Bruges is a compact city in the northern region of Flanders in Belgium. The historic city center is small and walkable, and is almost entirely pedestrianized. The largely car-free center of Bruges is perhaps unique in Europe, and the unchanged medieval streets make the city a must-see.

To properly visit Bruges you need at least 2 full days. Giving that you’re also thinking about doing the Quasimodo tour that makes three days. You can spend a third night in Bruges, making it your base, and make a day trip to Ghent (only 20 minutes by train) if you think you’ve seen enough of Bruges.

You definitely should! Depending on how much you want to do, you can visit Normandy as a day trip from Paris if you only visit Rouen or spend three to four days road tripping in Normandy to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside in Normandy.

Legends of Bruges Free Walking Tour. A great way to begin your 3 days in Bruges is to do legends of Bruges free walking tour.

While Bruges is a relaxing tourist town pleasant to visit on foot during a short stay, Brussels is an interesting city with a lot to see including mixed cultures, diverse and attractive architecture, good food and nightlife options.

So a bit again: Bruges has more the little town feel and appeals more to the romantic idea of a historical place, but is very touristy and you have to deal with the crowds. Ghent is a vibrant place, has the feel of a larger town, feels more realistic and is more ideal for pub crawling in the evening.

23 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Normandy

• Mont Saint-Michel. Mont Saint-Michel.
• Rouen. Gros-Horloge clock tower in Rouen.
• Honfleur. Honfleur harbor.
• Caen Memorial Museum.
• Bayeux and the Bayeux Tapestry.
• Omaha D-Day Landing Beach and Museum.
• Deauville.
• Giverny: Monet’s Garden.

The best way to get around Normandy is by car. Many travelers fly into Paris, then drive or take the train to Normandy. Other options from Paris include traveling by train, bus or with an organized tour, of which there are any number of companies offering daytrips.

Ghent is a university town and has all the trappings of such: plenty of nightlife and plenty of town events catering to the student crowd. Bruges also has nightlife, of course, and sees its share of young travelers and backpackers, but Ghent definitely has more of a college town feel.