Brussels/Amsterdam/Cologne 5/25-6/5

[thickfreakness]

Instead of Vietnam this summer, I set up a trip to Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne. 4 days in each city.

I've been to Antwerp and the Kulminator before, so I wanted to go to Brussels so I could check out Drie Fonteinen and Cantillon, which are both nearby. The two friends I'm going with aren't as into beer as me, especially not sours, so those two are my must hits, but I'll try for Boon, De Cam or others if I can.

I've already done the thing in Amsterdam and didn't see any of the sights, so this time I want to actually see the city and possibly check out the beer scene.

Cologne just seemed like a cool choice. Home of the kolsch, which is one of my favorite summer styles, and it has an amazing cathedral.

So any recommendations for these three cities? Looking for anything really: beer, food, sights, etc.


 

[ender]

do not miss the torture museum... (amsterdam)
http://www.torturemuseum.com/content.html
they have a private collection stolen from the spanish inquistion, dunno if that'll be available for viewing.

eat at least 2 hours before you go... and if you go later in the evening and on the weekends, there may be some hanging shows and other piercing related events. (
this in my opinion is something not to be missed.

[thickfreakness]

do not miss the torture museum... (amsterdam)
http://www.torturemuseum.com/content.html

eat at least 2 hours before you go... and if you go later in the evening and on the weekends, there may be some hanging shows and other piercing related events.
this in my opinion is something not to be missed.

I'm pretty squeamish. Not sure if I could handle some of that. 

[ender]

do not miss the torture museum... (amsterdam)
http://www.torturemuseum.com/content.html

eat at least 2 hours before you go... and if you go later in the evening and on the weekends, there may be some hanging shows and other piercing related events.
this in my opinion is something not to be missed.

I'm pretty squeamish. Not sure if I could handle some of that. 

once in a lifetime stop...

[emerge]

i'm jealous dammit

there's a good new Brussels book, Around Brussels in 80 Beers... good focus on where to find traditional lambic in the city.

[decoman]

no advice for you,but have one hell of a good time! 

[mr. furley]

if you're in to comics, Brussels has a comic museum. 

Amsterdam is beautiful but small.. 4 days might be 1 too many there. i can't speak to specific recommendations necessarily as i don't recall a ton that we did there

i remember being bummed by Brussels but i wasn't in to beer then and we didn't really plan it out before arriving.

[Pols]

if you're in to comics, Brussels has a comic museum. 

Amsterdam is beautiful but small.. 4 days might be 1 too many there. i can't speak to specific recommendations necessarily as i don't recall a ton that we did there

i remember being bummed by Brussels but i wasn't in to beer then and we didn't really plan it out before arriving.

Did he look like this guy?

[EskimoDave]

do not miss the torture museum... (amsterdam)
http://www.torturemuseum.com/content.html

eat at least 2 hours before you go... and if you go later in the evening and on the weekends, there may be some hanging shows and other piercing related events.
this in my opinion is something not to be missed.

I'm pretty squeamish. Not sure if I could handle some of that. 

There is also a sex museum.

[mr. furley]

if you're in to comics, Brussels has a comic museum. 

Amsterdam is beautiful but small.. 4 days might be 1 too many there. i can't speak to specific recommendations necessarily as i don't recall a ton that we did there

i remember being bummed by Brussels but i wasn't in to beer then and we didn't really plan it out before arriving.

Did he look like this guy?

[Pols]

if you're in to comics, Brussels has a comic museum. 

Amsterdam is beautiful but small.. 4 days might be 1 too many there. i can't speak to specific recommendations necessarily as i don't recall a ton that we did there

i remember being bummed by Brussels but i wasn't in to beer then and we didn't really plan it out before arriving.

Did he look like this guy?

the Muscles from Brussels. 

[Dr. Rockzo]

weeeeeed

[thickfreakness]

weeeeeed

It's a possibility.

[Dr. Rockzo]

weeeeeed

It's a possibility.

Not saying you should revolve your trip around it or anything, but to go to amsterdam and not toke up a few times on the amazing chronic is a goddamned travesty

[thickfreakness]

weeeeeed

It's a possibility.

Not saying you should revolve your trip around it or anything, but to go to amsterdam and not toke up a few times on the amazing chronic is a goddamned travesty

I've been before.

[Dr. Rockzo]

weeeeeed

It's a possibility.

Not saying you should revolve your trip around it or anything, but to go to amsterdam and not toke up a few times on the amazing chronic is a goddamned travesty

I've been before.

Then you should already know some good places to go for that

[urbanhack]

I totally recommend grabbing beer, wine, cheese, food, snacks, a blanket, frisbee and whatever else you need for a picnic and camping out in Vondelpark for an afternoon.







If reincarnation is real, I want to come back as a duck or a squirrel and live in Vondelpark.

[thickfreakness]

That looks awesome. Exactly the kind of recommendation I was looking for.

I'm thinking that I might add a single day stop in Antwerp between Brussels and Amsterdam and spend one less day in Cologne. I'm just not sure I'll know what to do for 3.5 days in Cologne and I also want to go back to The Kulminator.  I'm open to recommendations for other cities in that region too! It will probably be a one day stop.

[urbanhack]

Bruges?? 

[Steve Tasker]

Sounds pretty awesome

[mr. furley]

If reincarnation is real, I want to come back as a duck or a squirrel and live in Vondelpark.

we stayed at a hostel right near there. very cool place.

[mr. furley]

Bruges?? 

in fucking Bruges??

[urbanhack]

http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/10/amsterdams-old-days-in-photos/

[wolffman]

Maybe I missed it somewhere else, but give us the scoop on the trip! 

[thickfreakness]

Maybe I missed it somewhere else, but give us the scoop on the trip! 

I need to do a write up soon. I posted a couple hundred pics on Facebook. I'm starting to study for my last CPA exam today though so I'll be pretty busy for the next three weeks.

[Swabs]

:blogit:

[dill]

Funny I'm getting ready to make the same trip... fly in to Amsterdam, head to Brussels, then cologne, and fly out of Frankfurt. Have about a week for the trip before i end up in dusseldorf for a wedding. Can you pass along any thoughts based on your trip there?

[thickfreakness]

Funny I'm getting ready to make the same trip... fly in to Amsterdam, head to Brussels, then cologne, and fly out of Frankfurt. Have about a week for the trip before i end up in dusseldorf for a wedding. Can you pass along any thoughts based on your trip there?

I think all of the drugs and stuff are now illegal for foreigners in Amsterdam, but it is still an amazing city. Lots of fun stuff to do and it's great to just rent a bike and ride all around town. The museums are awesome and the main beer bars and stores are all really cool. Don't miss riding a bike around the Vondelpark.

Brussels is Brussels. Good food. Great beer. Totally worth the time to go out to the countryside and check out De Heeren Van Liedekercke and Drie Fonteinen.

The cathedral in Koln is probably the single most impressive piece of architecture that I've ever encountered in person. Just stunning. Drink Pfaffgen kolsch by the liter and eat lots of schweinhaxe and hemel und arde.

[thebestever]

Funny I'm getting ready to make the same trip... fly in to Amsterdam, head to Brussels, then cologne, and fly out of Frankfurt. Have about a week for the trip before i end up in dusseldorf for a wedding. Can you pass along any thoughts based on your trip there?

I think all of the drugs and stuff are now illegal for foreigners in Amsterdam, but it is still an amazing city. Lots of fun stuff to do and it's great to just rent a bike and ride all around town. The museums are awesome and the main beer bars and stores are all really cool. Don't miss riding a bike around the Vondelpark.

Brussels is Brussels. Good food. Great beer. Totally worth the time to go out to the countryside and check out De Heeren Van Liedekercke and Drie Fonteinen.

The cathedral in Koln is probably the single most impressive piece of architecture that I've ever encountered in person. Just stunning. Drink Pfaffgen kolsch by the liter and eat lots of schweinhaxe and hemel und arde.

i don't think that this is enforced yet.


also, i would totally recommend going to bruges as well as brussels.  i actually enjoy bruges more!

[thickfreakness]

Funny I'm getting ready to make the same trip... fly in to Amsterdam, head to Brussels, then cologne, and fly out of Frankfurt. Have about a week for the trip before i end up in dusseldorf for a wedding. Can you pass along any thoughts based on your trip there?

I think all of the drugs and stuff are now illegal for foreigners in Amsterdam, but it is still an amazing city. Lots of fun stuff to do and it's great to just rent a bike and ride all around town. The museums are awesome and the main beer bars and stores are all really cool. Don't miss riding a bike around the Vondelpark.

Brussels is Brussels. Good food. Great beer. Totally worth the time to go out to the countryside and check out De Heeren Van Liedekercke and Drie Fonteinen.

The cathedral in Koln is probably the single most impressive piece of architecture that I've ever encountered in person. Just stunning. Drink Pfaffgen kolsch by the liter and eat lots of schweinhaxe and hemel und arde.

i don't think that this is enforced yet.


also, i would totally recommend going to bruges as well as brussels.  i actually enjoy bruges more!

Word. I don't partake here in the states very often anymore, but I can say that I enjoyed myself very much while there. More than I'd ever done before in a 4 day span by a longshot.

[thebestever]

Funny I'm getting ready to make the same trip... fly in to Amsterdam, head to Brussels, then cologne, and fly out of Frankfurt. Have about a week for the trip before i end up in dusseldorf for a wedding. Can you pass along any thoughts based on your trip there?

I think all of the drugs and stuff are now illegal for foreigners in Amsterdam, but it is still an amazing city. Lots of fun stuff to do and it's great to just rent a bike and ride all around town. The museums are awesome and the main beer bars and stores are all really cool. Don't miss riding a bike around the Vondelpark.

Brussels is Brussels. Good food. Great beer. Totally worth the time to go out to the countryside and check out De Heeren Van Liedekercke and Drie Fonteinen.

The cathedral in Koln is probably the single most impressive piece of architecture that I've ever encountered in person. Just stunning. Drink Pfaffgen kolsch by the liter and eat lots of schweinhaxe and hemel und arde.

i don't think that this is enforced yet.


also, i would totally recommend going to bruges as well as brussels.  i actually enjoy bruges more!

Word. I don't partake here in the states very often anymore, but I can say that I enjoyed myself very much while there. More than I'd ever done before in a 4 day span by a longshot.

the boy would have definitely said something, that's why i don't think it's enforced yet.... becuase it's our first stop on our honeymoon! 

and yes, good times all around.   

[dill]

Funny I'm getting ready to make the same trip... fly in to Amsterdam, head to Brussels, then cologne, and fly out of Frankfurt. Have about a week for the trip before i end up in dusseldorf for a wedding. Can you pass along any thoughts based on your trip there?

I think all of the drugs and stuff are now illegal for foreigners in Amsterdam, but it is still an amazing city. Lots of fun stuff to do and it's great to just rent a bike and ride all around town. The museums are awesome and the main beer bars and stores are all really cool. Don't miss riding a bike around the Vondelpark.

Brussels is Brussels. Good food. Great beer. Totally worth the time to go out to the countryside and check out De Heeren Van Liedekercke and Drie Fonteinen.

The cathedral in Koln is probably the single most impressive piece of architecture that I've ever encountered in person. Just stunning. Drink Pfaffgen kolsch by the liter and eat lots of schweinhaxe and hemel und arde.

Frankly I'm surprised they even allow fights between Singapore and Amsterdam. 

Where else did you make it to in Belgium? I know it's rather small and easy to get around. I won't have a lot of time but am definitely willing to tour around the country a bit.

[thickfreakness]

Funny I'm getting ready to make the same trip... fly in to Amsterdam, head to Brussels, then cologne, and fly out of Frankfurt. Have about a week for the trip before i end up in dusseldorf for a wedding. Can you pass along any thoughts based on your trip there?

I think all of the drugs and stuff are now illegal for foreigners in Amsterdam, but it is still an amazing city. Lots of fun stuff to do and it's great to just rent a bike and ride all around town. The museums are awesome and the main beer bars and stores are all really cool. Don't miss riding a bike around the Vondelpark.

Brussels is Brussels. Good food. Great beer. Totally worth the time to go out to the countryside and check out De Heeren Van Liedekercke and Drie Fonteinen.

The cathedral in Koln is probably the single most impressive piece of architecture that I've ever encountered in person. Just stunning. Drink Pfaffgen kolsch by the liter and eat lots of schweinhaxe and hemel und arde.

Frankly I'm surprised they even allow fights between Singapore and Amsterdam. 

Where else did you make it to in Belgium? I know it's rather small and easy to get around. I won't have a lot of time but am definitely willing to tour around the country a bit.

I went to Antwerp when I was 20 and didn't know much about beer. Cool city and a lot of fun.

 Just make it out to 3F and De Heeren in the countryside and you're set. Make sure to check their hours. They occasionally close for no reason.

[wolffman]

Funny I'm getting ready to make the same trip... fly in to Amsterdam, head to Brussels, then cologne, and fly out of Frankfurt. Have about a week for the trip before i end up in dusseldorf for a wedding. Can you pass along any thoughts based on your trip there?

I think all of the drugs and stuff are now illegal for foreigners in Amsterdam, but it is still an amazing city. Lots of fun stuff to do and it's great to just rent a bike and ride all around town. The museums are awesome and the main beer bars and stores are all really cool. Don't miss riding a bike around the Vondelpark.

Brussels is Brussels. Good food. Great beer. Totally worth the time to go out to the countryside and check out De Heeren Van Liedekercke and Drie Fonteinen.

The cathedral in Koln is probably the single most impressive piece of architecture that I've ever encountered in person. Just stunning. Drink Pfaffgen kolsch by the liter and eat lots of schweinhaxe and hemel und arde.

Frankly I'm surprised they even allow fights between Singapore and Amsterdam. 

Where else did you make it to in Belgium? I know it's rather small and easy to get around. I won't have a lot of time but am definitely willing to tour around the country a bit.

I went to Antwerp when I was 20 and didn't know much about beer. Cool city and a lot of fun.

 Just make it out to 3F and De Heeren in the countryside and you're set. Make sure to check their hours. They occasionally close for no reason.

Agreed, De Heeren and 3F are must hits around Brussels. Blown away by the list at De Heeren. Don't forget Cantillon, of course; easy to get to because it's in town. In Antwerp, you must hit Kulminator. Also, Bruges is amazing (despite being relatively tourist heavy) and worth the visit if you've got a day. Had great multiple visits to Staminee de Garre and 't Brugs Beertje there. Beautiful town.

[thebestever]

i will say this again, bruges!!  it's really awesome.  please make sure to go to the brujes bear, i spent days in there.

also, beersel is a short train ride, and you will find oud beersel and a sweet castle, all within walking distance of the train station.  that's all you will do there though.. so it's kind of like an afternoon trip.  but worth it.

[dill]

Thank you all for your input. Leave tomorrow and really looking forward to the trip. Will let you know how it goes.

[Westside Threat]

Thank you all for your input. Leave tomorrow and really looking forward to the trip. Will let you know how it goes.

 

Enjoy!

[dill]

Thank you all for your input. Leave tomorrow and really looking forward to the trip. Will let you know how it goes.

 

Enjoy!

It was a really great trip.  I'll echo everyone's sentiments about De Heeren.  I wasn't a big fan of Brussels as a city, but a trip out to De Heeren was the highlight.  And the Cantillon tour is certainly something to do while in town.  Drie Fonteinen was closed except for the bottle shop.  The restaurant being closed for summer holiday and the brewery won't have tours available until next year it sounded like. 

The real highlight for me was perhaps Ghent.  I have a friend from there who told me I was picking the best time to go as Ghent Fest was on.  It made for a great time as the city was alive all week.  Ghent also makes a nice place to stay as it's a hub among Brussels, Brugges, and Antwerp.  The Charlatan is a great place for a pint as is 't Velootje which has to be seen to be understood.
http://tvelootje.mine.nu/index_en.htm

Also, for a bit of culture, any trip through the area should include a stop at the St Baafs Cathedral to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Van Eyck.  Please don't miss it if you go.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghent_Altarpiece

Brugges was also a great stop.  I made it right before 't Bruges Beertje closed for the summer.  The Kelk was a great place to grab a beer (tried the Moriau gueuze there) as was a big basement bar across the street from a restaurant called Zeno.  Red Rose was a really nice but a bit expensive and Cambrinus was fine but I wouldn't need to go back.

One thing I highly recommend from here is a trip out to De Dolle.  It probably takes about an hour from Brugges.  I went by train to Diksmuide then walked to Esen and the brewery.  Both legs of the trip took a little less than a half hour.  They do one English tour (led by the brewer's mother who is in her mid-nineties) on Sundays at 2pm when they open.  Then you can hang out for the afternoon there.  Definitely one of my favorite breweries to visit.  I'll post some photos from my trip later and will include some from my time there.

Antwerp is a pretty cool town, but I only spent a half a day there.  Oud Arsenal was closed but seemed like a good place to grab a beer.  Then there's Kulminator obviously.  But I really liked 't Antwaerps Bierhuiske when I made it there.  A really good place near the cathedral. 

Then I ended up in Cologne for a few days.  I went to a wedding near there and a lot of time was spent at people's homes.  I had countless liters of kolsch but none were better than those at the original Paffgen location.  I can't recommend a stop there enough.  I had a lot of good beers on the trip and brought back loads of bottles I'm excited to try, but it's beers like that that can only be had at the source that I'll want to return for.  Well that and some nuernberger schweinswuerstchen.

Pics coming soon...

[thickfreakness]

Paffgen kolsch is one of the best beers I've ever had. 

[ender]

Thank you all for your input. Leave tomorrow and really looking forward to the trip. Will let you know how it goes.

 

Enjoy!

It was a really great trip.  I'll echo everyone's sentiments about De Heeren.  I wasn't a big fan of Brussels as a city, but a trip out to De Heeren was the highlight.  And the Cantillon tour is certainly something to do while in town.  Drie Fonteinen was closed except for the bottle shop.  The restaurant being closed for summer holiday and the brewery won't have tours available until next year it sounded like. 

The real highlight for me was perhaps Ghent.  I have a friend from there who told me I was picking the best time to go as Ghent Fest was on.  It made for a great time as the city was alive all week.  Ghent also makes a nice place to stay as it's a hub among Brussels, Brugges, and Antwerp.  The Charlatan is a great place for a pint as is 't Velootje which has to be seen to be understood.
http://tvelootje.mine.nu/index_en.htm

Also, for a bit of culture, any trip through the area should include a stop at the St Baafs Cathedral to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Van Eyck.  Please don't miss it if you go.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghent_Altarpiece

Brugges was also a great stop.  I made it right before 't Bruges Beertje closed for the summer.  The Kelk was a great place to grab a beer (tried the Moriau gueuze there) as was a big basement bar across the street from a restaurant called Zeno.  Red Rose was a really nice but a bit expensive and Cambrinus was fine but I wouldn't need to go back.

One thing I highly recommend from here is a trip out to De Dolle.  It probably takes about an hour from Brugges.  I went by train to Diksmuide then walked to Esen and the brewery.  Both legs of the trip took a little less than a half hour.  They do one English tour (led by the brewer's mother who is in her mid-nineties) on Sundays at 2pm when they open.  Then you can hang out for the afternoon there.  Definitely one of my favorite breweries to visit.  I'll post some photos from my trip later and will include some from my time there.

Antwerp is a pretty cool town, but I only spent a half a day there.  Oud Arsenal was closed but seemed like a good place to grab a beer.  Then there's Kulminator obviously.  But I really liked 't Antwaerps Bierhuiske when I made it there.  A really good place near the cathedral. 

Then I ended up in Cologne for a few days.  I went to a wedding near there and a lot of time was spent at people's homes.  I had countless liters of kolsch but none were better than those at the original Paffgen location.  I can't recommend a stop there enough.  I had a lot of good beers on the trip and brought back loads of bottles I'm excited to try, but it's beers like that that can only be had at the source that I'll want to return for.  Well that and some nuernberger schweinswuerstchen.

Pics coming soon...

copy/paste. thank you dill.

[emerge]

Take any pics at t'Velootje? I've seen some wacky ones

"the bar"

[urbanhack]

Thank you all for your input. Leave tomorrow and really looking forward to the trip. Will let you know how it goes.

 

Enjoy!

Pics coming soon...

update?