Gare Maritime is one of those places that make you feel proud to be living in Brussels. Built in 1907 in the Tour & Taxi site and once Europe's largest railway station for goods, the Gare Maritime has recently undergone full renovation and the result is remarkable!
The historic building consists of three huge hangars with impressive steel roofs. When I first visited the site, the access roads had still to be built, so I walked to one of the side entrances and when the sliding doors opened my surprise was great: everywhere around and above my head, a multitude of wooden panels and stairs combined with steel structures and columns and the indoor gardens with plants and trees running all along the hangars gave off a feel of vegetation. The construction is also entirely energy-neutral and fossil-free. Furthermore, a lot of materials from the original building have been reused, such as paving stones and steel columns.
Gare Maritime is going to host offices, shops, restaurants, cafés, workshops, but it will, first of all, become a new covered neighbourhood where it is nice to go on a stroll and relax along its many green boulevards. It will also be a major venue in Brussels for public events and exhibitions.
I am pretty sure that Gare Maritime will become a reference location in the future. Be among the first ones to discover this fascinating site!
Find your way with 294 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Even though it's a little out of the route for most, Glacier Zizi is definitely worth the detour! Ice cream, waffles, crêpes, smoothies... Your pick!
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Come at any point of the day and have a fresh drink, a burger, salad or chill and let your kids/dogs run in the park while you chat with your friends.
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A simple but still refined style characterizes this café, which at night becomes a warm wine bar with small plates to share.
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Ziever’Art in Anderlecht is a buzzing, volunteer-run hub mixing art, fun, and community. From concerts to kids’ workshops - there’s always something happening!
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I haven't yet been able to identify all the villages/churches marked on the small stone wall but I'm sure I will at some point!
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The Perché rooftop bar is on top of the JAM hotel, which is why not many people wander up here, but it's so worth it! It has a great view and comfy chairs.
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With an extravagant vintage decore, the bar takes its name from Queen Fabiola, a Spanish noblewoman who was a very beloved Queen consort of the Belgians.
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With a cozy interior and a pleasant scent of toasted coffee beans, Caleo offers different options for brunch, from viennoiseries to delicious pancakes.
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The name Nenu comes from the Vietnamese concept of “an nhau”, a style of drinking and eating culture, sharing small and large plates with friends & family.
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The stars of the menu are the homemade fluffy pancakes - an explosion of flavors, which come in different flavors, including a tiramisu and matcha version.
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If you come with a group, I suggest taking the “Moriawase” (Japanese for “assortment”), a larger plate that is easier to share and to try different things.
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294 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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