Belgium is a beer lover’s dream. With centuries of brewing tradition, it’s home to some of the world’s most famous beers. Every region has its specialty, from strong Trappist ales to sour lambics. The best part? You can visit many of these breweries, see how the magic happens, and taste fresh beer straight from the source.

In this guide, we’ll take you to 10 of the best breweries in Belgium you can visit.

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What Makes Belgian Breweries Unique?

Belgium isn’t just another beer country—it’s a brewing legend. With over 1,500 different beers and a history dating back to the Middle Ages, it has a beer culture like no other. But what makes Belgian breweries so special? Let’s break it down.

A Wide Variety of Styles

Belgian breweries produce some of the world’s most diverse and iconic beer styles. Here are a few you’ll find on your journey:

• Trappist Beers – Brewed by monks inside abbeys. These strong, complex beers include famous names like Westvleteren, Chimay, and Orval.
• Lambic & Gueuze – Unique to Belgium! These wild, spontaneously fermented beers age in wooden barrels for years, creating sour, funky flavors. Think Cantillon and Boon.
• Abbey Beers – Inspired by monastic brewing, but made by commercial breweries. Big names include Leffe and St. Bernardus. Read more about the best abbey beers in Belgium.
• Flemish Red & Brown Ales – Tart, slightly sweet beers aged in oak barrels, like Rodenbach and Duchesse de Bourgogne.
• Strong Golden & Blonde Ales – Crisp, powerful beers such as Duvel and La Chouffe.

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Belgium respects its brewing traditions, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. Many breweries still use centuries-old techniques, like open fermentation and oak barrel aging. But others are pushing boundaries, experimenting with new hops, barrel aging, and hybrid styles.

Some breweries, like De Halve Maan, even built a beer pipeline under Bruges to transport beer from the brewery to a bottling plant outside the city. Talk about innovation!

Why You Should Visit the Best Belgian Breweries

Sure, you can drink Belgian beer anywhere in the world. But nothing beats tasting it fresh at the source. Brewery visits let you:

• See the brewing process up close – From copper kettles to ancient wooden foeders.
• Taste limited-edition or unfiltered beers – Many breweries offer exclusive beers you won’t find in stores.
• Experience the history – Some Belgian breweries have been making beer for hundreds of years in stunning old buildings. Discover more food traditions from Belgium.

The 10 Best Breweries in Belgium You Can Visit

Belgium is packed with incredible breweries, from historic Trappist monasteries to cutting-edge craft beer makers. But with so many options, where do you start? We’ve narrowed it down to 10 best breweries in Belgium that offer the best beer, tours, and experiences. Whether you’re into sour lambics, strong abbey ales, or smooth blondes, these spots belong on every beer lover’s bucket list.

Let’s begin with three legendary breweries that showcase Belgium’s rich brewing heritage.

1. Cantillon Brewery (Brussels)

Specialty: Traditional lambic and gueuze.

Why visit? Step into a time capsule of brewing history. Founded in 1900, Cantillon is one of the last remaining authentic lambic breweries. Here, beer ferments naturally with wild yeast from the air—a process that hasn’t changed in over a century.

The brewery also houses the Museum of Gueuze, where you can see wooden barrels aging beer, cobweb-covered cellars, and classic copper brewing equipment.

And, of course, the best part—tasting funky, sour, and complex lambics straight from the source.

Bonus: If you visit in autumn, you might catch them brewing!

2. De Halve Maan Brewery (Bruges)

Specialty: Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik.

Why visit? Right in the heart of medieval Bruges, De Halve Maan is a mix of history and modern beer-making.

It’s famous for its underground beer pipeline, a 3.2 km long pipe that transports beer from the brewery to its bottling plant outside the city.

The rooftop terrace offers stunning views over Bruges, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cold Brugse Zot. The tour is fun and interactive, taking you through the old and new brewing facilities.

Bonus: After your visit, explore Bruges’ historic canals and cozy beer bars for the ultimate beer experience.

3. Westvleteren Brewery (Vleteren)

Specialty: Westvleteren 12, often called the best beer in the world.

Why visit? You can’t tour the St. Sixtus Abbey, where this exclusive Trappist beer is brewed, but you can still enjoy Westvleteren 12 at In de Vrede, the abbey’s café. This dark, rich, and complex beer is brewed in limited quantities by monks who focus on quality over quantity.

The café offers Westvleteren 8 and 12 on tap, plus some delicious Trappist cheese and snacks. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to buy a rare six-pack to take home—but be sure to check availability online first!

Bonus: Combine your trip with a visit to the nearby St. Bernardus Brewery, which once brewed beer for the abbey.

4. Rodenbach Brewery (Roeselare)

Specialty: Flemish red-brown ales.

Why visit? If you love sour, oak-aged beers, Rodenbach is a must-visit. This brewery, founded in 1821, is world-famous for its Flemish red ales, which are aged in massive oak foeders (some over 150 years old!).

The result? A tart, slightly sweet, and complex beer with wine-like characteristics. The tour takes you through the huge wooden barrel halls, where you’ll learn about the unique aging and blending process.

Of course, you’ll get to taste Rodenbach Grand Cru and other specialties at the end.

Bonus: The brewery’s stunning brick architecture makes it one of the most picturesque stops on your beer journey.

5. Het Anker Brewery (Mechelen)

Specialty: Gouden Carolus beers.

Why visit? This isn’t just a brewery—it’s a full beer experience. Het Anker, located in the historic city of Mechelen, brews the world-famous Gouden Carolus beers, a range of strong Belgian ales with deep flavors and rich history.

The brewery is housed in an old 15th-century beguinage, adding to the charm. But what makes this place unique is that it also has a hotel and restaurant!

That means you can stay the night, enjoy a meal with beer pairings, and wake up to a beer-lover’s breakfast.

Bonus: Try Gouden Carolus Single Malt, a whiskey distilled from the same mash as their beer—one of Belgium’s most unique spirits!

Going to the Anker Brewery? Read more about what to do in Mechelen.

6. St. Bernardus Brewery (Watou)

Specialty: St. Bernardus Abt 12, linked to Westvleteren.

Why visit? If you can’t get your hands on Westvleteren 12, the next best thing is St. Bernardus Abt 12. In fact, St. Bernardus used to brew Westvleteren’s beers before the monks took production back in-house.

Their brewery tour dives into the monastic brewing traditions, and the best part? Their rooftop bar offers stunning views over the hop fields of Flanders. It’s the perfect spot to sip a freshly poured Abt 12 and soak in the Belgian countryside.

Bonus: If you’re visiting during hop harvest season, Watou is one of Belgium’s best hop-growing regions—the fresh aroma fills the air!

7. Boon Brewery (Lembeek)

Specialty: Oude Geuze and Kriek.

Why visit? If you want to dive into the world of spontaneous fermentation, Boon Brewery is the place to go. Located in Lembeek, the birthplace of lambic, Boon specializes in traditional Oude Geuze and Kriek, aged for years in massive oak foeders.

Their guided tours offer an inside look at the unique brewing process, where wild yeasts from the air create complex, tart, and funky flavors. The tasting session at the end lets you compare young vs. aged geuze—a must for sour beer lovers!

Bonus: Boon is one of the easiest lambic breweries to visit from Brussels, just a short train ride away.

8. De Koninck Brewery (Antwerp)

Specialty: De Koninck “Bolleke”.

Why visit? De Koninck offers one of Belgium’s most interactive and fun brewery tours. Unlike traditional brewery visits, this multimedia experience takes you through a series of engaging exhibits, explaining the brewing process with humor and creativity.

The highlight? The story behind “Bolleke,” Antwerp’s favorite beer, and why it’s served in a distinctive round glass. The taproom is a great place to try different variations of De Koninck beers while enjoying the lively Antwerp beer scene.

Bonus: The brewery is surrounded by artisan food makers, including a cheesemonger, chocolatier, and butcher, making it a perfect food-and-beer pairing stop.

This brewery is in high demand, so check availability for your chosen date in advance. To secure your spot, book ahead!

9. Huyghe Brewery (Melle)

Specialty: Delirium Tremens (pink elephant beer).

Why visit? Recognized by its famous pink elephant logo, Delirium Tremens is one of Belgium’s most internationally known beers. Huyghe Brewery, located in Melle, offers an inside look at how they brew this strong golden ale, as well as their range of creative and high-alcohol Belgian beers.

The brewery focuses on sustainability, using renewable energy and eco-friendly brewing methods. The tour is a great way to experience both the tradition and innovation that go into every glass of Delirium.

Bonus: After your visit, head to the Delirium Café in Brussels, which holds a world record for having over 2,000 beers on the menu!

10. Duvel Moortgat Brewery (Breendonk)

Specialty: Duvel, La Chouffe, Vedett.

Why visit? Home to Belgium’s most famous strong blond ale, Duvel Moortgat Brewery is a must-visit for any beer enthusiast. Their brewing process is longer and more refined than most, with an extended bottle-conditioning period that gives Duvel its signature smooth yet strong taste.

The tour covers everything from brewing to bottling, and you’ll learn how Duvel gets its impressive foamy head and high carbonation. Plus, you can taste different versions of Duvel and explore their other brands like La Chouffe and Vedett.

Bonus: The brewery shop sells exclusive limited-edition Duvel bottles and merchandise—perfect for souvenirs!

The Best Beer Tours in Belgium

Belgium is packed with breweries, and while visiting them on your own is an adventure, a guided beer tour can make the experience even better. Whether you want to dive into the world of Trappist ales, discover hidden craft breweries, or explore Brussels’ best beer bars, there’s a tour for everyone.

Here are some of the best beer tours in Belgium that take the hassle out of planning and give you insider access to top breweries.

The Best Breweries in Belgium

Belgium is a beer country like no other. Every region has its own styles, from strong Trappist ales to sour lambics and smooth blonde beers. The best way to experience them? Visit the best breweries in Belgium and taste the beer straight from the source!

Step inside a monastery brewery and enjoy beers brewed by monks. Walk through an old lambic brewery and smell the wooden barrels where the beer ages for years. Sip a cold Bolleke in Antwerp or enjoy a fresh Duvel at its birthplace. Each brewery has a story, and every beer holds a piece of Belgium’s history.

Short on time? A beer tasting tour in Brussels is the perfect introduction. Want to explore more? Take a guided tour to some of the best breweries in Belgium, from Flanders to Wallonia. Don’t want to plan? Let an expert guide take you on a beer adventure, visiting the most famous breweries you can visit in Belgium without the hassle.

One thing is certain: Belgium takes beer seriously. And after visiting these top breweries, you will too.

Which of the best breweries to visit in Belgium is on your list? Let us know!