Suggestions for Brussels this January
Hello!
I am will be spending five nights in Brussels in January.
My planned itinerary will be have three nights in Brussels, with two nights in Bruges in between, and (half) day trips to Antwerp and Ghent.
I have accommodations for Bruges and Sunday night in Brussels set.
I am undecided about Thursday evening: return to Brussels, stay in Antwerp, or travel from Antwerp for a third night in Bruges.
Looking for suggestions for a hostel in Brussels, my first choice, Sleep Well, has not reopened since a fire in January.
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Jeff
Garwood, NJ
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
07:45 Arrival in Brussels (Zaventem)
10:00 – Lunch Lower town walking tour
01:00 -05:00 Lower town/upper town
Thursday, January 17, 2013
09:30 – 12:00 See Brussels sights
12:00 – 06:00 Antwerp – walking tour
06:00 Return to Brussels (option spend night in Antwerp?
Friday, January 18, 2012
09:00 – 10:00 Train to Bruges (From Brussels or Antwerp?)
Saturday, January 19, 2012
Bruges
Sunday, January 20, 2012
Stop in Ghent on way back to Brussels
Drop off luggage at train station
Walking tour
Return to Brussels
Monday, January 21, 2012
Flight home
?
Jeff
Union County, NJ 07027 10/11/12
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I think Ghent is worth a whole day. I stayed at the Ibis St. Baaf's, which is right next to the cathedral. You can walk everywhere from there, and it's a short tram ride to the train station - though a few minutes' walk to/from the tram stop over cobblestones with luggage. Ghent is especially lovely after dark when all the medieval buildings are illuminated.
But then, I haven't been to Antwerp or Brussels, so I can't compare them.
I day-tripped to Bruges from Ghent. Bruges was much more touristy (shop after shop selling lace, or chocolate, or souvenirs) and much more photogenic than Ghent. In January, it probably won't be so full of tourists. Definitely needs more time than Ghent.
Do you have to go back to Brussels for your last night? We didn't. We stayed in Ghent (3 nights total, it was lovely) until the very last day. we took the train into directly to the airport, at 6am, got to the airport around 7am, and then prepped for our 10am flight home. In my past 2 trips to Belgium, we have never stayed in Brussels; not saying you shouldn't, we loved the museums, walked around and then headed to the more charming cities.
Another thing you can do, it get out of town as soon as you arrive and then do a few days in Brussels at the end. We did not love Antwerp at all. We day tripped there from Bruges and left after 3 hours. Some people love it; almost to the point that I get private messaged that they could not believe that we did not like Antwerp.
You have such a short time in a wonderful country. I would suggest dropping the Antwerp day trip. This is what I suggest: 2 nights Ghent, 2 nights Bruges, and your final night in Brussels. Do Antwerp the next time.
Thanks for the advice. I am now spending Thursday, Jan. 17 in Ghent instead of Brussels.
Three recommendations for Brussels that you might not otherwise hear too much about:
1) If the world wars interest you, don't miss the Royal Museum of Military History. They have a huge section devoted to these conflicts (and less interesting sections with endless old Belgian uniforms). The surrounding Jubelpark is quite attractive, but probably less so in January.
2) The Basillica of the Sacred Heart in the Koekelberg section of the city. I can't think of another Art Deco church in the world. Some people hate it, some people find it fascinating.
3) Janneke Pis, the sister of the better known Mannekin Pis. I love the cheeky little look on this statue's face.