Paris to Amsterdam but... is a stop in Brussels worth it?

Hello everyone,

I%26#39;d like to book the Thalys from Paris to Amsterdam, but I thought of perhaps making a stop in Brussels on the way just for a few hours to see the city. It will cost more, I will have to buy Paris -%26gt; Brussels and then Brussels - %26gt; Amsterdam.

I also have luggage with me and I will need to store them in the luggage check at Brussels Midi for those few hours.

Is Brussels really worth the hassle? Is it much different than Paris, Amsterdam or Rome to warrant wandering around for a bit?

I do have a few days in Amsterdam, and I understand there are tour companies that do day trips to Belgium. Perhaps that may be more appropriate if Belgium is a must see?

Thank you!

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I would not put Brussels on a %26quot;must see%26quot; list - it%26#39;s more like, if the most convenient flight to Europe is to Brussels and you are taking the train to Paris from there, you might want to spend the afternoon and evening looking around Brussels. There are a few interesting areas, but not many (it%26#39;s nothing at all like Paris, despite being old - I don%26#39;t know if it was bombed to smithereens during WWII or what, but only the old town square and a few blocks surrounding it were of any real interest to me.

Also, I doubt there is anyplace to leave luggage conveniently for a few hours, and it would not (IMO) be worth the hassle of trying for such a short visit - just go straight through, and catch Brussels on a later trip.

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This all rather begs the question as to what you think is a %26#39;must see%26#39; in Belgium. I haven%26#39;t been to Bruges, but it%26#39;s high on my list of destinations. As for Brussels, the main square (Grand-Place) is superb, the beer glasses in the various bars are amazing, the Rubens room in the royal museum is mind blowing, though all in all, I thought the best bit was the cartoon murals trail round the town.

Do ask on the Brussels forum and have a look at some guide books or tourist information websites to decide which (if any) of my must-sees also appeal to you!

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Thank you everyone. I suspect that with my luggage, it will be quite a hassle to arrange the journey, I think I will leave Brussels for my next trip (sooner rather than later hopefully!)

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Amsterdam is around 4 hours away from Paris by train. Stopping off in Brussels is good if you have the time. I personally did not favor Brussels and to me it does not compare with Paris. Bruges, on the other hand, is, to me, very worthwhile. It’s quite scenic and full of character.

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