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is Taste the Culture , where I ’ m treated to an introduction to ‘ Belgitude ’ ( the essence of being Belgian , in a loose sense ) and a history of beer . In Zone 2 , Discover Untold Stories , I walk through hops fields and discover the Gruit library . In Zone 3 ’ s Witness the Passion , I test my knowledge against a 13-foot-high , non-gendered , projected brewer ’ s head , who aims to demonstrate the creative thinking behind the Belgian Beer process .
In Zone 4 , Reveal the Processes , mashing and fermentation is explained in an immersive fermentation theatre ; I take part in a six-minute interactive story in a locked room , as if in a fermentation tank , where a projected yeast cell explains how she and her bacteria family work together to give beer its unique taste . In Zone 5 , Explore Your Tastes , I learn about secondary processes and , under the guidance of virtual bartenders , am offered recommendations about which beers to try . Zone 6 is Inspire the World , where I ’ m invited to become a Belgian beer ambassador , before I finish with a beer in the Sky Bar , overlooking the city .
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Grand Place
Beyond the initial challenges Belgian Beer World faced in uniting the country ’ s diverse beer factions — producers from different regions , speaking different languages , brewing a wide array of styles , each with their own commercial interests — the beer museum project now grapples with even more complex issues . These include the post-Covid recovery of the hospitality sector , global energy and supply chain crises affecting beer production , and a declining demand for beer in Belgium , mirroring trends seen worldwide .
But Belgian beer has demonstrated , both in the brewhouse and the boardroom , that its people are pragmatic problemsolvers , skilled at finding compromise when they need to , and shrewd in political manoeuvring . I ’ ve seen this pragmatism in action at l ’ Ermitage and La Fleur en Papier Doré . And in many ways , Belgian Beer World is a perfect symbol of the state of Belgian beer in 2024 . Amid uncertainty , Belgian beer is ready to build a whole new world to experience , whatever happens .
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ESSENTIALS
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When to go : Brussels ’ temperatures are normally warm and pleasant between May and September , but if you don ’ t mind the cold , winter can also be an interesting time to visit as the city lights up for its winter markets . Currency : Euro Language : There are three official languages in Belgium : French , Dutch ( or Flemish ) and German . Brussels is mostly Francophone , but many locals speak English . Getting around : Brussels has
a metro , tram and bus service . Locals often cycle , although self-service e-scooters are becoming more popular for shorter journeys . Taxis and rideshare are also available .
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BOOK IT NOW
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Board the Siren in Antwerp , Belgium , and depart on a 12-day European Grand Dames sailing with Oceania Cruises . Book with our agency to enjoy the services of a Distinctive Voyages Host , a Private Welcome Reception and a complimentary Exclusive Shore Event in Dublin , Ireland . Departs Antwerp , Belgium , on September 22 , 2025 .
CALL US
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To book your trip to Belgium , contact our travel agency .
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image : alamy . Illustration : Lis watkins |
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