best beer tour in belgium

9 Super fun beer tours in Belgium – Discover the Belgian beer culture

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What we talk about in this article

Belgium is most famous for its variety in beers, and we do have quite a few breweries, spread all over the country.

Some breweries are authentic and operated in monasteries, while others have grown international. But in the end, all of them produce some of the best drafts in the world, and we’re proud of that!

In any case, you can’t skip on doing a beer tour when visiting Belgium. Whether you want to visit a brewery, or join a tasting tour, you will have tons of fun and get to taste some of the very best Belgian brews.

So we listed some of the very best beer tours in Belgium in this article! We got a few options for each of the most popular travel destinations in the country, so it will be easy to fit one of these excursions into your itinerary for Belgium!

Brussels beer tours

The capital of Brussels is an excellent travel destination. Staying one day in Brussels can be enough, but the city is more than interesting enough to spend a few extra days!

Make sure you reserve enough time in Brussels to plan a beer tasting tour and one of these other sightseeing trips in Brussels !

Brussels Beer Tasting Experience

The Belgian Beer Tasting Experience in Brussels is a 2,5-hour tour which takes you to 3 iconic bars where you get to taste 4 famous Belgian ales.

Your experienced local guide walks you through the city and explains the history of the different types of ales. You can expect to learn a few notable facts about the different brews of Belgium.

And of course, you will have an awesome time with the other travelers that join the tour.

The Beer Tasting Experience is a relaxed and fun tour to join in Brussels.

After the tour, you get a bottle of Trappist to take home with you!

Check out the Brussels Beer Tasting Experience

Small group Brussels Beer Tour

If you need more than 2,5 hours for tasting, check out this popular beer tasting tour in Brussels, which lasts for 4 hours. Tours start in the early afternoon.

With a small group and a local guide, you’ll venture out in the city of Brussels to taste a selection of 8 Belgian brews, complete with cheese and snacks.

Some of the brews in this tour are: Chimay, Faro, and Orval.

Your professional guide takes you to some of the oldest taverns in the city and you’ll get a chance to explore a lesser known part of the city.

During this tour, you’ll get to know a lot of interesting facts about Belgian beer and the city of Brussels.

Check out the small group tasting tour in Brussels

The Famous Hungry Mary’s Chocolate and Beer Tour

As for Brussels Beer tasting excursions, Hungry Mary’s Chocolate and Beer tour is the most popular and most famous of them all.

During this 4,5-hour tour, a variety of delicacies is coming you way!

You start your way through Brussels on foot, accompanied by an expert local guide.

The journey starts off with visits to the very best chocolatiers in Brussels and you get to taste a lot of goodies!

In between the chocolatiers and pubs, you pass by some of the most interesting landmarks in the city.

At the Grand Place, several historic and beautiful pubs await you and your group.

On the menu: multiple famous Belgian beer samples, like: Trappist, Lambic, Kriek, Doubles, and Triples, …

A great plus: the guide is super loveable and funny!

Check out Hungry Mary’s Chocolate and Beer Tour

Bruges beer tours

Steady on the second place for ‘most popular destinations in Belgium’, Bruges is one you can’t miss. And in Bruges, there’s also some awesome beer tasting to be done.

You can expect a few local brews to be on the menu of these excursions.

Most visitors stay in Bruges for more than one day, which gives you enough time to include one of these delicious tasting tours!

Bruges Brewery Tour + Chocolate and Beer Tasting

The Bruges Brewery Tour is a 3-hour excursion that includes everything you need for the beautiful city of Bruges.

During this guided tour, you’ll visit the Halve Maan brewery, where the famous Brugse Zot is brewed. You’ll also enjoy a 3-course lunch inside the brewery.

Aside from the brewery visit, you also get to see the most important landmarks in the city and visit the Choco Story museum, where you can learn about the history of cacao beans and see how chocolate is made today.

This is one of the most popular and interesting tours you can do in the city of Bruges. It’s a full city tour that shows you all you have to see with the extra chocolate and beer tasting!

Check out the Bruges Brewery Tour

Bruges Beer Experience - Museum ticket

The Bruges Beer Experience is the actual beer museum in Bruges.

In this museum, you can discover the stories behind the brewing heritage of the monks in Bruges.

You’ll learn how to pair beer with food and the details about the local drinking culture.

This museum also has an on-site bar where you can buy over a dozen Belgium brews.

Check out the Bruges Beer Experience Museum

Ghent beer tours

Like Bruges, Ghent is also an interesting destination, where you can easily spend some time. Most itineraries count a half day for Ghent, but you won’t be bored if you stay a little longer!

Authentic Beer Tasting Journey

The Authentic Beer Tasting Journey is a 2,5 hour tour through the cozy streets of Ghent.

Your expert guide takes you around the city with regular stops at some of the most beautiful bars in town.

Each of the bars is known for its excellent selection of brews and you’ll get to taste some of the delicious drinks at each stop.

You can expect to learn a thing or two about the history and brewing culture in the region, while tasting a variety of different drafts. And to top it off, you also get to taste Belgian cheeses and other local snacks with your drinks.

Check out the Authentic Beer Tasting Journey

Antwerp beer tours

The city of Antwerp is an underestimated destination in Belgium and sadly, we see that it is left out of many itineraries. Still, the city is super beautiful and it has a lot to offer for travelers.

First of all, there are quite a few beers made in Antwerp, so your tasting tour will be filled with tasty local drafts. And Antwerp also has quite a few monumental landmarks to visit!

Antwerp Beer Tour

The Antwerp Beer tour is a 3-hour walking tour through the city of Antwerp.

You’ll discover some of the most interesting sightseeing stops and of course: pubs!

Taste 6 exquisite brews, all made in Antwerp, in the most authentic locations around the city.

Your professional guide takes you to some iconic taverns and pubs, where you get a taste of the best brews in the region. With each of the beers, your expert guide explains about which brew you’re tasting, how it’s made, and what’s in it.

In the tasting palette, some strong brews are included, so these will only be samples, while others will be full pints.

Check out the Antwerp Beer Tour

Visit the Antwerp brewery of De Koninck

The brewery of De Koninck is one of the last breweries in the city of Antwerp and it’s also one of the few breweries you can visit independently.

During this interactive brewery tour, you can follow along with an audio guide that will lead you through the brewing process.

De Koninck Brewery is a beautiful place and the exhibit is very interesting and nicely laid out.

Get admission tickets to De Koninck Brewery

The mother of all beer tours in Belgium!

If you really want to dive into the Belgian beer culture, definitely consider this tour! It takes you to all the interesting places you need to see. Plus, you get the beer tastings and local cuisine on top of it!

8-day Belgian beer tour

You really want to indulge in Belgian beers for a few days and truly explore the local drinking culture?

Then this is the ultimate trip for you.

Different areas of Belgium have different breweries and specific tastes in beer. You can only really understand what beer is to Belgium if you get a little taste of everything.

This awesome small group tour lasts for 8 days and it takes you to all the important landmarks of the Belgian brewing culture.

Most breweries are not open to visitors and it can be difficult to get in as a visitor. After all, the brewing process is supposed to remain a secret in order to keep distinct differences in taste.

G Adventures has a few inside connections that allow travelers in this tour to get as close as possible. So this tour brings you as close as possible to the Belgian breweries and abbeys.

The 8-day Belgian Beer Tour starts off in Brussels, before heading to the abbey of Rochefort, where you get a sneak peek into the abbey. The next day, you’ll visit Orval and Chimay, before heading over to the iconic city of Bruges. In Bruges, you can visit a local brewery and see the brewing process. Then, Westmalle and Antwerp are on the list, with a quick stopover in Achel.

During each stop, you get a chance to discover the city and explore some of the most important landmarks.

If you’re a beer lover, this tour is an all-in trip to Belgium, with a few beer introductions along the way!

Check out the 8-day Belgian Beer Tour

Conclusion - Beer tours in Belgium

As you can see, there’s a variety of available beer tours, brewery tours, museums, and beer tastings available in Belgium.

Most of these are NOT actual pub crawls and you shouldn’t expect these tours to be drinking feasts. During a local beer tour, you’ll get to learn a little about the culture and history, while tasting / sampling some of the most iconic Belgian beers along the way.

The most popular travel destinations in Belgium are Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent. So, we got you a few tours in each city.

If you really want to submerge into the rich brewing culture and history of Belgium, we definitely recommend taking the 8-day Belgian Beer Tour, where you get to see a lot of different places which all have an important part in the brewing history of Belgium.

During this trip, you visit the actual abbeys where monks started brewing decades ago!

Hopefully, you found the perfect excursion for your needs in this list, and we hope you enjoy your trip to the tiny, but pretty Belgium!

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8 Best Beer Tours in Brussels: Ultimate Guide for 2024

Are you looking for the best beer tours in Brussels? Then you have come to the right place!

Brussels is a city that cannot miss on any Belgium itinerary and one of the best things to do here is to taste some delicious Belgian beer.

By joining a beer tour, you will not only taste some of the best beers Belgium has to offer but you will also learn more about this brew and how it is made.

Beer is one of the things Belgium is best known for and Belgian beer is famous all over the world. If you’re asking me, this is a pretty good reason to go beer-tasting while you’re travelling in this country!

This post features the best Brussels beer tours, from short and quick ones for those who are short on time to more in-depth ones for beer lovers.

Brussels beer tours: My top picks

Best overall: Belgian Beer Tasting ⏳  Length : 2,5 hours | 💰  Price:  €38

Best if you’re short on time: Beer Tasting Experience Brussels ⏳  Length : 1,15 hours | 💰  Price:  €24

Best private: Private Brussels Beer Tour ⏳  Length : 3 hours | 💰  Price:  €176

The best beer tours in Brussels

If you’re going to spend a day in Bru ssels , going on a beer tour is a great way to learn more about this brew. So, let’s dive into it!

You will find the best beer tours in Brussels along with what to expect on each tour and other useful information below.

>> Read: Is Brussels Worth Visiting? Top Reasons to Visit Brussels

1. Belgian Beer Tasting

⭐️  Rating : 5/5 stars | ⏳  Length : 2,5 hours | 🍺   Check availability

This guided beer tour will take you along the streets of Brussels and stop at local bars to taste some of the best Belgian beers. Meanwhile, your guide will tell you everything about this brew’s flavour and what makes Belgian beer some of the best in the world.

You will be able to sample three Belgian beers and one Belgian Trappist Ale during this tour. The latter is Belgium’s most traditional abbey beer.

This beer tour was amazing… fun, informative, and extremely entertaining. There is also no shortage of great beer. This tour is a must when exploring Brussels. Shea ( read more reviews )

It is good to know that this tour is held in the evening (6 pm) and that it ends at one of Brussels’ most popular bars. You can stay here and continue tasting beer by yourself if you want to.

💰  Price (group tour):  €38

2. Hungry Mary’s Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour

⭐️  Rating : 5/5 stars | ⏳  Length : 4 to 5 hours | 🍺   Check availability

If you would like to combine chocolate and beer , then Hungry Mary’s Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour is the perfect tour for you!

During this walking tour, you will not only taste at least six different Belgian beers at some of the city’s most popular bars, but you will also taste 12 different varieties of Belgian chocolates at the city’s best chocolatiers.

One of the best beer tours I’ve been on. Great guides, good beer and fantastic sightseeing really made our Brussels visit special. Would happily take the tour again. Shane ( read more reviews )

Another nice thing about this tour is that it will bring you along three of Brussels’ most famous landmarks ; the Grand Place, Manneken Pis and the Galleries Saint-Hubert.

Last but not least, you will get to taste some beer at Royal Theatre Toone, which is one of my favourite cafes in Brussels!

💰 Price (group tour): €90

3. Marc’s Belgian Beer Tour

⭐️  Rating : 4,5/5 stars | ⏳  Length : 4 hours | 🍺   Check availability

This walking tour will allow you to sample seven Belgian beers along with Belgian cheese, chocolate and other snacks. It will take you to some of the city’s most popular bars and cafes.

Thanks to your guide, you will also gain a lot of insights into Belgian beer varieties and the country’s brewing traditions during this tour.

Phenomenal experience. All the guides were incredibly knowledgeable and they took us to 4 unique places where we tried a variety of Belgian beers. Great history lessons of Brussels as well! Highly recommend! Joseph ( read more reviews )

Among other bars, Marc’s Belgian Beer Tour will also take you to Delirium Monasterium, which is part of Delirium Café. This café holds the Guinness World Record for offering the largest selection of beers in the entire world (over 2,000)!

💰 Price (group tour):  €79

4. Beer Tasting Experience Brussels

⭐️  Rating : 4,5/5 stars | ⏳  Length : 1,15 hours | 🍺   Check availability

This is one of the shortest beer tours on this list. It is perfect for those who want to learn more about beer and taste this brew, but are on a tight schedule.

Beer Tasting Experience Brussels will allow you to taste five different types of Belgian beer while learning more about the ingredients and history of this beverage.

Very nice experience, I would recommend it to understand better the prices of the beer process in Belgium and you can taste 5 of them! Tom ( read more reviews )

It is good to know that this tour takes place in one single location, 1 km (0.6 mi) from the Grand Place, in the centre of the city. This makes it a great activity to do in Brussels on a rainy day as well.

💰 Price (group tour):  €24

5. Beer Walk Brussels

⭐️  Rating : 4,5/5 stars | ⏳  Length : 3 hours | 🍺   Check availability

During this tour, your guide will take you to Brussels’ best-known pubs like Les Brasseurs, La Fleur en Papier Doré and La Mort Subite. Here, you will be able to try some great Belgian beers.

Along the way, you will also pass the famous Manneken Pis fountain, which is one of Brussels’ most famous landmarks.

This tour was my favorite that we did in Belgium. The guide was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly, he is even a brewer himself! The bars were a good variety of different atmospheres in the city, and the beers were also great and representative of a good range of beer styles. Allison ( read more reviews )

Another nice thing about the Beer Walk Brussels tour is that the maximum group size is 15 people. This guarantees a more intimate experience.

💰 Price (group tour): €45

6. Brussels Craft Breweries

⭐️  Rating : 5/5 stars | ⏳  Length : 3 hours | 🍺   Check availability

What makes this tour special is that it includes a visit to a local brewery that’s not usually open to the public. Here, you will learn more about the beer-brewing process and be able to bottle one of their beers, which you can then take home with you! (this might just be the perfect souvenir from Belgium )

Besides visiting a brewery, the Brussels Craft Breweries tour will also take you to some great bars where you can taste delicious Belgian beer.

Great experience! Our tour of Brussels and introduction to all things Belgian Beer was amazing. Lot was a fantastic guide and we couldn’t have been more pleased. She was beyond accommodating and really helped open our eyes to Belgian beer which we are now huge fans!! A Tripadvisor Reviewer ( read more reviews )

It is good to know that this tour ends in a café in Saint-Gilles, which is 2,5 km (1.5 mi) away from the meeting point in the centre of Brussels.

💰 Price (group tour):  €64.50

7. Private Brussels Beer Tour

If you’d rather go on a personalized private tour , this is the one for you!

During the Private Brussels Beer Tour, a local expert will take you to the city’s most famous pubs where you will get to taste four to six delicious Belgian beers.

The most interesting and educational beer tour I’ve ever participated. Strong recommandations from us! Ivar ( read more reviews )

What’s great about this tour is that your guide will suggest you beer based on your personal taste and preferences. This tour is not the same for everyone, as the pubs you will visit will also depend on your personal interests.

All in all, the Private Brussels Beer Tour is the best beer tour in Brussels for those who would like to learn more about this brew in a private setting.

💰 Price (private tour):  €176

8. Belgian Beer Tasting & Course

⭐️  Rating : 4,4/5 stars | ⏳  Length : 1,15 hours | 🍺   Check availability

If you’re looking for a tour with a workshop atmosphere , this is the one for you! As its name predicts, the Belgian Beer Tasting & Course combines an interesting introductory course about beer with a beer tasting of five Belgian beers.

This tour will also teach you how to taste beer like an expert and how to distinguish the different styles of beer.

It was a fun evening. We learned a lot, got to try nice beer in a chilled and friendly atmosphere. We enjoyed learning about the different techniques and flavours and how to properly test it. I am sure there is something for every taste. Marion ( read more reviews )

Just like the Beer Tasting Experience Brussels tour (#4 on this list), this is one of the tours on this list that doesn’t involve walking but takes place in one place.

💰 Price (group tour):  €25

Brussels beer tours: FAQs

Is brussels known for beer.

Yes, Brussels and the rest of Belgium are famous for beer. There are over 200 breweries in Belgium and these produce more than 1,600 types of different beer.

Belgian beer is argued to be the best beer in the world and if you’re asking me, it lives up to its expectation!

What beer is from Brussels?

Brussels is full of breweries, both old and new. Some of the most famous ones are Cantillon Brewery, Brussels Beer Project, BrewSpot and Brasserie de la Senne.

Tara Boulba, Zinnebir, En Stoemelings, Cantillon and de Grosse Bertha are some beers from Brussels, but there are many more.

Where can I try beer in Brussels?

The best way to try a variety of Belgian beers and learn more about this brew is by joining a beer tour.

You will find Belgian beer in every café in this city, though. Some of the best cafés for tasting beer are Moeder Lambic, Delirium Café, L’Egalité and de Garre.

What to expect during a beer tour: Video

Final thoughts: Beer tours in Brussels

And voila! These were the best beer tours Brussels has to offer. I hope that you have found exactly what you were looking for and that this post inspires you to taste some Belgian beer.

I highly recommend taking a beer tour during your trip to Belgium. Not only will it teach you more about this brew Belgian is so famous for, but it will also allow you to enjoy some of the country’s best beers.

All in all, tasting beer in Brussels is one of the best things to do in Belgium and one you cannot miss if you’re a beer lover!

Read more about Brussels and Belgium:

• The Best Indoor Activities in Brussels
• The Best Shopping Malls in Brussels
• 12 Best Parks in Brussels
• The Best Day Trips from Brussels
• The Most Beautiful Monuments in Brussels

Belgium travel planning guide

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to Belgium on  Skyscanner . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via  Booking  or  Hostelworld . 🚃 Use Omnio to book public transportation in Belgium. 🚗 Rent a car with  Discover Cars   to get the best rates. 💰 Get travel insurance via  Visitors Coverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa  to visit Belgium

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Belgium Beer Tour

“we had a wonderful time experiencing belgium’s beer culture. this is absolutely a must-do bucket list trip for any beer enthusiast.” – cara j., belgium beer tour guest.

On this seven-day Belgium Beer Tour,  we will visit many breweries, new and old, to learn more about the people, their history, and the beers they brew throughout this beautiful country . We’ll also visit several of Belgium’s renowned Beer Cafés along the way, all the while enjoying what might come as a surprise to some – delicious food that blends traditions and mixes the multiple cultures in Belgium.

Since the first Crusades the Church allowed abbeys to brew and distribute beer as a fundraising method. Trappist monks carry on those deep traditions today with their dark, sweet, complex ales while Belgian craft brewers create their own rich brewing history by experimenting with modern beer flavors. You’ll get to taste a wide variety of these beers throughout the week.

Life is short and so it makes sense to maximize your time in Belgium. This seven-day vacation does just that. We tour much of the country, staying in four different cities and villages including Ghent, Bruges, Ypres, Watou, and Brussels. We will visit over a dozen breweries, abbeys, and beer restaurants, and your Hosts will show you some of our favorite off-the-beaten-path Beer Cafés  while introducing you to some of our favorite people in Belgium’s beer culture.

Related Blog Posts:

10 Best Hidden Gem Beer Bars in Flanders, Belgium Know Before You Go: The Do’s and Don’ts of a Beer Tour 7 Must-Trys When Visiting Belgium

Curated Experiences

• Create your own private trip with a minimum of only 4 people
• Take private, custom brewery tours with our local brewer and beer guide, Yannick
• Experience Belgian cuisine, including locally-made cheeses & chocolates
• Visit breweries such as Brasserie Cantillon and brewing abbeys such as St. Sixtus Abbey
• Stay in unique accommodations including a B&B attached to the St. Bernardus Brewery
• Extend your stay to enjoy the BXL Beer fest in Brussels after the tour

“ It was great. Thought we got way more than our money’s worth with the amount of food & drinks included in the tour. It makes me want to use Taste Vacations for our next trip. ” -Belgium Beer Tour Guest

Please Note: We may need to adjust our itinerary to accommodate any changes that may have occurred with local establishments over the pandemic. We will keep you informed of these changes and promise to find equal or better experiences if needed.

Belgium Beer Tour Details

• Private Tour Only: Choose Your Own Date
• Trip Price Per Person (4 – 5 people):  $5,050
• Trip Price Per Person (6 or more people): $4,650
• Single Supplement: $900
• Guide:   Yannick de Cocquéau
• Minimum: 4 people
• Meals:  Breakfasts & dinners included, except for dinner on Day 4 when lunch is included. Lunches are specifically left on your own on this tour, unless otherwise indicated, to give you the freedom to wander through the many towns we visit.
• General Tour FAQs

Private Tour Bookings

• Private Tours are available to book with your own group on any date you choose, given guide and lodging availability
• Please note –  Our pricing is based on double occupancy lodging. If upon finalizing your private trip, your group has a solo traveler in a room without a roommate, the single supplement becomes mandatory. This amount will differ depending on the itinerary. Please contact our tour operations team for more details.
• Customizations to the above itinerary are possible with additional per person fees

Have Questions? Request a Free Consultation

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: brussels.

Welcome to Belgium! Home of delicious fries, waffles, and of course, beer!

Our adventure starts at  1:00 PM , allowing you to arrive in Brussels this morning or the day before (which we highly recommend). After a quick orientation, we head out to our first brewery of the tour, the legendary   Brasserie Cantillon ! Cantillon is known for using natural yeasts that are present in the air around us for fermentation and is one of only two lambic breweries still in operation that produces nothing but authentic, unsweetened, unfiltered, unpasteurized lambic.

This evening we’ll enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner of Belgium’s classic food specialties and beer cuisine at a local restaurant.

To cap off the night, we’ll check out a few of Brussel’s world-famous beer cafes to raise a toast to the start of our beer adventure.

Day 2: Ghent & Environs

After breakfast, we’ll head on the road to one of our favorite cities in all of Europe – Ghent! (which also just so happens to be the home city of our trusty beer guide, Yannick.)

Before reaching Ghent, we’ll stop in the town of Gooik for a tour and tasting at the renowned Gueuze and Lambic brewery, Oude Geuzestekerij De Cam . All of De Cam’s offerings are strictly traditional, using traditional ingredients, methods, and techniques.

Back on the road, we’ll stop for lunch at one of the best beer restaurants in the area, Heeren Van Liedekercke , before heading into the city. We’ll then check into our hotel, drop off our luggage, and set out to take in the Ghent’s history, architecture, culture, and of course, its beer heritage, all on a lively walking tour.   We’ll end our walk at one of the newest breweries in Ghent, Dok Brewing Co , where they love to try out new styles and flavors, all while keeping their proud Belgian beer tradition in mind. We’ll take a tour of their brewery, enjoy a beer tasting, and sit down to enjoy a delicious dinner. For dessert, we’ll indulge in some delectable Belgian chocolates, paired with beer, of course!

Day 3: Bruges

This morning we’ll check out of our hotel and get on our way to the city of Bruges. Bruges is known for its rich history, impressive architecture, tasty food, and great beer cafés.

We start our exploration of Bruges by whetting everyone’s whistle with a visit and tasting of  Brouwerij Fort Lapin , a rather new brewery named after the fortress built in 1664 to protect Bruges’ commercial hub. We’ll chat with the brewer and founder, Kristof Vandenbussche, an outspoken entrepreneur from the area. Kristof had been brewing as a hobby for ten years before taking the final step from beer lover to professional.

You’ll then have a chance to walk through the fairy tale streets of Bruges and enjoy lunch on your own. We recommend eating at one of the last remaining family-owned breweries in the Bruges city center:  Brewery De Halve Maan .  You may have heard about the new 2-mile beer pipeline they recently built leading from their brewery in the city center to their bottling plant in an industrial area. The pipeline carries 1,500 gallons of beer an hour at 12 mph, which has saved them hundreds of truck trips a year. When you see the narrow, historic streets of Bruges, you will wonder how the tankers ever made their way through originally!

After lunch, you have the option of exploring the beautiful streets of Bruges on your own – or head out for another wonderful brewery! If you chose the brewery, you’ll experience a special brewery tour and blending session at Bourgogne des Flandres . Bourgogne des Flandres specializes in the Flemish beer blending tradition of mixing fresh beer with aged beer to create a perfect balance of flavors. It also happens to be the “home brewery” of our guide and brewer, Yannick.

Tonight’s dinner is at a local restaurant with a wide range of Belgian beers.

Day 4: West Flanders

After checking out of our hotel and loading up our luggage, we start our day with a tour and tasting at the  Rodenbach Brewery , where they have world-renowned cask halls with 294 oak casks, some of which are 150 years old. Rodenbach has a rich history that extends back to 1821. We’ll have a chance to taste their well-known barrel-aged sour beers that are brewed in the Flemish red style.

Our next stop is a sobering but powerful visit to sites of great importance memorializing the region’s dark WWI history. These beautiful memorials are a solemn reminder of not only Belgium’s but the world’s history.

We will then head to the city center where the WWI Battle of Ypres had reduced the town to rubble and was almost entirely destroyed.  After the war, the citizens of Ypres meticulously reconstructed the town’s most important buildings, which in turn give it modern-day medieval feel today. You’ll have free time to walk around, grab lunch on your own, and even visit the Flanders Field Museum.

Later, we will reconvene and check out a newer brewery that opened in 2014 but is housed in a building with quite a bit of history. Kazematten ‘s building was originally built as part of Louis XIV’s fortress back in the 1680s and used for storing weapons into the 20th century. We’ll get to taste their Grotten Sante, a spicy dark brown beer, and their Wiper Times 14, a highly fermented blond beer. We’ll finish our visit with a delicious dinner at Kazematten’s restaurant.

To end our day, we will walk to Menin Gate to experience the Last Post Ceremony, a simple but moving tribute to the courage and self-sacrifice of those who fell in defense of their town.

Day 5: Watou

Today, we start our day by heading to the biggest beer store in Belgium – Dranken Vanuxeem ! You’ll be able to walk through aisle after aisle of wonderful beer, and perhaps purchase a few souvenirs to pack in your suitcase for the journey home.

We’ll then head to the WWI experience at Plugstreet 14 – 18 . The village of Ploegsteert played an important role in WWI. It seemed perpetually on the front line as territory was won, lost, and won again along the border between Belgium and France.

After, we’ll have lunch on your own at  Hollemeersch , known for its West Flemish specialties before a very special visit to De Moare Microbrewery, owned by our friend, Jan Courtens. We’ll also stop by a small local hop farm to learn how this vital crop is grown in Belgium to produce their famous beers.

We’ll continue making our way through fields of wheat, barley, and hops to arrive In de Vrede at St. Sixtus Abbey, a fully functioning abbey where the monks are world-famous for producing fantastic Westvletren Belgian-style beers. This used to be one of the only places in the world where you could buy these highly sought-after beers. Though the monks have made the beer available for sale online, it doesn’t take away from experiencing the abbey firsthand. We’ll have time to stop in for a beer (or two) before heading to a rousing game of Boltra ( we’ll explain the rules, don’t worry!).

After, we will head to  St. Bernardus Brewery in Watou, where we will be staying overnight as they have a quaint B&B attached to the brewery. St. Bernardus historically brewed the beer for the Sint Sixtus Abbey but they parted ways in 1992. Since then they’ve retained the recipes, including the famous Westvleteren 12 (called St. Bernardus Abt 12), which RateBeer awarded “Best Beer in the World” in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, and 2013. Unfortunately, in 2022, we will not be able to tour their brewery as they are renovating but we will certainly be able to taste their delicious beers.

We have some time to relax before enjoying dinner at Bar Bernard , St. Bernardus’ new restaurant and roof top bar – making it easy to have a few beers and turn in for the night.

Day 6: Poperinge

This morning we’ll enjoy a lovely breakfast in the conservatory at the St. Bernardus B&B before making our way to Struise Brouwers , which started in an old barn on an ostrich farm (hence their coat of arms on their labels). They are known for their Pannepot, a strong dark ale whose name references a traditional style of fishing boat in the De Panne area.

After, we’ll visit Feysbook to learn all about an important piece of Belgium’s brewing history. Brewery FEYS was one of Belgiums’ biggest breweries of its kind, especially before and around the first World War. It was a unique concept because of the industrial scale at that time, and the combination of the brewing and malting process in the same location. The brewery stopped brewing in 1965 but has recently been renovating and modernizing the facility to relaunch in the near future.

We’ll then head to Seizoensbrouwerij Van de Walle , a small-scale brewery with a family brewing tradition whose roots reach deep into the 18th century and focuses on using local hops and cherries. After, we’ll make a stop at an iconic Belgian biscuit (cookie) factory, Jules Destrooper .

For our farewell dinner tonight, we will enjoy a visit and tasting at Brouwerij Gulden Spoor , and finish with a delightful meal at their family restaurant, t’Rusteel .

Day 7: Kortrijk & Brussels

On our final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making our way back to Brussels. We’ll start with a historical walk through the city with a stop at a brewpub, Brouwerij Ruimtegist, before heading to the train station where we will purchase your tickets and your guide, Yannick, will accompany you back to teh city.

You may want to add on a few days in Brussels after our tour to enjoy the BXL Beer Fest which focuses only on independent breweries that produce nothing but quality craft beers. A great way to end your trip to Belgium!

Belgium Beer Tour Highlights

• Cantillon – Brussels
• Oude Geuzestekerij De Cam – Gooik
• Dok Brewing Co. – Ghent
• Brouwerij Fort Lapin – Bruges
• Bourgogne des Flandres – Bruges
• Brewery De Halve Maan – Bruges
• Rodenbach Brewery – Roeselare
• Kazematten – Ypres
• De Moare Microbrewery – Heuvelland
• St Bernardus Brewery – Watou
• In de Vrede at St. Sixtus Abbey (Westvelteren) – Watou
• Struise Brouwers – Oostvleteren
• Brewery FEYS – Alveringem
• Seizoensbrouwerij Van de Walle – Lo Reninge
• Brouwerij Gulden Spoor – Wevelgem

*Please note updates to the outlined itinerary may occur due to changes in availability of breweries and to accommodate new opportunities that arise.

Tour Accommodations

• Night 1: NH Collection Brussels Centre  – Our hotel for our first night has been freshly renovated and is located in the heart of historic Brussels.  We are a kilometer from the central train station and less than half a kilometer from Grand-Place, the central square of Brussels.
• Night 2:  Hotel Harmony  – Perfectly located along the riverfront in the heart of the historical City Center of Ghent, our hotel for the next two nights offer well appointed yet comfortable accommodations.
• Night 3: Hotel Acacia  – Located in the historic center of the Bruges (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and in the middle of all the action.
• Night 4: Ariane Hotel  – In the heart of quaint Ypres, you’ll enjoy family hospitality in a modern hotel, just a few blocks from the Flanders Fields Museum and historic Menin Gate.
• Night 5: St.Bernardus  – Attached to the St. Bernardus Brewery, this charming B&B is located just outside of Watou town center. Though the accommodations are quite simple, what could be more fun than staying the night in a brewery?
• Night 6:  Hotel Damier – Hotel Damier is the place where history has been combined with contemporary charm, it is a hospitable hotel where service comes first. A charming 4-star hotel, situated in the city center of Kortrijk, with a classified facade from 1769.

Please note: Hotels are subject to availability.  If listed hotel is not available at time of tour, a hotel that is equal or better to the original will be secured.

What is Included

• All Local Transportation
• Double Occupancy Lodging
• Breakfasts and dinners, except one dinner on Day 4
• All Scheduled Activities and Brewery Visits
• Beers During Organized Tastings
• Professional Tour Guide

Not Included: Travel to and from destination, most lunches unless otherwise indicated, beer with meals, personal expenses, and optional gratuities to local staff and your guide. Travel insurance is also not included, though we highly recommend it.  Check out our Travel Insurance page  for more information.

Arrival & Departure

We meet in the early afternoon in Brussels, allowing you to arrive that morning or on a prior day as you wish. Getting to our meeting place at the hotel in Brussels from the airport or train station is easy and we will provide complete information in your Pre-Departure Packet.

Our adventure ends in Brussels mid afternoon on our final day. You can extend your stay in Brussels, hop on a return flight home, or easily take a train wherever your next adventure lies!

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21x The Best Belgian Beer to Try on Your Next Trip

This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer .

While some might still be wondering whether Belgium is a country or not, most people are aware that Belgium and beer have an unmistakable connection.

As one of the smallest countries in the world, we have a large and diverse beer production with over 1600 different types in 2015 (Hilde Deweer, Alle Belgische bieren ) although not all of them are still being brewed.

Since I’m not a beer drinker at all (in fact, it was only last summer that I ordered my first ever beer—while doing research on Brussels for this website and I wanted a nice picture with a beer bottle).

I asked Belgian and international travel bloggers to recommend their favourite Belgian beer! Some of them made it a sport to try as many beers in Belgium as they could.

I hope that with this article you get challenged to do the same!

Types of Belgian beer

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Few countries have such a connection as Belgium does with beer. Although the Belgians aren’t the biggest drinkers themselves, most enjoy a good glass of beer at the weekend.

Some beers are the perfect refreshment for a hot summer day and others are more suitable to be enjoyed indoors on a cold winter evening: there’s a great beer for just about any time you might visit Belgium .

Then why is Belgium called “ the number one country for beer “?

The Belgian beer culture goes way back to the Middle Ages when all professions were organized in guilds. We know from archives that the beer brewers guild was founded in 1385.

This means the beer-making tradition goes back to age-old traditions that are still partly in use nowadays.

UNESCO has recognized the Belgian beer culture as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, giving it the same connotation as Argentinian tango and Brazilian samba.

Belgian Beer Styles: What makes Belgian beer unique?

With over 250 breweries and an enormous amount of 2000+ original beers available, one begins to wonder how it’s possible to create all those different kinds.

The way of brewing and the ingredients determine the colour and taste of the beer . The combination of both factors offers endless possibilities, resulting in a variety of sweet, fruity, bitter, herbal or sour types of beer.

There are four different fermentation processes in use in Belgium:

📌 High fermentation (Ale) : The fermentation process happens at temperatures from 15 to 25 degrees Celcius. The yeast forms a blanket over the beer and ferments on top of it.

📌 Low fermentation (Lager) : The fermentation process happens at lower temperatures of 4 to 13 degrees Celcius. The yeast drops to the bottom of the tank where it ferments.

📌 Mixed fermentation : This type of beer is formed by mixing high-fermented beers with spontaneously fermented ones and adding another type of yeast

📌 Spontaneous fermentation (Lambic/Gueuze) : Fermentation happens naturally by exposing the liquid to the open air. 86 different types of natural yeasts can be found in the air. This is the original beer brewing process, but as the process is much harder to control, very few beers nowadays are produced this way (the big exception being Lambic & Gueuze beers).

🍺 Pils : a low-fermented beer that’s very popular and known worldwide. In Flanders, you get this kind when you order a pintje . Famous examples are Cristal Alken , Jupiler , Maes and Stella Artois .

🍺 White/Wheat beer : a highly fermented beer that is often unfiltered and a bit cloudy. Examples are Hoegaarden , St. Bernardus Wit , Blanche de Namur and Wittekerke .

🍺 Lambic & Gueuze : Lambic is a spontaneously fermented beer with a copper to amber colour produced in the Zenne Valley close to Brussels. A Gueuze beer is created by mixing old and young Lambics.

Examples are Kriek Lindemans , Lindemans Framboise , Timmermans Oude Gueuze and Belle-Vue Gueuze .

🍺 Trappist : Abbey beer that is brewed by monks. Only 11 breweries worldwide are allowed to carry the Authentic Trappist Product label – 6 of them can be found in Belgium.

They usually carry the name of a village or town referring to the abbey situated at that location. Well-known examples are Leffe , Westvleteren , Westmalle and Grimbergen .

🍺 Speciality beer : the rest of the beers that don’t fit any of the former categories. There’s a great variety of flavours. Examples are Duvel , Brugse zot , Brugge Blond and Gouden Carolus .

Top Belgium beer brands

These are the best Belgium beers, not in a particular order! All of them were chosen by Belgian and international travel bloggers and sampled in Belgium!

#1 Westvleteren 12

Trappist | 10.2% | St. Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren

I have tried many famous Belgian beers. In fact, my husband and I spent a week touring around Belgium to specifically try as many beers as we could. I would have to say that, hands down, Westvleteren 12 is my favourite. It’s a 10.2% ABV quadruple style beer and consistently in the top 10 on beer rating sites . Westvleteren 12 is brewed at the Trappist Abbey of St. Sixtus in Vleteren, and is a little hard to get a hold of outside of their tasting room next door. You must make an appointment through a notoriously busy website/phone line to pick up a maximum of 24 beers. I was able to try it at the tasting room as well as buy one in Bruges. They are not inexpensive and they do not have labels! It pours dark brown and tastes a little sweet (but not too sweet) with caramel and molasses notes; very complex. It’s smooth and delicious! I cannot wait to have another someday back in Belgium. By Theresa from Adventures in Middle Aged Travel

#2 Chimay Tripel

Trappist, Tripel | 8% | Abbey of Notre Dame de Scourmont

Ah, Belgian beer. I have a real love, hate relationship with the stuff. While there aren’t many Belgian beers I would choose over a good German or, better yet, Czech, beer; the one standout in the field for me, however, is Chimay Tripel. This brewed elixir of the gods (I can call it that since it is made by Trappist monks), has a heavenly, foamy head resting on a slightly cloudy golden brew. Its slight fruit and floral notes are counterbalanced perfectly by the hint of bitterness that I love. My first taste of Chimay tripel was at the Cafe Rose Red in Bruges, Belgium. Trust me, they know their beer and exactly how to serve it. But if you don’t want to put your taste buds at risk, just order a Chimay Tripel poured into a signature, thick glass goblet, you won’t be sorry. by Jim at Reflections Enroute

#3 Hoegaarden

Witbier | 4.9% | Brewery De Kluis

My favourite Belgian beer is Hoegaarden. This refreshing white beer is the perfect thirst quencher on a warm sunny day. Hoegaarden beer was born in 1445 which makes it the original Belgian white beer and is widely regarded as the benchmark for white beers because of its low bitterness level and low complexity, making it an easy beer to drink and like.  It has a balanced taste that starts with hints of citrus and coriander, then evolves to banana, cinnamon and spices, to leave your mouth watering as you yearn for the next sip. Hoegaarden is best served in its own signature hexagon glass and tastes even better when you drink it close to its source in Belgium. I haven’t had the chance to visit the brewery yet, but I can tell you from personal experience that it tastes amazing on a terrace in the Belgian city of Ghent too. By Tom & Zi from Craving Adventure

#4 Bourgogne des Flandres

Red Ale | 5% | Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres

One of my favourite Belgian beers is Bourgogne des Flandres. This is considered to be a light ale beer originating in the Flemish region of Belgium. The beer has about 6% alcohol and is slightly bitter.  The colour of the beer is sort of like dark cola brown. It tastes well when chilled.  We went on a brewery tour of the Bourgogne des Flandres complex in Bruges and completely loved it. The brewery is located by the canal, and after an educational tour, sitting by the restaurant and sampling the beer is one of our favourite memories from Belgium. Highly recommend trying Bourgogne des Flandres when you are in Belgium next! By Mayuri from 2 day Itinerary

#5 Sint Bernardus Abt 12

Quadrupel dark brown Ale | 10% | Brewery St. Bernardus

As a Belgian, my absolute favourite beer is Sint-Bernardus Abt 12. At 10% alcohol percentage, it is not a good idea to start chucking this dark aromatic quadruple. It is very much a beer that has to be savoured. In fact: if you are looking for the perfect beer to have long philosophical conversations over in the middle of a beautiful historical square in Ghent, Antwerp or even Bruges? Then this is it! Sint-Bernardus Abt 12 is widely considered to be one of the best beers in the world . In Belgium, it is a badly kept secret that Sint-Bernardus Abt 12 is basically the same beer as Westvleteren. Both beers are brewed only a couple of kilometres apart from the same recipe (by brewmaster Mathieu Szafranski) and even the same yeast strain making both beers practically indistinguishable by taste.  By Lieze from Glitter Rebel

#6 La Chouffe

Pale Ale | 8% | Brewery d’Achouffe

I have tried more than one type of Belgian beer. But the best experience was with Chouffe beer. It has a rich flavour. The beer has the flavour of ripe banana, peach, and a bit of whiff of white cardamom.  It has a dominant aroma of bubble gum and Bosc pear with a pinch of honey-like maltiness. After the initial malt taste, the bear has a note of Asian pear. Truly classic, the Chouffe beer has an ivory-coloured creamy head. The flavour unfolds the aroma of sweet banana, candy-like malt, and a pinch of pepperiness. It all concludes with strong alcoholic warmth. I tried this bear in Belgium and it was a mix of sweet, sour, and malty Belgian experience. The village of La Chouffe can be visited with a day trip from Brussels. It is easily available at Belgian bars. By Paulina from Paulina on the Road

#7 Gouden Carolus Tripel

Tripel | 9% | Brewery Het Anker

Honestly, I didn’t understand what beer was all about until I tasted Gouden Carolus Tripel. This award-winning beer is made with an abundance of hops and has a rich flavour. It was  first brewed over 500 years ago and to this day, it continues to be made according to ancient traditions by Brouwerij Het Anker in Mechelen. I had my first glass of Gouden Carolus at the Beer Wall in Brugge, overlooking the water. It was a revelation and a life-changing experience. While pretty difficult to find outside Belgium , I recommend you look for it next time you visit. You won’t regret it! By Laura from Travelers Universe

#8 Tripel LeFort

Tripel | 8.8% | Brewery Omer vander Ghinste

I have many favourite Belgian beers, and one of them is a tripel. Le Fort, called the best tripel in the world in 2016 and 2018, is a golden blonde beer. It has a high alcohol content (8.8%) and is made refreshingly delicious by its fruity and complex aroma and taste. While it’s good with any meat dish, it is also perfect to drink on its own. I had my first taste of it in Bruges, but you can also buy it in any supermarket in Belgium. Brasserie LeFort, a family-owned brewery in Bellegem (near Kortrijk), also produces a traditional blond beer, Omer, and Max Kriek, among others, aside from Le Fort. They have a two-hour tour (€12) of their brewery every day, advance reservation needed. By Aleah from Guide to Belgium

#9 Belle-Vue Kriek

Lambic | 5.2% | Brewery Belle-Vue

Kriek lambic (or just Kriek for short) is a cherry flavoured Belgian beer that’s made by fermenting lambic with sour cherries. It’s the ideal beer for people who like slightly sweeter flavoured drinks, and was my introduction to the world of Belgian beers! I used to drink it at our local Belgian Beer Cafe in Auckland, New Zealand, so when I finally visited Belgium for the first time, you can bet it’s the first drink I ordered at the bar.. And many more times as we travelled around Brussels and Ghent. Of course, in Belgium, there are many different varieties and brands of kriek beer, but my favourite will always be Belle-Vue Kriek which was served on tap at our local and served up with a side of Belgian fries! By Nadine from Le Long Weekend

#10 Vedett Extra Blond

Blond Ale | 5.2% | Brewery Duvel-Moortgat

Our favourite Belgian beer is easy to remember but hard to find in the US! We love Vedett Extra Blond and tried it first in an Amsterdam cafe. We just arrived from the US and it was our first meal in Europe. We asked the waiter what his favourite beer was and he brought out Vedett. We proceeded to look for it each time we ate out! It is a light and crisp premium lager. By Jennifer from Family Trip Guides

Golden Ale | 8.5% | Brewery Duvel-Moortgat

Duvel is one of Belgium’s most popular beers and an absolute must-try. I tried it in Brussels for the first time but it’s very widely represented. It’s considered a strong pale ale and has more than 8% alcohol content which is quite surprisingly strong. You definitely can’t taste it! The taste is absolutely delicious and one of my favourites. By Victoria from Guide Your Travel

#12 Westmalle

Tripel Trappist | 9.5% | Brewery Westmalle

One of the more popular Trappist beers , Westmalle, is a Belgian Beer to try when in Belgium or otherwise. One of my favourites, it is a malty and blond Trappist, that is intense yet quite favourable and goes best with fish, so one to try when having mussels! I tried it when I was in Ghent, and it is available at most restaurants throughout Belgium.  By Lavina from Continent Hop

Trappist | 6.2% | Abbaye Notre Dame d’Orval

Orval is a medium-bodied, hoppy Trappist beer with an orange glow.

It is the only beer brewed by Abbaye Notre Dame d’Orval and is now one of the most sought-after beers in the world.

This Belgian Trappist beer is brewed with citrusy hops and has a complex taste profile. It has distinct fruitiness, a touch of caramel, and earthy, peppery bitterness.

It’s also dry-hopped and bottle fermented with the yeast Brettanomyces, making it a herbal-dry beer that’s unique in the entire world .

🍺 If you’re going to try Orval, note that it’s best served at 12°C – 14°C (54°F – 57°F) using the typical Orval chalice glass .

🍽️ It’s also good when paired with cheese, soup, or breadsticks wrapped in Iberico ham.

#14 Blanche De Bruxelles

White Beer | 4.5% | Lefebvre Brewery

Blanche de Bruxelles is a light-bodied white beer you can enjoy on any day!

It’s brewed with 40% soft wheat and only has a modest level of alcohol, making this beer soft, smooth, and perfect for a relaxing time.

Blanche de Bruxelles has an opalescent colour and a white, dense head.

It’s mostly sweet with a hint of wheat and yeast. You can also taste and smell the coriander and orange peel that are added during wort boiling. 

🍺 This white beer is best served on a branded straight glass with the sediment and at 7.2°C – 10°C (45°F – 50°F) .

🍽️ You will also appreciate the taste of Blanche de Bruxelles better when paired with Thai dishes or food that include white fish, poultry, mussels, slow-cooked pork, Brie cheese, and hard tangy cheeses.

#15 Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge

Flanders Red Ale | 5.5% | Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste

This unique beer is a Flemish sour ale that was brewed in the traditional way. It’s a lambic, 100% foeder beer left to mature in oak casks for 18 months .

Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge has a sour and complex but well-balanced taste.

This beer has a hint of woody flavour and a creamy mouth feel too. It also gives off the aroma and aftertaste of vanilla, cocoa, and cherries.

🍺 For the best taste, Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge is poured at 4°C – 6 °C (39.2° F – 42.8°F) serving temperature.

🍽️ And for an excellent culinary experience, pair this red ale with Belgian grey shrimp or fresh goat’s cheese.

#16 Boon Geuze Mariage Parfait

Gueuze | 8% | Brouwerij Boon

Next on our list is this Gueuze beer that mainly consists of lambic that was aged in oak barrels for at least 3 years . It also contains unmalted wheat and barley malt and about 5% young lambic to generate the sparking.

Geuze Mariage Parfait is brewed in the brewery’s finest and oldest barrels . This helps give the beer more depth of flavour that is not commonly found in other types of beers.

This beer has a mild, sour berry taste that combines well with the aroma from the oak barrels.

It’s also sourer than traditional gueuze and acidic enough to cut through the deep sweetness to create an unforgettable flavour.

🍺 Geuze Mariage Parfait is best served at 12°C (53.6°F) . It’s also better enjoyed using its corresponding traditional Geuze Boon glass.

#17 Straffe Hendrik

Quadrupel | 11% | Brouwerij De Halve Maan

If you’re craving some dark, full-bodied beer , Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel will be a tasteful answer.

It’s the first Belgian Quadrupel beer that was ever made !

Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel boasts distinct flavours from special malts, coriander, anis, dark fruit, and roasted chestnuts. This beer gives off a spicy aroma and slightly treacly aftertaste.

Its intense dark brown colour and light head will also look so inviting when served on its designated glass: an elegant, tulip-shaped glass with a tall stem.

🍺 And if you want to enjoy its clean darkness in the best way possible, pour it at 8°C (46.4°F) serving temperature .

🍽️ Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel will also work well when paired with red meat and chocolate desserts.

Blonde Ale | 8% | Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste

With a lovely golden colour and thin white head, Omer Traditional Blond is a top-fermented beer that’s a product of 130 years of brewing knowledge and tradition.

This beer is brewed with carefully selected ingredients that resulted in a full-flavoured, fruity beer with only a hint of bitterness.

These ingredients include high-quality barley malt from France, a special yeast, and three varieties of selected aromatic hops.

🍺 Omer Traditional Blond is best served at 4-6°C (39.2°F – 42.8°F) .

🍽️ If you want to pair this beer with dinner, try it with sole meunière (a traditional Belgian dish). You will also find mussels made with Omer to be a flavourful delicacy.

#19 Corsendonk Pater

Dubbel | 6.5% | Brouwerij Corsendonk

Corsendonk Pater is a strong Belgian ale that’s top-fermented and bottle conditioned.

It has a dark, reddish brown colour, thick tan head, and a combination of aromas, including plum, figs, raisins, apples, cherries, roasted malt, caramelized sugar, spice, and chocolate.

This is a smooth and dry beer that’s mild on the palate. You can taste caramelized malt, ripe fruit, toasted bread, liquorice, coffee, and caramel which culminated in a well-balanced bitterness.

🍺 10°C – 12.7°C (50°F – 55°F) is the suggested pouring temperature to best enjoy the Corsendonk Pater Dubbel Ale. You can use either a goblet, snifter, or chalice for drinking.

🍽️ And for perfect dish pairings, I suggest roast pork and beef dishes.

This beer will also taste great when served alongside chocolates or buttery-style cheeses, like Guoda and Brie.

#20 De Koninck

Spéciale Belge | 5.2% | Brouwerij De Koninck

De Koninck is the flagship beer of Brouwerij De Koninck which is served on a glass called bolleke.

Locals actually simply call De Koninck beer ‘bolleke’ when ordering in pubs, especially in Antwerp where it’s from.

This beer is brewed using pale barley malt, caramelized malts, and Saaz-Saaz hopes. It has a pretty amber colour and a frothy, creamy collar which should be about two fingers thick when poured into the glass.

De Koninck is a mild beer which masks its alcohol content. It has a zesty, slightly bitter taste where hints of caramel malt, banana, and fruitiness are also evident.

🍺 And to enjoy these flavours better, serve the beer at 4 – 5 °C (40° F – 41 °F) .

🍽️ This Belgian beer is also great when paired with pizza, pork fillet, salmon, and dishes prepared with soy sauce.

Desserts containing vanilla and tropical fruits are excellent pairs for De Koninck too!

Trappist, Quadrupel | 11.3% | Brasserie de Rochefort

Rochefort 10 is a strong Trappist beer with a deep-brown colour and cream-coloured froth.

It’s the darkest beer that Rochefort Brewery makes and is complete with a complex mixture of flavours. This is another beer in Belgium that you shouldn’t miss!

It’s brewed using natural spring water from the local Tridaine spring . Included in its ingredients are Munich malt, pale malt, unmalted grain, coriander, and candy sugar, among others.

Rochefort 10 has a dominant taste of latte coffee and a distinct chocolate aroma. There are also hints of citrus, cloves, and spices.

🍽️ These flavours go well with lamb shanks, burgers, truffles, and cheesecake, to name a few.

🍺 This beer is best served at 8°C – 14°C (46°F – 57°F) pouring temperature. It’s also meant to be served in its proprietary Rochefort tulip-shaped glass

Best Belgian Beer Tours

Best beer tours in brussels, 🍺 hungry mary’s famous beer and chocolate tour.

⭐  RATING: 5/5 ( 1035 reviews ) | ⏳   TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours and 30 minutes | 💰   CHECK PRICE

Hungry Mary is one of the most popular beer tours in Brussels .

The tour is not even limited to tasting authentic Belgian beers alone. It also highlights the world-famous flavours of the chocolates in Belgium.

Hungry Mary’s beer and chocolate tour starts with chocolate tasting where you get to enjoy at least 10 excellent flavours . These include salted butter caramel, fruit fillings, crunchy hazelnut mixture, and basil.

You will then visit three bars within the Grand Place. These local taverns will offer beer samplers for new and unique Belgian beer flavours .

“Marie & Lil took us on an amazing tour of Brussels which included 12 chocolates to taste and 6 Belgian beers. You also visit some of Brussels’ main tourist attractions and receive a few snacky treats along the way!” Dylan_S, May 2023 ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Aside from beers and chocolates, the tour also includes cheese, Belgian fries, and cured meat tastings.

They also always have a friendly and knowledgeable local guide that can make the whole experience more memorable.

🍺 Brussels Chocolate, Beer, Waffle, and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One (Small Group) Tour by The Best of Brussels

⭐  RATING: 5/5 stars ( 398 reviews ) | ⏳   TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours 30 minutes | 💰   CHECK PRICE

The Best of Brussels organises this great food and beer tour in Belgium .

This is an all-encompassing experience that lets you taste amazing beers, whiskey, chocolates, and waffles while learning more about Belgium’s brewing and chocolate-making culture.

You will get to visit some of Brussels’s best local breweries and taste several exclusive concoctions.

The local guide will also indulge you in informative yet exciting stories about Belgium’s beer culture.

“Best tour ever! Avo was amazing! Lots of info/history of Brussels. The amount of food and beer that we had on this tour was incredible! And they weren’t sample sizes. They were full portions. I highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to get a full taste of Brussels. Lots of chocolate, food and beer!!” Miki_L, May 2023 ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll particularly love the chocolate-tasting portion where 12 delicious flavours will bless your taste buds. Most of these locally produced chocolate treats have recipes that originated in the 17th century.

By the end of the tour, you will choose from Brussels’ famous waffle selections which are served with fresh fruits. The combination will make your chosen Belgian beer taste a lot better!

⭐  RATING: 5/5 stars ( 376 reviews ) | ⏳   TOUR LENGTH: 2 – 3 hours | 💰   CHECK PRICE

In this walking and tasting tour organised by Soda Entertainment, you’ll be doing more than merely passing stores and stalls for quick product sampling.

Instead, you can better embrace the local culture by walking on the same path that the locals take!

“Great tour! The chocolate tasting, the beer tasting and the explanation of Brussels’ history was spot-on!” Manmeet_S, May 2023 ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

As you walk around, the guide will share interesting stories about the people, history, chocolates, and beer in Brussels.

You’ll then pass by famous landmarks , like the Grand Place and Mont des Arts. You will also be served samplers of traditional snacks that are enjoyed by locals.

And to make this tour even better, you have the choice to customize the series of shops and taverns that you’ll visit!

Best Beer Tours in Bruges

🍺 best of bruges: history, chocolate & beer tour.

⭐ RATING: 5.0 ( 132 reviews )| ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours 30 minutes | 💰  CHECK PRICE

This is a 3-in-1 Best of Bruges tour that gets you up close with the top three highlights of Bruges tourism : historical centre, beer-brewing culture, and chocolate-making traditions.

First, you’ll get to visit one of the top-rated chocolatiers in Belgium . Here you will learn about the history and tradition behind Belgium’s famous chocolate treats.

You can also see a demo of the chocolate-making process and sample their flavours.

“Great time! Martin was a great guide…The focus isn’t just chocolate and beer, it’s a city tour with a trip to one of Bruges’ amazing chocolate shops where you get a small demo and a chance to buy chocolates…and to one of their breweries (where we ended the tour with a really tasty beer!)” Janice_M, May 2023 ( SEE REVIEWS )

The tour will then continue on a historic walk around Bruges’ UNESCO-listed, medieval centre . It will then be capped off with a visit to the local public brewery, the Bourgogne de Flandres .

You will not only taste their amazing beers but also get some insights into how they’re made.

🍺 Bruges Bites & Sites – Belgian Food, Beer & A Little Bit of History

⭐ RATING: 5.0 ( 85 reviews ) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 to 3 hours | 💰  CHECK PRICE

This food and beer tasting tour is tailored for small groups with a maximum of 12 members per group .

It aims to give you a more personal experience with Bruges’ culinary heritage, brewing culture, and the city centre’s remarkable sights.

“We had an AMAZING time! Pascal was the best tour guide we could ask for! Amazing food, views, and beer! Highly recommend!” Jennifer_H, Jun 2023 ( SEE REVIEWS )

You will be strolling through the city centre for some epic sightseeing and food tour.

A passionate storyteller-guide will be leading your group as you learn the history behind some of Belgium’s best-loved foods.

There’s also the opportunity to taste some of the locals’ favourite food, including chocolates, waffles, and fries.

And to end your tour on the best note, learn more about the tradition of brewing and have a toast with a glass of Belgian beer!

⭐ RATING: 5.0 ( 74 reviews )| ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours (approx.)| 💰  CHECK PRICE

In this walking tour , you will discover the brewing traditions and delicious local beers in Bruges.

It will begin within the very walls of the Bruges Beer Museum where your English-speaking guide will let you in on the city’s rich brewing culture.

“We expected to drink beer and hear everything about beer but we got so much more than that! Just do it—you won’t regret.” Jacqueline_T, Mar 2022 ( SEE REVIEWS )

There are several stops scheduled throughout the walking tour, allowing you to learn more about the city’s beer history.

And, more importantly, you’ll get to enjoy some samples of five different Belgian beers!

The tour also includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed, medieval centre in Bruges .

Where to drink the best beer in Belgium?

🍻 westvleteren brewery (visitor’s centre).

While you can never visit the actual brewery where the monks work, you can still get close by going to the visitors’ centre instead—the cafe In de Vrede .

It’s just across the street from the monastery and offers good food along with the chance to taste the rare Westvleteren 12. The centre also has an interesting exhibition depicting the life of a Trappist monk at the monastery.

Getting to In de Vrede is quite hard via public transport. But if you’re driving a car, it will only be about 1 hour away from Bruges or Ostend.

📍 Location : Donkerstraat 13, Westvleteren, Vleteren 8640 Belgium

🍻 Delirium Cafe

If you love beer, you can’t visit Belgium without dropping by Delirium Cafe. They first made it to the Guinness Book of World Records in 2004 by offering 2,004 different beers. Now, their wide range of options even expanded to 3,162 beers !

Delirium Cafe offers all kinds of famous Belgian beers, as well as beers from over 60 different countries. They even serve some unusual beers, like banana beers, chocolate beers, gluten-free beers, and beers with hot pepper and gingerbread, to name a few.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed choosing from their 60-page menu , don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations. They know everything about beers and can serve yours on the right glass and with the right pouring technique.

📍 Location : Imp. de la Fidélité 4, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

🍻 Brussels Beer Project

If you want to experience the famous Belgian craft beers but with a modern touch, go to the Brussels Beer Project. This project was started by Sébastien Morvan and Olivier de Brauwere in 2013 and is now offering unique beers to the public.

The Brussels Beer Project is easy to get to since it’s just a 20-minute walk away from the Brussels Central Station . If you visit, you’ll get to choose from numerous craft beers made by professional brewers, not only from Belgium but from other countries as well.

The project’s main goal is to introduce new flavours through a bold, creative, and collaborative way of brewing. Included in their offerings is the first-ever beer that was brewed with recycled bread.

They brew one new beer every week and if you visit at the right time, you might just be one of the first people who get to taste it!

📍 Location : Rue Antoine Dansaert, 188, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

🍻 The Grand Place (Grote Markt)

For a more complete Belgium experience, try pairing your excellent beer with a fantastic view at the Grand Place, also known as Grote Markt (Dutch for “Grand Market”).

It’s always satisfying to sip a dark beer (or any beer you choose) while you’re sitting at one of the converted guild halls and enjoying the view of 17th-century architecture.

Note, though, that the Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and beer prices might be higher than in other places . But the good news is that the view and overall experience will more than make up for it.

After all, the Grand Place is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and in the whole world. It’s also been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

📍 Location : Grand Place Brussels Main Square, Brussels 1000 Belgium

Moeder Lambic is hands-down one of the best craft beer pubs in Belgium . They offer about 40 different bars on tap ; a varied selection that ranges from popular to rare flavours.

They also change their guest beers regularly so you can look forward to something in every visit. And aside from the great beer selection, the overall atmosphere and experience in this place are for the books.

You can simply relax with your friends or loved ones as you try various beers and appreciate the aesthetically pleasing view, from their modern interior to the charming view of Fontainhas Square.

📍 Location : Pl. Fontainas 8, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Belgian Beer Culture

Belgian beer glasses.

Very typical for the beer culture in Belgium is the use of elaborate glasses for each different type of beer .

When you order a drink, you’ll always get your preferred choice served in its own glass—unless the pub ran out of the glass in which case they will excuse themselves for serving it in a different glass.

Each glass comes in its own specific shape to aid the aroma, colour and large heads of the beer. It will also wear the name of the beer, often in quite bold letters.

Fruit beers are often served in champagne-like flutes , while the tulip shape is commonly used for beers such as Duvel and many others. Abbey beers are often served in goblets or chalices , a large bowl-shaped glass on a high stem.

Cooking with Belgian Beer

Traditionally, a couple of famous Belgian dishes are made with beer as an important ingredient. The most well-known one is Flemish stew ( Carbonade/Stoofvlees ) which is a beef stew that’s cooked in dark beer.

In the same way that wines are matched with each course of a meal, the same can be done with beer. In that regard, white beers combine really well with fish or seafood dishes.

Blond ales and tripel go well with chicken, while dark beers are often paired with red meat. The sweeter fruit beers are perfect to finish your dessert with.

Beer Festivals in Belgium

There are a lot of beer festivals in Belgium that you can celebrate. There’s a festival going on almost every weekend . And if you time your visit right, you can even witness up to 6 festivals happening on a weekend!

These beer festivals can be small-town gatherings or grander celebrations observed in an entire region or the whole country.

Some of my most beloved Belgian beer festivals include:

🍻 Zythos Beer Festival

Every year at the end of April , the Zythos Beer Festival is held in the Brabanthal Exhibition Hall in Leuven . However, this fest was first celebrated on March 2004 at St. Nicholas, where it was held for many years until they moved to Leuven in 2011.

Today, you can enjoy nearly one hundred stands here staffed by different beer firms and breweries. Many local restaurants also take part in the celebration, serving dishes that include beer.

You can also enjoy a beer walk or join a beer workshop. There are also beers that will be brewed specifically for the Zythos Beer Festival , giving you the chance to taste them for the first time!

🍻 Belgian Beer Weekend

Every year, the first weekend of September is set for the celebration of the Belgian Beer Weekend (Belgisch Bierweekend) .

The fest is held at Grand Place in Brussels , hosted by the National Federation of Belgian Brewers. The Belgian Beer Weekend will then culminate on Sunday night.

You can join in the fun starting by watching the parade of historic beer carts and the local fanfare company all donned in historic costumes.

You can then visit the numerous stands where you can taste excellent beers from small, medium, and large Belgium breweries.

Brassigaume is a beer festival that has been celebrated in the village of Marbehan in Belgium every October since 2001 . You should check out this fest if you like to discover new tastes and aromas in your beer.

This is a unique festival where instead of big brands pulling more audience, more than 20 Belgian and international microbreweries come together.

Throughout this 2-day fest, you can enjoy beer tastings of more than 100 craft beers. You can also attend lectures and Q&A sessions about brewing beers. And before the event ends, don’t forget to drop by the fest’s famous Beer Shop!

Frequently Asked Questions about Belgian Beers

What beer is most popular in belgium.

Belgian-style tripel is one of the most popular beers in Belgium. It’s a strong ale that has an ABV range of 7-10%. Another popular beer style is the Belgian blonde ale. It’s slightly weaker than tripels with only 6-8% ABV.

And if you’re looking for the most popular beer brand in Belgium, Chimay and Duvel are some of the top brands that won’t disappoint. Stella Artois, one of the world’s biggest beer brands, is also located in Belgium.

What is the biggest-selling Belgian beer?

Chimay and Duvel beers are among the best-selling beers in Belgium. Chimay specializes in Trappist ales while Duvel gives you strong golden ales. Stella Artois is another beer brand in Belgium that is known worldwide. They’ve been crafting fine lager for over 600 years now.

What is Belgian beer known for?

Belgian beers are known for their unique taste which has fruity and spicy notes that balance out their sweetness and bitterness.

This is mostly due to the yeast they used in brewing, which has a floral edge that contrasts the beer’s bitterness in a good way.

Additionally, Belgian beers are known to have strong alcohol content. They mostly start at 6% which is higher than the usual 4% in other domestic beers. Also, Belgian beers are famously served in special glasses.

Who is the king of beers in Belgium?

Gambrinus is celebrated as the ‘king of lager beer’ in Belgium.

Every February, Belgian brewers will come together to celebrate the Feast of King Gambrinus, an icon of beer, brewing, joviality, and joie de vivre (joy of living).

What is the oldest Belgian beer?

Affligem Abbey was founded in 1074 and became the oldest brewery in Belgium. They’ve been brewing for nearly 1000 years and produced the original craft beer. It is now owned by the Heineken Group and brews blond, dubbel, and tripel beers.

Additionally, the oldest Trappist beer in Belgium is from Westmalle. They’re the first Belgian Trappist brewery whose production started by the end of 1836.

Written records of a brewery can be traced back to as early as 805 AD in the Mosan region of Belgium.

What is the famous Belgium drink?

Duvel is undoubtedly one of Belgium’s most popular ale. But if you’re looking for another famous Belgium alcoholic drink aside from beer, you should try Jenever.

 It’s a juniper-flavoured liquor that is considered the national spirit of Belgium. It’s also from which gin has evolved.

Why is Belgian beer the best?

Belgian beers are considered some of the best in the world due to their unique sweet and floral taste. This greatness comes from hundreds of years of brewing knowledge combined with modern technology and, more importantly, yeasts.

Belgian beers are fermented twice and use top-fermenting yeasts. This gives Belgian beers a stronger yeast flavour which comes across as fruity, malty, and less bitter than most beers.

How strong is Belgium beer?

Most beers in Belgium start at 6% ABV and average between 7-9%. Stronger beers range between 10-12% and some are even higher. For perspective, most American beers only contain 4-6% ABV.

Why is Belgian beer high in alcohol?

Unlike most beers, Belgian beers are fermented twice which gives them higher alcohol levels. They also use special yeast strains that have a higher alcohol tolerance and produce more flavour compounds during fermentation.

Also, Belgian brewers supplement malt with simpler sugars that yeast can ferment. This helps achieve higher alcohol content but without the thickness of all-malt beers that have similar strength.

How do Belgians drink beer?

Beers in Belgium are meant to be drunk in their specific corresponding glasses. Also, there are certain temperatures at which you’re supposed to enjoy a particular beer.

Generally, Belgian beers are best served at slightly below room temperature, not ice cold. But if you’re in doubt, check the bottle. They contain instructions on what temperature to drink your beer for the best enjoyment.

What is the rarest beer in Belgium?

Westvleteren 12 is the rarest beer in Belgium and in the whole world.

The monks at St. Sixtus Abbey only brew this beer once a week and sell them once every month, where each buyer can only buy up to one case (24 beers).

You can buy Westvleteren 12 at the monastery where you have to line up after you’ve set your appointment through their hotline. These are also for sale in De Vrede (The Peace), a tavern across the street from the monastery. This is where few tourists can get lucky and buy up to 6 packs per person.

The monks started beer brewing in Belgium, not small businesses. They wanted to offer special drinks to their guests but since they don’t have land that is ideal for growing grapes, they opted for beers.

Final Thoughts on the Best Belgian Beer

What do you think? Are you ready to sample every one of these most popular Belgian beers? Let us know in the comments which one is your favourite!

BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES  

Getting to Belgium : Fly into one of the main international airports : Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.

Getting Around : For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here . If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars , they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.

Accommodation : Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.

Guided tours : Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

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THE 10 BEST Brussels Beer Tastings & Brewery Tours

Beer tastings & tours in brussels.

• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Hungry Mary's Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels

2. Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour

3. Brussels Chocolate Beer Waffle and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One (Small Group) Tour

4. Brussels Discovery Tour: Belgian food, chocolate, waffles, beer, sightseeing

5. Belgian Beer Tasting in Brussels

6. Marc's Brussels Beer Tasting Tour

7. Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience

8. Chocolate and Beer Tour in Brussels

9. Walking Tour with Degustation in the Heart of Brussels

10. Belgian Beer Tour

11. Brussels Hoppy Tour +- 3h

12. Discover our Brussels craft breweries with a local, passionate, young guide

13. Self Guided Pub Trail in Brussels with Online App

14. Discover Brussels beer world with a chocolate pairing by a young local

15. BeerWalk Brussels (English guide)

16. Private Tour Tipsy Tribe Brewstillery & Local Craft Beer Tasting

17. Drinks & Bites in Brussels Private Tour

18. Brussels Beer tour - small groups with real Belgian guide

19. Private: Discover Brussels beer & breweries by a young local (incl. chocolate)

20. Craft Beer Walking Tour in Brussels and Brasserie de l'Annexe

21. Tour of Tipsy Tribe Brewstillery & Local Craft Beer Tasting

22. Private Brussels Beer Tour with a Local Expert

23. Brussels Beer Tour & Tasting

24. Old Town Brussels Tour and Beer Tasting

What travelers are saying.

• Hungry Mary's Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels
• Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour
• Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience
• Belgian Beer Tasting in Brussels
• Brussels Chocolate Beer Waffle and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One (Small Group) Tour
• Soda Entertainment
• BEM BELGA - Seu guia na Bélgica
• The Best of Brussels - Chocolate Beer Waffle Whiskey (ALL-IN-ONE) Tour
• Hungry Mary - Food Tours
• Brussels Walking Tours
• Beer Experience in Brussels
• Brussels Beer Bus

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Belgium Beer Trip 2024

Brussels, brugge, antwerp, dusseldorf and cologne, august 1 - august 11 --- 10 nights (or less, see below), this trip starts and ends in brussels. if you can not do all 10 nights, you can make this a 9 or 8 night trip by either skipping the last day trip to cologne and back to brussels and flying out of dusseldorf (so 9 nights) or heading back to the brussels airport when we leave antwerp (so 8 nights). contact me for pricing and more details if desired..

NOTE: If you are only interested in a single day trip or custom day tour or special event in Germany or Belgium, see Custom Day Trips !

NOTE: See day-by-day itinerary below. All photos shown below and in the video were actually shot on previous trips!

DAY 1: Thursday - August 1st - This incredible Belgian Beer Trip starts when you arrive in Brussels (we will meet at the hotel - I will provide detailed step-by-step directions for how to get from the airport to the hotel - or if you prefer I can meet you at the airport if possible). After a short nap (for those arriving that morning and able to get into their room, which is not a certainty), we will meet up around noon and take a walk around the Grand Place and the old part of Brussels. I will get you acquainted with the city, how the trains work, where things are, etc. We will stop for a light lunch and perhaps your first beer (of many) in Belgium, and of course we may stop for frites, waffles (both types!) and chocolates (dont forget to ask me about that special locals pub that serves Westvleteren!). Then, we will go to one of the best beer-focused restuarants in the world for an incredible and very memorable meal (transportation to the hotel, lunch, beer and snacks during the day on your own - dinner is included). After a fun afternoon and early evening of getting to know Brussels, most of you that arrived in Belgium this morning will be exhausted, so we will call it an early night and let everyone settle into their room and get a good night's sleep. We have a very fun and very busy day tomorrow!

DAY 2: Friday - August 2nd - After a hearty and delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will set out to explore more of the great city of Brussels. The day begins with an organized bike or walking tour, which is a fantastic way to see and learn about the city, and may include stops for beer, chocolates, the country's famous frites (Brussels style), etc. at some historic locations (lunch and/or snacks on your own). Either way, these are great tours of this historic city that are both fun and educational. After the tour, and a quick lunch (on your own), we will visit one of the most famous Lambic breweries in the world, Cantillon! We will either take a city train or walk to Cantillon, depending on weather, timing, etc. We will tour the facility, which is considered to be a working museum, and we will sample several of their incredible Lambics! This is a magical moment that you won't ever forget. After this incredible tour, you will have some Free Time today to explore Brussels more on your own and see some additional sites (maybe the Atomium), museums, etc. You will be provided with guides, notes and directions to some of the famous beer bars, area breweries, tourist attractions, museums, etc. This might be a great night to visit one of the restaurant rows (walking streets) and find a deal on some incredible food, like Brussels' famous mussels (lunch, if desired, and dinner are on your own today).

DAY 3: Saturday - August 3rd - Lambic Day! After another wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we will take a train or bus out of the city to Lambic Land, locally known as Pajottenland! Here, we will visit Oud Beersel and maybe Drie Fonteinen, two of the other classic Lambic and Gueuze producers. These producers make some of the best Lambic products in the world, so this is a truly special day that includes a tour of Oud Beersel's ancient cellars and incredible tastings! In addition, Beersel is a beautiful small town, so it is a great area to do some walking and enjoy the scenery. We will have some lunch in the area (on your own), and also spend a little while visiting the famous Beersel Castle. This castle visit is a unique experience, as it is the untouched ruins of a real castle, complete with a moat, drawbridge, battle stations, and more. This will be a full day, but we will arrive back in Brussels in time for you to have some dinner (on your own) and do a little more exploring. Or, you may just want to take some time to relax, and prepare for a full day tomorrow.

DAY 4: Sunday - August 4th - Monastery Day! After another great breakfast, we will get an early start and board a private motorcoach for an incredible, once in a lifetime trip to visit 3 famous Southern Belgium monasteries. First up, a little over an hour south of Brussels is the Abbey de Scourmont, or as most people know it, the legendary Chimay! We will sample the Chimay cheeses and beers, including the elusive low alcohol beer brewed specifically for the monks and served at the abbey. A short walk through the woods takes us to the abbey itself, where we can walk the grounds, and if we are lucky, perhaps even see and hear the monks chanting during a ceremony.

Upon leaving Chimay, we will travel through rural France, as it is the shortest route, and come back into Belgium to visit Orval. There, we can walk the ancient ruins of the original monastery destroyed in the French revolution and visit the museum located in the caverns underneath the new abbey. This is a great visit and a beautiful monastery! We will also eat an early dinner (included) at the Orval restaurant, where we can sample the famous Brettanomyces tinged Orval beers at their freshest, as well as an aged version and the special small version brewed only for the monks, and only available here.

At last, we will head back towards Brussels, but we will make a quick stop at the Rochefort monastery. This monastery is one of the most private ones in Belgium, lacking even basic signage to find it, but we will. We can take a quick look at the grounds, get some pictures, etc. Again, a day you will never forget!

It will be fairly late when we arrive back to Brussels, but you will have time to have a final beer and a final walk around beautiful Brussels before getting packed and prepped to depart the city tomorrow morning.

DAY 5: Monday - August 5th - It is always hard to say goodbye to Brussels, but we still have some incredible places to visit! After another great breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we will board a private motorcoach and head to the beautiful, fairy tale city of Brugge in Northern Belgium. On the way to Brugge, we will have a couple great stops, including the town of Oudenaarde, where we will visit the famous Leifman's brewery. This is an amazing tour of their old historic brewery, parts of which are still used to create their unique true Oud Bruin Sour Beers.

After the tour and tasting here, we will continue on to the most elusive and legendary monastery of them all, Westvleteren! Westvleteren and the famous Westy 12 dark strong Belgian beer is hard to find, even in Belgium, but at the monastery, you can drink all you want, and for a very reasonable price. AND you can even get something more special, Westy 12 Ice Cream! Also, if we are lucky, you might be able to purchase some beer to bring back (you never know what, when, or if, they will be selling any). In addition to drinking the great Westvleteren beer in an incredible setting surrounded by fields of barley, we can also take a holy walk to a small chapel in the woods, and visit the abbey museum, eat a late lunch, etc. (food and beer on your own). This is a very memorable stop on our trip!

After our visit to Westvleteren, we will continue on to Brugge. The architecture, culture and feel of this incredible little town is like none other on Earth. Throw in the incredible beer of Belgium, and it might be the closest thing to heaven you will experience until you visit that big brewery in the sky. After we check into our hotel, we will spend a little time getting acquainted with the city, eat some dinner (on your own), then visit some of the great beer bars. Brugge has some of the best beer bars on the planet! These are places that won't even serve a beer if they don't have the proper glassware for it and every beer has its own special glass. These are incredible experiences!

DAY 6: Tuesday - August 6th - Today, after a hearty breakfast, we will get a bit more acquainted with Brugge. I'll make sure you know where you can rent bikes, where the other famous beer bars and breweries are (including De Halve Maan and Bourgogne des Flanders), where some of the key tourist sights are, etc. I'll also show you how to navigate the very confusing street map to keep from getting lost (or at least too lost - getting lost in Brugge is part of the fun). Since our time in Brugge is short, you will have a lot of free time today to explore the city and the area on your own. There is a lot to see and do, including the famous boat tours of the city, climbing the bell tower, seeing the Church of the Holy Blood (where you can touch the vial that supposedly contains the dying blood of Jesus), or the only Michelangelo statue in Belgium, etc. In addition, you can rent bikes and ride around the city where you can see real windmills, or you can even ride into Holland if you wish (yes, it is that close). There is also a bike tour that goes to a small neighboring town that has a small brewery. In the late afternoon or evening, we may get together for a special beer tasting of unique regional beers and/or we may meet back up at one of the great beer bars to tell our tales of the day. Lunch, if desired, and dinner are on your own.

DAY 7: - Wednesday - August 7th - Today, after breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we will board our private motorcoach, and say goodbye to the fairytale town of Brugge and head to the metropolitan city of Antwerp. On the way to Antwerp, we will make a visit to the beautiful town of Roeselare, the home of the legendary Rodenbach Flanders Red-Brown Sour Beers. Hopefully, we will be able to tour the brewery, and see the giant foeder tanks in person, then have a great tasting of their famous and unique beers.

In addition to this great visit at Rodenbach, we may make a few other stops on our journey to Antwerp, including the famous St. Bernardus Brewery, a Hop Farm in Poperinge and one of the many WWI Flanders Fields military cemeteries. We will arrive in Antwerp in time to have some dinner (on your own) and to start exploring this beautiful city a little after checking into our hotel.

DAY 8: - Thursday - August 8th - It is our last full day in Belgium and I have saved some of the best beers in Belgium for today. But first, you will have some time in the early morning (and later tonight when we return) to explore Antwerp. We are not in Antwerp very long, but you will want to look around, drink some of their DeKoninck beer, visit some of the city's great beer bars, and/or see the sights, including Peter Paul Rubens home and his work inside the city cathedral. Around mid or late morning, we may travel by bus to either the big Duvel Brewery or the big Het Anker Brewery (Gouden Carolus beers) for a tour of these large plants that produce a wide variety of great beers. This tour will depend on timing, but either way, we will definitely continue on to the famous Westmalle monastery!

Once we get to Westmalle, we can watch a nice video presentation about the monastery and the brewery at the large restaurant located there. We can also walk the grounds of the monastery. The restaurant is unique in its ability to serve both cold or cellar temp Westmalle beers (Dubbel and Tripel), and they also serve a very unique Half and Half blended beer, and even an ice cream with a Westmalle Dubbel caramel raisin topping! Yes, it is as good as it sounds! In addition to the beers, we will have an early dinner (included) here at Westmalle. This is a really fun way to close the Belgium portion of the trip. We will get back to our hotel in Antwerp in time to have a last beer and/or relax a little and get packed and prepped for heading to Dusseldorf tomorrow.

DAY 9: - Friday - August 9th - Today, after another great breakfast, we will board a private motorcoach that will take us to Dusseldorf, where we will spend the night. On the way to Dusseldorf, we may stop by the final / 6th famous Belgian Monastery, the smaller, craft-like Achel. The Achel Monastery is located right on the border of Belgium and the Netherlands, which makes for some great photos on the border. This would be a quick stop (beers on your own), as we will want to continue on our journey and arrive in the Netherlands at the La Trappe Monastery for a tour and a late lunch (on your own). La Trappe is one of the oldest monastery breweries in the world, and they make an incredible line-up of beers. Combine that with a beautiful country setting, a great gift shop, etc.,and you can see why this is one of my favorite monastery visits.

After a great visit at La Trappe, we will continue on to Dusseldorf and check into our hotel. In Dusseldorf, we will have an incredible Farewell Dinner (included) at one of my favorite breweries, Zum Uerige, the maker of the classic Dusseldorf Altbier! If possible, we may also get a tour of this unique brewery that still uses a coolship and insists on various other older brewing techniques. After this dinner, we should have time to walk around the Altstadt (old part) of Dusseldorf and sample various other breweries and their versions of Altbier.

DAY 10: - Saturday - August 10th - Today, after a nice breakfast and maybe a final Altbier, we will board our private motorcoach and head to Cologne and then on back to Brussels. We will spend all afternoon exploring Cologne and sampling as many Kolsch beers as you wish. All the breweries in Cologne make the light, crisp, delicious Kolsch style beer, and visiting lots of Cologne breweries and sampling many versions of this great style is a lot of fun for any beer lover! In addition, there are some great sites to see, like one of the Top 5 rated gothic cathedrals in the world and seeing the gold case that houses the bones of the Three Wise Men. This is truly an amazing cathedral that is hard to believe without seeing it in person. Lunch and beers are on your own. After an incredible visit in Cologne, we will head back to our original hotel in Brussels for our final night of the trip. We will get back into Brussels in time to have a last beer, dinner (on your own), revisit some favorite places, get some last minute gifts, etc., and then relax a little and get packed and prepped to leave tomorrow.

DAY 11: - Sunday - August 11th - Today, unfortunately, we will say goodbye and take the city train (on your own) from the hotel to the Brussels airport, or you will venture on to wherever your travels may take you next, while dreaming about the next time you will see Belgium and Germany again!

FAQs REGARDING THE BELGIUM BEER TOUR

COST: The Cost for the Summer 2024 Belgium Beer Trip is $3,650 USD per person traveling as a couple / pair (i.e. Double Occupancy), or $4,190 USD (hopefully a bit less) for someone traveling alone (i.e. Single Occupancy). These prices should not change, unless the exchange rate or trip plans change dramatically. That is not expected, but this trip is a long ways off and anything could happen, so the final, exact costs will be determined as people commit to going, and as the time gets a little closer, etc.

SPECIAL NOTE ON COST: My pricing, and the value created, is unlike many tours in several important ways. Most travel industry tours expect the trip attendees to pay numerous tips, often multiple tips per day, including for guides, helpers, restaurant staff, bus drivers, etc. This is common in the tourism industry, but it can add up to hundreds of additional, and often unexpected, dollars over the course of a 10 day trip. I simply disagree with the industry on this approach, so I don't ask my trip attendees to tip anyone during any included activities. Also, with some tours, the amount of beverages, beer, etc. included with the dinners may be limited, but I like to see my guests drink what they want, within reason of course, without worrying about extra costs. I also try to provide some extra beers and surprises along the way, when I can, and when the budget, exchange rate, etc. allows it. In summary, I do some things a bit different than the industry norm. This does not mean the industry norm is bad. It just means I have a different approach, which tries to create more value for my guests, and is something that needs to be considered in my prices.

WHAT IS INCLUDED: Basically, everything except the meals and beers specified above, your personal purchases, your airfare, and transportation from and to the airports. It includes all hotels, breakfasts each day, several meals, some with unlimited beers, train and bus travel, taxis, admission fees, all tips, etc.

COULD I SAVE MONEY DOING THIS ON MY OWN: Possibly, but it can require literally hundreds of hours of research and planning to make it happen as smoothly as what you will get on my trips. Also, you may have to drive yourself, or navigate foreign transit systems, to experience some of what we do, which puts a damper on being able to drink and enjoy yourself. Lastly, several things are just not options for people traveling alone. Either the group and / or my connections make some of the tours and things we do feasible. So yes, it is possible to save a little money, but I'm not making that much and the added value I offer is well worth it to most people. Lastly, when calculating costs on your own, many things are often overlooked, which add up to extra dollars spent, plus without the proper planning, mistakes can happen and they can add costs quickly.

I DON'T KNOW IF I WOULD LIKE TRAVELING WITH A GROUP: This isn't a cruise ship or a high school field trip where every second of every day is planned. There are opportunities to do things on your own, there is no curfew, and few very early mornings. Also, the type of people that do a trip like this, are probably a bit of a beer geek just like you, and are usually pretty good people. Lastly, these are relatively small group trips comparatively. So just relax and have fun with some like-minded people in a flexible and friendly environment.

PAYMENT TERMS AND CONFIRMATION: I need to confirm the trip as soon as I can to get hotels, buses, tours, etc. scheduled. Thus, if you are interested or certain that you want to go, contact me and/or pay your down payment / initial payment as soon as you can. See the instructions below for how to get registered. A trip can be confirmed as soon as I have enough people signed up. Airline tickets should NOT be purchased until the trip is confirmed .

To reserve your space, or communicate with me, send an email to [email protected] .

To officially register and pay your 25% down payment, also send me an email, and then either use the form below or go to www.Paypal.com and send any amount of money you want to this email address... "RonSmith -AT- MarketWiseSolutions -DOT- com". If doing this, please be sure to send me a follow up email to let me know how much you paid and what it is for.

NOTE: If the trip does not happen, this down payment amount will be refunded to you (minus any Paypal fees, usually around $25). Otherwise, as soon as I have enough people signed up to confirm the trip, I will notify you with that confirmation, and at that point the 25% down payment is no longer refundable. You will then be asked to pay the remaining 75%. This remaining 75% is due in full at least 3 months before the departure date (but sooner is better). After that 3 months prior to departure point, when all money must be received, no money can be refunded. All plans have been made at that point, things have been paid in advance, this is Belgium's peak travel period, etc. In the event that I can’t make the trip, either another guide will be assigned to lead the trip, or all money not paid out will be refunded to you along with instructions and notes to allow you to still do as much of the trip as possible on your own (the same applies in the event of a complete cancellation of the trip for any reason). You can also consider travel insurance, but be sure to read the fine print and make sure it covers money paid to tour guides and expenses beyond payments directly to hotels and airlines. These terms are subject to change at any time, but they represent the general policies.

INSTALLMENT PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS: As a college educator, I know that money can be tight for some people, especially students, but I would like them to be able to do my trips if they really want to have these incredible life experiences. So to help with that, people can basically add money to their Trip Account whenever they want and I will just keep it in their account until it is either needed or refunded. You can just go to www.Paypal.com and send any amount of money you wish to this email address... "RonSmith -AT- MarketWiseSolutions -DOT- com". If doing this, please be sure to send a follow up email directly to me, to let me know how much you paid and what it is for. These funds are subject to the same cancellation and refund deadlines and arrangements as any other funds (see above), so as long as deadlines are not passed, if you start adding to a fund, but cannot go on the trip, your money will be refunded (except any fees incurred). This unique payment option provides a way for people to pay a little at a time, on whatever schedule they want (i.e. even daily or weekly additions can be made). If you have any questions about this, contact me via email at [email protected] .

Additional Information

The hotels are all very nice, safe, approx 3+ star type accomodations, with private baths and all the usual European amenities (i.e. possibly not air conditioning). More details can be provided upon request.

The itinerary and plans may change. With travel plans like this, things out of my control can always occur. If / when that occurs, I will try to plan something else. It will always be a fun and enjoyable trip and I will always give you your money's worth.

As the trip gets confirmed, I will provide various documents, including one for Trip Planning and Preparation, which covers lots of important issues for European travel, such as currency, mobile phones, internet access, power adapters, what to pack, and much, much more. I will also provide documents for How to Get to the Hotel, and for the Final Trip Itinerary, etc.

If you need a roommate, I can try to pair you up with someone, but it is up to you to make it work.

As with most European travel, these trips require A LOT of walking, standing and movement. You should be in reasonably good shape in order to participate in everything planned. However, there are certainly ways to make it easier and do less walking, etc. if you wish and don't mind not trying to keep up with the group.

Also, as with most European travel in the summer, expect it to be VERY HOT at times and do not expect to find air conditioning everywhere. Hopefully, our hotels will have air conditioning, but this can't always be guaranteed, because most hotels simply do not have it, and even if they do, it may not work very well. Most restaurants and other public places do not have air conditioning either. In most cases, the heat is not too bad, but there are times in late July and August when it could get extremely hot. If this occurs, we can not control the weather and we will survive, though it may not be comfortable for a little while. In these situations, you will truly get to experience what it is like to live in that part of the world where most people do not have air conditioning.

Lastly, as with most European travel, expect things like hotel rooms and restaurants to be small and the quarters to be tight. Unlike the US or other parts of the world, space is often limited in Europe and many buildings are very, very old. This is part of the charm and the experience.

I am only the coordinator of the trip. I charge a fee to assist you and guide you in your travels. I am not responsible for, or liable for, your health, safety, lost or stolen property, etc.

Click here to sign up, get on my email list and/or contact me!

Also, be sure to Like Us on Facebook!

DO NOT USE THIS FORM! THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY “SOLD OUT,” BUT SOME SEATS MAY OPEN UP. EMAIL US AT [email protected] TO INQUIRE ABOUT OPENINGS. THANK YOU!

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14 Places In Belgium Every Beer Lover Needs To Put On Their Bucket List

words: VinePair Staff

For a beer lover, a trip to Belgium is practically a pilgrimage. This small country is home to roughly 200 breweries, which produce some of the world’s most beloved beers, from Abbey and Trappist brews to Lambics, and a dozen other styles. Depending on your tastes, your must-visit spots in the country might vary, and to be perfectly candid, this list is merely a jumping-off point. Consider these the essentials, plus a few of our personal all-time favorite spots from the half-dozen trips that the members of the VinePair team have made to the country. If we know one thing for certain, once you visit Belgium, you’ll be itching to go back.

Westvleteren Brewery

The holy grail of beers, Westvleteren 12 became essentially impossible to obtain about a decade ago when it received international attention after rocketing to the top of RateBeer and Beer Advocate’s rankings. While you cannot actually visit the abbey — unless you’re picking up an order you pre-arranged via the beer phone (good luck) — the visitor’s center next door is open to the public.

A Beer At The Grote Market, Brussels

The central square of Brussels is jaw-droppingly beautiful. It’s also rung by a number of bars and restaurants, some with outdoor seating — which you’ll want to take advantage of during the day. Whether it’s the winter or just a chilly night, you’ll want to get cozy with a dark beer on the upper floors of one of the converted Guildhalls. This is the center of town and the prices reflect that, but you’re in Belgium and you should match at least a couple of your other-worldly beers with a worthy view.

Brasserie Cantillon

One of only two breweries in the city of Brussels proper, Cantillon is a must-visit whether or not you care for Gueze and/or Lambics. The seven Euro, self-guided tour is well worth it. Take in the unique aromas of open air, spontaneous fermentation. Peep the rows of beer aging in barrels. And of course, at the end, sample a beer or three.

Rodenbach Brewery

Brewery visits for the experienced beer traveler can sometimes feel like Gothic churches on a long European trip — after a while it starts to seem like if you’ve seen one, then you’ve seen them all. If you ever find yourself feeling like that, then get yourself over to Rodenbach stat. Rodenbach, which specializes in barrel aged, Flemish reds, is produced at a brewery unlike any other you’ve ever seen. When we say barrel aged, we mean aged in one of the nearly 300 monstrous oak casks — which you’ll get to see in person on the two-hour tour.

Kulminator itself is rather small, and it’s fairly out of the way in Antwerp, but you’re here for the beer list, which is epic, with an emphasis on vintage bottles — making the trip worthwhile. Want to try a ten-year-old aged version of your favorite Trappist beer? This is your spot. The husband and wife owners are wonderful hosts, and they’re glad to help guide you through the epic list — when the place isn’t packed. If they offer you a “go to sleep beer,” just make sure it’s really  your final beer of the night.

‘t Brugs Beertje

If Kulimnator is our favorite beer bar in Antwerp, then ‘t Brugs Beertje takes the same title for the picturesque medieval city of Brugge. As soon as you step into this vintage beer advertisement-lined bar, which has been in business since 1983, you’ll know you’re in good hands. Expect a list of 300+ bottles and a few taps, served by Daisy Claeys, whose praise you’ll read about in nearly every review of the bar.

De Heeren van Liedekercke

If you want to dine at De Heeren you’re going to have to invest in a cab ride to get out of Brussels proper (you could drive…but that would ruin all the fun you’re about to have). While you’re not heading to De Heeren just for the beer — a half dozen taps and 300 bottles are nothing to sneeze at — you should enjoy the selection, which features a huge collection of vintage bottles of Orval, without worrying about the trip home. You’re headed here though for the incredible food, a lot of which is prepared with, you guessed it, beer. We suggest you work up an appetite and indulge in the monthly beer-paired dinners, which, unsurprisingly, features incredible local brews.

The Hop Museum / Poperinge

While Belgian beers are typically far less hoppy than American craft beers, hops are obviously still an important ingredient. Poperinge, close to the French border and the high-speed rail transit hub in Lille, is the home of the vast majority of Belgium’s hop production, and thus a worthy detour. In addition to the farms, the town is home to the Hopmuseum, an institution dedicated to everyone’s favorite plant, which you obviously will want to visit. And, if you’re lucky enough to time your visit right, you can take in the triennial beer and hop festival, which is exactly what it sounds like.

Moeder Lambic Original

This unique bar is an absolute must for the Lambic lovers out there. Unlike most of the great bars you’ll visit in Belgium, the script is flipped here, with a focus on taps — though their bottle list is nothing to skip over either. The spot is quiet, laid back, and has a nice neighborhood vibe — when they aren’t blasting techno (which happens here, though not as often as at their second location). About that second location in the center of town: it’s hard to miss with a grand metal and glass canopy that covers some outdoor seating.

The Zythos Bierfestival

In’t Spinnekopke

This cozy, dimly spot is a quick walk from the Grote Market in Brussels. The beer menu isn’t massive like at other spots, but you will find some great, familiar Belgian brews at prices you would kill for at home. It’s also not the only place — even on this list — to cook with beer, but it’s been churning out solid pub-like fare since well before it was the trendy thing to do. We suggest you settle in and enjoy the incredible mussels in Maredsous broth with a side of fries.

Duvel Moortgat Brewery

We haven’t made our way back to the Moortgat brewery — where Duvel is brewed — since their purchase of Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing and subsequent partnership with Firestone Walker out in Paso Robles, but it’s not like Moortgat was a small operation before they decided to double-down on their American operations. This might be a commercial brewery but the tour is well worth it, as is the tasting room where you can enjoy a light meal along with a number of Moortgat’s brews, from the aforementioned Duvel to Maredsous and d’Achouffe.

A la Mort Subite

At this classic, 100+ year-old Brussels bar — with a name that translates to The Sudden Death you’re just as likely to find locals, tourists and wandering Eurocrats. With rows of tightly packed wooden tables its easy to find yourself drawn into conversations with your neighbor, especially when it gets busy. The bar’s name derives from the house special Gueuze and Lambic, but if those aren’t your thing there’s a solid list of other local beers. Either way, the atmosphere makes the bar well worth a visit.

Brouwerij De Dolle

If you’re a fan of Craft Beer in the U.S., especially the vibe you often encounter in a tasting room – you know the vibe that says “hey, we might not have been around as long as established breweries but we make damn good and interesting beer – then you have to head to the tiny village of Esen. De Dolle Brouwers was founded in 1980 around the same time that the U.S. Craft Beer movement was just kicking off as well. They’re pioneers of the hoppier versions of Belgian beers that have now become popular and have a history of brewing some really amazing creations.

Published: July 23, 2015

• 14 Places In Belgium Every Beer Lover Needs To Put On Their Bucket List | VinePair
• https://vinepair.com/wine-blog/14-places-in-belgium-every-beer-lover-needs-to-put-on-their-bucket-list/
• beer, Travel
• Why You’ll Find The Best Cider in Normandy | VinePair
• https://vinepair.com/wine-blog/why-youll-find-the-best-cider-in-normandy/
• Kathleen Willcox
• wbs_cat Cider, wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Calvados, cider, france, normandy, Wine

• A Tour Of Belgiums Monastic...

A Tour Of Belgium’s Monastic Trappist Breweries

Of the eleven recognized breweries run by Trappist monks in the world, six of them are dotted across Belgium . Surrounded by tranquil, green scenery and with brewskies that have been named the best in world many times over, these monasteries form an essential part of Belgian beer culture. A large part of their profits even go to charity – we’ll drink to that!

St. sixtus abbey in westvleteren.

The Westvleteren brewery has made quite the name for itself with its widely beloved beer and limited production. It all started with a charming origin story: as the abbey was being built in 1831, the construction workers each had the right to two beers a day according to their contract, so the monks started brewing these themselves in order to save some money. Almost two centuries later, Westvleteren 12 (one of four beers produced at the monastery) has been declared the best beer in the world multiple times over. Given the skyrocketing demand, the small scale of the monks’ brewing operation and the fact that you have to drive up to the monastery itself to get a crate or two, it’s not easy to get a hold of one of these bad boys. Though you can occasionally find them in stores or bars, this is technically against the wishes of the monks as they will only sell to private individuals. All in all, drinking a Westvleteren has become quite the event in itself.

Adhering to the rules of St. Benedictus, Trappist monks are always responsible for their own livelihoods and live a life not only dedicated to prayer, but to work as well. It’s no wonder then that so many of them have developed a taste for brewing beers, besides producing other artisanal products like cheese or bread. Another incentive might be the fact that the monks themselves are allowed to drink these beers during lunch or dinner, and in the case of Westmalle this has been true since 1836. The Westmalle Tripel – the most famous of their three beers – has gone from being sold at the gates of the monastery to being another frequent contender for the title of best beer in the world. Like at most of the monastic breweries, there is no chance of witnessing the process, since the quiet life of the monks has to be respected. However you can still drink their acclaimed Tripel at the café across from the abbey, as well as watch a documentary on how it’s made.

St. Benedictus Abbey in Achel

The only place where you can actually see brothers running around the shining, copper brewing kettles, Achel is one of the more visitor-friendly monasteries. Add to that the glowing green landscapes and its proximity to the Great War battlefields of Ypres and you have a spiritual place that’s buzzing with hikers and bikers over the weekend. That same World War was unfortunately also responsible for a halt in the abbey’s brewing efforts that had been going since 1844. The brewery was only rebuilt in 1998, making Achel the newest Trappist beer in the bunch and one that’s still working on gaining more fans.

Abbey of Our Lady of Scourmont in Chimay

Unlike its Westvleteren sister, the Scourmont Abbey has embraced a larger production of its beers. Still on the abbey domain and under strict supervision by the monks (a requirement to carry the rare ‘Trappist’ label), all of the beer is made exclusively with water from the two wells on the Scourmont grounds. Chimay beers were the very first ones to be honored with the Trappist label and they’ve recently launched La Chimay Dorée ( Chimay Gold ) to the public. A surprising choice, since this originally was the abbey’s patersbier , a light ale (4,8 % in this case) that usually stays within the monastery’s walls, only to be consumed by its monks.

Abbey of Our Lady of Saint-Rémy in Rochefort

A tranquil atmosphere permeates the monastery of Rochefort, where the rather secluded monks only see tourists if they come to visit the church, since there is no café or community center present on the grounds. To taste the Rochefort beers – strong and with a spice that’s normally reserved for barley wine – close to where they were brewed, you’ll have to pay a visit to one of the town’s bars instead.

Abbey of Our Lady in Orval

Orval’s current brewery was established in 1931 with the goal of financing the reconstruction of the old abbey, and boy did that work according to plan. Now an imposing monastery with a yellow hue, Orval is also the most international of Belgian Trappist beers owing to its work with laymen. The input of German master brewer Pappenheimer and the English influences the Belgian John Vanhuele brought back with him are to be thanked for Orval’s current taste, which is based on hops and yeasts rather than malts.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Visiting Belgium’s Trappist Breweries

Last week, Erin wrote a piece for an exciting new section on Expedia called  Expedia TRIP , wherein she shared her experience visiting one of Belgium’s Trappist breweries, the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy Trappist monastery in Belgium, for those travelers like us who explore for the love of food, wine, and beer . This is the monastery that brews one of the best beers in the world, the Rochefort Trappist beer.

Erin’s piece inspired me to finally put together a post discussing the six different Trappist monasteries in Belgium that produce the world-famous Trappist beers.  So far, I have visited five of the six Trappist monasteries / breweries in Belgium. And I plan to complete my Belgium Trappist beer tour with a visit the sixth monastery (Orval) sometime this summer. (Note: We finally visited Orval in September, 2017, following the 2017 Cantillon Zwanze Day at Moeder Lambic in Brussels)

Belgium’s Trappist Breweries

The six Trappist breweries in Belgium are:

• St. Benedictus-Abbey ( Achelse Kluis ) in Achel, Belgium – Achel Beer
• Abbaye Notre-Dame de Scourmont in Chimay, Belgium – Chimay Beer
• Abbaye d’Orval in Villers-devant-Orval, Belgium – Orval Beer
• Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy in Rochefort, Belgium – Rochefort Beer
• Sint-Sixtusabdij in Westvleteren, Belgium – Westvleteren Beer
• Abdij van de Trappisten van Westmalle in Westmalle, Belgium – Westmalle Beer

As seen from the Belgian Trappist breweries map, the six breweries are evenly split between the French-speaking Wallonia and the Dutch/Flemish-speaking Flanders regions of Belgium. Achel, Westmalle, and Westvleteren are from Flanders, while Chimay, Orval, and Rochefort are in Wallonia.

The only one of the five monasteries / breweries I visited where you can actually visit the brewery itself was Achel, which is also the closest to where I live in Eindhoven, making it for me the best Trappist brewery to visit in Belgium.

Rochefort was the only other monastery where I was actually able to visit into the actual monastery, but that was a very special open-house event where the monastery was raising funds for renovations, which may require to buy items from sites like Concrete Polishing Perth . On my previous visits to the abbey, I was not able to get any further than the front gate of the monastery.

At Chimay, Westmalle, and Westvleteren, a visit is actually a visit to a cafe / visitor’s center located in close proximity to the monastery and brewery. Both Westmalle and Westvleteren have cafes located just across the street from the monastery. Chimay’s Espace Chimay, or Chimay Experience, is 250-meters away from the abbey. Achel also has a cafe within the walls of Achelse Kluis. There was no cafe or visitor’s center of any sort at Rochefort, but we found a great cafe in town, La Gourmandaise.

One of my favorite aspects of visiting the cafes at the monasteries is that you can try the normal beers of the brewery, and occasionally, you can also experience special beers not produced for commercial distribution. The cafes also usually offer other products produced at the abbey, such as the monks’ cheese and pate.

Plus, there’s something special about trying these great beers straight from the source.   The beer is fresher and straight from the brewery.  You get to build that special connection that you can only experience by visiting the grounds where the beer is born.

Authentic Trappist Products

Those new to the Trappist name might wonder what it actually means and why should you care? Products that appear with the official Trappist label mean they “measure up to the quality and traditional standards rooted in the monastic life of a real Trappist community.”

Belgium Beer Road Trip

If you’re looking to plan a Belgian Monastery beer tour road trip, pick up a Belgium beer route map. You can find these in many of the beer stores. As you’re traveling between the monasteries, there are a number of other great breweries you can stop at as well.

Have you visited any of the other Trappist breweries outside of Belgium? If you didn’t know, the total count of Trappist breweries is now up to 11 thanks to a new one in Italy, which was just granted status only last year. 

This post is in partnership with Expedia’s new TRIP launch, but as always, thoughts and opinions are our own. 

• Brett Domue

By day, Brett is an Enterprise Business Architect for a large Dutch corporation, but he spends the majority of his free time scouting out craft beer, food and wine around the globe. In the past 10 years, he’s primarily lived in the Netherlands, with a few years in Taiwan in between. Brett is the co-founder of Our Tasty Travels. Despite maintaining a full-time job outside the travel blogging industry, he’s managed to travel to over 70 countries and is preparing to pursue his Cicerone certification.

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Trappist Beer In Belgium: Everything You Need To Know

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If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, you won’t want to miss out on a chance to visit a Trappist Monastery to grab a beer. That’s right: A monastery might be one of the best places to visit in Belgium if you love beer. Many Belgian Trappist monasteries are a short drive from other countries such as France, Germany, or Luxembourg, making them a great addition to a trip to those countries, too.

All Trappist monasteries produce a limited amount of commercial products to help sustain their operations. While most locations produce preserves, cheese, or bread, some monasteries produce beer. In total, there are 14 registered Trappist monasteries that produce beer commercially. Twelve of those breweries are certified to use the "Authentic Trappist Product" symbol , and half of those breweries are in Belgium, making it an excellent destination for beer enthusiasts. This is, of course, in addition to the other fabulous breweries in the country.

Beer enthusiasts can’t get enough Trappist beer. Several things make Trappist beers so special. If you like trying new beers, but are on the fence about adding a monastery trip to your travel itinerary, here are a few things to consider.

Trappist Beers Are Rare

Since Trappist monasteries don’t create products on a for-profit basis, their overall production runs are low and will stay low. Despite this, you can still find some Trappist beers in craft beer shops around the United States. However, there are some monasteries that don’t distribute to the U.S. at all.

To put things in perspective, 10,000 barrels of the highly elusive double IPA Heady Topper are brewed annually. Look at one of the most highly regarded Trappist breweries, Westvleteren, for comparison; they only brew 4,750 barrels. Unlike standard commercial breweries, which will increase production to meet higher demand and increase profits, Trappist breweries won’t because they only brew to support the monastery.

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Trappist Beer Has A Rich History

Europe has a rich history in brewing and is home to the oldest operating breweries in the world. Four of the Trappist monasteries in Belgium were founded before 1900, and some predate 1850. Experiencing the history behind the beer is as exciting as getting your hands on a rare bottle.

Trappist Beer Comes In 4 Distinct Styles

Experiencing what 150 years of brewing mastery tastes like can be a palate-opening experience. Trappist style ales are unlike any other beverage on the planet. Trappist monasteries don’t produce seasonal beers or release new recipes every few years. Instead, they’ve honed just a few recipes to absolute perfection. This dedication, coupled with private yeast strains, makes Trappist beers completely unique. If you’re looking to broaden your understanding of beer and brewing while on your trip to Belgium, work a Trappist monastery visit into your itinerary and get to know the four distinct styles of beer they brew.

The names may sound complicated, but their translations are simple, and each has a unique flavor that is not to be missed.

Also called table beer or patersbier , the Enkel is most frequently consumed by the monks taking up residence at the monastery. These are the lightest and most straightforward of the beers produced at Trappist monasteries. Expect a wonderful balance of light, fruity flavors, bright yeast notes, and a crisp malt note.

These medium-strength ales are not too strong, not too weak, and jam-packed with a rich malty flavor. This style and those following it on this list are more readily available than the Enkel. Dubbels will have more body and darker color than their lower strength counterpart. Standard strength Dubbels fall between 6 and 8% ABV.

As you can imagine, Tripel is stronger than Dubbel. However, instead of following suit and being darker than the previous style, Tripels tend to be lighter in color and body than Dubbels. They’re dryer and have a stronger ABV, between 8 and 10%.

Quadrupel Or Quad

This style is both stronger and darker than the Tripel. It’s more like a Dubbel that’s been cranked up to 11. In terms of strength, Quadrupel will fall somewhere between 9 and 14% ABV. Quads have a heavy body with bold, ripe stonefruit flavors and pronounced bready malt notes.

Abbey Style Beer Isn’t Necessarily True Trappist Beer

Thanks to crafty marketing moves within the beer industry, finding Trappist beer isn’t as easy as buying beer inspired by these age-old styles. There are countless breweries that produce Belgian-style ales called Enkels, Dubbels, Tripels, and Quads. Others go a step further and throw the term Abbey Style on their labels. To ensure you’re getting the true Trappist product, look for the “Authentic Trappist Product” insignia on the bottle. Alternatively, you can pay attention to the brewery itself and cross-reference it against a list of registered Trappist breweries .

Schedule a trip to a Trappist monastery on your next European adventure to have access to the freshest, most authentic Trappist ales in the world. Visiting one usually gets you access to their beers with limited to no distribution.

There Are 6 Trappist Monasteries In Belgium Where You Can Try Trappist Beer

Like any long-distance trip, careful planning will be needed to visit a Trappist monastery. With the growing popularity of Trappist ales, the monasteries have grown accustomed to frequent visits. Here is a quick overview of the six Belgian Trappist monasteries, the beers they offer, and information you should know as you plan your visit.

Westmalle produces a Dubbel and a Tripel. With careful hunting, you’ll be able to find a bottle of these in craft beer bottle shops in the U.S. However, the monastery also produces a single, which is very limited and may or may not be available when you visit. Brewery tours aren’t provided, however, you can reserve a time to watch a special video about the brewery and walk some of its grounds. Complete your visit with a trip to Cafe Trappisten , which is half a mile down the road from the abbey. The cafe was originally placed on the abbey grounds across from the grocer, but eventually needed to relocate. There, you can enjoy fresh Westmalle beers right from Westmalle Abbey itself.

Westmalle is a 40-minute drive East of Antwerp.

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Westvleteren/St. Sixtus

This Monastery is the producer of one of the world’s highest-rated beers, Westvleteren 12 (or Westy 12). Their beers come in unassuming bottles with no labels. The caps are the only way to distinguish the styles. Before you hop in the car and drive an hour southwest of Bruges, though, know that the buying process for Westvletern beers is very restrictive. The first thing you’ll need to do is register for their online sales platform . Once beer is available for purchase, you can buy your allowance online and pick it up at the abbey visitor center. Planning is key as the process usually takes at least three months.

This monastery produces a staggering 105,000 barrels of beer annually. Their bottles are available fairly readily throughout the U.S., so if you’re on the hunt for rarer Trappist ales, you may want to visit other monasteries instead. However, if you’re already a big fan of Chimay, contact the monastery to discuss visits or hostel stays. Chimay is located a little over two hours south of Brussels or two hours northwest of Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.

You may have seen some Rochefort bottles at your local bottle shop. They have a brown label with large lettering. Their styles are indicated by a number in a small colored circle. Rochefort Monastery is not open to the public, however, it’s conveniently located in the town of Rochefort, which has terrific dining, sightseeing, and shopping opportunities. Many of the bars in town serve Rochefort’s coveted ales.

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This is another Trappist beer with healthy distribution in the U.S. However, if you’re a fan of the beer or want to take in some incredible architectural history, this is the place to go. They are much more welcoming to the public than some of the other monasteries. Orval Abbey offers self-guided and guided tours. These last between 20 minutes and two hours respectively. The gift shop offers plenty of souvenir-buying options as well as an opportunity to get your hands on their world-class ale. It’s located at the southern tip of Belgium and is closer to Luxembourg and Reims, France, than it is to other major Belgian cities.

The sixth of six Belgian Trappist breweries is Sint-Benedictus Abbey , or Achelse Kluis for short. There are no brewery tours, but the tavern at the abbey is open to the public. It has a large viewing area where you can watch the brewers at work, and they offer limited release beers only available at the tavern, making it an attractive option for those looking for new beer experiences. The monastery is located in Achel, which is roughly equidistant from Antwerp, Belgium, and Dusseldorf, Germany.

Working in a stop at a Trappist brewery is easy thanks to the fact that they’re scattered throughout the country. If you’re staying in one of Belgium’s major cities, or planning a trip to France, Luxembourg, or Germany, a Trappist brewery is not too far away. Be sure to take advantage of your opportunity to visit these incredible locations.

David Doucette is a graphic designer and writer who has a passion for the outdoors and experiencing new things. David spent some time working in the travel industry as a designer before moving to the consumer packaged goods field. He enjoys hiking, fishing, and homebrewing.

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The best Belgian beers you can find everywhere

Get to know belgian beer.

When it comes to European beer  destinations, there are quite a few to choose from. You can find outstanding beers in Germany, the Czech Republic, England, Amsterdam, Ireland, and beyond. Today, however, we’re turning our attention to one of the most popular beer destinations not just in Europe, but in the world. We’re talking about Belgium.

What beers are made in Belgium?

How many breweries are in belgium, the best belgian beers you can find anywhere, bottom line.

If you didn’t know it already, beer is a big deal in Belgium. If you don’t believe us, you should know that UNESCO added “Belgian beer culture” to its list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016.

They’ve been brewing since the days of Rome. There’s also a long history of monks brewing beer as far back as the Middle Ages and even before. There’s still a glut of traditional breweries, such as Trappist monasteries, that are brewing beer even today. On top of that, there are many other breweries, producing award-winning, flavorful beer that deserve your attention.

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If you’re a beer drinker, you’re probably aware of the Belgian-style wheat beer or witbier. While this style is wildly popular in Belgium and imitated by American craft brewers like Allagash and Avery, Belgian brewers also produce a ton of sour ales, strong ales, pale ales, lambics, Flemish red ales, stouts, and more.

Before we get into that, you need to know that Belgium is a country of around 12 million people, while the US has a population of almost 350 million. So, while the 417 plus breweries currently operating in Belgium pale in comparison to the more than 9,000 in the US, you have to assume it’s a quality-over-quantity type of thing.

The best thing about Belgium being a beer destination is the fact that so many of its award-winning, flavorful beers are available here in the US. And not just at specialized beer stores. You can find myriad noteworthy Belgian beers at your local grocery store, or anywhere beer is sold where you live. Keep scrolling to see five of the best options.

Orval Trappist Ale

This Belgian pale ale is known for its fruity, acidic flavor profile, along with a ton of hop aroma and bitterness. It gets its unique flavor from being bottled with Brettanomyces. This adds a dryness and tart flavor to this very interesting, flavorful beer. This is the kind of beer you need to taste to believe.

Achouffe La Chouffe

This 8% ABV Belgian blonde ale has been brewed the same way at Achouffe Brewery for the last forty-plus years. This award-winning beer is known for its mix of malts, citrus peels, fruit esters, gentle spice, and lightly floral hops. If you’re a fan of big-ABV blonde ales, this is a must-try.

St. Bernardus Abt 12

One of the most popular Belgian beers in the world, St. Bernardus Abt 12 is the brewery’s flagship beer. This quadruple is made using the same recipe from 1946. It’s well-known for its malty, fruity flavor profile and lightly floral, bitter finish. There’s a reason this well-balanced, flavorful beer is one of the most popular in the world.

Chimay Grande Réserve Blue

When it comes to Belgian beer brands, there are few more well-known than Chimay. This Belgian dark strong ale was originally brewed back in the early 1950s as a Christmas beer. Now available year-round, it’s known for its complex flavor palate featuring notes of caramel malt sweetness, raisins, orchard fruits, brown bread, and sweet sherry-like flavors. It’s a beer that gains even more aroma and flavor when it’s aged.

Delirium Tremens

There’s no Belgian beer more beloved than Delirium Tremens. This 8.5% ABV pale blonde ale is brewed with pale malt, three types of yeast, water, as well as Styrian Golding, and Saaz hops. It’s known for its highly effervescent mouthfeel profile featuring a malty, fruity, lightly spicy flavor profile. If you only try one of the Belgian beers on this list, make this one.

If you’re new to Belgian beer, getting started might seem overwhelming. But, like with anything, you have to start somewhere. Don’t go to the store and buy every Belgian beer you see. Grab one or two from the list and see what you like. Also, if you enjoy an American blonde ale, give a Belgian blonde a try. The same goes for a strong ale, pale ale, or witbier. You’ll be amazed at how similarities and differences. Just don’t stick to your usual yellow, fizzy beer. Try something different. You’ll be glad you did.

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The spritz is liquid springtime, using the power of sparkling wine and the floral nature of this time of year. The classic involves prosecco and Aperol, but that's merely one of countless permutations to make and enjoy this iconic sipper. Think of it as a fizzy cooler, a drinkable bouquet cut to your liking based on your favorite accents, aromatics, and mixers.

While we advise you to go with the Italian classic and use the famous bitter apéritif at least some of the time, we also want you to be curious and inventive. Like the Old Fashioned or a classic Negroni, the spritz is so much more than one thing, and it's very much worth plunging into and fully exploring. And there's no better time to do so than the thawing, rejuvenating, increasingly thirsty days of spring.

It happens to the best of us: You’ve set up camp in the woods or unpacked your gear in a barebones hotel, and it dawns on you — you have no corkscrew! The bottle of wine you wanted to enjoy is now mocking your forgetful ways.

If the internet has taught us anything, it’s that there’s a hack for everything. Turns out, the wine world is full of MacGyvers. Crafty imbibers employ everything from bike pumps to shoes to extract pesky corks. And while it isn't as easy as opening a beer without a bottle opener, it is possible.

Within the vast realm of drinks, the most evolved as of late is arguably the non-alcoholic category. While we've seen exciting new cocktail trends and useful new beer hop varieties, it's the NA world that's made the biggest strides in the last couple of years. That means we no longer have to shutter when seeing things like zero proof on labels, as the options now are better than ever.

Why the upswing? A perfect storm, really. Wellness trends continue while tech continues to evolve, making the creation of such drinks all the easier. The NA sector has proven itself to be a major player in the marketplace, and the producers have responded accordingly, giving these drinks the TLC they deserve.

More From Forbes

5 of the best things to see and do in brussels, belgium this spring.

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Brussels, Belgium: The Boule & Bill Wall is located "Rue du Chevreuil". The wall illustrates Boule & ... [+] Bill playing in the street. Based on the "Billy & Buddy" comic series, it is one of the most popular classic Franco-Belgian comics created in 1959 by Jean Roba. Capital of the Franco-Belgium comic strip industry, Brussels has dozens of wall of that kind around the city.

Brussels is one of the coolest cities in Europe—and it doesn’t even have to try. The Belgian capital is a hub for foodies and pop culture fiends alike but it also has its fair share of outdoor things to see and do, which particularly come alive in the spring time.

If you’re planning a trip to Brussels this spring, you’ll want to add the following activities to your itinerary. Below you’ll find something to suit every kind of traveler:

Self-Guided Comic Book Mural Tour

Belgium is home to some of the most cherished comic figures in the world. From Asterix and Obelix to Tin-Tin and Lucky Luke, these celebrated characters can be found all over the streets of Brussels—if you know where to look. Head to the tourist information centre and pick up a mural map and then head off. It’s a great way to see the city, especially if you punctuate your search with a few brews.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Parc du Cinquantenaire feels decidedly like Brussels’ take on Montreal’s infamous Tam Tams. Here, you’ll find university students and young professionals sprawled on blankets, wine bottles and baguette in-hand. An unofficial dog park, you’ll also find strangers coming together to bond over their pups. Tip: Watch for the bright green parakeets that occasionally nest in the trees surrounding the park. Nobody knows how or why, but the tropical Greek bird has found a happy home in Brussels.

Marolles Flea Market

Nestled into an unassuming square in Saint-Gilles, the Marolles Flea Market is a thrifter’s dream. Here, you’ll find every kind of trinket you could dream of—from crystals and leather jackets to vinyl records and vintage toys. You have to dig to find the good stuff, but it’s well worth it.

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Think of Cook & Book as a cafe plopped right in the middle of a bustling bookstore. This book/restaurant hybrid offers fiction, children’s books, coffee table books and more—and when you’re done perusing for your next read, you can take a seat at the bar for a coffee or some brasserie-style grub.

Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend

Taking place from May 24 through to May 26, the Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend festival brings together the best of Belgian jazz. You’ll find various performances all over the city, making it easy to catch a show wherever you might be staying.

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The 30 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

European embassies open their doors to the public, Eurovision takes over bars and the Smithsonian’s IlluminAsia festival returns.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated with a three-day festival at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, a family day at the Library of Congress, and new beers and a lion dance at Lost Generation Brewing. Following on last weekend’s Around the World Embassy Tour, the embassies of the European Union open their doors to visitors this weekend for cultural activities including music, beer and wine tastings, fashion shows, dog shows, and the Smurfs. Drive-in movie fans can welcome outdoor films — and “Grease” — back to Union Market. It’s also a big weekend for lovers of kitschy music, thanks to the Eurovision Song Contest and costume-friendly viewing parties. Spring garden tours and markets take place across the area on Saturday, while local breweries are banding together to help one of their own start making beer again.

Thursday, May 9

JxJ Jewish Film and Music Festival

Held at locations around the DMV (including the DCJCC in Washington, Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema and Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax), the annual festival returns to showcase music and films by Jewish area artists. The screenings include dozens of genres, and the music portion of the festival showcases international acts like the Maccabeats, Polyphony Quartet and Mister G. Through May 19. Prices and locations vary.

AAPI Beer Collab Launch Party at Lost Generation

For the second year in a row, Eckington’s Lost Generation Brewing marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by releasing a beer that benefits charity. Except this time, it’s releasing two beers. One, Asian Glow, is a fruited sour with dragon fruit, mango and litchi, brewed in collaboration with Falls Church’s High Side and Richmond’s the Answer, that benefits Act to Change, an organization fighting the bullying of AAPI youth. The other is Briefly Gorgeous, a saison made in collaboration with Bluejacket, which uses 50Hertz’s Sichuan peppercorns, yuzu and Buddha’s hand. Both beers debut at a party featuring a lion dance, plus food by Bun’d Up and Dine With Claudine. 6 to 9 p.m. Free .

Willow Smith at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Downtown D.C.’s massive Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library hosts Gen Z superstar Willow Smith for a teen-focused evening event. As the daughter of Hollywood royalty — her parents are Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith — Willow has already explored career paths from music to acting to performance art. She’s also written a book, a sci-fi fantasy called “Black Shield Maiden” with author Jess Hendel. In partnership with local bookshop Mahogany Books, Willow Smith discusses her debut novel. 7 p.m. $32; ticket includes signed copy of the book .

Eurovision Semifinal Watch Party at Wunder Garten

The finals of Eurovision — the Europe-wide pop music competition known for turning both costumes and stage performances up to 11 — take place Saturday. But first, judges need to select the tunes that will feature in the grand final. Sixteen countries are competing for 10 places on Thursday, including Switzerland’s Nemo and Italy’s Angelina Mango, both among the favorites to win. Wunder Garten is opening early to show the performances live from Sweden. 3 p.m. Free .

Home by Midnight at Jimmy Valentine’s

Do you ever wish you could go out to a bar, dance to great music and still get to bed at a reasonable hour? Home by Midnight hears you. This new night at Jimmy Valentine’s promises the music you’d expect at a late-night rave, but with a DJ who starts at 9 p.m. Perfect for the older raver — or the old at heart. Doors at 8 p.m., music at 9. Free .

‘Mummy in the Closet: Evita’s Return’ at GALA Hispanic Theatre

Eva Perón stars from beyond the grave in GALA Hispanic Theatre’s “Mummy in the Closet: Evita’s Return,” a macabre musical comedy based on the true journey of the Argentine political icon’s embalmed body after her death in 1952. This is a new production of the show, which was a hit for GALA during its world premiere there in 2009. At the time , The Post called it a “breathtakingly freakish mix of black comedy, serious historical musing, disciplined vaudeville and sheer ghoulishness.” For this revival, choreographer Valeria Cossu has set dance moves to the rhythms of tango, waltz and salsa. Through June 9: Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. $25-$48; $20 opening night. In Spanish with English subtitles .

Audrey Hepburn film series at the Miracle Theatre

In honor of film icon Audrey Hepburn’s May 4 birthday, Barracks Row’s movie house the Miracle Theatre will run a spate of Audrey flicks throughout the month. If you’ve only seen “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” go deeper into the perennially stylish actress’s repertoire with four other classics that also star classic Hollywood leading men like Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart and Fred Astaire. The series begins Thursday with “Roman Holiday” and continues with “Charade” (May 17), “Sabrina” (May 24) and “Funny Face” (May 30). All screenings begin at 7 p.m. $8 .

Friday, May 10

IlluminAsia at the National Museum of Asian Art

The Smithsonian’s IlluminAsia festival returns to the National Museum of Asian Art this weekend, celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with three days of culture and entertainment. The party starts Friday with Asia After Dark, a wellness-focused evening that includes journaling, sound baths, and a zero-proof and low-ABV bar (5 to 9 p.m.). Saturday brings curator-led tours of the museum’s exhibits; panel discussions about identity, healing and the arts; empowerment workshops; and an outdoor market with vendors and food trucks (noon to 6:30 p.m.). Electronic artist Madame Gandhi headlines an evening concert (6:30 p.m.; registration suggested). The event wraps Sunday with a Mother’s Day theme, featuring craft making and family activities, as well as a guided sound bath (noon to 3 p.m.). Through Sunday. Free .

‘Grease’ at the Union Market Drive-In

Drive-in movies became a trend during the pandemic, but Union Market has been hosting outdoor screenings in its parking lot since 2013. This year’s series, which features films one Friday a month, kicks off with the singalong classic “Grease.” Drivers can reserve a space, ease the seat back and listen to the sound through their FM radio, while the carless masses are free to walk up to Neal Place, the closed street in front of the market, with blankets and camp stools. Either way, get there early and pick up a meal from one of the vendors inside. Parking lot opens at 7:30 p.m.; film begins at 8:45. $20 per car; free for pedestrians .

Animania at Union Stage

It might be another 11 months until Awesome Con (D.C.’s take on Comic-Con) returns, but in the meantime, fans can try out their next cosplay in a more intimate venue. Costumes aren’t required but are strongly encouraged. Dance to anime hits and try your hand at a variety of video games. 10 p.m. $20.

Firehouse Fridays at Hill Country

Firehouse Fridays, which has been offering country line dancing lessons and a dance party at the Vienna Moose Lodge, is making the leap to Penn Quarter. Both levels of Hill Country Barbecue will be open for two-stepping, line dances and country swing. The evening starts with a beginner-level country swing lesson at 8:30 p.m., followed by dancing on both floors from 9:30 until midnight. 8:30 p.m. $15 at the door .

Saturday, May 11

E.U. Open House

The members of the European Union open the doors to their embassies on Saturday, following last weekend’s Around the World Embassy Tour. Drop into 21 embassies, as well as the European Union’s office and “partner venue” Ukraine House, for live music, food and drinks, mini-language classes, and more cultural activities. Each country puts its own spin on the day: La Maison Française, which brings Germany and France together, is highlighting the Paris Olympics; Poland honors Maria Skłodowska-Curie (better known as Marie Curie) with “chemical workshops and molecular cuisine”; the Czech Republic celebrates with beer, a dog show and a performance by award-winning singer Kaczi; and the Netherlands and Belgium team up for free waffles and beer tastings with the Smurfs. Lines can be long, so wear comfortable shoes. Early arrival is suggested if you’re looking for free snacks and swag. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission; some embassies sell food and drinks .

Eurovision Grand Final viewing parties

Speaking of Europe, Saturday is also the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest, the annual pop music competition known for over-the-top performances, cheesy tunes and an abundance of glitter. The event is a spectacle in Europe — this year is hosted by 2023 champion Sweden — but it’s popular in D.C., too. (So popular, in fact, that the official viewing party at the House of Sweden has a wait list.) DC9 is hosting its annual celebration, with a live broadcast beginning at 3 p.m. Join in with Eurovision bingo, where sample squares include “fire (real or video)” and “Vikings,” as well as trivia and drink specials. After the winner has been crowned, it’s time for a Eurovision dance party featuring songs from past winners, including Abba, Céline Dion, Katrina and the Waves, and, hopefully, Finnish masked metal gods Lordi. There’s a $100 prize for the best Eurovision-inspired costume. ( Free tickets available at dc9.club . ) Adams Morgan’s Duplex Diner is showing the contest live with “ drink specials all day .” ( 3 to 6 p.m. Free. ) Over on H Street, the Queen Vic pub is hoping to put the U.K.’s traditional misery behind them — Mae Muller finished 25th out of 26 in 2023 — at a party with bingo, singalong tunes and a costume contest. ( 3 p.m. thequeenvicdc.com . Free. )

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Family Day at the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress welcomes all ages to its Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. Families can learn about the different experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders documented in the library’s collections, then draw or write about their own family’s history. ( 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free; timed entry pass required, but events are drop-in. ) Artist and educator Jeffrey Yoo Warren, whose work has created virtual reconstructions of five historic Chinese American and Korean American communities, leads a mask-making workshop for 6- to 12-year-olds, before letting them explore portals to the 3D reconstructions. ( 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free; timed ticket required. ) Finally, actor and activist George Takei discusses his new book, “My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story,” in the Coolidge Auditorium. ( 2 p.m. Free; reservations required. )

Save Hellbender Beer Fest

Hellbender Brewing had its boiler break down in late April, and without a way to heat water and boil wort, the Fort Totten brewery can’t make beer. To help offset the high costs of a replacement, the local brewing community is rallying around Hellbender. Head to the taproom for a party featuring draft beers from at least 15 breweries, including Other Half, Ocelot and the Brewer’s Art, available in full or half pours; food from Beef Space BBQ and El Jefe Woodfired Pizza; and music by DJ TLH. 1 p.m. Free admission .

That’s So Vintage Market at Union Market

The hugely popular market returns to Union Market’s Dock 5 with over 30 of the area’s vintage sellers. Vendors include viral curators the Disco Loft and Libby & My (the full list of vendors is available on the market’s website ). Next door, experiential pop-up shop Playhaus is offering workshops on sewing and embroidering vintage clothes, which you can add on to your ticket price. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $24 for 11 a.m. entrance; $8 for 1 p.m. entrance or later.

Ivy City Makers Market and Bar Hop

This pop-up celebration of local makers is really multiple markets in one, with artists, crafters and vintage vendors spread among Atlas Brew Works , Other Half Brewing , Throw Social , and Don Ciccio and Figli ’s tasting room. It’s a shopping excursion-cum-bar crawl that might introduce you to a new favorite beverage as well as a new favorite outfit. 1 to 6 p.m. Free .

Del Ray Artisans Spring Art Market

This curated show in a Del Ray park features three dozen artists — potters, painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, fiber artists and more — selected by the Del Ray Artisans collective. Browse for Mother’s Day gifts or just for yourself, while kids can be entertained and have their faces painted. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free .

Diggin’ Thru the Crates at Dock 5

Diggin’ Thru the Crates is a celebration of hip-hop culture with a twist: Members of the audience get to flip through stacks of vinyl records to pick the song they want to hear, while DJs Alizay and B-Sharp work those selections into a playlist on the fly. The result is magic, and often surprising. Art by Maurice James Jr., Shay Will and the Jay Stewart Collection features at the Union Market event space, while Young Guru is the host. 9 p.m. $20 .

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop Family Day

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop has been “building community through the arts” for more than 50 years, and if you’ve never experienced this local treasure, Saturday is a good time to explore. Family Day features activities for all ages on the arts center’s front lawn, including 3D scanning and printing, creating collage sculptures, and drawing “fill in the blank” comic strips. Noon to 2 p.m. Free .

Capitol Hill House and Garden Tour

Run by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, this tour is a great chance to peek inside those multimillion-dollar rowhouses that grace the streets of Capitol Hill. Attendees will see nine homes and gardens and three semipublic buildings, all within the historic district, and grab refreshments from local vendors at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, where an architectural tour is offered both days. Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. $40-$50.

Del Ray House & Garden Tour

Step inside the bungalows and rowhouses of Del Ray, a walkable Alexandria enclave with its own bustling main street and blocks packed with dog parks and playgrounds. The Del Ray House & Garden Tour returns for the first year since 2018, and this year’s self-guided tour will include 11 properties showcasing manicured gardens, new-construction homes and small-scale accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Spend an entire day here with a VIP ticket, which sends you to Mount Vernon Avenue after the tour for an evening yoga class at Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga, followed by a drink from Hi/Fi TexMex BBQ. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $45-$75 .

Dacha Spring Beer Fest

Think of Frühlingsfest as the warm-weather cousin of Oktoberfest: Instead of drinking beer outdoors in the cool fall air, people in Munich come together to drink beer and celebrate the return of flowers and longer days. Dacha’s inaugural spring festival at its Navy Yard location — inspired by Frühlingsfest — features unlimited pours of seasonal beers from at least 18 breweries, spanning European (Weihenstephaner, Duvel, St. Bernardus), American (Allagash, Boulevard) and regional (Denizens, Väsen, Pen Druid) selections. VIP tickets include early admission, a pint glass and other perks. Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. $50-$90; two day tickets $90-$170 .

Sunday, May 12

Mother’s Day ideas

Need a last-minute idea for Sunday? We can’t guarantee restaurant reservations are still available, but we do stand by our ideas for things to do from a few weeks back, including two all-you-can-eat brunch shows with the swinging Eric Byrd Trio at the Hamilton, a few trips on the historic carousel and a tour of galleries at Glen Echo Park, or a waterfront stroll in Alexandria.

Momedy Kumite at the DC Improv

Instead of the usual card or flowers, maybe Mom needs a good laugh for Mother’s Day. The DC Improv has revamped its signature stand-up tournament Comedy Kumite just for the holiday: All of the participating comics in Momedy Kumite are mothers themselves, and they’re competing for the unofficial title of Funniest Mom in D.C. The tourney consists of back-to-back sets from two comedians, followed by an audience vote to see who advances to the next round and, ultimately, the victor of the final showdown. 6 p.m. $20-$35 .

Monday, May 13

Hot Water Music at the Howard Theatre

The members of Hot Water Music seem as surprised as anyone that they’re celebrating their 30th anniversary on the road as they prepare to release their 10th album, “Vows.” The Gainesville, Fla.-founded act, fronted by singer-songwriter-guitarists Chuck Ragan and Chris Wollard, can still whip up punk tunes with heart-on-sleeve emotion and anthemic hooks. The band promises to “dust off some oldies” on tour; perhaps it will play 1997 favorite “Turnstile” — the namesake of the current generation’s biggest hardcore band. Joining Hot Water Music is Quicksand, a New York band whose renewed existence — albeit after a long hiatus — is even more surprising. Quicksand’s metallic approach to post-hardcore laid the blueprint for countless punk and alt-metal bands alike. 8 p.m. $35-$60 .

Tuesday, May 14

The Dog and Cat Film Festivals at Arlington Drafthouse

After the annual New York Dog Film Festival and its feline-focused counterpart, the two-hour programs of new short films featuring pets — animated, documentary and narrative features from around the world — the festival screening travels to cities across the country. Arlington Drafthouse is hosting the two festivals back to back (dog people, go on Tuesday, and cat people, go on Wednesday ). Proceeds benefit the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Note that admission is 21 and over unless accompanied by a parent. 6 p.m. $38.

Wednesday, May 15

NMWA Nights at the National Museum of Women in the Arts

The new exhibition “ New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024 ” is the inspiration for the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ latest after-hours party, with a costume contest inspired by exhibition themes, such as “creative” and “sustainable.” After capturing your lewk in the photo booth, try hands-on art-making activities; dance to Les the DJ’s mix of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander musicians; and watch a performance by Pretty Boi Drag. Two cocktails from locals Please Bring Chips are included in the ticket price. Be warned: This is the last NMWA Nights until September. 5:30 to 8 p.m. $22-25 .

Kathleen Hanna at the Lincoln Theatre

Bikini Kill and Le Tigre punk frontwoman Kathleen Hanna embodies the title of her memoir “Rebel Girl.” One of leaders of the ’90s “riot grrrl” feminist movement — the book takes its title from Bikini Kill’s iconic song — Hanna is embarking on a 10-stop nationwide book tour to discuss her boundary-breaking life in music. See her at the Lincoln Theatre in conversation with Mira Jacob, where hopefully she’ll share her memories of the District’s punk scene, since the members of Bikini Kill spent a climactic year in D.C. and originally wrote “Rebel Girl” in Mount Pleasant. 7 p.m. $66-$81; ticket includes a book.

Gaby Moreno at the Hamilton Live

Guatemalan singer, songwriter and producer Gaby Moreno’s work in the last decade and a half has culminated in recent months in back-to-back public-facing accomplishments. In February, she both performed at the Grammys and won the award for best Latin pop album for “X Mí (Vol. 1).” The seven-song record, released in 2023, revisits favorites from previous albums, set only to Moreno’s acoustic guitar. Also in February, Moreno released “Dusk,” her soulful ninth studio album. 8 p.m. $15-$25.