Belgium Travel Thread

[xscottypx]

too lazy to read all 8 pages but in brussels theres 3 shops in 5 mins walking distance of each other

bier planet (had armand seasons)
bier temple (had fantome glasses and amazing selection) they wrap your purchases too to keep them safe
deliceses caprises (sp?) (low prices, crazy nice owner, nice solid selection, shared cantillon lambic from a barrel with me)

i had the cheese plate at bier circus and it was awesome. had pickled onions and baby gerks. 2001 lou pepe gueuze for 40 euro, a ******* steal. great vintage prices.

on a non beer related note, the chocolate shops and pastry shops are the best i have ever had. pierre marcolini (sp?) is the best i have ever had. literally, so amazing. another one was called planet chocolat or something in the grand palace area that was amazing too. paris rides the nuts of brussels. REAL TALK.

 

[Jared Ruddick]

Probably ought to consider adding Delirium bar to the list. Just plowed through an 07 3F schaerbeekse kriek, an 06 Oude kriek boon, and an 04 Gueuze mariage parfait. Grand total was €35.

Which part of Delirium Bar had those?

 

[buzzword]

Which part of Delirium Bar had those?

downstairs as you go to the right past the tequila bar.

 

[air]

I'll be in Belgium Nov 18-21, and the rough plan is to spend my last day in Brussels (the 20th), hitting Cantillon and Moeder Lambic. Could use some ideas on where to stay that would put me within decent proximity to both - aka I'd like to drop off whatever bottles I buy from Cantillon before hitting dinner/bars.

Otherwise, going to Amsterdam the 21st-24th and this is mostly to go sightseeing and clubbing.

I posted up to try and land IP trades too, and happy to meet anyone to have a beer!

downstairs as you go to the right past the tequila bar.

And hell, honestly gonna do that myself as well as I LOVE Schaerbeekse Kriek

 

[mrk_d]

I'll be in Belgium Nov 18-21, and the rough plan is to spend my last day in Brussels (the 20th), hitting Cantillon and Moeder Lambic. Could use some ideas on where to stay that would put me within decent proximity to both - aka I'd like to drop off whatever bottles I buy from Cantillon before hitting dinner/bars.

Otherwise, going to Amsterdam the 21st-24th and this is mostly to go sightseeing and clubbing.

I posted up to try and land IP trades too, and happy to meet anyone to have a beer!



And hell, honestly gonna do that myself as well as I LOVE Schaerbeekse Kriek

I stayed in a dorm room at a place called ********* in Brussels that was sort of between the city center and Cantillon - walkable for either, and fairly cheap. Very touristy vibes with a young American clientele drinking heavily at the hotel bar, but easy to meet people if you want or to ignore everyone and drink lambic all day on your own.

 

[DougOLis]

I'll be in Belgium Nov 18-21, and the rough plan is to spend my last day in Brussels (the 20th), hitting Cantillon and Moeder Lambic. Could use some ideas on where to stay that would put me within decent proximity to both - aka I'd like to drop off whatever bottles I buy from Cantillon before hitting dinner/bars.

Otherwise, going to Amsterdam the 21st-24th and this is mostly to go sightseeing and clubbing.

I posted up to try and land IP trades too, and happy to meet anyone to have a beer!



And hell, honestly gonna do that myself as well as I LOVE Schaerbeekse Kriek

I stayed at Hotel Amigo and it was great. Kind of expensive but I was able to get a good deal on it and it was a fantastic place to stay. My other time I stayed at Hotel Cafe Pacific which was good as well. A little strange checking in but they were really nice, the rooms were pretty good and the breakfast was great.

 

[air]

Cool, I'll look into both. Not really keen on staying at a hostel or dorm type setup since I'm planning on buying bottles at Cantillon and want to be sure I've got a safe place for them while asleep!

 

[stupac2]

Cool, I'll look into both. Not really keen on staying at a hostel or dorm type setup since I'm planning on buying bottles at Cantillon and want to be sure I've got a safe place for them while asleep!

Last time we stayed in Brussels my wife and I stayed at the Hotel Midi, which is near the Midi train station, which is very close to Cantillon. Easy walking distance, though carrying a million bottles back may not be the best.

Part of the reason we picked that one, though, was that they had parking. If you don't have a car somewhere else is probably better.

 

[BusinessSloth]

Planning on a Belgium trip sometime between late September to mid-October. Would be happy to meet up with any TB'ers. Haven't finalized anything yet or bought tickets, but probably going to hit up Antwerp, Brussels, (Fantome brewery to meet Dany) and Ghent at a minimum. If anyone needs something muled back around that time, PM me and we may be able to work something out. I'm likely going to bring 2 wine check bags with me, fill them up, and just pay the baggage fees.

EDIT: Looks like late September is Autumn season in Belgium and the weather is cool, yes?

 

[user 305169]

If visiting Ghent, you gotta check out one of the Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke shops. The gf and I visited at least a dozen chocolate shops in various Belgian & Dutch cities recently, and none of them could hold a candle to this place. Go for the individual pieces (caramel ftw), not the packaged bars. Right in the city center, open 7 days/wk. Srsly.

 

[Quatz]

Planning on a Belgium trip sometime between late September to mid-October. Would be happy to meet up with any TB'ers. Haven't finalized anything yet or bought tickets, but probably going to hit up Antwerp, Brussels, (Fantome brewery to meet Dany) and Ghent at a minimum. If anyone needs something muled back around that time, PM me and we may be able to work something out. I'm likely going to bring 2 wine check bags with me, fill them up, and just pay the baggage fees.

EDIT: Looks like late September is Autumn season in Belgium and the weather is cool, yes?

The weather is usually pretty nice in september (indian summer and all) but plan for rain because it's still Belgium we're talking about.

 

[Trevorjk]

Planning on a Belgium trip sometime between late September to mid-October. Would be happy to meet up with any TB'ers. Haven't finalized anything yet or bought tickets, but probably going to hit up Antwerp, Brussels, (Fantome brewery to meet Dany) and Ghent at a minimum. If anyone needs something muled back around that time, PM me and we may be able to work something out. I'm likely going to bring 2 wine check bags with me, fill them up, and just pay the baggage fees.

EDIT: Looks like late September is Autumn season in Belgium and the weather is cool, yes?

It is September/October. Chances are it will be nice. But over here... It can rain even on the sunniest of days. Temps are usually around 65-70ish on a nice day. Maybe a bit warmer.

Since you are visiting at the end of September. I highly recommend looking at Borefts Beerfest in Bodegraven Netherlands. One of the best that you could go to anywhere. It can be found here on facebook and their website. But the website is under construction.

Also, if you are in the Brugge area. Make sure to spend a night in Oostvleteren and stop by Westvleteren (In De Verde) to drink a westy 12 and get a sandwich. Then run over to De Struise. Before you know it, it will be dinner time. Then go across the street to Molenhof. Fantastic food and awesome beers. From there, have your DD drive back to where ever you came from. Or stay the night at one of the local BnB's. Just make sure it is on a Saturday that you do this

 

[The Red Viper]

I will be in Brussels February 26-28 (next week). I'm staying at a hostel near city center. I won't have a car but if anyone is around and wants to go for a beer somewhere send me a message.

 

[spicecowboy]

I'll be staying in Ghent from April 3-13. I know it's not exactly a beer hot-spot, but hoping for some recommendations in the way of bars, beer restaurants/eateries and bottleshops.

Cheers.

 

[stupac2]

I'll be staying in Ghent from April 3-13. I know it's not exactly a beer hot-spot, but hoping for some recommendations in the way of bars, beer restaurants/eateries and bottleshops.

Cheers.

There's a few spots that aren't the best ever but are cool. I liked Het Waterhuis (maybe spelled wrong). There was a great bottleshop outside town whose name I forget but you can probably find it easily enough. Are you tied to Ghent? Brugge is a pretty short distance away and would be great for a day or two, plus you might find more exciting beer there (unless it's all gone).

 

[spicecowboy]

There's a few spots that aren't the best ever but are cool. I liked Het Waterhuis (maybe spelled wrong). There was a great bottleshop outside town whose name I forget but you can probably find it easily enough. Are you tied to Ghent? Brugge is a pretty short distance away and would be great for a day or two, plus you might find more exciting beer there (unless it's all gone).

I'm largely tied to Ghent, but have 4 days free afterwards for some dedicated beer activities.

I'll definitely put Het Waterhuis on the list, and am sure I can track down that bottleshop with a little research.

 

[LukeAleTime]

I'm largely tied to Ghent, but have 4 days free afterwards for some dedicated beer activities.

I'll definitely put Het Waterhuis on the list, and am sure I can track down that bottleshop with a little research.

The all you can eat ribs place sucks for beer, but it's all you can eat ribs.

T'Velootje is probably worth a visit... not for beer but for how weird it is. We had a great night there.

There was also a great place that did a Rodenbach and Westmalle Turbonade. It was overlooking the river... so that was pretty fun.

I loved ghent as a city but it's not great for beer.

 

[Quatz]

I often go to Ghent to shop for beer. Dranken Geers is probably the best beer store in Belgium but not really close to the city centre. I've had mixed success at De Hopduvel, prices are a little higher and selection of geuzes varies but it is easier to get there without a car.

Waterhuis and Trollekelder are probably the most well-known beer bars. I haven't ventured much outside the student bars in Ghent so I can't say much about them. Same goes for restaurants.

 

[Quatz]

I'll be staying in Ghent from April 3-13. I know it's not exactly a beer hot-spot, but hoping for some recommendations in the way of bars, beer restaurants/eateries and bottleshops.

Cheers.

Was just thinking about this a little more and this reddit thread is pretty good as a sort of city guide to Ghent: http://www.reddit.com/r/belgium/comments/28mj94/ghent_a_guide/

More beer related activities in Belgium should be sought in/around Brussels and Bruges. Maybe Antwerp as well, it has some of the best beer bars in the country with Kulminator and Antwaerps Bierhuiske but unfortunately no interesting breweries or shops in Antwerp. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions!

 

[spicecowboy]

Thanks a lot Quatz. All really useful information.

I'll get in contact with you closer to April. The main purpose of the trip is to watch the Spring Cycling Classics, but I'm keen to do as much beery stuff as possible inbetween races.

 

[omgeezo]

Can anyone reccomend a travel guide/book? Would like to plan the beer stops around art museums, cathedrals, etc.

Any tucked away works of art outside of museums worth checking out (Madonna of Bruges, etc)?

What time of year is best to visit- both weather and beer. I know Fou and LP is Sept/Oct, but what other events or releases would be worth planning around. Likely bringing 1.5 year old daughter.

Thanks guys!

 

[stupac2]

Can anyone reccomend a travel guide/book? Would like to plan the beer stops around art museums, cathedrals, etc.

Any tucked away works of art outside of museums worth checking out (Madonna of Bruges, etc)?

What time of year is best to visit- both weather and beer. I know Fou and LP is Sept/Oct, but what other events or releases would be worth planning around. Likely bringing 1.5 year old daughter.

Thanks guys!

I've never had any problem with using web resources like lonely plant or tripadvisor. Plenty of good selections on there.

I think weather is kind of hit-and-miss but I've never had a problem and I've been in spring, late summer, and fall. Summer was nice because the days are SO LONG, I always forget how far north you are in Europe. Sunset around 10PM is fun, though maybe less so if you have a small child.

 

[Quatz]

I'll type some more things out when I have more time but these guides are pretty cool: http://www.use-it.travel/home

 

[waltersrj]

Can anyone reccomend a travel guide/book? Would like to plan the beer stops around art museums, cathedrals, etc.

Any tucked away works of art outside of museums worth checking out (Madonna of Bruges, etc)?

What time of year is best to visit- both weather and beer. I know Fou and LP is Sept/Oct, but what other events or releases would be worth planning around. Likely bringing 1.5 year old daughter.

Thanks guys!

The Rick Steeves guides are very useful imo.

 

[flexabull]

Can anyone reccomend a travel guide/book? Would like to plan the beer stops around art museums, cathedrals, etc.

Any tucked away works of art outside of museums worth checking out (Madonna of Bruges, etc)?

What time of year is best to visit- both weather and beer. I know Fou and LP is Sept/Oct, but what other events or releases would be worth planning around. Likely bringing 1.5 year old daughter.

Thanks guys!

I travelled October last year with my 1 year old daughter and everything went well. It rained a couple of days, but it didn't stop us from walking all over Bruges.

The Madonna is definitely worth seeing.

We took the train to Brussels from Bruges to visit Cantillon and it was so easy.

 

[Quatz]

Can anyone reccomend a travel guide/book? Would like to plan the beer stops around art museums, cathedrals, etc.

Any tucked away works of art outside of museums worth checking out (Madonna of Bruges, etc)?

What time of year is best to visit- both weather and beer. I know Fou and LP is Sept/Oct, but what other events or releases would be worth planning around. Likely bringing 1.5 year old daughter.

Thanks guys!

Which cities will you be visiting or is it still to be decided? I can give you some first hand info on Antwerp and Leuven as I've lived in both cities, and I know Ghent a little bit as an ex-girlfriend studied there (but when I went there it wasn't to visit the city ). I can look up/ask other people about other cities. The city guides I linked above are made by young, local people. I'm not sure how up to date they are and they are a bit oriented towards young and often single people but there's some cool stuff in there nonetheless.

Time of year to visit would be around May-June as most beer festivals are around that time, then it dies down a little during the summer months and September is again more lively. There are some exceptions, like Alvinne has one of the best beer festivals early March and there are a couple Christmas-themed beer festivals too. Can't really help you with beer releases, I've only went to Cantillon (a couple of times) and then 3 Fonteinen when Framboos was released (but that's not likely to happen again soon).

Send me a message or ask me here if you have any other questions!

 

[stupac2]

Which cities will you be visiting or is it still to be decided? I can give you some first hand info on Antwerp and Leuven as I've lived in both cities, and I know Ghent a little bit as an ex-girlfriend studied there (but when I went there it wasn't to visit the city ). I can look up/ask other people about other cities. The city guides I linked above are made by young, local people. I'm not sure how up to date they are and they are a bit oriented towards young and often single people but there's some cool stuff in there nonetheless.

Time of year to visit would be around May-June as most beer festivals are around that time, then it dies down a little during the summer months and September is again more lively. There are some exceptions, like Alvinne has one of the best beer festivals early March and there are a couple Christmas-themed beer festivals too. Can't really help you with beer releases, I've only went to Cantillon (a couple of times) and then 3 Fonteinen when Framboos was released (but that's not likely to happen again soon).

Send me a message or ask me here if you have any other questions!

September is dicey because De Heeren is closed for a couple weeks.

 

[omgeezo]

Sweet, thanks everyone. Very helpful.

How about travel advice from US. When to book, what cities to fly out of, airlines, etc. thinking about maybe including Ireland too, but still beginning stages of planning.

 

[codasnap52]

Sweet, thanks everyone. Very helpful.

How about travel advice from US. When to book, what cities to fly out of, airlines, etc. thinking about maybe including Ireland too, but still beginning stages of planning.

On my first trip to Belgium I stopped in Ireland for a couple of days on the flight over. Great decision, as it was only a 5-6 hour flight from New York and really added a lot of dynamic sight seeing before I visited Belgium. The two countries are incredibly different and if you choose to squeeze in some time in another country along with Belgium I fully give Ireland my endorsement. The B&B's were VERY reasonable, though I'd say spend as little time as possible in Dublin and make sure to rent a car for a couple of days. Its an amazing place to drive around.

I should also note that if you are looking for more beer-centric tourism, (other than the Guinness brewery, which is VERY touristy) don't expect much from Ireland. Though I found that a pints of the Irish stouts were all you really need, and its a nice way to mix it up before visiting the Trappist monasteries and the lambics of the Senne valley.

 

[Dunt1]

Hello Belgium travel friends. I will be leaving for Belgium in a few weeks for TdG and would like to get down to Fantome at some point during the week. I realize I will need to rent a car to get there as it's quite far, but would anyone have any suggestions on places to stop along the way? Preferably other farmhouse/saison breweries?