Antwerp Beer Tour

Exploring Antwerp through its Beer and Gin: A Guide to the City’s Flavors and Faces

If you’re thinking about diving into Antwerp’s lively beer culture and historic sights, the Antwerp Beer Tour offers a pretty engaging way to do it. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reading through the reviews and itinerary gives me a good sense of what you might expect—and honestly, it sounds like a solid choice for anyone curious about Belgian beers, local history, and city vibes.

What really draws me in are the guided walk that hits all the main sights and the chance to sample five local beers paired with tasty snacks. Plus, the geneva gin tasting adds a unique twist that’s not every day in a beer tour. The only thing to keep in mind? It’s a four-hour experience, so it’s worth being ready to walk, stand, and enjoy a fair share of drinks along the way.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, love trying new drinks, and want a taste of Antwerp’s authentic local scene. If you’re after a deep historical exploration, you might want to supplement this with other tours—but for a fun, flavorful overview, it hits the spot.

Key Points

• Comprehensive city experience including main sights and hidden corners
• Five local beers paired with snacks for an authentic tasting experience
• Geneva gin tasting adds a distinctive local flavor
• Knowledgeable guides make the tour engaging and informative
• Flexible timing with checkable availability and optional booking
• Not suitable for children under 16 and requires comfortable shoes for walking

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Antwerp Beer Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded look at Antwerp, blending historical sights with local flavors. Starting at the Groenplaats, a lively square next to the statue of Pieter Paul Rubens, the guide will give you a quick overview of the city’s history and culture. This sets the tone for the rest of the tour—informative, friendly, and relaxed.

You’ll then move on to the Main Square, known locally as Grote Markt, where the highlight is tasting De Koninck, a renowned Belgian beer. This isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding what makes Belgian beers so special—whether it’s the brewing traditions or the local ingredients. According to reviews, the guide’s knowledge really shines here, making each tasting more meaningful.

From there, the tour takes you into Antwerp’s less touristy areas—Meathalls, the Red Light District, and the Port. These parts of the city offer a glimpse into Antwerp’s working-class roots and vibrant street life. The views of the port, with its docks and harbor installations, are pretty impressive and add a touch of modern industry to the historic backdrop. You’ll get another local beer here, with a chance to appreciate the city’s maritime past.

Back in the city center, the tour visits the fortress known as Steen, along the Scheldt River, and then wanders through streets decorated with Madonnas on every corner, giving a real sense of Antwerp’s religious and cultural layers. Here, you’ll also get to sip on a geneva gin—a traditional spirit—paired with local snacks to keep the taste buds happy.

The final stretch is around the Our Lady Cathedral, where you’ll enjoy three more beers in cozy braun cafés while listening to tunes from the 70s—Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and others. It’s a relaxed, convivial end to a day packed with sights and tastes.

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, giving you the option to stay and explore more or head off with new friends made along the way.

The Experience in Detail: What You’ll Really Get

The Guided Walk and Main Sights

The tour’s backbone is a guided walk through Antwerp’s main sights. Visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady involves an entrance fee included in the tour, so you get to see this iconic Gothic building without extra cost. The guide will probably share some tidbits about the architecture and history, making the experience richer than just passing by.

Next, the Main Square is the hub of activity and history—think old buildings, bustling cafés, and street performers. The beer tasting here with De Koninck is a highlight, especially for those who appreciate storytelling alongside their drinks. One reviewer praised their guide as “toller” and friendly, which suggests you’ll be in good hands, learning while tasting.

Beer and Snacks Pairings

Sampling five local beers is a real perk; Belgian beers are world-famous, and this tour gives you the chance to try several varieties in a social setting. The beers are paired with local snacks or small street food dishes, enhancing the tasting experience and giving you a real taste of Antwerp’s food culture.

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Exploring Antwerp’s Hidden Corners

The tour ventures into parts of the city that aren’t as tourist-heavy, like the Meathalls and the Port, offering a more authentic experience. The port area, especially, with its dock views and harbor installations, provides a striking contrast to the historic city center and helps you understand Antwerp’s role as a major port city.

The Unique Tasting Experience

The geneva gin tasting is a standout feature, offering a chance to try a spirit that’s less common outside Belgium. Paired with local snacks, it adds a layer of sophistication to the day. The relaxed environment, accompanied by music from the 70s, helps make this part of the tour memorable.

Atmosphere and Guide Quality

Multiple reviews emphasize the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. One reviewer called their guide “Erik” and described the experience as “awesome,” highlighting how guides can really make or break a tour. Expect engaging storytelling, local insights, and a welcoming attitude that makes the group feel more like friends sharing a day out.

The Value of the Tour

At $96 per person, the tour offers a solid mix of sights, drinks, and local culture. For those who enjoy guided experiences that combine history, food, and drinks, it’s a good deal—especially since entrance fees and tastings are included. The tasting of multiple beers and a spirit, plus the guided sightseeing, makes this more than just a pub crawl.

It’s also flexible: checking availability beforehand ensures you get a start time that suits your schedule. The fact that you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adults who enjoy social, relaxed outings. It’s ideal if you want to learn a bit about Antwerp’s history while tasting its local drinks. If you’re a beer enthusiast or curious about Belgian spirits, you’ll find plenty to love.

While designed for those over 16, it’s not necessarily family-friendly, but it’s a great way for couples, friends, or solo travelers to connect over shared tastes. Keep in mind, it’s a walking tour, so comfort in shoes is a must.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 16, mainly because of alcohol tastings and the nature of the experience.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes five local beers and one geneva gin tasting, so you can enjoy a variety of drinks without extra charges.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since it’s a walking tour, and you’ll be on your feet most of the time.

Does the tour include entrance to any attractions?
Yes, the entrance to Our Lady Cathedral is included in the tour.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately four hours, with availability depending on the day, so check ahead for start times.

Is the tour guided in English?
Yes, the guides speak both English and Dutch, making it accessible for most travelers.

To sum it up, the Antwerp Beer Tour offers a lively, flavor-rich way to explore this fascinating city. With knowledgeable guides, tasty local drinks, and visits to both iconic sights and hidden gems, it suits travelers who want a relaxed yet engaging experience. It’s especially good if you enjoy trying new beers, learning about local culture, and walking through a city that’s full of surprises. For those seeking a fun, social adventure packed with tastes and sights, this tour could be just the ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here: