This guided tasting tour packs the essentials of Belgian eating into about an hour and a half. A local guide takes a small group through the old town and stops to sample chocolate, waffles, fries, beer and other sweets, explaining the history and origin of each product and why it matters to the Belgians. It is a social, informal way to get your bearings in the historic centre, and the stops give you a list of places to return to once the tour is over. The tour is run on a pay-what-you-wish basis, meaning that you book a place and tip the guide at the end, which keeps the entry cost low. It runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather, and bring an appetite: the samples add up to a substantial snack, and the included beer is a welcome treat.
What it is
A food-focused walking tour, not a sit-down meal. The group meets in the centre of the main square, near the statue in the middle (look for the red umbrella), and walks between tasting stops while the guide explains how chocolate, waffles, fries and beer became Belgian specialities. The samples are intended as tastes rather than portions, but together they make a good introduction.
Practical details
The tour lasts about ninety minutes and includes a professional local guide, food samples and one beer. Tips are not included in the price, so bring cash or a card to thank your guide generously if you enjoyed it. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, and later cancellations or no-shows are charged in full, so book only when your plans are firm.
Book early for weekends and public holidays, when this popular tour fills up. Tell the organisers in advance about food allergies and dietary needs, since the samples are set by the route.
Making the most of it
Take the tour early in your stay and note the places you liked for later. Do not schedule a big meal immediately afterwards, because you will have eaten a fair amount already. If you want a deeper experience of chocolate, combine it with a visit to Chocolate Nation by the station, and if you want to go deeper into beer, the De Koninck brewery tour makes a good follow-up. Groups with young children should consider whether beer tasting at the tour is appropriate; the other samples are suitable for all.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walking tour of the old town with tasting stops for chocolate, waffles, fries, beer and sweets.
Best time
Late morning or afternoon, early in your stay; it runs in rain or shine.
How long
About ninety minutes.
Tips
Arrive with an appetite, tip your guide at the end and book early for weekends.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers and first-time visitors who want a taste of Belgium.
- Families
- Fun for children who like sweets, though the included beer is for adults only.
- Couples
- A relaxed shared experience with plenty to sample.
- Pair with
- Chocolate Nation, or the De Koninck brewery for a deeper dive into beer.
- Time needed
- About ninety minutes.
Good questions
How long does the tour take?+
About ninety minutes.
What do you taste?+
Chocolate, waffles, fries, beer and other sweets, with the history of each explained by the guide.
Where does it start?+
At the statue in the middle of Antwerp’s main square, where the guide carries a red umbrella.
Do I pay at the end?+
The tour is run on a pay-what-you-wish basis, so you book a place and tip your guide at the end.
Can I cancel?+
Yes, free up to 24 hours before the start. Later cancellations and no-shows are charged in full.
