Antwerp's drinking establishments range from traditional "brown cafes" (cozy pubs with dark interiors and tobacco-stained walls) to the more contemporary craft beer bars and are spread over the city's 8 districts. So, if you're looking for a tolerable way to get your step count up, here's 4 of my favourite venues...
1. Pelikaan
By brown cafe standards, this is a welcoming bar where the it is possible to learn some of the nuances of Belgian beer culture from the knowledgable bar staff. Once enlightened, there's a terrace where you can enjoy a beer or two in the shadow of the cathedral.
🍺 Must-order: Tripel D' Anvers — brewed down the road at Brouwerij De Koninck, a solid tripel
💡 Insider tip: If you visit on a wet Wednesday evening in February, you will have the bar staff's full attention.
Shop the Tripel D' Anvers glass →
2. Paters Vaetje
Within stumbling distance of Pelikaan, although "The Monk's Casket" has an impressive beer list (featuring many of Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie's fine beers), the highlight is the ornate bar with stained glass backdrop.
🍺 Must-order: Super Cadix — a deliciously hoppy lager and only 5.6%
💡 Insider tip: Grab a seat in the loft at the back of the bar for a bird's eye view. If you look as old as me the bar staff might even carry your drinks up the stairs for you.
Shop the Super Cadix 33cl glass →
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3. Quinten Matsijs
This is Belgium's oldest known continuously licensed cafe. Built in 1565 it is a warm and welcoming bar and restaurant populated mostly by locals whenever I've visited - always a good sign.
🍺 Must-order: Radio Minerva — another beer from Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie but this time a delicious tripel with an ABV of just 7%
💡 Insider tip: Sit in the cozy bar area and take some cash as this is preferred.
Shop the Radio Minerva 33cl glass →
4. 't Waagstuk
A bit off the beaten track this one but well worth seeking out. 't Waagstuk strikes a perfect balance between contemporary feel and traditional beer list. Don't let the chalkboards and random furnishing put you off. A great place to relax with a beer.
🍺 Must-order: Schuppenaas — brewed with my favourite yeast, brettanomyces
💡 Insider tip: Sit under the chalkboard menu with your first beer while you choose your next one.
Shop the Het Nest 33cl glass →
Plan Your Visit
Best time to visit: Covered heated terraces make outdoor eating and drinking possible all year round.
💡 Top tip: The best possible way to arrive in Antwerp is by train. Not only do you avoid the hassle of city driving and parking but you'll be greeted by the magnificant train station.
⚠️ A word of caution: In Belgium there is no guarantee that a bar or restaurant will actually be open on any given day.
Can't make it to Antwerp? 🍺
We don't sell beer — there are plenty of online retailers who do a good job of that already. We do sell over 500 different Belgian beer glasses though. It will be nowhere near as enjoyable but you can try and create a similar experience at home with the right beer in the right glass...
- De Koninck Tripel D'Anvers glass — 25cl and 33cl
- Super Cadix 33cl glass
- Radio Minerva 33cl glass
- Het Nest 33cl glass
Shop all Belgian Beer Glasses →
About the Author
Rob has spent years travelling across Belgium and loves nothing more than visiting the weird and wonderful breweries and bars that this unique country has to offer. Beer Glass Enthusiast was born from that passion and an obsession with sourcing authentic Belgian brewery glassware to ship direct to your home. Read more guides →