Belgium is a dream destination for beer lovers, and it turns out, not too shabby for foodies either. It is one of our absolute favourite places to visit in Europe. We took the Eurostar straight into Brussels and spent a few days eating and drinking our way through the country, stopping in Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. If you’re planning your own trip, this guide is packed with personal highlights, tasting notes, and foodie recommendations — all based on our own travels, with a slightly stronger focus on beer (because how could you not?).
Belgian beer is famous for its strength, variety and history. From world-renowned Trappist ales brewed by monks behind abbey walls, to experimental fruit beers and rich, whisky-barrel-aged brews, there’s something for every taste — and most of it stronger than you might expect. Many beers come in at 8–12% ABV, and are designed to be savoured like a fine wine.
Food-wise, Belgium holds its own with a cuisine that leans into richness and depth, often cooked with beer as a core ingredient. Think carbonnade flamande (beef and beer stew), rabbit in dark ale, and buttery moules-frites served with a goblet of something bold and malty.
Belgium Beer Tasting Itinerary
From strong Trappist ales to tart cherry beers and complex barrel-aged brews, Belgium offers a beer experience like no other. This itinerary follows our tasting journey across Brussels, Ghent and Bruges, highlighting not just what we drank, but where we drank it — and why you might want to do the same.
Café Culture & Beer Menus
Belgian cafés often have “bierkaarten” — beer menus thicker than a wine list, sometimes with hundreds of options. Each beer is served in its specific glassware, a tradition that helps express the aroma and flavour of the beer properly. It’s taken seriously, and bars are proud of their collections.
Getting Around Belgium
Getting from London to Belgium couldn’t be easier. Eurostar drops you right into Brussels, and from there, intercity trains make travelling to Ghent and Bruges simple and cheap. We stayed in a city-centre hotel in Brussels (easy to find and well located), then moved on to Ghent where we spent three nights on a houseboat near Kaiserspark — highly recommend it for something a bit different. Bruges (or Brugge, as it’s also known) was a day trip, and that turned out to be just right; it’s compact enough to see the highlights in a single day without rushing.
Brussels
The Belgian capital was our entry and exit point, and while we didn’t spend long here, we made the most of our time. With its grand squares, traditional brasseries and seafood restaurants, Brussels is both lively and historic. We based ourselves in the city centre, which made it easy to wander from bar to bar and try some local beers without straying far.
Beer in Brussels
Brussels has no shortage of good bars and classic Belgian beer lists. We didn’t scratch the surface, but a few places stood out — particularly for the atmosphere and friendly service. While many of the beers we tried are available across the country, it’s always special to enjoy them in the place you discovered them.
Brasserie Du Lombard
A welcoming and traditional-feeling bar just off the main square, Brasserie Du Lombard was our first proper beer stop in Belgium — and it made a great impression. Dark wood, vintage signage and a laid-back local crowd made it a perfect spot to unwind after arriving.
Paix Dieu – 10% ABV
Brewed only during a full moon, Paix Dieu is a triple with real character. Rich, smooth, and potent. It’s brewed by Brasserie Caulier following traditional Abbey methods, and each bottle includes a symbol showing which moon cycle it was brewed under. The beer pays tribute to the Abbey of Paix Dieu, where monks once brewed in rhythm with the lunar cycle — a tradition revived by the brewery today. Slightly sweet, strong, with subtle spice.
Chimay Blue – 9% ABV
Dark, rich and warming with notes of fig, raisin and caramel. Brewed by Trappist monks at Scourmont Abbey, Chimay is one of only a handful of officially recognised Trappist breweries. The monks have been brewing since 1862, with profits going to charity and the upkeep of the abbey — so drinking a Chimay is doing good, too!
Le Baroque
Tucked away on a quieter street but still close to the action, Le Baroque had a stylish interior and a more modern feel than some of the older brasseries. It was a great place to try beers that felt a little off the beaten track.
Bon Secours Blonde – 8% ABV
A spicy, fruity blonde beer with a creamy mouthfeel. Notes of coriander and citrus with a hint of yeast character.
Leopold 7 – 6.2% ABV
Fresh and floral with a light bitterness, brewed with three types of hops and seven different ingredients. Slightly grassy with a clean, dry finish.
Food in Brussels
We went big on seafood in Brussels — it felt like the right thing to do. From rich mussel pots to over-the-top seafood platters, it was indulgent and delicious. Add in a couple of quirky stops for gelato and novelty pastries, and we left the capital feeling very well fed.
The Lobster House
This elegant seafood restaurant is nestled just a few minutes from the Grand Place. With crisp white tablecloths and a refined but relaxed vibe, it struck the perfect balance between fine dining and comfort food indulgence.
Seafood is a must in Belgium, and The Lobster House delivered in style. We had mussels (of course), escargot, lobster paella, and a towering seafood platter that was absolute heaven. Service was great, atmosphere relaxed but elegant.
Amorino
A French gelato chain with locations across Europe, Amorino’s Brussels branch didn’t disappoint. Busy but efficient, it’s worth the queue for a cone that looks like a work of art.
Gelato sculpted into a rose shape, with as many flavours as you like. Instagrammable, yes — but also genuinely delicious.
La Zigounette
If you’ve got a sense of humour (and maybe a childish streak), this bakery is a must. The cakes are… unforgettable. Expect a laugh, a photo op, and a lot of icing.
One of those “only in Belgium” moments. Genital-shaped baked goods and cakes, sold with a cheeky grin. Not fine dining, but very memorable. Lick away, my friends!
Ghent
Ghent was our favourite stop on the trip — a beautiful, vibrant city with a more relaxed vibe than Brussels, and a lot of character. We stayed on a houseboat just outside the main centre, which was a great way to unwind between busy days out. Everything in Ghent is walkable, and the canals give it a peaceful charm.
Beer in Ghent
We drank well in Ghent. Bier Central was our go-to and ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip — a beer list as thick as a novel, helpful staff, and a chilled-out atmosphere. We also had a few great drinks elsewhere, but Bier Central was the place we kept coming back to.
Bier Central
Centrally located with a huge beer menu and comfy pub-style décor, Bier Central quickly became our local in Ghent. Think warm lighting, knowledgeable staff, and a beer bible that covers every style under the sun. It felt welcoming whether we stopped for lunch or just a drink.
Belgoo Magus – 6.4% ABV: A lighter, slightly cloudy saison-style beer with herbal notes and a dry finish.
Belgoo Luppoo – 6.5% ABV: A hoppy pale ale brewed with five different grains. Slightly bitter, but balanced with a malty backbone.
Trappistes Rochefort 10 – 11.3% ABV: Deep red-brown, rich and boozy with notes of ripe banana, dark chocolate and honey.
Trappistes Rochefort 8 – 9.2% ABV: Darker and maltier, full of plum, fig, and caramel.
Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused – 11.7% ABV: Powerful, full-bodied and warming. Vanilla, oak and chocolate notes.
Delirium Red – 8% ABV: Intense cherry and red fruit flavours with a sweet-tart balance. The iconic pink elephant logo is now world-famous, originally chosen as a cheeky nod to the hallucinatory effects of alcohol withdrawal — a playful reference for a beer that pulls no punches at 8% ABV.
Chouffe Cherry – 8% ABV: Sweet, fruity, with almond and port-like depth.
Gulden Draak Brewmaster’s Edition – 10.5% ABV: Aged in whisky barrels. Rich, oaky, malty and complex. Named after the golden dragon atop the Belfry of Ghent, this beer pays tribute to the city’s medieval heritage. The dragon is a city symbol with ties to Norse and Byzantine legend — bold and mythical, just like the beer.
St Bernardus Pater 6 – 6.7% ABV: Blond, nutty, with notes of mocha and ripe fruit.
Maredsous 8 Bruin – 8% ABV: Dark, with hints of caramel, coffee and chocolate. Maredsous beers originate from Benedictine monks at Maredsous Abbey, who passed their brewing legacy to Duvel Moortgat. Though now brewed off-site, the recipes stay true to their monastic origins — rich, contemplative beers made for slow sipping.
Floris Chocolat – 4.2% ABV: Chocolate beer! Very sweet, with vanilla and coriander notes.
T’Prison
Set in what used to be part of the old city jail, this bar has a slightly quirky edge and a cosy interior that invites you to stay for just one more. A great place to sip something strong and take in the character of the city.
Westmalle Dubbel – 7% ABV: Malty, dark, slightly sweet with a bit of spice.
Westmalle Tripel – 9.5% ABV: Golden, strong, dry and complex.
Westmalle Abbey is where the world’s first officially named “Tripel” was brewed, way back in 1934. Their Dubbel dates back even further. These beers are benchmarks for the style, brewed by Trappist monks in Flanders and widely respected for their balance and depth.
Food in Ghent
Budget-wise, we kept things balanced in Ghent, mixing up some great meals out with simple lunches on the houseboat. The local food scene leans hearty and traditional, but there are also plenty of light options and international influences. A stew cooked in beer? Yes please. A waffle piled with fruit and cream? Also yes.
Eating in on the Houseboat
Sometimes a simple lunch is the best kind. We picked up local cheeses, charcuterie, salad and fresh bread and ate on the boat. It’s not fancy, but we really enjoy relaxed lunches like this. We also made breakfast most mornings on the boat to save a bit of our budget and start the day slow.
Bier Central
They don’t just do great beer — we had some lovely salads here too. Goat’s cheese and smoked ham, classic Caesar, both fresh and generous.
Brasserie Paradijs
A low-key gem we stumbled across while exploring the quieter streets of Ghent. Friendly service, classic Belgian dishes done right, and an unfussy atmosphere that made it feel like a local favourite.
A stand-out meal: traditional Flemish beef stew, slow-cooked with Gulden Draak beer. The beef was melt-in-the-mouth tender, the sauce rich and slightly sweet from the beer. Proper Belgian comfort food.
The Waffle Factory
Big portions, bright signage, and a queue of tourists pretty much all day — this spot knows what it is. It’s fast, sweet, and indulgent, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
Yes, it’s touristy. But the waffles were excellent. We tried one with banana and chocolate, and one with strawberries and cream. Both were massive, sugary, and very satisfying.
What about Belgian chocolate?
We know, it’s iconic — and yes, you’ll find beautifully arranged boxes of pralines and truffles in almost every window around the Grand Place. We steered clear of the more touristy spots selling overpriced selections, but it’s worth noting that there are some genuinely excellent chocolatiers in Belgium, particularly if you venture off the main streets. Whether you’re after delicate ganache, rich truffles, or quirky beer-infused bars, Belgium has the goods — we just didn’t indulge much on this trip.
Bruges (Brugge)
Bruges is impossibly pretty — all cobbled streets, gothic buildings and winding canals. We only had a day here, but it was enough to fall in love with the place. It’s more touristy than Ghent, but it’s also easy to see why. Perfect for wandering, window shopping, and of course, drinking more beer.
Beer in Bruges
Bruges has some of the best beer bars in the country, from historic cafes to terrace spots with views over the water. We only had time for a handful, but the beers we tried here were among the most memorable — served in their proper glasses, as always, often with a great view.
Le Grand Café Belfort
Perfectly located near the Belfry, this spacious café gave us a front-row seat to Bruges’ charm. Classic Belgian café vibes, polished brass details and a good beer list made it an ideal mid-wander refreshment stop.
Kwak – 8.4% ABV
Served in a distinctive glass shaped like a rounded flask perched in a wooden stand — said to resemble a coachman’s drinking vessel — Kwak is warming and slightly spicy with hints of liquorice and coriander. You also get some banana, pineapple and mango on the nose. The story goes that in the 18th century, coachmen weren’t allowed to leave their carriages, so Pauwel Kwak designed this unique glass and stand to allow them to drink while on the job — it hooks onto the carriage. Whether that’s folklore or fact, it definitely made this the most fun glass of our trip; it felt almost ceremonial to drink it!
‘t Voutje
This little bar had a traditional feel with warm lighting and old-world décor. A good place to escape the tourist bustle and enjoy a well-poured local tripel in peace.
Brugge Tripel – 8.7% ABV
A powerful tripel with malt, banana, raspberry sweet (cuberdon), caramel and chocolate notes. Rich, full-bodied with a slightly bitter finish.
The Beer Wall / 2be Bruges
Famous for its wall of bottled beers, this place is half bar, half spectacle. The terrace overlooks a canal and was one of the most relaxing spots we found — great beer, great view, and plenty to browse while you sip.
La Corne du Bois des Pendus Triple – 10% ABV
Sweet, fruity, with a honeyed aroma. Turns slightly bitter on the finish, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. Tasted best sitting out on their terrace watching the boats go by. The glass this one comes in is just as distinctive as the beer — shaped like a large horn and served in a custom wooden stand. It’s dramatic, theatrical, and slightly absurd in the best way — like drinking from a Viking trophy. Another one for the “most fun glassware” list.
The name translates to “The Horn of the Hanged Men” — a reference to a forest in southern Belgium where bandits were once executed. The horn-shaped glass pays tribute to drinking vessels from the Middle Ages, when actual animal horns were used in place of mugs. It’s theatrical, playful, and part of what makes this beer such a memorable experience.
Turbeau Noir – 6.8% ABV
A smooth, dark Belgian ale with roasted malt, caramel and subtle dried fruit. Rich but not too heavy, with a slightly dry finish that made it very drinkable.
Food in Bruges
Just one proper meal here, but what a meal. Deeply savoury rabbit stew cooked in Leffe, paired with more Leffe in various colours. You don’t need many dishes when the one you have is this good. Bruges also had some tempting snacks and bakeries, but this was all about the long lunch.
Brasserie Brugge Die Scone
A beautiful, traditional restaurant tucked into a quiet street near the centre. It had a refined but welcoming feel, with classic Flemish dishes and deep wooden beams that made it feel like stepping into a storybook.
We loved the slow-cooked rabbit in Leffe Dark with prunes. The sauce was thick, rich, slightly sweet from the prunes and deeply savoury from the beer. The rabbit was falling off the bone. A perfect pairing with a glass of Leffe.
Leffe Blonde – 6.6% ABV: Malty, with vanilla and clove.
Leffe Dark – 6.6% ABV: Roasty, slightly sweet with dark malt.
Leffe Ruby – 5% ABV: Fruity and floral with red berries and spice.
Leffe beers trace their roots to a Norbertine abbey founded in 1152. While brewing there was interrupted by floods, revolution and war, the modern version still honours those monastic traditions. Each Leffe has a signature taste profile — smooth, spicy, and a little indulgent.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning your own Belgian beer and food adventure, our advice is simple: embrace the classics, be open to surprises, and don’t try to fit too much into one day. Ghent was our favourite overall, Bruges was picture-perfect, and Brussels had the best seafood. But what really makes Belgium special is the culture around its food and drink. Every beer has a story, every dish has depth, and there’s always something new to try.
Whether you’re sipping a Trappist ale on a sunny square or digging into Flemish stew by candlelight, this is a country that knows how to treat you right. Cheers to that.
