Antwerp: City Bike Tour with Beer or Chocolate Tasting

Summary

Cycle Antwerp’s lively streets with tastings, stories & local color

You’ll pedal through Antwerp’s old town and buzzing neighborhoods with a local guide who shares stories you won’t find in any brochure. Expect beer or chocolate tastings along the way (your choice), friendly faces from around the world, and small surprises — like secret statues or rain-slicked streets — that make the city stick in your memory.

What’s the experience like?

We started pedaling right near the old town — I could still smell coffee from a café as we set off, wheels humming over cobblestones. Our guide, Tom, waved us down a side street that I’d probably have missed on my own. He pointed out these tiny statues tucked above doorways (I never would’ve noticed), then told us how each one means something different to locals. The air was cool but not cold; I kept my poncho handy just in case — Belgian weather can turn quick, you know?

We cruised past the MAS museum and up toward the north part of Antwerp, with Tom calling out little stories about the port and why everyone seems to ride bikes here (he joked it’s because parking is impossible). At one point we stopped for a beer tasting — well, some folks went for chocolate instead. I tried to pronounce “bolleke” like he did and got it totally wrong; Tom laughed and said my accent was “charmingly foreign.” There were people from all over in our group, swapping tips about which bar to try later or where to find fries that aren’t tourist traps.

The city felt different from a bike — closer somehow. I remember passing a bakery where the smell of fresh bread mixed with rain on the pavement. Someone’s dog barked at us from a balcony. We covered more ground than I expected: south district, little hidden squares, even a mural I’d seen on Instagram but didn’t realize was so big in real life. My hands got a bit cold gripping the handlebars but honestly, it just made the hot chocolate at our last stop taste better.

I keep thinking about how easy it was to chat with everyone — Tom knew half the people we passed by name, or at least it felt like it. There was this sense of being let into someone else’s version of Antwerp for an afternoon. Not everything was perfect (my basket rattled until Tom fixed it mid-ride), but maybe that’s what made it feel real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Antwerp's main districts by bike

• Visit old town of Antwerp
• Cycle through MAS and northern part
• Explore south district
• Discover additional city highlights

Top questions

How long is the Antwerp Bike Tour?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several districts including old town and northern Antwerp.

Is beer or chocolate tasting included in the tour?

Yes, depending on your selected option you’ll enjoy either a beer or chocolate tasting during the tour.

Are bikes provided for the Antwerp Bike Tour?

Yes, well-maintained bicycles are included for all participants.

Is there a local guide on this tour?

Yes, every group is led by an experienced local guide who shares stories and insights along the way.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

Ponchos are provided depending on weather conditions so you can stay comfortable if it rains.

Are there options for infants or young children?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with young children.

Can service animals join the bike tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What language is spoken during public tours?

The primary language is English due to international groups; Dutch/Flemish may be used if all guests speak it.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a comfortable bike with basket and lock, guidance from a knowledgeable local guide through Antwerp’s neighborhoods, plus either a beer or chocolate tasting depending on your preference. Ponchos are available if needed for rainy weather, and specialized infant seats can be arranged for families.