Cantillon Brewery Brussels Gueuze Museum
Experience the authentic, traditional art of lambic brewing at Cantillon Brewery, a living museum of spontaneous fermentation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Cantillon Brewery Brussels Gueuze Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the authentic, traditional art of lambic brewing at Cantillon Brewery, a living museum of spontaneous fermentation.
"A pilgrimage for sour beer lovers, Cantillon offers a taste of history and unparalleled lambic direct from the source."
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Opt for a guided tour for deep insights into Belgian beer history and brewing.
🧳 Pack for Souvenirs
Save space for bottles and merchandise; prices are much better here!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Brewery Cellars
Brewery interior
Step back in time amidst the historic brewing equipment and aging lambic barrels.
Lambic Tasting Bar
Tasting room
Savor authentic Gueuze and other lambic styles directly from the source.
Brewing Equipment Museum
Brewery interior
Explore fascinating 1900s brewing equipment and learn about traditional methods.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Tours
Embrace the Tasting Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting Cantillon in a few weeks, any advice?
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Opt for a guided tour for deep insights into Belgian beer history and brewing.
🧳 Pack for Souvenirs
Save space for bottles and merchandise; prices are much better here!
Going to Brussels next week - any suggestions/ must gos?
Cantillon and Belgium
🤝 Share the Experience
Connect with fellow beer enthusiasts to share bottles and stories.
🚫 Skip the Beer Gifts
Bringing beer as a gift for brewers is generally not recommended.
Visiting Cantillon/Brussels in a couple weeks. Any tips?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Opt for a guided tour for deep insights into Belgian beer history and brewing.
🧳 Pack for Souvenirs
Save space for bottles and merchandise; prices are much better here!
🤝 Share the Experience
Connect with fellow beer enthusiasts to share bottles and stories.
🚫 Skip the Beer Gifts
Bringing beer as a gift for brewers is generally not recommended.
📍 Explore Nearby
Consider Moeder Lambic or La Porte Noire for more great beer selections.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cantillon Brewery is revered by beer enthusiasts for its authentic lambic production and historic atmosphere. Visitors praise the unique sour beers and the opportunity to purchase bottles at great prices. Some find the self-guided tour a bit basic, and occasional closures can be a disappointment.
"Cheers from Alaska! This was one of the coolest brewery tours we did in Brussels. If you like sours, this is your spot. My wife and I stopped here after a friend in Alaska recommended it to us. The tour was self-guided but very neat and easy to get around the brewery. Highly recommend visiting Cantillon!"
Carlos Pereira, Jr.
"A great experience in Brussels to visit a working brewery and sample their beer. We loved our time at this brewery. Highly recommended if you are in Brussels."
gl umz
"Last visit during Open Brewday. Allways a pleasure to visit Cantillon and a must visit everytime i go to Brussel.
Last week, for the first time in many many years i also did the brewery tour. Good and interesting, we also got to try the wort.
Normally you can pre book guided tours with english, french or dutch speaking guides, but there is also possible to do the self guided tour.
One of the things many always wondering about before visiting Cantillon is the bottle selection from the take away board and drink in board.
Last week the take away board was exceptionally good, both the regular beers, but also magnum of the gueuze, Saint Lamvineus, Vigneronne and one of my favourite beers La Plaisir.
The bottle shop is located just inside the entrance. There is always merchandise, glassware etc and sometimes even jelly and fantastic locally vinegar made by Vinaigrerie Sainte Odile.
If you want to enjoy any of the Cantillon beers at the brewery, you can visit the bar at the 2nd floor.
Everytime I have visited there has been plenty of bottles to choose from. Menu is written on three boards, and pricing is very good.
During my visit last week we where very lucky to get to try the Lou Pepe Gueuze 2008 which tasted extremely good, very citrusy forward.
The quality in general is extremly high at Cantillon, and what ever they have on the menu, its pure quality!
Some people might not think they like lambic/sour beers, but those people should at least try one of the regular gueuze, framboise or kriek and i belive they would be plesently surprised.
Most beers available to buy the whole bottle 0,75l, 0,375l and there might be one or two 1,5l bottles. But there is also some beers served by the glass.
The bar takes credit cards.
No food/snacks available/allowed at the bar. If you plan to stay and drink for many hours i recommend to eat in advance and bring a bottle of water."
Svein Åge Berge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cantillon Brewery is accessible by public transport. You can take tram 3 or 51 to the 'Gare du Midi/Zuidstation' and then walk for about 15 minutes, or take a bus. Taxis or ride-sharing services are also an option.
Yes, it's located in the Anderlecht district of Brussels. While not in the absolute city center, it's a straightforward journey via public transport or a short taxi ride.
For efficiency, consider a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to the brewery. This minimizes travel time and allows more time for the tour and tasting.
Yes, nearby you can find Les Caves de l'Ermitage for natural wine and beer, and La nanobrasserie de l'Ermitage.
Absolutely! Many visitors combine Cantillon with 3 Fonteinen or De Cam, though these may require separate transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While self-guided tours are possible without advance booking, it's highly recommended to book guided tours in advance, especially if you want to ensure a spot with a specific guide.
The guided tour typically costs around 10 euros and includes beer samples. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
The tour usually involves a self-guided walk through the brewery followed by a tasting of 3 samples in their bar area. Guided tours offer more in-depth information.
Opening hours can vary, and the brewery is sometimes closed. It's crucial to check their official website for current operating days and times before your visit.
Yes, you can purchase bottles of Cantillon beer directly at the brewery's shop to take home. This is often the most cost-effective way to buy their products.
🎫 🍺 Onsite Experience
Many visitors recommend taking a guided tour for a deeper understanding, followed by enjoying their lambic beers at the tasting bar.
Yes, the tasting includes several samples, and you can purchase additional bottles to drink at the bar or take away.
While not guaranteed, some visitors have had the chance to interact with brewers like Jean or Bert, especially on guided tours. It's worth inquiring when booking.
The atmosphere is often described as authentic and historic, with a focus on traditional brewing. It's a working brewery, offering a genuine glimpse into lambic production.
Beyond Cantillon, La Porte Noire offers a great setting and selection, and Moeder Lambic is also highly regarded for its extensive beer list.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the historic brewing equipment, aging barrels, and the unique ambiance of the cellars provide excellent photo opportunities.
The aging cellars with the barrels and the old brewing machinery are particularly photogenic. The tasting room also offers a classic brewery vibe.
Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and the working environment of the brewery.
Expect atmospheric shots of the brewery's interior, close-ups of the unique brewing equipment, and vibrant images of the lambic beer itself.
Drone photography is typically not permitted in such environments due to safety and operational concerns. Always check for specific signage or ask staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🍻 Beer Aficionados
Beyond Cantillon, explore other highly-rated beer bars in Brussels like La Porte Noire or Moeder Lambic for a broader taste of Belgian beer culture. If you have more time, venturing to nearby breweries like 3 Fonteinen can further enrich your experience.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Brussels
Make sure to check the brewery's opening hours in advance, as they can vary. If time is tight, a taxi is the most efficient way to get there and back, maximizing your exploration time in Brussels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Lambic Brewing at Cantillon
Visitors can witness the mash tuns, copper kettles, and cooling vessels that have been in use for generations. The magic truly happens in the aging cellars, where lambic matures in large oak barrels for years, developing its intricate flavor profile. This slow, natural maturation is key to the final product's depth and character. The brewery's commitment to tradition means they produce Gueuze (a blend of young and old lambics), Kriek (with cherries), and Framboise (with raspberries), all showcasing the pure essence of spontaneous fermentation.
Experiencing Cantillon is more than just a tasting; it's an education in Belgian beer history and a testament to the dedication required to maintain such a traditional brewery. The self-guided tour allows you to wander at your own pace, observing the intricate details of the brewing process, while the tasting sessions provide the reward for your journey.
Navigating Your Cantillon Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers
When it comes to gifts, the consensus is to avoid bringing beer as a gift for the brewers themselves, as it can be perceived as unusual. Instead, focus on enjoying the brewery's offerings and perhaps engaging in conversations with other visitors who might be open to sharing bottles.
Finally, always check the brewery's official website for opening hours before your visit, as they can be irregular and sometimes closed. Weekday visits are generally recommended to avoid the largest crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience.
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