Belgium has an excellent reputation for many things – rich culture, innovation, stunning architecture and excellent chocolate – but nothing makes us more famous around the world than the quality of our beer. As craft beer has become more and more popular, bars and pubs in Antwerp have evolved to serve the best traditional Belgian beers and the newest craft styles and flavours. Here are some of the best spots to visit to sample the best beer in Antwerp.
Beer Lovers Bar – 10-minute walk
The name says it all in the Beer Lovers Bar; it’s a great place to visit if you’re a lover of all things grain, hops and yeast. The bar serves a mix of craft beers & traditional Belgian beers. They have an impressive 12 tap draft selection made mostly of craft beers and their huge bottle collection covers most of the usual traditional drinks from Belgium and overseas. The inside is a modern stylish design, not unlike a sleek coffee shop and has been consistently highly rated in blogs and polls since it opened. It’s a stone’s throw from Antwerp Station and a great place to refresh before you catch a train.
Billie’s Bier Kafetaria – 15-minute walk
Billie’s Bier Kafetaria is a cool, centrally located Antwerp beer house that serves the newest beers and styles while maintaining a large stock of traditional beers and respecting the rich beer history of the area. They have 11 changeable taps, which are sometimes occupied by unique guest beers, and over 200 cans and bottles so you’re sure to find something delicious to suit your taste. If you’re wondering who Billie is, you’re not alone. Billie is the bars French bulldog who is the mascot for the bar’s annual beer festival. If you’re lucky you might get to meet him in person.
Korsakov – 15-minute walk
Located in Mechelseplein, one of the city busiest and most vibrant squares, Korsakov is a cosy, homely bar where you could stop for a chat with friends or spend the evening on a date. The ground floor feels like you’re at home in your living room and this laid-back atmosphere attracts many young artistic types. If you’re planning a big night out, head upstairs to the ‘nightclub’ section, which is reminiscent of an old-fashioned Berlin nightclub scene. Try their house beer Korsakov, a refreshing pale ale that leaves you thirsty for more.
Kulminator – 20-minute walk
Ask any local beer lover in Antwerp where to go for a drink and they are sure to mention Kulminator. Equal parts beer-lovers paradise and cluttered yet cosy living room, they have a hugely impressive selection of beers for sale. With over 600+ bottles including an array of rare and special edition beers, there is something to suit all tastes, from novice drinkers to experienced beer experts if they don’t have it in Kulminator, it probably doesn’t exist. You’ll find everything from piles of bottle caps to paperwork, cuckoo clocks and piggy banks taking up every bit of space here, a far cry from the shiny modern style of many of Antwerp’s bars. The beer is the star of the show here.
De Koninck Brewery – 30-minute walk
For a truly unique experience and to sample the undisputed freshest beer in Antwerp, stroll through the city to De Koninck Brewery. De Koninck beers are possibly the most popular in the city with almost every bar stocking them, and their iconic bulbous glasses, in one form or another. Their beers, including its famed “Bolleke” beer, have been brewed in Mechelsesteenweg for centuries. Visit the brewery for an inside look at how this famous beer is brewed and its history as a firm favourite.
Whether you’re planning a beer crawl around the city or want to sleep off a night of sampling Antwerp’s finest, PREMIER SUITES PLUS Antwerp is your ideal accommodation. Our location close to the city and Antwerp Train Station is ideal to explore the best of the city’s culture, shopping, bars and restaurants. Our spacious one- or two-bedroom suites allow you to experience Antwerp like a local. Make sure to share any hidden gems with our friendly team so we can check them out ourselves.
