lbs in Malta)

FIFY

 

[LesClaypool]

You’ve been to Paris already, or no?

I have, but sort of with an asterisk. I spent the better part of one day and one night there, and then the next day while we went to Versailles, the Charlie Hebdo newspaper attack took place, and the study abroad group that I was escorting/touring with was basically re-routed out of the city for the rest of Day 2 and Day 3, so we didn't get to do very much in Paris. I'd definitely consider going back, but I haven't been to Belgium or the Netherlands at all before, so I was planning on limiting this trip to just those two this time.

 

[LesClaypool]

But if I remember correctly you travel to Europe far more frequently than I do.

Cool Story Bro, forthcoming...

I never traveled anywhere other than to Cancun for my high school senior class trip, or to the Bahamas on a cruise ship until I was in my late 30's. So I was a pretty late bloomer to international travel.

About 6 years ago, I had the good fortune to get hired by a company that was based in London, and they flew me over there 3 times for training and conferences...which is where I initially caught the travel bug. I know you're not high on it as a destination, but I absolutely love London, probably b/c it was my gateway drug. I could go back again and again and never get tired of it.

After that, I worked selling Study Abroad programs to colleges for a couple of years, which is where I really caught the bug. That job was incredible. The pay wasn't great, but the job itself was incredible - life-changing even. It took me to London, Paris, Florence, Rome, Barcelona, Helsinki, & Stockholm...all those places on someone else's dime.

With a daughter (no pics) approaching college and not nearly enough money in her 529 plan, I left that gig two years ago for one that pays quite a bit more. The deal I made with myself though is that if I was going to leave a job that I love for another one purely for the money, then I would make sure that I still travel as much as possible - not just sock away money for college. Since then I've gone to Ireland (Galway, Cork & Dublin), Budapest, Munich, and twice to Prague - my favorite place I've ever been...so I'm keeping that pledge so far, especially if I can schedule this Belgium & Amsterdam trip in the next few months.

But the short answer is that it's a relatively recent occurrence that started about 6 years ago. I try to go at least once a year, twice if I can afford it, usually just for ~one week at a time...like bookend the weekends with 5 days off of work for a total of 8-9 days each time. I love planning and researching places to travel almost as much as traveling itself. If it was a still a real career, and if it paid anything, I'd definitely be a travel agent in another life...that or even better, Rick Steves.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

If being a travel agent paid well, I'd be all in. That would be my dream job.

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

Cool Story Bro, forthcoming...

I never traveled anywhere other than to Cancun for my high school senior class trip, or to the Bahamas on a cruise ship until I was in my late 30's. So I was a pretty late bloomer to international travel.

About 6 years ago, I had the good fortune to get hired by a company that was based in London, and they flew me over there 3 times for training and conferences...which is where I initially caught the travel bug. I know you're not high on it as a destination, but I absolutely love London, probably b/c it was my gateway drug. I could go back again and again and never get tired of it.

After that, I worked selling Study Abroad programs to colleges for a couple of years, which is where I really caught the bug. That job was incredible. The pay wasn't great, but the job itself was incredible - life-changing even. It took me to London, Paris, Florence, Rome, Barcelona, Helsinki, & Stockholm...all those places on someone else's dime.

With a daughter (no pics) approaching college and not nearly enough money in her 529 plan, I left that gig two years ago for one that pays quite a bit more. The deal I made with myself though is that if I was going to leave a job that I love for another one purely for the money, then I would make sure that I still travel as much as possible - not just sock away money for college. Since then I've gone to Ireland (Galway, Cork & Dublin), Budapest, Munich, and twice to Prague - my favorite place I've ever been...so I'm keeping that pledge so far, especially if I can schedule this Belgium & Amsterdam trip in the next few months.

But the short answer is that it's a relatively recent occurrence that started about 6 years ago. I try to go at least once a year, twice if I can afford it, usually just for ~one week at a time...like bookend the weekends with 5 days off of work for a total of 8-9 days each time. I love planning and researching places to travel almost as much as traveling itself. If it was a still a real career, and if it paid anything, I'd definitely be a travel agent in another life...that or even better, Rick Steves.

I agree with you, if I could make actual money as a travel agent or travel writer/blogger I would do that in a heartbeat. That would be my ideal job as well.

 

[DDennis73]

Able to sneak in a soccer match? Decent shot Arsenal might get drawn with a Belgian or Dutch squad in EL. I think it would be fun to watch a game in one of the smaller countries where they really get excited for one of the big clubs.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

I have, but sort of with an asterisk. I spent the better part of one day and one night there, and then the next day while we went to Versailles, the Charlie Hebdo newspaper attack took place, and the study abroad group that I was escorting/touring with was basically re-routed out of the city for the rest of Day 2 and Day 3, so we didn't get to do very much in Paris. I'd definitely consider going back, but I haven't been to Belgium or the Netherlands at all before, so I was planning on limiting this trip to just those two this time.

Got it. The only real answer then is....




New Zealand!

 

[RunRonnieRun]

Got it. The only real answer then is....




New Zealand!

Or Biloxi

 

[LesClaypool]

Able to sneak in a soccer match? Decent shot Arsenal might get drawn with a Belgian or Dutch squad in EL. I think it would be fun to watch a game in one of the smaller countries where they really get excited for one of the big clubs.

Definitely a possibility.

Still kicking myself for not going to see Southampton vs Sparta Praha when I was in Prague two years ago. The Southampton fans totally took over the city the night before and the day of the match. It was a sight!

 

[ZZ828]

We liked Bruges way more than Brussels. We took a day trip from Brussels to Bruges. If I had to do it again, I would have stayed a couple nights in Bruges, or do what you suggest and base in Ghent.

 

[saenole]

If at all possible, be in Amsterdam during April and take a day trip to Keukenhof Gardens and the surrounding tulip fields. My best travel memories come from seeing spectacular things that don't exist anywhere else on earth, and Keukenhof falls into that category for me.

Timing is important, so make sure to check with someone in the know who can advise you on whether you'll be catching the flowers at their peak. Late March and early May are particularly dicey. If you don't want to mess with Keukenhof itself (it can get crowded), just a train ride out into the tulip fields is wonderful.

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

Got it. The only real answer then is....




New Zealand!

That is the correct answer.

 

[OrlandNole]

When in Belgium try the waffles. You're welcome.

 

[cfbfan23]

If being a travel agent paid well, I'd be all in. That would be my dream job.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

I haven’t been to Bruges though, and don’t think I’ve been to Ghent.

Spent a few weeks in Brussels a few years back and it was fine, but not a place I’d choose to spend a ton of time in. But definitely spend your time around the city center.

 

[fsu1jreed]

Bruges..............nice

 

[GoNolesTX]

Mons is finally on the map... internationally!!

 

[JustSayNole]

I’ve done most of this trip, just not Ghent so no input.

Brussels - meh. A day is plenty

Bruges - I loved this place. A lot. 2 nights is great. Stayed at Hotel Bonifacious. It is old, small, creaky, narrow winding stairs, on a canal, walking distance to everything, nice breakfast, very quiet. This place was perfect for us in this medieval environment. Can’t remember everything but De Halve Maan brewery was fun, Choco Holics was fantastic, the Markt plaza was great for lounging and trying frites with mayo (not a favorite). Decent football team here but we did not go. You could do this anywhere but we took a hot air balloon ride for the first time and it was pretty great, except for the 6am start.

Amsterdam. Yes, please. For as long as you can arrange. Stay out of the city center - not worth the nonstop knuckleheads. We stayed near Anne Frank House but would recommend a little farther west in the Joordan- very residential yet walkable to everything. Order your Anne Frank tickets today! Seriously. Van Gogh Museum is one of my favorites in the world - small enough to accomplish and appreciate and you will recognize all of his art. Rijksmuseum also good, but 2 hours is plenty. Loved Vondelpark, flower markets. In the Joordan, ummm... some friends told us about Paradox and you should tell your friends. Not overrun with tourists, chill environment. There is so much more here that I am forgetting. I am a disciple of Rick Steeves - get his book.

Outside of Amsterdam you can visit Haarlem, it is much like Amsterdam but clean and quiet and only residential. Keep going to Zandvoort to put your feet in the North Sea and eat a meal. This is the home of the Dutch F1 circuit but they have not raced here in years.

 

[BeccaNole72]

There is an amazing Indonesian restaurant called Sama Sebo close to the Rijksmuseum and I AmSterdam sign.

I agree you should get Anne Frank House tickets ASAP.

And don't walk or step into the bike lanes (even if you mistakenly do so) - you will get run over and they won't stop to say sorry and/or check if you need help...lol!

I also loved going to the Windmills at Zaanse Schans.

 

[F4Gary]

I’ve done most of this trip, just not Ghent so no input.

Brussels - meh. A day is plenty

Bruges - I loved this place. A lot. 2 nights is great. Stayed at Hotel Bonifacious. It is old, small, creaky, narrow winding stairs, on a canal, walking distance to everything, nice breakfast, very quiet. This place was perfect for us in this medieval environment. Can’t remember everything but De Halve Maan brewery was fun, Choco Holics was fantastic, the Markt plaza was great for lounging and trying frites with mayo (not a favorite). Decent football team here but we did not go. You could do this anywhere but we took a hot air balloon ride for the first time and it was pretty great, except for the 6am start.

Amsterdam. Yes, please. For as long as you can arrange. Stay out of the city center - not worth the nonstop knuckleheads. We stayed near Anne Frank House but would recommend a little farther west in the Joordan- very residential yet walkable to everything. Order your Anne Frank tickets today! Seriously. Van Gogh Museum is one of my favorites in the world - small enough to accomplish and appreciate and you will recognize all of his art. Rijksmuseum also good, but 2 hours is plenty. Loved Vondelpark, flower markets. In the Joordan, ummm... some friends told us about Paradox and you should tell your friends. Not overrun with tourists, chill environment. There is so much more here that I am forgetting. I am a disciple of Rick Steeves - get his book.

Outside of Amsterdam you can visit Haarlem, it is much like Amsterdam but clean and quiet and only residential. Keep going to Zandvoort to put your feet in the North Sea and eat a meal. This is the home of the Dutch F1 circuit but they have not raced here in years.

I actually went to the Dutch Grand Prix in '77 when I lived there.
Ditto on the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum.
Kukenof if it's tulip season.
Voledam if you have the time.
I never had a bad restaurant dinner while I was there. Try the Ricestaffel at an Indonesian restaurant.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

In Amsterdam I recommend a Bike Amsterdam tour and a visit to Abraxas.

 

[F4Gary]

Amsterdam canal boat tour too.

 

[JustSayNole]

Yes, stay out of the bike lanes. This is no joke. More bikes than people in Amsterdam. Somehow this is true. When you hear the pleasant ringing of a bike bell, something has gone wrong. Move over quickly.

And you will drink liters of Jupiler at outside cafes. That’s the life. (And it’s Belgian, so pronounce the J)