Belgium is a country known worldwide for its beer tradition and it is something that is noticeable as soon as you land there. If you consider yourself a beer lover, you have to read this article and visit all the places you can on our list of the best places to visit best bars to try beer to Belgian. From beers Trappist made in ancient monasteries until ccraft beers Belgium is a true paradise for beer enthusiasts.
If you go to Belgium, you'll definitely visit some, if not all, of the cities where we recommend breweries: Ghent, Brussels, Bruges, Leuven y Antwerp We'll tell you not only about the most typical tourist spots, but also about the local ones visited by the most authentic Belgians.
Let's cut to the chase, let's get to our favorite bars in Belgium! You can see the breweries on the map below or read the descriptions of each city and the best bars.
Map of the best breweries in Belgium
You can open this map on your phone to see which breweries are closest to you or check out the addresses we've provided in each city section below.
1. Best breweries in Ghent
Het waterhuis aan de Bierkant Located next to the Lys River, in the center of Ghent, it is known for its Klokke Roeland beer, a Belgian strong ale with 11.51% alcohol.
Dulle Griet Famous for requiring a shoe as a deposit to serve their "house" beer in a large 1.2-liter glass. They offer over 500 Belgian beers.
Trolley case Almost opposite the Sint-Jacob Church, it's known for its signature beer, Trollebier. It has a cozy atmosphere and a good selection of Belgian beers.
Ghent Gruut Brewery: A brewery where you can book tours and taste beers like Gruut white, blonde, amber, brown, and inferno.
Bier Central Gent With a lineup of 30 taps and a long list of bottled beers, it's ideal for beer lovers. Its central location makes it a good spot for a sightseeing stop.
2. Best breweries in Brussels
Delirium tremens Famous for its pink elephant and holding the Guinness World Record for the largest beer selection, with nearly 2,500 options. Located at 4 Impasse de la Fidélité, near the Grand Place.
Cantillon Known as the world's best lambic brewery, it offers a tour of the spontaneous fermentation process. It's located at 56 Rue Gheude, in the Anderlecht neighborhood.
Moeder Lambic: Noted for its craft beers and activities such as tastings and workshops, it's located near Manneken Pis, on Fontainasplein 8.
Toone Brewery Located on the ground floor of the Toone puppet theater, it offers a selection of beers and puppet shows. It's located at 66 Rue du Marché aux Herbes.
A la Mort Subite Famous for its beer of the same name, it offers a wide variety of Trappist and fruity beers. Located at 7 Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères.
Poechenellekelder Near the Manneken Pis, it's known for its unique decor and terrace. It's located at 5 Rue du Chêne.
The King of Spain Located at Grand-Place 1, it is famous for its location and its extensive beer menu.
The Candle The oldest brewery in the country, known for its 19th-century atmosphere and its local beer. Located at 18-20 Rue de la Bourse.
Au Bon Vieux Temps A hidden bar with a magical atmosphere, known for its Vieux Temps beer. Located at Impasse Saint-Nicolas 4.
Le Bier Circus: It stands out for its circus-like decor and its beer menu divided into sections. Located at 57 Rue de l'Enseignement.
3. Best breweries in Bruges
The Trappist Located in a cellar with stone archways over 800 years old, it offers a vast beer list featuring the best of domestic production and a selection of international beers. Address: Kuipersstraat, 33.
Café Cambrinus Known as one of Belgium's great beer temples, it boasts an extensive collection of Belgian beers and a good menu of local dishes. Address: Philipstockstraat, 19.
Brugs Beertje: Respected by the city's residents, it offers more than 300 Belgian beers sorted by geographical origin, as well as a selection of cheeses and cold cuts. Address: Kemelstraat, 5.
Halve Maan Brewery Located in the historic center, known for its underground beer pipeline. It offers tours of the brewery and tastings in its bar-restaurant. Address: Walplein, 26.
Brugsch Bieratelier: Offers only draft beers produced in Belgium, with a selection that changes monthly. Address: Wijngaardstraat, 13.
Café Rose Red Decorated with hundreds of red roses, it specializes in Trappist beer and offers over 250 abbey beers. Address: Cordoeaniersstraat, 16.
De Garre A small, two-story café bar famous for its signature craft beer, De Garre. Address: De Garre, 1.
Poatersgat Ideal for nightlife, this basement tavern has been operating for over a hundred years, offering a good selection of Belgian beers. Address: Vlamingstraat, 82.
The Beer Wall: In the heart of the city, known for its "beer wall" and a collection of over 2,000 brands. Address: Wollestraat 53.
4. Best breweries in Leuven
Café Leffe Specializing in Leffe beer, brewed in Leuven at the Artois brewery. Offers Leffe in all its forms and has a full food menu. Located between the train station and the city center.
De Fiere Margriet Named after a popular Leuven saint, it's located next to St. Peter's Church. It offers a great selection of beers and hosts Open Mics on Tuesdays.
Leuven Central Ideal for enjoying a Stella Artois, it's located near the historic center and next to the Palace of Justice. It also offers signature cocktails and tapas.
De Blauwe Kater Popular with locals, with over a hundred Belgian beer options and blues music in the background. There's a live concert every Monday.
Metafoor A reflection of a typical Belgian bar, near the Oude Markt. It has an extensive selection of traditional Belgian beers, both regional and national.
Karement Located in the Oude Markt, known for having the longest bar in the world, it offers a varied beer menu and a decorated terrace.
Hops 'N More A craft beer shop and bar with an incredible selection of beers. Locally produced craft beers are a highlight.
5. Best breweries in Antwerp
De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery This very popular brewery offers a comprehensive experience of how beer is made. It's known for its interactive and educational atmosphere.
Speciale Belge Taproom A brewery that stands out for its atmosphere and variety of beers. It's an ideal place to try different styles of Belgian beer.
Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie: Another notable brewery in Antwerp, known for its variety of beers and cozy atmosphere.
Types of Belgian beer
Trappist Produced in Trappist monasteries, they are known for their high quality and traditional methods. Examples include Chimay, Orval, and Westvleteren.
Abbey: Similar to Trappist but produced outside of monasteries. Leffe and Affligem are popular examples.
Lambic: Unique for their spontaneous fermentation, they have a distinctive, acidic flavor. Gueuze and Kriek are common varieties.
Season: Originally farmhouse beers, they are refreshing, with a slightly fruity and spicy flavor.
Dubbel and Tripel Dubbels are dark and malty, while Tripels are stronger and paler, both with a high alcohol content.
Blonde and Golden Ale: Light and refreshing, with a balanced flavor and often a hint of bitterness.
Flemish Red and Brown Ales Known for their sweet and sour taste and reddish or brown color, they are barrel-aged beers.
Witbier: Belgian wheat beers, light and cloudy, often flavored with coriander and orange peel.
FAQs about Belgian beer
Is it legal to drink beer on the street in Belgium?
In many cities, such as Brussels, it is legal to drink in public places, but always in moderation and with respect for the environment. However, some areas may have specific restrictions, especially in tourist locations or during special events.
How old do you have to be to drink beer in Belgium?
The legal drinking age in Belgium is 16 for fermented beverages such as beer and wine, and 18 for distilled beverages. This regulation applies to both locals and tourists, and it's common for bars and restaurants to ask for ID to verify age.
How to order beer in a Belgian bar?
If you're fluent in English, it's a good idea to ask the waiter for recommendations, explaining your taste preferences. Waiters in Belgium are generally knowledgeable and suggest options that suit your tastes. Plus, most places have a beer list that describes each type in detail.
Are beers expensive in Belgium?
Beer prices in Belgium tend to be considerably higher than in Spain. In cities like Brussels or Bruges, a typical Belgian beer in a bar can cost between €4 and €8 for craft or abbey beers.
Is it easy to find gluten-free beers in Belgium?
Although traditional Belgian beer contains gluten, the growing demand for gluten-free options has led many breweries to offer alternatives. These beers are available in supermarkets, specialty stores, and some bars. However, the variety can be limited compared to conventional beers.
What should I do if I want to visit a brewery?
If you're interested in visiting a brewery in Belgium, it's advisable to plan ahead. Many breweries offer tours that include a guided tour of the facilities and a beer tasting. This isn't a bad idea to get started in the Belgian beer world. These tours often require advance booking and can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Some breweries also have age restrictions or specific requirements for visitors, so it's important to check this information on their websites or contact them directly.
👇 You may also be interested in:If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement The best breweries in Belgium you can visit our posts about Belgium.
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