Stella Artois Brewery

Beer fan? Enjoy a guided tour of this brewery and learn more about Leuven’s most famous beer. Of course, no visit is complete without a tasting!

Everyone under the sun knows that Belgium is THE country for beer. Belgians drink a whopping 68 litres of beer a year, and the country is home to 300+ breweries.

When it comes to beers, Leuven has an impressive record. The multinational brewing company AB InBev is the largest brewing company in the world and has their home right in Leuven. Ever heard of them? They produce Budweiser, Corona and Beck’s, among others. Still, there’s one beer Leuven is specifically known for: Stella Artois.

Leuven locals love their Stella. And it’s not just them! Locals and tourists alike can get all the deets about this beer on a guided tour (Available in English and Dutch).

• First-come, first-serve: you can buy your tickets online or get them at Leuven’s tourist office (Naamsestraat, 3). Make sure to reserve in advance!
• Small steps: a guided tour lasts about 2 hours and starts in a small room before you enter the actual factory. Here you’ll learn more about the history of the company (which was founded in the 1300s). Then, you’ll get to see how the beer is brewed and you’ll learn more about the manufacturing process. Finally, you’ll be shown how the beer is packaged in cans and bottles. On the tour, your guide will answer any beer-fuelled question you have.
• The best part: after you’ve learned the theory, it’s finally time to taste the practice. Some tour guides call this “heaven”: the brewery’s bar, where you’ll have the chance to try some of the most beloved beers in Belgium.