Gare Maritime
A monumental architectural gem blending industrial past with modern vibrancy, featuring a food market, shops, and events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & markets
Gare Maritime
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & markets

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental architectural gem blending industrial past with modern vibrancy, featuring a food market, shops, and events.
"An amazing place where you can appreciate the view of land and sea."
📸 Capture the Light
The interplay of light through the glass and wood structures is incredible. Visit during the day for the best shots.
🍽️ Foodie Exploration
Don't miss the culinary offerings, especially at Correspondance for a refined dining experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Grandeur
Main Hall
A breathtaking fusion of wood, glass, and steel, showcasing its industrial past and modern renovation.
Culinary Delights
Correspondance Brasserie
Experience redefined Belgian cuisine with global influences from a two-star chef.

Vibrant Event Space
Various Halls
From design markets to art fairs, the Gare Maritime is a dynamic venue for diverse cultural happenings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Architecture
Check Event Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Light
The interplay of light through the glass and wood structures is incredible. Visit during the day for the best shots.
🍽️ Foodie Exploration
Don't miss the culinary offerings, especially at Correspondance for a refined dining experience.
📅 Check Event Listings
The Gare Maritime hosts various markets and fairs; check schedules to align your visit with exciting events.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Beyond the main hall, discover shops, offices, and green spaces within the expansive complex.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Light
The interplay of light through the glass and wood structures is incredible. Visit during the day for the best shots.
🍽️ Foodie Exploration
Don't miss the culinary offerings, especially at Correspondance for a refined dining experience.
📅 Check Event Listings
The Gare Maritime hosts various markets and fairs; check schedules to align your visit with exciting events.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Beyond the main hall, discover shops, offices, and green spaces within the expansive complex.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Gare Maritime's breathtaking architecture, a stunning blend of industrial heritage and modern design. The vibrant food market and upscale dining options are frequently praised, offering a diverse culinary experience. While generally well-received, some visitors note that specific events can lead to higher crowd levels.
"Grate place and location. You can leave your bags here and then walk and fetch it later. Next time ill go on a boat tour."
Devon Singh
"Awesome! An amazing place where you can appreciate the view of land and sea. Gives a vantage point too, to have a panorama of the city's centre.
As a Filmmaker, one of my goals in the near future is to make a movie here!
We had the Trace Party here, during Miptv and it was simply breath-taking.
Trust me, I will be back!
We ordered mostly drinks during the party, and let's just say we had a great time."
stanlee ohikhuare
"Easy access w/the bus and other nice views"
Gemma Calapes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gare Maritime is easily accessible by public transport. Several bus lines stop nearby, and it's a short walk from tram and metro stations.
It's located within the Tour & Taxis site.While the area around Gare Maritime, part of Molenbeek, has had safety concerns in the past, it's generally considered safe, especially during the day and for events.
Many visitors find it a vibrant and accessible location.The Gare Maritime itself, as a public space and architectural site, is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific venues within it, like shops and restaurants, have their own operating times. It's best to check the specific venue's hours.
Yes, there is parking available at the Tour & Taxis site. It's advisable to check the Tour & Taxis website for current parking rates and availability.
Some reviews mention the ability to leave bags at Gare Maritime, suggesting there might be luggage storage facilities. This is useful if you're exploring before heading to a boat tour or other activities. [^Review]
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main architectural space of Gare Maritime is generally free. However, specific events, exhibitions, or venues within the Gare Maritime may require tickets.
The food market at Gare Maritime is typically free to enter. You only pay for the food and drinks you purchase.
Ticket prices for events vary greatly depending on the event. For example, the Brussels Design Market has an entrance fee, while some art fairs might be free or have a nominal charge.
For most ticketed events, online booking is usually available through the event organizer's website or ticketing platforms. It's recommended to check the specific event details.
As a renovated modern space, Gare Maritime is generally designed to be accessible. However, it's always a good idea to contact the venue or event organizer directly if you have specific accessibility needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Gare Maritime offers a diverse culinary scene, including a food market with various vendors and the upscale Correspondance brasserie, which redefines Belgian cuisine with global twists.
The food market typically features a wide array of vendors, so you're likely to find vegetarian and vegan options. The Correspondance brasserie may also offer plant-based dishes.
Dining options range from casual and affordable at the food market to more upscale and expensive at the Correspondance brasserie.
Yes, there are several places to enjoy drinks, from casual bars within the food market to more sophisticated options at the brasserie. [^Review]
With its stunning architecture and excellent dining options like Correspondance, Gare Maritime can be a very romantic and impressive spot for a date night.
📸 📸 Photography
The main hall, with its impressive wooden beams and glass roof, offers fantastic photographic opportunities. Look for the interplay of light and shadow.
Yes, general photography for personal use is typically allowed inside Gare Maritime. However, professional shoots or commercial photography might require special permission.
Daytime, especially when the sun is filtering through the glass roof, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos.
Keep an eye out for the integrated vegetation and the modern design elements that contrast with the historic structure. There are also photobooths located nearby.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around public buildings. It's highly unlikely that drone photography is permitted inside or directly above Gare Maritime without explicit authorization.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds within the Gare Maritime itself, the surrounding Tour & Taxis area often has open spaces. It's a great place for a family outing, especially if there's a market or event happening that might capture children's interest.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Look out for free events or exhibitions that are sometimes held here, which can provide entertainment at no cost. While some dining options are upscale, the market and the general ambiance make it an accessible destination for budget-conscious travelers. [^Review]
couples
The impressive setting provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, and the variety of food and drink options allows for a relaxed and enjoyable date. [^Review]
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Masterpiece of Industrial Heritage
The sheer scale of the building is impressive, evoking its historical significance as a major transport hub. Today, it seamlessly blends its industrial past with contemporary uses, housing a vibrant food market, diverse retail outlets, and modern office spaces. This adaptive reuse project has revitalized the area and made the Gare Maritime a significant landmark in Brussels.
Visitors can appreciate the intricate details of the original construction while enjoying the modern amenities. The integration of vegetation within the space adds a unique touch, softening the industrial aesthetic and creating a more pleasant atmosphere. It’s a place where history and modernity coexist beautifully.
Culinary Experiences at Gare Maritime
For a more refined dining experience, Correspondance stands out. This brasserie, helmed by a two-star chef, offers a sophisticated take on Belgian cuisine, infused with global influences. Dishes like Mechelse koekoek with gochujang mousse and Gentse waterzooi with yuzu showcase the innovative approach to classic flavors.
Whether you're seeking a quick bite or a memorable meal, Gare Maritime provides options to satisfy various tastes and budgets. The combination of the bustling food market and the elegant brasserie ensures a rich culinary journey for all visitors.
Events and Activities
For instance, it has hosted the Brussels Design Market, one of Europe's largest design markets, attracting vintage enthusiasts and collectors from afar. It also serves as a venue for art exhibitions, such as the International Drawing Fair. These events transform the space, adding a dynamic layer to its already impressive character.
Beyond specific events, the Gare Maritime is a destination in itself, offering a unique atmosphere for shopping, dining, and simply exploring. Its adaptability ensures that there's often something new and exciting happening, making it a must-visit for those looking for vibrant experiences in Brussels.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit