Belgium Travel Thread

[BusinessSloth]

I know FN from Counter Strike.

GO GO GO!

Storm the front.

 

[Dbijnagte]

Any recommendations on an Airbnb in Brussels near Grand-Place for 4 people? Stayed near St. Catharine last year but there were only 2 of us.

 

[aleigator]

Any recommendations on an Airbnb in Brussels near Grand-Place for 4 people? Stayed near St. Catharine last year but there were only 2 of us.

There is usually a deal up online for Le Plaza Hotel - 10 minutes walk to the north, 5 stars and great breakfast.

 

[Shilt]

Going to be in Brussels August 20th-22nd. Aside from splitting any bottles at Cantillon on the 21st for anyone interested, I was hoping to get some recommendtions for any shops flush with Tilquin products at the moment. Additionally any regular 3F stuff since our timing won't allow us to hit the Lambik-O-Droom. Will be staying near Grand-Place, so anything within walking distance would be awesome. Appreciate it!

 

[swivelhips1]

Is Bokkereyder becoming a thing that is at all available in Belgium? Not looking for anything to go, just would love to try some when visiting next month if at all possible.

 

[Saind]

Is Bokkereyder becoming a thing that is at all available in Belgium? Not looking for anything to go, just would love to try some when visiting next month if at all possible.

Verzekering tegen de grote dorst.
That's it. Only place that has 'm

 

[swivelhips1]

Verzekering tegen de grote dorst.
That's it. Only place that has 'm

Alas we leave to France before a Sunday so Dorst isn't in our cards but it is good to know it is starting to become more available.

 

[nathanmiller]

I just read through all 37 pages of this thread and was able to add a lot to my maps for my trip to the area next month.

That said, I'll be in the following places during the following times if anyone wants to meet up for drinks, or better yet, split tons of lambic, etc.

Also, I intend to buy lots of lambic, if possible, and can check up to 6 bags/boxes of up to 70lbs, so basically no limit (I mean, let's be real, that's an absurd amount, but the more lambic the better). I don't desire to bring that many empty shippers/bags there though, so if anyone has any good tips of how to bring that much back without bringing too many supplies there, I'd greatly appreciate any tips.

And also, the reason for my going is my 30th birthday (though, I'll be slightly early, but whatever, the sentiment is the same) - so if anyone has any tips on where I could find lambic from 1987 (obviously for on-site drinking, I'd assume), I'd definitely appreciate any tips there. I think that would be really, really cool.

Anyway, my schedule if anyone wants to meet up:
Thu-Fri Aug 24/25 - Paris
Sat-Sun Aug 26/27 - Brussels
Mon Aug 28 - Ghent
Tue Aug 29 - Bruges
Wed Aug 30 - Antwerp
Thu-Fri Aug 31-Sep 1 - Amsterdam
Sat Sep 2 - Cologne
Sun-Mon Sep 3-4 - Brussels

 

[ExPimp]

I just read through all 37 pages of this thread and was able to add a lot to my maps for my trip to the area next month.

That said, I'll be in the following places during the following times if anyone wants to meet up for drinks, or better yet, split tons of lambic, etc.

Also, I intend to buy lots of lambic, if possible, and can check up to 6 bags/boxes of up to 70lbs, so basically no limit (I mean, let's be real, that's an absurd amount, but the more lambic the better). I don't desire to bring that many empty shippers/bags there though, so if anyone has any good tips of how to bring that much back without bringing too many supplies there, I'd greatly appreciate any tips.

And also, the reason for my going is my 30th birthday (though, I'll be slightly early, but whatever, the sentiment is the same) - so if anyone has any tips on where I could find lambic from 1987 (obviously for on-site drinking, I'd assume), I'd definitely appreciate any tips there. I think that would be really, really cool.

Anyway, my schedule if anyone wants to meet up:
Thu-Fri Aug 24/25 - Paris
Sat-Sun Aug 26/27 - Brussels
Mon Aug 28 - Ghent
Tue Aug 29 - Bruges
Wed Aug 30 - Antwerp
Thu-Fri Aug 31-Sep 1 - Amsterdam
Sat Sep 2 - Cologne
Sun-Mon Sep 3-4 - Brussels

You might try to hit Grote Dorst on one of your Sundays in Brussels. I think I remember them having an 80s bottle or two a few months ago.

 

[rrryanc]

I just read through all 37 pages of this thread and was able to add a lot to my maps for my trip to the area next month.

That said, I'll be in the following places during the following times if anyone wants to meet up for drinks, or better yet, split tons of lambic, etc.

Also, I intend to buy lots of lambic, if possible, and can check up to 6 bags/boxes of up to 70lbs, so basically no limit (I mean, let's be real, that's an absurd amount, but the more lambic the better). I don't desire to bring that many empty shippers/bags there though, so if anyone has any good tips of how to bring that much back without bringing too many supplies there, I'd greatly appreciate any tips.

And also, the reason for my going is my 30th birthday (though, I'll be slightly early, but whatever, the sentiment is the same) - so if anyone has any tips on where I could find lambic from 1987 (obviously for on-site drinking, I'd assume), I'd definitely appreciate any tips there. I think that would be really, really cool.

Anyway, my schedule if anyone wants to meet up:
Thu-Fri Aug 24/25 - Paris
Sat-Sun Aug 26/27 - Brussels
Mon Aug 28 - Ghent
Tue Aug 29 - Bruges
Wed Aug 30 - Antwerp
Thu-Fri Aug 31-Sep 1 - Amsterdam
Sat Sep 2 - Cologne
Sun-Mon Sep 3-4 - Brussels

My last two trips I've sent shippers from lazenne to meet me at my hotel and then used those as checked bags on my way back. You're doing a lot of small hops, assuming largely by train?, which is going to make amassing bottles a pain to truck around with you. If you're staying at the same place in Brussels each time, I might head to 3F and Cantillon that first Saturday and ask your hotel to stash a couple of cases for you till you return the following weekend. Otherwise, these days you'll find stuff around, but not in quantity.

 

[falc0n26001]

I just read through all 37 pages of this thread and was able to add a lot to my maps for my trip to the area next month.

That said, I'll be in the following places during the following times if anyone wants to meet up for drinks, or better yet, split tons of lambic, etc.

Also, I intend to buy lots of lambic, if possible, and can check up to 6 bags/boxes of up to 70lbs, so basically no limit (I mean, let's be real, that's an absurd amount, but the more lambic the better). I don't desire to bring that many empty shippers/bags there though, so if anyone has any good tips of how to bring that much back without bringing too many supplies there, I'd greatly appreciate any tips.

And also, the reason for my going is my 30th birthday (though, I'll be slightly early, but whatever, the sentiment is the same) - so if anyone has any tips on where I could find lambic from 1987 (obviously for on-site drinking, I'd assume), I'd definitely appreciate any tips there. I think that would be really, really cool.

Anyway, my schedule if anyone wants to meet up:
Thu-Fri Aug 24/25 - Paris
Sat-Sun Aug 26/27 - Brussels
Mon Aug 28 - Ghent
Tue Aug 29 - Bruges
Wed Aug 30 - Antwerp
Thu-Fri Aug 31-Sep 1 - Amsterdam
Sat Sep 2 - Cologne
Sun-Mon Sep 3-4 - Brussels

I managed to see Ghent and Bruges in one day, starting in Brussels and ending in Antwerp, and it was enough for me. I was also in Paris for five days, and I'd recommend no less than four days for Paris. Keep in mind it will take anywhere from 30 minutes to three+ hours to see everything, especially the day trip to Cologne. However, I managed to have fun while I was in Cologne for about three hours.

tl;dr For some stuff you might want more than just two days, and for some things you could even do less than a day.

 

[Saind]

You might try to hit Grote Dorst on one of your Sundays in Brussels. I think I remember them having an 80s bottle or two a few months ago.

Couple months back they had '88 Eylenbosch but no 87

 

[andrewdrinks]

As a heads up, the first weekend that you're in Brussels is the BXL Beer Fest - http://www.bxlbeerfest.com/
You may have been planning around this looking at your itinerary, but if lambic is your thing then Cantillon, 3 Fonteinen, Tilquin and Bokkereyder will be pouring at the event. However it does mean there's two fewer days to get out and explore the city and the breweries themselves.

 

[nathanmiller]

You might try to hit Grote Dorst on one of your Sundays in Brussels. I think I remember them having an 80s bottle or two a few months ago.

Grote Dorst is on my schedule for the first Sunday at the minimum. Possibly the second Sunday as well.

My last two trips I've sent shippers from lazenne to meet me at my hotel and then used those as checked bags on my way back. You're doing a lot of small hops, assuming largely by train?, which is going to make amassing bottles a pain to truck around with you. If you're staying at the same place in Brussels each time, I might head to 3F and Cantillon that first Saturday and ask your hotel to stash a couple of cases for you till you return the following weekend. Otherwise, these days you'll find stuff around, but not in quantity.

Yeah, mostly by train. Was intending to stash bottles at the hotel, yeah, because I'll be at the same hotel start and finish - it's a Hilton so I know they'll be good with that kind of thing.

As a heads up, the first weekend that you're in Brussels is the BXL Beer Fest - http://www.bxlbeerfest.com/
You may have been planning around this looking at your itinerary, but if lambic is your thing then Cantillon, 3 Fonteinen, Tilquin and Bokkereyder will be pouring at the event. However it does mean there's two fewer days to get out and explore the city and the breweries themselves.

I thought about this, but my gf isn't super thrilled about the idea of spending time at a fest. Although perhaps I can go for a short time given that it's a low entry fee, etc.

 

[BelgianChris]

I just read through all 37 pages of this thread and was able to add a lot to my maps for my trip to the area next month.

That said, I'll be in the following places during the following times if anyone wants to meet up for drinks, or better yet, split tons of lambic, etc.

Also, I intend to buy lots of lambic, if possible, and can check up to 6 bags/boxes of up to 70lbs, so basically no limit (I mean, let's be real, that's an absurd amount, but the more lambic the better). I don't desire to bring that many empty shippers/bags there though, so if anyone has any good tips of how to bring that much back without bringing too many supplies there, I'd greatly appreciate any tips.

And also, the reason for my going is my 30th birthday (though, I'll be slightly early, but whatever, the sentiment is the same) - so if anyone has any tips on where I could find lambic from 1987 (obviously for on-site drinking, I'd assume), I'd definitely appreciate any tips there. I think that would be really, really cool.

Anyway, my schedule if anyone wants to meet up:
Thu-Fri Aug 24/25 - Paris
Sat-Sun Aug 26/27 - Brussels
Mon Aug 28 - Ghent
Tue Aug 29 - Bruges
Wed Aug 30 - Antwerp
Thu-Fri Aug 31-Sep 1 - Amsterdam
Sat Sep 2 - Cologne
Sun-Mon Sep 3-4 - Brussels

Send a PM if you're in Brussels and want to split some lambic bottles

 

[RLD]

Booked a trip for Brussels 10/11 - 10/19. Hotel is within stumbling distance of Cantillon. Hope to hang out and share bottles with a few of you!

 

[BeerLoverBelgium]

I just read through all 37 pages of this thread and was able to add a lot to my maps for my trip to the area next month.

That said, I'll be in the following places during the following times if anyone wants to meet up for drinks, or better yet, split tons of lambic, etc.

Also, I intend to buy lots of lambic, if possible, and can check up to 6 bags/boxes of up to 70lbs, so basically no limit (I mean, let's be real, that's an absurd amount, but the more lambic the better). I don't desire to bring that many empty shippers/bags there though, so if anyone has any good tips of how to bring that much back without bringing too many supplies there, I'd greatly appreciate any tips.

And also, the reason for my going is my 30th birthday (though, I'll be slightly early, but whatever, the sentiment is the same) - so if anyone has any tips on where I could find lambic from 1987 (obviously for on-site drinking, I'd assume), I'd definitely appreciate any tips there. I think that would be really, really cool.

Anyway, my schedule if anyone wants to meet up:
Thu-Fri Aug 24/25 - Paris
Sat-Sun Aug 26/27 - Brussels
Mon Aug 28 - Ghent
Tue Aug 29 - Bruges
Wed Aug 30 - Antwerp
Thu-Fri Aug 31-Sep 1 - Amsterdam
Sat Sep 2 - Cologne
Sun-Mon Sep 3-4 - Brussels

Since you're travelling by train anyway, you can come to Leuven for an afternoon/evening. Small city, but nice atmosphere (university city) and nice small historical center. Cheers! I'll be in for a bottle share

 

[duceswild]

I just read through all 37 pages of this thread and was able to add a lot to my maps for my trip to the area next month.

That said, I'll be in the following places during the following times if anyone wants to meet up for drinks, or better yet, split tons of lambic, etc.

Also, I intend to buy lots of lambic, if possible, and can check up to 6 bags/boxes of up to 70lbs, so basically no limit (I mean, let's be real, that's an absurd amount, but the more lambic the better). I don't desire to bring that many empty shippers/bags there though, so if anyone has any good tips of how to bring that much back without bringing too many supplies there, I'd greatly appreciate any tips.

And also, the reason for my going is my 30th birthday (though, I'll be slightly early, but whatever, the sentiment is the same) - so if anyone has any tips on where I could find lambic from 1987 (obviously for on-site drinking, I'd assume), I'd definitely appreciate any tips there. I think that would be really, really cool.

Anyway, my schedule if anyone wants to meet up:
Thu-Fri Aug 24/25 - Paris
Sat-Sun Aug 26/27 - Brussels
Mon Aug 28 - Ghent
Tue Aug 29 - Bruges
Wed Aug 30 - Antwerp
Thu-Fri Aug 31-Sep 1 - Amsterdam
Sat Sep 2 - Cologne
Sun-Mon Sep 3-4 - Brussels

Send a PM if you're in Brussels and want to split some lambic bottles

I'll be in Brusels Aug 25 - 27. TB meet up? Down for splitting lambic. Also planning to visit Grote Dorst on that Sunday.

 

[nathanmiller]

Send a PM if you're in Brussels and want to split some lambic bottles

PM sent!

Since you're travelling by train anyway, you can come to Leuven for an afternoon/evening. Small city, but nice atmosphere (university city) and nice small historical center. Cheers! I'll be in for a bottle share

Might be able to add that to the map - I'll have to take a look, looks like a nice place. But I think a bottle share is out of the question - it's hard enough to convince my gf to join for those when we're at home... happy to meet up and split bottles at a bar though!

I'll be in Brusels Aug 25 - 27. TB meet up? Down for splitting lambic. Also planning to visit Grote Dorst on that Sunday.

I'll definitely be at Grote Dorst that Sunday. We should definitely meet up (and that increases the things we can drink while there!)

 

[duceswild]

PM sent!



Might be able to add that to the map - I'll have to take a look, looks like a nice place. But I think a bottle share is out of the question - it's hard enough to convince my gf to join for those when we're at home... happy to meet up and split bottles at a bar though!



I'll definitely be at Grote Dorst that Sunday. We should definitely meet up (and that increases the things we can drink while there!)

Sounds good I'll send you a PM. Also not sure if you saw but for the BXL Beerfest they announced the cantillon bottle today that will be included in the package of 6 beers available for pickup. It will be Reine des Pres.

 

[Ben1]

Anyone privy to how Moeder Lambic runs their Zwanze Day?

I will be in Brussels that weekend and wasn't sure if they do tickets or its just line up and drink.

*x-posted in the Zwanze thread as well*

 

[Saind]

Anyone privy to how Moeder Lambic runs their Zwanze Day?

I will be in Brussels that weekend and wasn't sure if they do tickets or its just line up and drink.

*x-posted in the Zwanze thread as well*

Gotta get tickets which they only sell physically at the bar

 

[BeerWorld]

Verzekering tegen de grote dorst.
That's it. Only place that has 'm

Speaking of Grote Dorst: what are their hours on Sundays and what's the best way to get there via train/bus from Brussels?

 

[ExPimp]

Speaking of Grote Dorst: what are their hours on Sundays and what's the best way to get there via train/bus from Brussels?

http://www.dorst.be/en/welcome

Bus 128 runs on Sunday's. You can check it out on the De Lijn site. The closest stop would be Sint-Kwintens-Lennik Weg Borchtlombeek
https://goo.gl/FyN2Zx

The tandem bike does look like a fun way to get there though.

The bus is really easy to take, but it only drops off every 30 or 60 minutes (sorry, my memory is hazy from that day) so make sure to not be late.

 

[RLD]

Right below the welcome on Dorst's website it says 10am-8pm. Then towards the bottom of the page it says 10am-1:30pm. Seems pretty confusing.

 

[ExPimp]

Right below the welcome on Dorst's website it says 10am-8pm. Then towards the bottom of the page it says 10am-1:30pm. Seems pretty confusing.

I believe the 10-8 was just an opening time they were doing in the spring (Feb - March) to celebrate their anniversary. I would assume it does not apply anymore and get there when they open for maximum enoyemeny. It's also an establishment operated by a family that serves locals. I'm sure if they're having a good time and the mood is right they will stay open later. I remember them staying open and extra hour for us when we visited.

 

[BusinessSloth]

Gotta get tickets which they only sell physically at the bar

Do you know when they start selling tickets? I won't be landing until September 17th...

 

[Saind]

Do you know when they start selling tickets? I won't be landing until September 17th...

Not sure tbh, I'm probably going to try to get some when I'm there for the BXLBeerfest. If they're selling them by then I could pick some up for you

 

[BusinessSloth]

Not sure tbh, I'm probably going to try to get some when I'm there for the BXLBeerfest. If they're selling them by then I could pick some up for you

I would greatly appreciate that and pay you back+ bring some thank you beers as well

 

[dye89]

Right below the welcome on Dorst's website it says 10am-8pm. Then towards the bottom of the page it says 10am-1:30pm. Seems pretty confusing.

10-1:30pm

Definitely plan on getting their early if you're with a few ppl cause the place is pretty small. Also, if theres like 3 or 4 of you it might be worth just taking an uber from wherever you're staying in Brussels. If I recall it was about 20-30 euro, so not too much more than what you'd pay for public transport. We ubered there and took the bus back.