Italy, Brussels, Amsterdam trip advice

In Rome, I highly recommend Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fa in the Trastevere part of Rome. When I went there, they had a great selection of Cantillon bottles at great prices(750ml bottle of Saint Lamvinus for 25 Euros and a nice quality tap selection).
In Amsterdam, I would highly recommend Foeders(great tap selection and great selection of Lambics), Arendsnest Proeflokaal(great selection of Dutch tap beers)and Cafe Gollem/Gollem Craft Beers(great tap selection, great bottle selection including bottles of Westvleteren).
Enjoy your trip!

 

You can look at my reviews for places in all three cities for my thoughts. Lots of great places to eat and drink and lots of fun things to do.

 

While not breweries, there are dozens of world class beer bars in Brussels. Many are right smack in the middle of the touristy Grand Place area, or at least close by. You don't have to visit, but it's worth seeking out the beers of De La Senne in particular.

 

If in Brussels, make a trip out to Bruges via train. 2 pretty good breweries (bourgnogne de flanders + de halve maan) plus an awesome craft beer bar called Red Rose Cafe. Plus the city itself is beautiful.

 

For Amsterdam check out www.BeerGuideAMS.com -- a Dutch friend does the "research," I just do the software...

 

There is an app for that too (also website)

www.BeerGuideBrugge.com

Enjoy!

 

Depending on what day you are there, there's a Stuise shop with taps and there's also De Garre for the triplel. The two are very close together.

 

If you are looking to bring bottles home buying direct at 3F and Cantillon are by far the most the best pricing you will get. Last time I was at 3F they had a 12 pack of 750s you could buy, they also allow you to use other companies to ship beer home too but it will cost you $100+ and takes a while. Also check the days they are open to avoid disappointment (i believe 3F is only open wed-sat and Cantillon is closed wed & sundays).

+1 Moeder Lambic in Brussels, also check out duvelorium which is on the second floor of a historical building on the main square in Bruges it has a heated balcony that overlooks the square. 't Brugs Beertje is one of the best bars in bruges, +1 to de garre too get the tripel.

+1 to Foeders in Amsterdam its a great spot but a decent walk from the main square, In De Wildeman is another great beer spot in AMS that's close to the main square. de bierkoning is the best bottleshop in AMS so a great place to pickup beers to drink while chillin in the city or again good spot to grab stuff to bring home if you're checking your bag (I've always seen Cantillon and 3F there but it will be more exp relative to at the source).

 

You should have a great time there, much more compact a place to get around. As mentioned Cafe Rose Red is must visit, as is 't Brugs Beertje

 

Regarding Belgium, keep in mind that the US taproom culture generally doesn't apply unless they are a newer brewer emulating the US. With exceptions, visiting a brewery just isn't what it is in the US right now. Don't ignore bars or cafes.

Perhaps @TongoRad has an Italy suggestion.

 

Thanks for the tag @zid , but unfortunately I don't have much to add. For Rome, Open Baladin and Bir + Fud are must-hits if they aren't already on the list. Personally, when I was there I also kinda liked that I could get a draught Hofbrau beer wherever tourists seemed to congregate, but who knows, the beer scene may have even expanded to those areas as well by this point.

I haven't been to Bari/Puglia yet, sadly. I love the wines from that region, though .