travel tips: belgium beer world, brussels
Ready to explore the liquid gold that defines a nation? Located within the architectural splendour of the Bourse, Belgium Beer World is the must-visit attraction dedicated to Belgium’s UNESCO-recognised beer heritage.
The experience is designed to showcase the incredible diversity and tradition of Belgian beer. You’ll learn the secrets behind Trappist ales, Lambics, and Saisons, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the complex craftsmanship that makes Belgian brewing world-famous.
Journey Through the Pages
history of belgium beer world experience
The history of Belgium Beer World is inextricably linked to the magnificent Bourse (Stock Exchange) building in Brussels, where it is housed. Built in 1873, the Bourse served as a centre of finance until electronic trading rendered it obsolete around 2015. After a decade of planning and a massive, multi-million euro renovation lasting several years, the building was transformed from an exclusive financial temple into a vibrant public space.
The Belgium Beer World experience, officially opening in September 2023, utilises the Bourse's upper floors to offer an immersive, interactive tribute to Belgium’s UNESCO-recognised brewing culture, while the lower levels feature public galleries and the historic Bruxella 1238 archaeological site.
tickets & admission
Visiting the Belgium Beer World in Brussels is a fantastic experience that combines history, interactive exhibits, and, of course, beer tasting! It's highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to guarantee your time slot and secure the best deals.
Ticket prices
Standard adult admission to the Belgium Beer World experience is €19.50, with discounted tickets available for seniors (€17.50), students aged 16–25 (€16.00), and children (ages 12–15 for €12.00, and ages 4–11 for €8.00). This ticket grants access to the full immersive experience, the Bruxella 1238 archaeological site, two mini-tastings during the tour, and one complimentary full glass of beer at the Skybar. (Note: These prices correct at the time of publication - October '25).
inclusions with your admission
- Entry to the Full Interactive Experience: Access to all multi-sensory exhibits on the history and craft of Belgian beer, housed in the beautiful Bourse building.
- Access to Bruxella 1238: You can visit the archaeological site in the basement, which features the remains of a 13th-century Franciscan monastery.
- Tastings: Two small tasting glasses (degustations) during the tour itself & one complimentary full glass (33cl) of beer at the Skybar (Beerlab) on the rooftop, which offers a choice from a large selection of beers and fantastic panoramic views of Brussels.
combo tickets & discounts
To maximise value, consider one of the popular combined tickets that bundle the Beer World experience with other Brussels attractions:
- Belgian Beer World & Atomium: A discounted combination ticket for the beer experience and the iconic Atomium structure.
- Belgian Beer World & Choco-Story: Combines your beer trip with a visit to the Chocolate Museum.
- Other Combos: Tickets are also frequently bundled with the Frietmuseum (Fries Museum) or the Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
considerations prior to admission
- Duration: Plan for approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the full experience, including the tasting at the Skybar.
- Booking: It's best to book directly through the official website or a trusted reseller. The ticket is usually valid for a selected day, and while the time slot selection may be flexible, booking ahead is still highly advised during peak season.
- Tasting Age: While children are permitted entry to the museum, alcohol consumption is strictly for visitors who are 18 years or older. You may need to show valid ID.
plan tastings wisely
The visit culminates in the Sky Bar, which offers spectacular views and a wide selection of beers.
- Pace Yourself: The standard ticket often includes a few tokens for tastings. Don't feel pressured to use them all at once. The bar offers a vast menu of beers available for purchase, so focus your included tokens on unique or rare styles.
- Try the Variety: Don't just stick to the well-known brands. Use this opportunity to sample a Trappist ale, a sour Flemish Red, or a refreshing Saison to truly appreciate the range of Belgian brewing.
- Eat Something: You are in Belgium! Grab some frites or a local snack beforehand, as the high-alcohol content of many Belgian beers requires a solid base.
Interactive experience
The exhibit is less of a traditional museum and more of an interactive journey.
- Engage with the Tech: The displays are designed to be hands-on and personalised. Make sure to touch, listen, and watch the videos and simulators. They do a great job of explaining complex brewing science in a fun way.
- The Smell Stations: Don't skip the stations dedicated to the aromas of beer. These help you recognise the notes of yeast, hops, and malt, which will elevate your tasting experience later.
- Get Your Photo: There are a few clever photo opportunities throughout the exhibit. Take advantage of them for a fun souvenir!
- Multiple Languages: All displays are available in English, French & Dutch.
the bourse building
The Bourse building itself is a stunning piece of architecture that was beautifully renovated for this opening.
- Look Up: As you move through the levels, take a moment to admire the elaborate ceilings and original 19th-century detailing of the old Stock Exchange.
- Visit the Archaeology Site: The ground floor (or basement, depending on access) often features the ruins of an old Franciscan convent found beneath the Bourse. It’s a quiet contrast to the vibrant beer experience upstairs.
accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The entire Belgian Beer World experience is fully wheelchair accessible, including all exhibition floors, which is a major benefit of the recent, multi-million euro renovation of the historic building.
- Accessible Toilets: Adapted restroom facilities for visitors with disabilities are available within the venue.
- Assistance Dogs: Guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome throughout the premises.
- Cognitive Accessibility: The experience is noted to have measures for intellectual and cognitive accessibility, suggesting the interactive exhibits are designed to be engaging and easy to navigate for a wide audience.
- Sensory Accessibility: The venue also offers facilities and features tailored for visitors who are blind/visually impaired or deaf/hearing impaired, such as sound amplifying equipment.
Last Updated: 24 October '25