Mixed experience in Belgium — beautiful but overhyped

Belgium is undeniably beautiful. Manneken Pis and the area around Liège have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed moules-frites and appreciated underrated foodie destination. That's all real.

But Bruges can feel like a theme park in peak season was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.