BRUSSELS vs BRUGES. . . . .

Better put those beers back in the cellar for a few years.

 

Guess I'll drink them as a consolation prize.

 

No, no, I made the rounds. I just prefer Brussels for beer and Ghent for the rest (castles and such). The "shit hole" comment was in reference to the movie In Bruges. I really do find the city too touristy for my tastes, but I can certainly understand why others find it appealing.

 

I am visting both this summer (Bruge in July, Brussels in September for their festival), any brews that are specific from each city that is a must have/ try?

 

I must agree with dreizhen to some degree. Bruge is an awesome place... once the tourist retreat back to the train or hotel rooms. But I would pick Bruge over Brussels any day of the week.

 

I agree, and Id recommend Ghent over both
And Id highly recommend at least a day trip to Antwerp.

 

With only two nights, I'd be staying put in one place, and that place would be Brussels. While Bruges is nice to see, it's not a must-see, it's pretty and quaint but it always feels like a city that only exists for the tourist. While Brussels may not be the most captivating European city, it has a pulse, and if you're into good beer, there's no better destination.

 

You'll more readily find the lambics and gueuezes around Brussels. The buzzy local brewery for conventional beer is Brasserie de la Senne, so if you see their Zinnebir on a menu or a sign, you know you're in a good spot.

For Bruges. several of the good locals are from De Halve Maan. there are some excellent West Flanders breweries that you'll more readily find there (even if they do make it elsewhere, such as Brussels) like the full range of De Dolle, St. Bernardus, Van Eecke (Hommelbier, Kapittel). And, um, De Struise.

 

Hey thanks for the input! I am definetly looking forward to hitting those spots and trying those brews!

 

I'll give you that de Halve Maan are local, but good?

 

Seriously? I really enjoy Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel!