I will be coming to Europe for the second time in April. Starting in Amsterdam 6th and 7th, then head to an Airbnb right by Bruxelles Midi 8th-11th (Wednesday-Saturday). Last time there we did most of the tourist stuff and failed pretty bad with food, and with public transportation getting to Cantillon a few hours before closing and Drie Fonteinen an hour before close. For some reason Drie Fonteinen stayed open over an hour after closing and gave us a private tour. Probably the highlight of the trip. So we should be better prepared this time for Cantillon/Drie Fonteinen/Moeder Lambic/Tilquin. Any tips on doing a day trip to Antwerp/Brugges/Ghent? Pretty much open for anything, love checking out old architecture, beer/coffee, but shy away from crowded nightlife. We went to Delirium and I wanted to hit a panic button to escape haha. After Brussels we head to Dusseldorf for 5 nights, hopefully do a lot of the Rhine attractions. Head to Bomal on 17th/18th (Friday/Saturday) for the Durbuy Rock festival. Any ideas for Bomal, seems a bit out in no mans land.
My wife and I did Brugge in a day trip. It was during early April and spring had sprung, it was a sunny, warmish day and the city was beautiful. I wish it could have been longer, but we got a lot into our day. Probably the thing we enjoyed most was the VIP tour at De Halve Maan https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/268/?view=beers. You have to schedule the tour on their website, and the VIP category gets you some nice samples in their private tasting room. Part of the tour includes walking across the roof of the building, so you get a scenic view of the city. But DO NOT drink much before the tour if you do it. At one part of the tour you have to climb about 15' down a ladder in that old building.
I've only been once, spending 3 days in a lambic stupor, so take my advice for what it's worth. In Brussels, I reccomend tracking down a Cantillon Chouke at Pistolet, paired with a sandwich and washed down with their special version of Taras Boulba. Also, Tonton Garby, a tiny hole in the wall nearby, has great sandwiches. Don't miss out on fresh Taras Boulba when there. We in the states miss out on the brilliance that this beer is when this fresh. Poechenellekellder (sp?) , right next to Mannekin Pis, is where you can find the freshest kegs in town.
Ghent is a quick, easy train ride from Brussels & IMHO has some of the most densely packed & gorgeous old buildings in the region, especially cathedrals, which I love. If you're a fan of mustard, there's a shop called Tierenteyn-Verlent that sells hands-down the most magnificent mustard I've ever tasted (I've turned several friends onto it during their visits to Ghent). The Gravensteen Castle was a fun tour, & when we were there several years ago, they allowed you go roam just about anywhere, which was great. We held off on our drinking until returning to Brussels, but Ghent is well worth a day.
I agree, Ghent is a beautiful city w/ great architecture & the Ghent Altarpiece can be viewed in the city. I will second the mustard, amazing stuff. They dip your purchase out of a large barrel. Doesn't get any fresher than that. I will say tho, I have always thought Antwerp is a better beer town than Ghent, (just one guy's opinion). Enjoy your trip!
We need you guys over on MustardAdvocate ... but seriously, they make great stuff there, glad to see Ghent get some love.
