Antwerp Pub Crawl

REVIEW · ANTWERP

Antwerp Pub Crawl

  • 5.08 reviews
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • From $72.10
Book on Viator →

Operated by Antwerp Anytime · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (8)Duration2 hours (approx.)Price from$72.10Operated byAntwerp AnytimeBook viaViator

Seven stops, one easy afternoon. This Antwerp Pub Crawl strings together classic drinking corners and small music venues in about 2 hours, starting at Grote Markt and ending back where you started.

I really like two things. First, the route is smart and walkable, built around real Antwerp pub streets like Hoogstraat and Kaasrui. Second, the guide (often Flip) connects what you’re drinking with how the city and Belgian beer culture grew up, so it’s not just beer-in-hand photo time—it’s context you can actually use later.

One possible drawback: it keeps a steady pace. With mostly short 15-minute stops (and one 30-minute stop), you won’t have hours to linger in just one bar, so wear comfy shoes and don’t plan on switching to a full dinner crawl halfway through.

Highlights Before You Head Out

Antwerp Pub Crawl - Highlights Before You Head Out

  • Start at Grote Markt at De Engel, a natural starting point for anyone who wants Antwerp pub culture on day one
  • Hoogstraat’s small-room feel at Soeke Hoogstraat, where live music can happen even in tight spaces
  • Music-and-party venues on the list including Café Cabron Kaasrui and DJ-set energy at weekends
  • Eilandje area timing with Djinngel Djangel close to the Mas Museum on the city’s docklands
  • A proper beer-and-whisky stop at The Highlander in Stadswaag, with extra time to slow down
  • Near Central Station option via Bier Central De Keyserlei, great if you’re trying to place the tour around your travel needs

A 3:00 pm Beer Walk With Pick-Up Options

Antwerp Pub Crawl - A 3:00 pm Beer Walk With Pick-Up Options
The Antwerp Pub Crawl is designed as a quick afternoon reset. It starts at 3:00 pm at Grote Markt 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium, and runs for about 2 hours.

If you have mobility needs or you’re just meeting up with friends from different hotels, you’ll want to know that pickup is offered. The tour also uses a mobile ticket, which is handy because you’re popping in and out of bars without stopping at an office first.

This is a private tour/activity, meaning it’s only your group. That matters because it can feel less awkward than a large mixed crowd, and it’s easier for your guide to adjust the pace and attention to match your group.

You can also read our reviews of more nightlife experiences in Antwerp

Enter Grote Markt and Start at De Engel

You begin at Grote Markt, one of Antwerp’s most iconic squares, and the first stop is De Engel. It’s the sort of place that feels woven into the city’s habits—especially if you’ve already read a little about Antwerp’s love of cafés and taverns.

This first stop is short—about 15 minutes—but it works as a “set the scene” moment. If you’re trying Belgian beer for the first time, this is also a good place to get your bearings fast. You’re in the heart of the city, people watching is easy, and the mood usually warms up quickly.

A practical thought: because you only have a short window here, decide early whether you want to order something mild and classic to start, or jump straight into something stronger. Either choice is fine; the tour’s structure is built for tasting momentum.

Hoogstraat: Small Rooms, Real-World Music Energy

Antwerp Pub Crawl - Hoogstraat: Small Rooms, Real-World Music Energy
Next up is Hoogstraat, with a stop at Soeke Hoogstraat (Soeke Hoogstraat 59). The description for this place points to a cosy, intimate setup, and it’s the kind of bar where live music can work even on a Sunday afternoon.

This stop is also about 15 minutes. That’s long enough to settle in, hear a bit of the vibe, and try a beer without feeling like you’re losing the rest of the afternoon to one venue.

The upside here is variety. Hoogstraat gives you a different texture than a big pub: smaller feel, more focus on sound and mood. If you like bars where conversation matters as much as the drink, this is a strong match.

Kaasrui: Café Cabron and Weekday-to-Weekend Energy

Antwerp Pub Crawl - Kaasrui: Café Cabron and Weekday-to-Weekend Energy
From Hoogstraat you move to Kaasrui, stopping at Café Cabron Kaasrui 1. This is a beer-focused pub with live performances during the week and DJ sets and parties during the weekend.

Again, think short stop (about 15 minutes), but with a venue that can shift energy fast depending on the day. If you’re visiting during a weekend, this is the kind of stop that can turn the tour from relaxed tasting into full-on night mode.

One consideration: if you’re sensitive to loud music, keep your expectations realistic here. The venue’s schedule is part of the point, but you’ll want to be ready for that volume if you’re planning a quieter afternoon.

Oude Koornmarkt: A Relax-Then-Party Stop

Antwerp Pub Crawl - Oude Koornmarkt: A Relax-Then-Party Stop
Stop 4 is Oude Koornmarkt at Tram 3 Oude Koornmarkt 38. This is described as a good place to relax with friends after a busy day in Antwerp, with excellent drink and refreshment selection. Later in the evening, it can turn into a party setting.

The tour allots about 15 minutes here. That makes it a great mid-to-late checkpoint: you get a breather, then you move on while the evening energy is still building.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to balance structure with flexibility, this stop does the job. You can use it to cool down, reset your group’s mood, and make a mental list of what you want to order next.

You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in Antwerp

Bordeauxstraat and the Eilandje: Djinngel Djangel Near the Mas Museum

Antwerp Pub Crawl - Bordeauxstraat and the Eilandje: Djinngel Djangel Near the Mas Museum
Next is Bordeauxstraat, and the stop is Djinngel Djangel Bordeauxstraat 7A. This one’s highlighted as a top spot for live performances, and it’s close to the Mas Museum on the Eilandje—the city’s small docklands.

You’re still working with about 15 minutes, but the payoff can be big if there’s live music happening. Even in a short visit, you’ll feel how this area connects Antwerp’s waterfront identity to modern nightlife.

The Mas Museum reference matters for your planning. If you’re already planning museum time or you want your night route to line up with other sights on the Eilandje, this stop makes the walk feel more intentional and less like random bar-hopping.

Stadswaag: The Highlander Gives You Extra Time

Antwerp Pub Crawl - Stadswaag: The Highlander Gives You Extra Time
Stop 6 moves to Stadswaag, at The Highlander Stadswaag 21. This is described as an Anglo-Saxon Antwerp pub experience, aimed at people who know beer and whisky.

This is the longest stop on the crawl—about 30 minutes—so it’s the place to slow down a bit. If you’re curious about how Belgian beers pair with classic bar culture, or if you want something different from the beer-heavy theme of the earlier stops, this one gives you space to explore.

A simple tip: use this half-hour to talk. If your group is open to it, ask your guide what to try next based on the beers you’ve already had. With the extra time, you can make choices that fit your taste rather than grabbing whatever’s easiest.

De Keyserlei and Bier Central: A Simple Taste-Test Near Central Station

Antwerp Pub Crawl - De Keyserlei and Bier Central: A Simple Taste-Test Near Central Station
You finish with De Keyserlei, stopping at Bier Central De Keyserlei 25. The pitch here is direct: if you’re near Central Station and want a good way to test your taste buds with Belgian beer, this is where you go.

This stop is about 15 minutes. It works as a final “wrap” moment. You’re likely still in the city, and it’s a smart landing point if you’re trying to connect your evening to transport or to a later plan near Central Station.

Even if you don’t order anything new at the very end, it’s useful. You’ll have a last chance to confirm what style you liked best and which stop matched your taste profile.

Flip’s Beer Stories Make the Stops Worth Remembering

The biggest strength of this crawl is the way the guide ties each bar to what makes Antwerp and Belgian beer culture click. In the guidance you’ll get from Flip, the focus is on both drink suggestions and the stories around them.

That means you don’t just receive a list of beers. You get the why behind the choices—how different brewing traditions shaped local drinking habits, and how Antwerp’s pub scene became a place people return to.

This is also where the private-group format helps. When you’re not in a huge crowd, your guide can pay attention to your preferences. If your group likes darker styles, Flip’s approach can steer you toward beers that fit that direction. If you’re unsure, you’ll get thoughtful recommendations that make sense for your current experience level.

And yes, the reviews around Flip’s style are clear: he’s engaging, he talks in a way that feels natural, and he has a lot to share without turning the tour into a lecture. That balance is what makes learning fun.

Stop Timing: Why 2 Hours Works So Well

The schedule is tight but not rushed. Most stops run about 15 minutes, with one standout longer stop at Stadswaag (about 30 minutes).

Here’s why that timing helps you:

  • You get exposure to multiple venues, so you can compare styles and vibes
  • The tour stays easy to fit into an afternoon without swallowing your whole evening
  • You avoid the common pub crawl problem where one bar eats the entire plan

The tradeoff is also clear: you can’t expect to settle in for a long, slow conversation at every place. If you’re the type who loves staying late, plan to treat the crawl as your kickoff. After the tour ends, you can always return to the one you liked most.

Price and Value: What $72.10 Includes

At $72.10 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to drink in Antwerp. But the value calculation changes when you look at what’s included.

You get:

  • All fees and taxes included
  • Free admission ticket at each listed stop
  • A guided, organized 2-hour route that covers multiple neighborhoods
  • A private tour format, which can be better value if you’re traveling as a pair or small group

There’s also the practical benefit of group discounts being available. If you’re traveling with friends, this can make the price feel more reasonable fast.

One small planning note: this is the kind of experience that gets booked early. On average, it’s booked about 73 days in advance, so if your dates are firm, it’s wise to lock it in rather than waiting.

Where You’ll End Up (and Why the End Point Can Change)

The crawl starts at Grote Markt and typically returns there as the standard end point, but the actual end point depends on your group’s wishes and schedule.

That’s useful because Antwerp nights can split in different directions. Maybe your group wants to head toward Central Station, or maybe you want to keep walking toward dinner. The route already places you near key areas like the Eilandje and De Keyserlei, so you can keep options open without scrambling at the end.

Who Should Book This Antwerp Pub Crawl?

This experience is a great fit if you want Belgian beer and real pub energy without overplanning. It’s also well suited for couples, small friend groups, and anyone who likes their travel with a guide who explains the context.

It’s not suitable for bachelor parties, so if that’s your group type, you’ll need a different kind of nightlife booking.

Also, since it’s private and most travelers can participate, it tends to work for mixed experience levels. You can be a beer expert or a curious beginner, as long as you’re open to trying what the guide recommends.

Practical Tips for a Smooth 2 Hours

A couple things will make the day easier:

  • Bring comfortable walking shoes. You’re moving between multiple neighborhoods.
  • Keep your expectations aligned with stop time: 15 minutes is enough for a couple orders and a short conversation.
  • Use your mobile ticket and be ready at the start: 3:00 pm at Grote Markt 1.
  • If you want to ask your guide for specific beer styles, do it early, so your recommendations can follow your taste as the tour goes on.
  • If you’re planning around transport, remember that De Keyserlei/Bier Central is near Central Station, so you can line up your next steps easily.

One more note: the tour allows service animals and is near public transportation. If you’re coordinating with someone in your group, that’s a helpful detail.

Should You Book This Antwerp Pub Crawl?

I’d book it if you want an organized, beer-first introduction to Antwerp that still feels like hanging out in real places. The route is built around varied atmospheres—from Grote Markt classics to music-driven stops in areas like Kaasrui and the Eilandje—and the guide approach (especially with Flip) makes the tasting feel purposeful.

I’d skip it if you know you’ll only be happy when you can park yourself in one bar for a long time. This tour is about movement and comparison. It’s also a better fit for regular friends and couples than party-heavy bachelor groups.

If your schedule is tight and you want a guided path that actually helps you understand what you’re drinking, this Antwerp Pub Crawl is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where is the Antwerp Pub Crawl meeting point?

The tour meets at Grote Markt 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back in Grote Markt, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium. The exact end point depends on customers’ wishes and schedule.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 3:00 pm.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $72.10 per person.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Are admission tickets included at each stop?

Yes. Each stop lists admission ticket free, and the tour includes all fees and taxes.

Is the tour suitable for bachelor parties?

No. Bachelor parties are not suitable for this experience.

Is free cancellation available, and how late can I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

More Nightlife Experiences in Antwerp

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Antwerp we have reviewed

Scroll to Top

Explore Belgium

Every city, and every way to spend a day in it.