We'll be traveling either by train or by rented car from Leiden, NL, to an
as yet unknown destination in Belgium. Our entire trip is only 5 nights
long, so I'm interested in a short travel time from Leiden (~2 hrs or
less).

Visiting churches is not on our wish list. We are 4 adults around 40 years
old who like to eat and drink, and we can be slightly raucous during
dinner, so I'm not looking for a hushed restaurant, though we'll pay
handsomely for excellent food, wine, and service. We are not vegetarians
and 3 out of 4 of us are adventurous eaters. The 4th is mostly a meat and
potatoes guy.

We like museums, but prefer the offbeat over fine art for this trip. I love
Art Nouveau architecture and decoration, which I understand some cities in
Belgium have in spades. Husband is also interested in cartoons in general,
and again, I know we'll be in the right place for that.

I'd love any suggestions or suggested itineraries about how and where to
spend a day and evening in Belgium. Restaurants, things to do or see,
hotels less than ~$100/night. Suggestions of restaurants or bars with
particularly large or particularly good beer selection a bonus.

Many thanks,
Cate

written by  Cate on November 15, 2006

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Sounds like you're in for Bruges!
I'm sure others can recommend offbeat places there, but the town is worth
a day trip for its own already, and there are many, many fine
restaurants.

I'm sure you will find a lot of information here:
http://www.Brugge.be/internet/en/index.htm

btw: 40 Bruges pubs participate in a cartoons project: they have cartoons
on their beer mats/coasters in an effort to emphasize the need to 'go out
sensibly' (a campaign to encourage visitors not to drive drunk, not to
take a leak at the nearest tree on the market square, etc.).

written by  Erick T. Barkhuis on November 15, 2006

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The only problem with doing a day trip to Bruges by train is that they
will spend more than 6 hours of the day on the train. A day trip to
Antwerp only involves spending 3.5 hours o the train. Antwerp also has
lots of good places to eat and drink.

written by  Martin on November 15, 2006

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I've driven past the Auchan on the N side of Antwerp many times and
thought it might be a good place to stock up on food en route to The
Bog. Is that the case? - is it up to the standard of a French
supermarket?

written by  jeremyrh on November 15, 2006

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I am planning a trip to Belgium too. There is a website that helps me a lot to find accommodation there. I will be living in the hotel Amigo, Brussels, Belgium. You can go to have a look to see if you are interested.

written by  Li Na on April 11, 2007

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