Antwerp is a city that proudly wears its brewing heritage on its sleeve. With a history rooted in beer-making and a lively bar scene, it’s no surprise that the city offers some of the best drinking tours in Belgium. Whether you’re interested in an interactive brewery experience, sampling the finest local brews, or exploring the city’s historic pubs, Antwerp has a lot to offer. We’re particularly fond of the Antwerp: City Brewery De Koninck Interactive Tour, which combines history, hands-on fun, and tastings all in one. This self-guided experience lets you explore at your own pace, with digital exhibits and beer pouring challenges that make it memorable for both casual and serious beer fans.
Antwerp’s drinking experiences range from relaxed pub crawls to focused tastings with experts. If you want a deep dive into local beer styles and brewing techniques, the Guided Beer Tasting Tour with a Beer Expert is a top pick. For those who want a lively evening out, the Antwerp Pub Crawl and the Pub Crawl in the Historical City give you a chance to explore different bars and experience Antwerp’s pub scene firsthand. Each offers a unique way to enjoy Belgian beer culture, whether through guided insights or social exploration.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these tours, helping you decide which fits your style and interests. From in-depth tastings to all-night pub adventures, these experiences showcase Antwerp’s rich brewing tradition and lively bar scene.
1. Antwerp: City Brewery De Koninck Interactive Tour
At number 1, the Antwerp: City Brewery De Koninck Interactive Tour scores highly with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 161 reviews. For just $20, you get a self-guided experience that combines history, technology, and tasting. Founded in 1833, De Koninck is a historic brewery that now offers a modern, digital-friendly way to learn about beer making. You’ll get to test your own beer tapping skills, explore audiovisual exhibits, and walk high above the brewing halls—an activity that delights both kids and adults.
This tour stands out because it’s flexible—you’re in charge of your pace, and you can revisit parts of the exhibits or stop by the shop for souvenirs or more beer. The digital presentations are engaging, with a quiz element that adds a layer of fun. Reviewers love how relaxed and creative it is, with one calling it a “fantastic experience” and another appreciating the rich brewing history it showcases. The best part? You can enjoy an extra beer at the bar afterward, making it a perfect blend of education and indulgence.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy interactive experiences that marry history, hands-on fun, and beer tasting, this tour offers outstanding value and a memorable visit to Antwerp’s brewing scene.
2. Antwerp Private Beer Tour
Coming in at number 2 is the Antwerp Private Beer Tour, rated 5.0 out of 5 from just 8 reviews. At $224.72 per person, this three-hour tour is a premium, personalized experience perfect for those eager to learn directly from a local guide. You’ll visit authentic city bars favored by locals and taste six different beers, each with detailed background stories. It’s a great way to cut through the guesswork of ordering in unfamiliar bars.
What makes this tour unique is the focus on local Belgian brews and the tailored experience. The first stop features a tasting of a local champagne beer at Abbey No 8, setting the tone for later tastings. The guide provides insights into what makes each brew distinct, helping you improve your beer choices for the rest of your trip. The reviews highlight the engaging and charismatic guide Flip, who personalizes the experience and shares deep knowledge about Antwerp’s beer culture.
This tour is best suited for serious beer lovers or those interested in a more intimate, educational experience. Given its cost, it’s ideal for travelers who want a guided, relaxing afternoon with expert insights rather than just a pub crawl.
Bottom Line: For those who want a curated, educational beer experience in Antwerp that elevates your tasting game, this private tour is worth it—especially if you’re traveling with a group or want personalized attention.
3. Antwerp Pub Crawl
At number 3, the Antwerp Pub Crawl is rated a perfect 5.0 from six reviews and costs about $68.78 per person for roughly two hours of exploring. This tour takes you through the old town’s historic pubs, including stops at the Grote Markt and cozy spots like Hoogstraat and Kaasrui Café Cabron. It’s designed for social travelers who want to meet others and experience the lively side of Antwerp’s bar scene.
The tour’s highlights include favored local spots, some with live music or DJs, and a variety of beer styles from hoppy and sour to mildly sweet. The guide is known for being entertaining and knowledgeable, offering tips on what to order in each pub. Reviewers mention how Flip, the guide, makes the experience fun and customizable, allowing for a flexible itinerary.
Suitable for those who want a short, lively introduction to Antwerp’s nightlife, this pub crawl is perfect if you’re short on time but still want to sample multiple bars with some local flair. Its focus on socializing makes it less about structured tastings and more about soaking in the local pub atmosphere.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a fun, social, and relaxed way to discover Antwerp’s pub scene, this tour delivers a lively evening and memorable bar-hopping experience.
4. Antwerp: Pub Crawl in the Historical City
Number 4 on our list is the Antwerp: Pub Crawl in the Historical City, rated 4.8 out of 5 from six reviews. Costing about $102 for a two-hour experience, this tour emphasizes walking through Antwerp’s historic districts while uncovering its brewing story. Led by passionate guides, the tours are available in both English and Dutch, making it accessible and engaging.
This experience is especially appealing to those wanting to combine sightseeing with beer sampling. The tour includes visits to some of Antwerp’s most iconic pubs, with a focus on local brewing traditions. Reviewers praise the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, recommending it as a fun way to experience both the city’s culture and its drinks scene.
Accessible for people with wheelchairs, this tour suits travelers who want a paced, informative experience with a historical touch. If you’re interested in knowing more about how Antwerp’s brewing heritage connects with its urban landscape, this tour is a good choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and beer enthusiasts who want a guided walk that blends city sights with Belgian beer culture.
5. Antwerp: Guided Beer Tasting Tour with Beer Expert
Number 5 is the Guided Beer Tasting Tour with a Beer Expert, rated 4.7 out of 5 from six reviews. Priced at $470 for a group of up to six, it offers a two-hour journey through three typical Antwerp cafes, focusing on beer styles, brewing processes, and history. Guided by an enthusiastic beer specialist, this tour emphasizes quality over quantity with three included tastings.
What sets this experience apart is the depth of knowledge that Hans, the guide, shares about local beers. Reviewers mention how much they learned about the brewing process and how the beers were carefully selected. It’s perfect for those who want a more educational experience and enjoy exploring local cafes in a relaxed pace.
While the cost is higher, the inclusion of three tastings and personal guidance makes it a good value for serious enthusiasts. Suitable for people with a genuine interest in beer craft, this tour enhances your understanding of Belgian brewing traditions.
Bottom Line: If you’re seeking an in-depth, guided beer experience with expert insights, this tour is an excellent choice, especially for those who want to learn as they taste.
6. Antwerp Beer Tour
The final entry, Antwerp Beer Tour, gets a solid 4 out of 5 from five reviews. Spanning about four hours and costing $96 per person, this tour offers a guided walk through the main sights like the Cathedral, the port, and the Meathalls, combined with tastings of five local beers and a Geneva gin tasting. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience.
What makes this tour special is the combination of sightseeing with tasting, including visits to historic brown cafés and street food. The guide takes you through Antwerp’s beer culture and explains the connection between the city’s main attractions and its brewing traditions. Reviewers highlight Erik, the guide’s enthusiasm, and the variety of beers and snacks included as noteworthy.
Ideal for those who want a full-day feel in a shorter format, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Antwerp’s main sights and drinks scene without sacrificing depth.
Bottom Line: A good fit for travelers who want both sightseeing and beer tasting in a relaxed, social environment.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Antwerp
When selecting your perfect beer experience, consider your interests and schedule. If you love interactive, self-paced activities, the City Brewery De Koninck Tour is excellent. For personalized, in-depth knowledge, go for the Guided Beer Tasting—especially if you’re traveling with a group. Budget travelers might prefer the Pub Crawl in the Historic City or the Antwerp Beer Tour, both offering great value in a shorter timeframe.
Think about how much time you want to spend and whether you want a guided, private, or social experience. Booking early is advisable, especially in high season (spring and summer), to ensure you get your preferred timeslot.
Final Thoughts
Antwerp offers a wide variety of drinking tours that cater to different tastes and interests. For an immersive, detailed experience, the private beer tour or the guided tasting with Hans shine. If you prefer a lively, social evening, the pub crawls will give you a taste of Antwerp’s vibrant bar scene. And for those who want to combine sightseeing with drinking, the four-hour beer tour hits the spot.
No matter what you choose, these experiences reveal the rich brewing culture and lively pub life that make Antwerp a top destination for beer lovers. Be sure to book early, especially in the busy months, and prepare for a memorable journey through Belgium’s famous beer capital.