Bruges vs Ghent
Last time I went to Bruges was from college so my memory of the place was quite hazy to say the least. In fact, a distant memory would be more accurate. So I was very excited to be going there again. This time, however, we were also combining it with a day in Ghent. I am not one for an early start so I wasn’t too pleased with the Eurostar leaving at 8:04 from St Pancras but at least I didn’t need to be there two hours before departure like I would have had to for a flight.
Plus, getting through check-in is so much nicer than through airport security. Everything seems to run a lot more smoothly on the Eurostar. I much prefer to travel by train!
We were advised to take a taxi from the station to the Hotel Navarra as the cobbled streets can be brutal on the wheels of your luggage. This was definitely a good idea although there is a bus that brings you to the town centre, from the station which works out much cheaper if you are on a budget. Our hotel was beautiful with an amazing history and the staff at the Navarra were very friendly. The check in process took next to no time and although we had arrived earlier than the usual check-in time, one room was ready so we quickly dropped our bags and went off to explore.
I must say, what I thought of as fading memories of Bruges weren’t as faded as I thought. I still remembered the cobbled streets and beautiful network of canals. What I found most surprising was the relaxed atmosphere of Bruges. There are a number of ways to explore the city; for the romantics there is the horse and carriage; for those on a budget like us it is easy to explore on foot. Just wear comfortable shoes as the cobbled streets sound romantic but are murder on your feet. Of course you can also explore by boat with a cruise around the canals and a guided introduction to the city.
Next day, we were off to Ghent and I was even more surprised to find that it is just as beautiful but with a lot more going on. It is less than 30 minutes on the train from Bruges with a 10 minute tram from the station taking you right to the centre of town. Although we didn’t stay the night in Ghent I’m told the night life is a little bit more vibrant than Bruges due to the university and the high student population. There is the St Bavo Cathedral and the Belfry Tower giving you amazing views of Ghent and so much more. Of course there are cobbled streets here too and the canals for you to take a boat trip on. However, the cruise we took was only 40 minutes long and, although we got to find out little quirky things about the city, I didn’t completely feel satisfied that it was value for money. I did, however fall in love with the place and definitely look forward to visiting again. Maybe for the Christmas Market!
