Brussels/Gent/Brugge, spend 2 days in which city

[Alchemywunderkid]

I'm hitting all three cities in the middle of August. My question is this:

I have four days, which of these three cities would you rather spend the extra day in?

[Husker267]

Rent a car and ride out to Westvleteren. Trust me, it's worth getting out of the city for a day.

I would highly recommend a GPS - Once you get off the main roads, you can get turned around very easily.

[dannypo]

Brugge was the highlight of my Europe trip so that's my recommendation. I spent 4 days there and would gave enjoyed another 4.

[awalker]

I am biased as Cantillon is in Brussels.
But Brugge is supposed to be good.

Thats were my next visit to belgium will be.

[MikeB]

There is more to do and see in Brussels, so that would be my choice. I do like the idea of a road trip to taste Westvleteren beers. If you call ahead, you might also be albe to reserve some Westy beer to take home.

[Quin]

I don't think 2 days is enough in any of the cities (much less 1). I would pick one city and spend all four days there.

It seems like you lose half a day between checking out of the hotel, waiting on the train, checking in to the hotel, nap, etc. If you got bored you could always take a day trip out to one of the other cities.

[Alchemywunderkid]

Thanks for the replies folks. I definitely have some thinking to do. I wish I could do the car route, but I'll be soloing it on a budget so keeping to cities via trains is where I'm leaning.

Good point on the time loss due to travel Quin. Of course, I was planning on a whirlwind tour, but maybe I can rethink that a bit. Maybe two days each in Brussels and Brugge, hitting Ghent on the way back for a quickie.

Anyone have any experience/suggestions for cheap lodging? I've been poking around a bit, but would love some tips from (reasonably) trustworthy people.