REVIEW · PRIVATE

Drinks & Bites in Brussels Private Tour

★ 4.5 · 29 reviews 2 hours (approx.) From $115 Operated by Withlocals · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Brussels beer can be a walking story. This private 2-hour tour links classic spots like Fontaine Anspach with a brewery stop and a secret bar, then ends on the famous Kwak beer moment. You also get a quick, organized way to taste and learn without spending your whole trip hunting down menus.

I like the simple format: 3 bites and 3 drinks, plus vegetarian alternatives. I also like that the guide approach feels personal, with room to steer based on what you actually like to drink.

One thing to consider is that some people may find the food and drink portions more tasting-size than meal-size for the price, so it helps to plan a proper dinner afterward.

Key things you’ll get out of this Brussels beer and bites tour

Drinks & Bites in Brussels Private Tour - Key things you’ll get out of this Brussels beer and bites tour

  • Kwak beer as the last, memorable stop at A l’Imaige Nostre-Dame
  • Vegetarian alternatives alongside the sausage and cheese platter
  • Private guide, just you and your guide, in English
  • Real beer stops, including an up-and-coming brewery and a market-area wander
  • Multiple departures for morning or afternoon timing

Following the beer trail from Fontaine Anspach

Drinks & Bites in Brussels Private Tour - Following the beer trail from Fontaine Anspach
Most beer tours in Brussels do one thing well: they get you to a couple of bars and hand you a glass. This one does more than that because it starts with a proper city anchor, the Fontein van Anspach (Fontaine Anspach), right at Quai aux Briques 90. From there, you’re not just collecting drinks, you’re building a sense of place first.

I like the way this opening works for your comfort. You meet, you get oriented, and then the walking starts. You also get a clear “stop and go” rhythm, with the first stop kept short at about 10 minutes, then moving into tastings and stories.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can walk in. The route is short, but it is still a city walk with quick transitions between venues. Also, if you have any dietary needs, tell your guide at the start so vegetarian alternatives and any adjustments are smooth.

More things to do in Brussels:

Stop 1: Fontaine Anspach, the quick meet-and-set-up

Drinks & Bites in Brussels Private Tour - Stop 1: Fontaine Anspach, the quick meet-and-set-up
The tour meets at the Fontaine Anspach, and it’s listed as a free-entry stop. That matters because it keeps the first part uncomplicated. You do not waste time “getting tickets” or figuring out what counts as part of the experience.

Think of this as your warm-up. The guide can set expectations, share what you’ll try later, and give you a quick taste of how Brussels beer culture fits into neighborhoods and everyday habits. Even with only 10 minutes here, you’re less likely to feel lost later.

If you like your tours organized, this kind of start helps. If you prefer a slower pace, the later stops are where most of your time lives, so you can still settle in.

Stop 2: BBP Dansaert, meeting a modern brewery face

Next you head to BBP Dansaert, described as one of Brussels’ most up-and-coming breweries. The stop is about 40 minutes and listed as free admission, which again keeps things easy.

This is usually where the tour earns its keep for beer lovers. A brewery stop changes the vibe from drinking to understanding. You get to see how beer connects to the city beyond the famous tourist labels. And because the timing is longer here than the quick city start, you should have time for questions and explanations, not just a rushed pour.

The practical value is timing. In a 2-hour tour, you want at least one stop that feels like more than standing in line. A brewery gives you something to look at and talk about, and it sets you up for the next phase of the walk.

Stop 3: Halles Saint-Géry, beer culture plus an old market stroll

After the brewery, you move to Halles Saint-Géry for another 40 minutes. This stop blends walking with context. You’re guided through the city side of beer culture and you also pass the famous old market atmosphere on the way.

Here’s why I think this works. Brewery visits can be all about the production story. Market-area walking reminds you that beer is also social. It’s what people do in the middle of their day, not just something you taste once and move on.

You’ll also appreciate this stop if you want photos without making the tour a photo scavenger hunt. You’re not asked to do anything complicated. You just walk, look, and listen as the guide ties beer culture to the streets around you.

One caution: this stop is still part of a tight 2-hour plan. If you have mobility challenges or need extra pause time, tell your guide early so pacing can adjust.

Stop 4: A l’Imaige Nostre-Dame, cheese and sausage, then Kwak

The last stop is the payoff. A l’Imaige Nostre-Dame is described as a secret bar you find through an alley, and it’s where the tour saves its best beer for last: a Kwak.

This is also where the food moment shows up. The included bites include a sausage and cheese platter, and this stop pairs that kind of snack with the beer finish. It’s a classic pairing strategy, because salty and savory food helps beer flavor land in a satisfying way.

What makes this final stop special is the shape of the experience. Secret bar energy often makes people feel like they’ve found something on their own, even though the guide is doing the heavy lifting. And ending on Kwak gives the tour a clear emotional arc, not just a random sequence of drinks.

Practical tip: if you tend to get full quickly, pay attention to pacing. The earlier tastings can add up, and by the time you reach Kwak, you want enough room to taste it properly, not just survive it.

What the included tastings actually add up to

Drinks & Bites in Brussels Private Tour - What the included tastings actually add up to
Here’s the honest math: you get 3 bites and 3 drinks, with one bite being the sausage and cheese platter and one drink being Kwak beer. Vegetarian alternatives are included, but the exact way vegetarian choices are served is not detailed, so assume the guide will swap in suitable options rather than build a whole separate menu.

For value, this format is great if your goal is sampling and learning. It is not great if your expectation is a full meal with generous servings. Some people feel disappointed when a beer tour reads like a “mini meal” experience but lands closer to a tasting menu.

My advice: treat this as a starter. You’ll likely still want to eat afterward, especially if you’re hungry from travel or you tend to have bigger meals. If you’re not sure, plan a dinner reservation near where you’ll be after the tour.

Also, check your dietary needs early. One small issue can snowball fast when you’re moving between venues. If you have allergies or strict limits, send the details before the tour and repeat them at the meeting point.

Price and value in Brussels beer terms

Drinks & Bites in Brussels Private Tour - Price and value in Brussels beer terms
The price is $115.66 per person for about 2 hours, and it’s a private tour, meaning you and your guide only. That private setup can be worth it in Brussels, because it reduces time wasted figuring out meeting points, and it gives you a real conversation while you drink.

But value depends on your expectations. If you measure value by “how much food do I get,” the tour may feel short. If you measure value by “how well does someone guide me through beer culture in a focused time window,” it can feel like good use of your limited hours.

The best-fit buyers are beer lovers who want the why behind the what. This tour is set up around brewery and bar culture, not just beer brand sightseeing. And if your guide uses the walk to explain beer styles, what to notice in each pour, and how Brussels beer fits the city, the price can feel reasonable.

If you want, you can also think of it this way: you are paying for access to conversation and tasting structure, plus the Kwak finale and the sausage and cheese snack pairing.

The guide factor, especially when Elodie is on the route

Drinks & Bites in Brussels Private Tour - The guide factor, especially when Elodie is on the route
One name that shows up in guide praise is Elodie. The strong themes around her style are friendliness, good communication before you meet, and a willingness to tailor the route to what you like. People also liked that she could connect beer to Belgian context, not just list beers and locations.

Why that matters: beer tasting works when you know what you’re drinking. A guide who can explain differences in styles, flavors, and why a beer matters makes your glasses more meaningful. And if the guide asks preferences up front, you’re more likely to end up with beers you actually want, not random picks.

If you get Elodie, your odds of a smooth experience look strong because the approach described is organized, conversational, and on time.

For the record, even with a great guide, the tasting portions remain the tasting portions. So the “value” question is still about how hungry you are and what kind of food expectations you bring.

Logistics that matter for a smooth start

This is an English-language private tour, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking. The meeting point is clearly listed at Quai aux Briques 90 in Brussels, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

You’re also told it’s near public transportation and that most people can participate. The tour is labeled CO2 Neutral, with emissions offset, which is a nice touch if sustainability matters in your trip planning.

One small practical note for city tours: always recheck the exact meeting spot close to departure time. In one instance, there was confusion caused by a meeting point change by message. A quick glance at your phone before you head out can save you stress.

And remember: hotel pick up and drop off are not included. You’ll want to start at the meeting point area and then finish where you began.

Who should book this Brussels drinks and bites tour

This tour is a good fit if you:

  • Love Belgian beer and want a short, structured tasting
  • Prefer a private, just-you-and-the-guide format
  • Like a mix of brewery time, market walking, and bar culture
  • Want vegetarian alternatives rather than a separate, inconvenient plan

It may not be the best fit if you:

  • Want a full meal experience with big servings
  • Are very price-sensitive and need more food per dollar
  • Have complex dietary needs and want zero risk in swaps, since the details are not spelled out

Should you book Drinks & Bites in Brussels?

If you want a focused, beer-centered introduction to Brussels in about 2 hours, I think booking makes sense. The tour has a clear arc, a brewery stop, a market-area story, and a memorable finale at A l’Imaige Nostre-Dame with Kwak beer.

To make it feel like a win, come with the right expectations: this is tasting-size bites, not a feast. If you also communicate dietary needs early and confirm the meeting spot the day of, your experience should run smoothly.

FAQ

How long is the Drinks & Bites in Brussels private tour?

It runs for approximately 2 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour, only you and your local guide.

What drinks are included?

You get 3 drinks included, including Kwak beer.

What food is included?

You get 3 bites included, including a sausage and cheese platter.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes. Vegetarian alternatives are included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Quai aux Briques 90, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission tickets at the listed stops are free.

Do I need to pay extra for more food or drinks?

Extra food and drinks are not included, so you may pay out of pocket if you want more.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. Hotel pick up and drop off are not included, though the meeting point is near public transportation.

FAQ

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Is it carbon neutral?

The tour is labeled CO2 Neutral, with carbon emissions offset.

Do I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes, it includes a mobile ticket.

More like this

Private, compared.

The full Private list →
Private Historical Tour: The Highlights of Bruges
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 315 reviews· from $99

Private Historical Tour: The Highlights of Bruges

Read our review →
Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 299 reviews· from $105

Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp

Read our review →
Bruges Private 2-Hour Walking Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 296 reviews· from $223

Bruges Private 2-Hour Walking Tour

Read our review →
Brussels Highlights & Hidden Gems Private Tour with a Local Guide
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 251 reviews· from $95

Brussels Highlights & Hidden Gems Private Tour with a Local Guide

Read our review →
Belgian Beer Tasting and Course at a Private Bar
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 219 reviews· from $32

Belgian Beer Tasting and Course at a Private Bar

Read our review →
Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Bruges Private Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 217 reviews· from $106

Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Bruges Private Tour

Read our review →
The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 216 reviews· from $163

The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour

Read our review →
From Bruges to Damme: Private Electric Scooter tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 194 reviews· from $47

From Bruges to Damme: Private Electric Scooter tour

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Belgium

Pick a city, or pick a craving.