De Koninck Brewery

Antwerp's own brewery — the home of Bolleke beer, with tours and a tasting room

Address Mechelsesteenweg 291, 2018 Antwerpen

The city's own brewery, in continuous operation since 1833 on the same site in the south of the city. De Koninck Antoon, the brewery's signature beer, is the everyday drink of Antwerp and is served in nearly every café in town in its characteristic round "bolleke" glass.

The brewery offers tours in English, Dutch, and French through its modern visitor centre — a self-guided audio tour through the brewing process, ending in a tasting room with three or four samples. Tickets are reasonable and the tour takes about ninety minutes. The brewery shop has cases and gift packs.

bars and cafes sight
A story
Open since 1833, De Koninck makes the city's traditional drink. A 'bolleke' is a specific glass shape — a small round goblet — and ordering one always means a De Koninck. In Antwerp it is as much a piece of civic identity as the Brabo fountain.