Should I stay in Bruges or Ghent?

Stay in Bruges for fairytale charm, canals, and a smaller, picturesque feel (great for 1-2 days); choose Ghent for a livelier, less touristy, "real city" vibe with a vibrant student scene, better nightlife, and affordability, making it a good base for longer stays with easy train trips to Bruges and Brussels. Since they're close by train, you can easily visit both, so pick your base by prioritizing ambiance: romantic Bruges or vibrant Ghent.

What is the prettiest town in Belgium?

❣️Bruges is the most beautiful city in Belgium. When you come to Bruges, you will be attracted by its long history. There are many ancient buildings and charming streets here.

What is the best city to stay in in Belgium?

One of Belgium's most beautiful cities, Bruges is what you imagine when you think of a postcard-perfect representation of old-town Europe.. Narrow, calm canals snake through most corners of the historic centre, pretty cobbled streets weave between restaurant terraces and leafy squares, and tourists in their thousands ...

Is Ghent a good place to stay?

Ghent offers stunning river views that weave through ancient cobblestone streets with grandiose medieval architecture everywhere you turn. The food is outstanding, the beer flows abundantly, the shopping is plentiful, the people are friendly and the list goes on and on.

Is it worth going to Bruges Belgium?

The historic buildings in Bruges are stunning. You can easily spend a day exploring the beautiful streets and getting lost in the maze of pretty buildings. Add to that the serene and beautiful Minnewater Park and a boat trip along the canal, and you have yourself the perfect slow-paced European city break.

Should you visit Ghent or Bruges? 🇧🇪 | Exploring Flanders Belgium

What is the 30% rule in Belgium?

Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).

Why is Bruges called the dead city?

Bruges is called the "Dead City" primarily because of Georges Rodenbach's influential 1892 novel Bruges-la-Morte (Bruges-the-Dead), which portrayed the decaying, melancholic city as a perfect setting for a widower's obsessive grief, making it a symbol of death and lost glory for Symbolist artists and a morbid tourist attraction for romantics seeking atmosphere, even as the city's importance declined historically due to its silting Zwin channel.
 

Can I do Bruges and Ghent in one day?

Bruges and Ghent are two charming, small towns in Belgium, each just a short train ride away from Brussels. In a perfect world, Bruges and Ghent each deserve their own day for exploring. However, if you are short on time, you can visit Bruges and Ghent in one day.

Where to go in Belgium for the first time?

What to see in Belgium

• The Grand-Place in Brussels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Brussels' central plaza, the Grand-Place is an exceptional example of Belgian architecture and history. ...
• Manneken Pis. ...
• Minnewater Lake. ...
• The Flemish béguinages in Bruges.

What is the nicest town on the Belgian coast?

1. De Panne. De Panne is Belgium's westernmost seaside town and is known for its wide beach. Here you can get a breath of fresh air, sail on the beach or enjoy a quiet day in the sun.

What are the top 4 cities in Belgium?

In 2022, the five largest cities or municipalities in Belgium in terms of population were Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi, and Liège.

Where to avoid staying in Brussels?

Avoid certain areas at night.

Avoid Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Schaerbeek, Anderlecht, Marollen, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, and Anneessens at night.

Where to stay in Belgium as a tourist?

Most booked hotels in Belgium

• Motel One Brussels. 3 stars. Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews) ...
• NH Brussels Airport. 4 stars. Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews) ...
• Martin's Brugge. 3 stars. Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews) ...
• Van der Valk Hotel Spa. 4 stars. ...
• Hi Liège Hostel. 2 stars. ...
• ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort. 2 stars.

What is the charming village near Brussels?

Beersel. Just fifteen kilometers south of Brussels, Beersel is a little gem in Flemish Brabant, famous for its imposing medieval castle surrounded by a moat. This peaceful village captivates visitors with its authentic atmosphere and beautiful heritage.

What is the most walkable city in Belgium?

Bruges is very walkable, so once you arrive, you really don't need any transport 👣 Best things to do: Wander around the historic center and get lost in the small streets and canals. Take a canal boat ride to see the city from a different perspective 🚤

How long is the train ride from Ghent to Bruge?

On average it takes around 26 minutes to travel from Ghent to Bruges (Brugge) by train, although you can get there in 22 minutes on the fastest services. With 76 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

Why is Jesus blood in Brugge?

Legend has it that Count Thierry of Alsace, after an adventurous Second Crusade, brought the Holy Blood to Bruges in 1150. He received the relic as a gift from Jerusalem, as a treasure for the city and a sign of his heroism.

Which movie was filmed in Bruges?

In Bruges is a 2008 black comedy-drama crime thriller film directed and written by Martin McDonagh in his feature-length debut. It stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two London-based Irish hitmen hiding in Bruges, with Ralph Fiennes as their boss. The film is set and was filmed in Bruges, Belgium.

What food is Bruges famous for?

You can find truffles, pralines, chocolate bars and even chocolate tours and workshops if you want an authentic experience. Oh, by the way, Bruges is also the place to try some real hot chocolate… just note that you may never go back to packaged hot chocolate powder ever again!

Is 4000 euro a good salary in Belgium?

Average Salary in Belgium by Region

In 2025, the average gross monthly salary in Belgium is around €3,800–€4,000. However, Belgium is a federal state, and income levels vary significantly across regions: Brussels-Capital Region: The highest average salaries are found here — about €4,200–€4,400 gross per month.

What changes in Belgium on 1 July 2025?

Among these labor law reforms, it had been announced that — since 1 July 2025 — employers are no longer required to pay the regular employer social security contributions on the portion of an employee's salary that exceeds a quarterly threshold.

Do you give way to the right in Belgium?

In Belgium, all drivers must give priority to any vehicles joining a road from the right, even if they have stopped at a junction or are allowing pedestrians to cross.