Antwerp: Pub Crawl in the Historical City

Antwerp’s Pub Crawl in the Historical City offers a lively and engaging way to experience the city’s vibrant pub scene. For $102 per group, up to one person, this 2-hour tour takes you through Antwerp’s old town, visiting three historic pubs with opportunities to taste different styles of Belgian beer. Starting at 3 PM, the tour runs on Thursday through Sunday, making it a flexible option for visitors eager to explore Antwerp’s brewing heritage. The guides are passionate, well-trained, and capable of leading the walk in both English and Dutch. This experience also prides itself on being wheelchair accessible and suitable for private groups, ensuring inclusive enjoyment for all.

While the tour focuses on Belgian beer, it also introduces visitors to other local drinks, adding variety to the tasting experience. Each stop features storytelling from the guide and the pub owner, offering insights into the brewing process and the different beer styles—hoppy, sour, fruity, and mildly sweet—that make Belgian beer world-famous. A unique aspect is that at every pub, the group treats the guide to a drink, adding a fun and social touch to the journey.

This pub crawl is especially appealing to beer lovers and those interested in learning about Antwerp’s brewing tradition. The reviews highlight the expertise of the guides and the enjoyable atmosphere, making it a popular choice for a relaxed afternoon or early evening outing. Keep in mind, drinks are not included in the price, so budget accordingly if you plan to sample more than a few beers.

Key Points

• Price: $102 for a private group of up to one person
• Duration: 2 hours, with starting times from 3 PM on Thursday to Sunday
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for private groups
• Language options: Guides speak both Dutch and English
• Includes: Guided walking tour, storytelling, and three pub visits
• Excludes: Drinks (each stop involves the group purchasing their own)
• Highlights: Visit historic pubs, learn about Belgian beer, and taste different beer styles
• Special feature: The tour begins at a brewery taproom, Antwerpse Brouwcompagnie, if preferred

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Exploring Antwerp’s Old Town and Historic Pubs

The tour takes place within Antwerp’s old town, a charming area full of cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Visitors walk through this picturesque setting while guides share stories about the city’s brewing history and local drink culture. The stops include three carefully selected pubs, each offering a different ambiance and beer lineup. These venues are praised for their character and their role in Antwerp’s pub scene.

The first stop may be at a brewery taproom, Antwerpse Brouwcompagnie, where you can start your journey with a deeper understanding of Belgian brewing. The other pubs provide diverse options—hopping, sour, or fruity beers—each with tailored recommendations from the guide and pub owner. This setup ensures a well-rounded experience, combining history, local culture, and taste.

The Role of the Guides: Passionate Storytellers and Beer Experts

The guides, notably Flip and others, are recognized for their enthusiasm, friendliness, and vast knowledge. They are skilled storytellers, able to explain beer styles and brewing techniques clearly and engagingly. Their flexibility allows for informal discussions, making the walk interactive and fun. Guests are encouraged to ask questions and share opinions, creating a lively, conversational atmosphere.

Because the guides are well-trained, they also focus on making the tour accessible and enjoyable for all participants. Their storytelling enhances the experience, making each pub visit informative as well as social.

Variety of Beer Styles You’ll Encounter

Belgian beer is famous worldwide, and this pub crawl showcases several styles. You can expect to try hoppy beers, with their distinctive bitterness; sour beers, known for their tartness; fruity beers, which often incorporate local ingredients; and mildly sweet options. The diverse beer lineup reflects the richness of Belgian brewing traditions and offers a fun tasting adventure.

Each pub visit provides an opportunity to sample something different, guided by the pub staff’s recommendations and the storyteller’s insights. This variety keeps the experience dynamic and educational.

The Social Aspect: Buying the Guide a Drink

A distinctive feature of this tour is that at each pub, the group treats the guide to a drink. This tradition adds a social element, encouraging conversation and camaraderie. It also gives participants a chance to engage with the guide and learn more about the local drinking customs.

Since drinks are not included in the tour price, planning for additional purchases is wise. The emphasis on social interaction makes the experience more personal and memorable.

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Accessibility and Group Size

The tour is designed for private groups, making it ideal for friends, families, or colleagues looking for a personalized experience. It is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests with mobility needs to enjoy the walk and pub visits comfortably. The guide’s flexibility ensures a smooth experience for all participants.

The tour does not accommodate baby strollers, pets (except assistance dogs), or large party groups, so plan accordingly to ensure a comfortable experience.

Logistics and Meeting Points

The tour starts at 3 PM, with two pickup location options in Antwerp city center. This central location makes it easy to join the tour without long travel times. The pickup and drop-off are included in the price, simplifying logistical planning for participants.

Contacting the guide for pickup arrangements is recommended, especially for groups wanting a seamless experience. The tour concludes at the last pub within the old town, providing a relaxed way to continue exploring the city afterward.

Pricing, Cancellation, and Booking Flexibility

The $102 fee covers the guided walk, storytelling, and three pub visits, but drinks are paid for separately. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering reassurance in case of changing plans.

The tour allows for reserve now and pay later, giving flexibility for travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment, which is helpful for planning a spontaneous or flexible trip.

What to Expect on the Day

Starting at 3 PM, the group meets at the designated pickup point, where the guide welcomes everyone and begins sharing stories about Antwerp’s brewing history. The walk lasts approximately two hours, during which participants visit three pubs, sampling different styles of beer and enjoying lively conversations.

The tour’s pacing is comfortable, with enough time at each stop to taste, listen, and socialize. Being mindful that drinks are not included means budget planning, but the experience itself is rich in storytelling and cultural insight.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This pub crawl is perfect for beer enthusiasts and those curious about Belgian drinking culture. It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate guided storytelling and want a relaxed, social activity after exploring Antwerp’s sights.

Because it is private and wheelchair accessible, it’s a good fit for small groups seeking a personalized experience. It’s less suitable for children under 18 or party groups looking for a wild night out, as the focus is on quality beer and cultural learning.

Final Thoughts on the Antwerp Pub Crawl

This 2-hour tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Antwerp’s historic pubs and brewing tradition. The expert guides and engaging stories make each stop more than just a drink; they become a window into local culture and history.

While the price does not include drinks, the emphasis on tasting different beer styles and learning about Belgian brewing makes this a worthwhile activity for beer fans and curious travelers alike. Its wheelchair accessibility and private group format add to its appeal, ensuring an inclusive and personal experience.

If you’re looking for a fun, informative, and social activity in Antwerp’s old town, this pub crawl stands out for its knowledgeable guides, engaging atmosphere, and focus on local beer traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or under 18s?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18.

What is included in the price?
The guided walking tour, storytelling, and three pub visits are included. Drinks are not included and must be purchased separately at each pub.

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

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate participants with mobility needs.

How many stops are there, and what can I expect?
There are three pub stops, each offering different beer styles and a chance to learn about Belgian brewing traditions from guides and pub owners.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby