Tastings in Antwerp

If you’re spending time in Antwerp and love food or drink, tastings should be near the top of your list. This city is serious about its beers, obviously, but there’s so much more. Imagine sitting down in a tiny, cozy bar in Zurenborg, sampling rich, malty Belgian craft beers that you won’t find anywhere else. Or heading to a cheese shop near the Grote Markt where the owner enthusiastically shares stories about local and regional cheeses while you nibble your way through them.

And don’t overlook Antwerp’s chocolate scene. Unlike Brussels, Antwerp’s chocolatiers often experiment with bold, unexpected flavors. Try a tasting session at The Chocolate Line on Meir street, but be warned,it’s easy to want to bring a suitcase full home. I like to grab a coffee at Caffènation and then pop into one of the neighborhood’s small artisanal distilleries for a jenever tasting, which most visitors completely miss. Pro tip: go in the late afternoon when it’s quieter, and some places even let you customize your tasting flights. Tastings here aren’t just about sampling; they’re usually small stories poured into your glass or onto your plate.