I doubt we will have time for both tours, so please help me decide which is a better experience if I had to choose only one -- the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam , or the De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
I've only taken the tour in Bruges, but I really enjoyed it. You tour the old part of the brewery and they talk a lot about the tradition and history of Belgian brewing.
Posted by
Spokane, WA
477 posts
If you are looking for a small brewery tour in Amsterdam then check out the Brouwerij 't ij brewery at Funenkade 7. They are based in a windmill and brew some great beers. They have a free tour on Fridays and Sundays at 4:00 pm. Even if you don't make the tour, it is still worth a visit. Nice samples of beer and plates of local cheese and sausage with outdoor and indoor seating. It is one of our favorite stops.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Heineken Experience isn't really a traditional brewery tour, as nothing is actually made there. It's more of a high-tech museum/mini theme park. I'm not saying don't visit, as it can be fun and harmless. But if you're looking for a family-run traditional old-school brewery, the one in Bruges fits the bill.
Posted by
Clawson, MI, USA
199 posts
I've been to Amsterdam seven times and still haven't been inside the Heineken Experience. Try the Arendsnest on Herengracht for beer. It's not a brewery but the selection is great. If I had to choose I would pick the De Halve Maan.
Posted by
OP
Michigan, USA
162 posts
Thanks for your replys. I will check out the other Amsterdam place.
So, I guess no one really has much to say about the Heineken Experience. Does that mean it is not worth the 15 euro entry -- or does it mean no one has gone to it?
Posted by
OP
Michigan, USA
162 posts
HaHa
Well, it seems like a popular spot to visit in Amsterdam and I am surprised that no one has offered an opinion yet! Still hopeful tho :)
Posted by
Brangwin, Wa, USA
349 posts
I enjoyed the tour, a fun free glass in a can to keep 3 or 4 little glasses of beer as I remember BUT it is in a closed brewery with computers, games, video think Disneyworld well done but not real operating brewery--- go if you have time the rail stop was near.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, United States
873 posts
I have another vote for Brouwerij 't ij in Amsterdam, from my friends who went last summer. Judging by their praises, I plan to visit it myself this fall.
I don't know what kind of beer you prefer, but my friends said their beers are more Belgian style, darker and stronger than something like Heineken.