Discover Belgian beer culture
Reminder: Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health
If you want to discover the rich brewing culture of Belgium, Brussels is without a doubt the ideal destination. The city is home to numerous breweries and museums offering a unique insight into the world of Belgian beer. The Brussels Gueuze Museum, located inside the Cantillon Brewery, is one of the jewels of the beer scene.
Founded in 1978 by Jean-Pierre Van Roy, the museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the lambic brewing tradition, a beer style typical of Brussels. The Cantillon Brewery, with its historical equipment still in operation, offers a lively and authentic experience of beer making, including gueuze and fruity variations such as kriek and framboise.
A visit to Brussels not only allows you to explore beer museums, but also to enjoy these delightful creations in iconic bars and breweries around the city. Whether you are a beer lover or simply curious about the local culture, Brussels offers a fascinating and flavorful discovery. Are you ready to dive into the world of Belgian beer and explore the best museums and breweries the city has to offer?
Brussels: The Beer Capital of the World
Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also a global hub for beer culture. The city boasts a rich brewing history and centuries-old traditions, making it a unique destination for beer lovers from around the world. In 2016, UNESCO recognized Belgian beer culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting the importance of this tradition in Belgium's cultural landscape.
Brussels was also chosen as the birthplace of the Brussels Beer Challenge, one of the most respected international beer competitions. Launched in 2012, this event brings together breweries of all sizes and showcases an incredible variety of beer styles and brewing traditions.
The city also hosts flagship institutions such as Belgian Beer World, recently opened in the renovated Brussels Stock Exchange building. This interactive experience center offers deep insight into the history, brewing processes, and global reach of Belgian beer.
With its innovative microbreweries, traditional cafés, and historical breweries, Brussels boasts a dynamic and diverse beer scene. Whether you're in search of bold craft brews or reinvented classics, Brussels guarantees an unforgettable beer experience.
The Best Beer Museums in Brussels
Belgian Beer World: An Immersive Beer Experience
Located in the iconic Brussels Stock Exchange building, Belgian Beer World offers an interactive journey through the universe of Belgian beer. The experience immerses visitors in the fascinating history of beer, with fun facts, insights into the brewing process, and impressive scenography.
The visit ends at the panoramic skybar, where you can choose from over 150 beers while enjoying a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. Belgian Beer World is more than a museum; it's a place for discovery, wonder, and appreciation of Belgian brewing craftsmanship.
The Museum of Belgian Brewers: A Tribute to Master Brewers
This charming museum introduces visitors to the rich brewing tradition of Belgium in an intimate and authentic setting. Located in a traditional estaminet, the museum displays antique brewing equipment from the 18th century, including brewing vats, fermentation tanks, and old drinking utensils.
After the tour, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary beer served in the warm ambiance of the estaminet.
Cantillon Brewery: A Glimpse into an Authentic Craft Brewery
Located in Anderlecht, Cantillon Brewery is the last brewery in Brussels to produce spontaneously fermented beers. During guided tours, you'll learn all about traditional brewing techniques, from mashing and filtering to hopping and boiling the wort.
The tour lasts about 90 minutes and allows visitors to return throughout the day to observe different stages of the brewing process. This living experience offers an authentic immersion into the craft production of beers such as gueuze and fruity styles.
Schaerbeek Beer Museum: Honoring Local Brewers
Situated in Schaerbeek, this museum pays tribute to Belgian beers and their brewers. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 2,000 Belgian beer bottles and 5,000 glasses, along with antique brewing tools and cooper's equipment. The recreated estaminet from the 1900s-1930s and various vintage advertising items add a nostalgic touch.
Visitors can also taste local beers such as Schaerbeekoise and Eizelkop in the museum's spacious tavern.
