Weekend in Belgium

[theboyfold]

I've got a weekend in Belgium, and need something to do. I'm going to be in Liege for work, and the OH is coming out (we have a works party on the Friday night).

So we are staying out for a couple of nights to get away from the wedding planning and relax.

However, I've not got a clue as to what to do. For some reason I don't like the idea of Brussels, there are so many 'old' european cities I can wander round before I go nuts!
Liege really doesn't have anything to offer.
Brugges, I think is too much like Brussels - old and touristy.

The one place that does does something is Spa, as I really fancy a weekend of utter relaxation, however, with the wedding being only 3.5 months away I can't justify splashing out on an expensive weekend.

So what can we do that will give us a nice weekend away that doesn't rely on looking at old buildings. Please feel free to correct me on the suggestions I've dismissed above, however I will need evidence of your workings

[Iain328]

theboyfold said:

I've got a weekend in Belgium, and need something to do. I'm going to be in Liege for work, and the OH is coming out (we have a works party on the Friday night).

So we are staying out for a couple of nights to get away from the wedding planning and relax.

However, I've not got a clue as to what to do. For some reason I don't like the idea of Brussels, there are so many 'old' european cities I can wander round before I go nuts!
Liege really doesn't have anything to offer.
Brugges, I think is too much like Brussels - old and touristy.

The one place that does does something is Spa, as I really fancy a weekend of utter relaxation, however, with the wedding being only 3.5 months away I can't justify splashing out on an expensive weekend.

So what can we do that will give us a nice weekend away that doesn't rely on looking at old buildings. Please feel free to correct me on the suggestions I've dismissed above, however I will need evidence of your workings

Everyone should go to Brugges at least once. Yes its full of old buildings - but these are REALLY old! A lot of it goes back to the 15th/16th Century & you won't find that in too many places. Canals are interesting too.

Like anywhere in Belgium there is also Beer, Chocolate and great chips on sale in the main square! Otherwise avoid eating in the main square (expensive).

[theboyfold]

I do like the chips on sale on the street, I spend a lot of time in Liege and the one on my way home from the local bars to the normal hotel is the best hangover prevention method in the world. Chips and mayo

So Brugges, old buildings and canals... Anything else there?

[v15ben]

I was similarly uninspired by Brussels, but actually I really enjoyed it when I was there on Thursday. We did spend most of our time either in a traffic jam or the underground bar at Delerium! As a city I'd go to Brugges but for a night out Brussels is actually a pleasant surprise

[rednotdead]

Why not Ypres - do some of the WWI stuff. Ypres is a lovely little town and I can highly recommend the Hotel Ariane.

[Bodo]

The what-to-do-in-Bruges-issue has been well documented: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoE9edjEDCI

[mrmaggit]

theboyfold said:

I do like the chips on sale on the street, I spend a lot of time in Liege and the one on my way home from the local bars to the normal hotel is the best hangover prevention method in the world. Chips and mayo

So Brugges, old buildings and canals... Anything else there?

There is a brewery to tour, but I've been on better. There are a LOT of little boutique shops, and there is often a fair on the square at T'zand. If you've seen the film "in Bruges", you'll also know about the boat trips, whaich are actually quite good. The "it's a sh*thole" comments from Colin Farrell would be better aimed at Brussels.

If you want a place to be able to totally relax in, Bruges is the place.

[theboyfold]

Thanks for the suggestions, ended up spending 2 nights in Brugge and then an afternoon out in Ypres to have a look around the WWI museums and sites. Very moving stuff.