Vodoun Arts Festival | Sona Jobarteh
Kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh brings West African blues sounds to the historic Maison De La Poste in Brussels.
Plizio Visual Lab
Tour & Taxis Brussels
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Tour & Taxis is a former large-scale industrial and customs site in Brussels, which today represents one of Europe's most ambitious urban renewal projects. Built around 1900 as a central hub for international trade, it includes monumental buildings such as the Gare Maritime and the Entrepôt Royal. Following the decline of rail and canal freight in the second half of the 20th century, the site was neglected before a comprehensive redevelopment began. Its economic significance today lies in the mix of offices for major organizations, residential housing, and cultural facilities. A milestone was the restoration of the Gare Maritime, which now serves as a fully sustainable wooden building housing offices and retail. The quarter attracts innovative companies and creatives and serves as a model for ecological urban development. The integration of large public park areas has significantly improved the quality of life in northern Brussels and spurred the economic revitalization of the adjacent canal area.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: World of Mind · Perfect Smile · Toys Discovery Museum
- Nearby: Grimbergen (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 61 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 63 | 75 | 79 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Tour & Taxis is a publicly accessible site with shops, restaurants, and event venues. The historic halls can be viewed inside when no private event is taking place.
Typical hours
The site is open daily, but individual shop hours vary. Events have their own schedules, announced on the website.
Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the public areas. During events, special rules may apply, so it's best to ask on-site.
Time needed
A leisurely stroll around the site and halls takes about one to two hours. If you dine at a restaurant, allow extra time.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk along the canal or in the nearby park. The Atomium and the Basilica of Koekelberg are not far away.
Getting there
Tour & Taxis is well accessible by tram line 18 or bus 49. From Brussels-North station, buses run directly to the site.
Insider tip
Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. During Christmas, a popular Christmas market is held here.
Geography
Facts
- Construction of the Entrepôt Royal between 1904 and 1906
- Gare Maritime was once Europe's largest freight station
- Redevelopment of the site began in the early 2000s
- Gare Maritime is now one of the world's largest timber projects
- Houses the headquarters of the Flemish Environment Agency
- Annual venue for the BRAFA art fair
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tour & Taxis Brussels (10)
Toys Discovery Museum🏛 museum
Museum in Brussels, Belgium. Dedicated to toys.
🌐 toys-discovery.museum🕒 We-Su 10:00-18:00; SH Mo,Tu 10:00-18:00
Le Baixu
Theatre under the circus school of Brussels.
Land Relic
Artwork in Brussels, Belgium.
Quai des Matériaux - Materialenkaai🌳 park
Quay in the Tour & Taxis site, Brussels, Belgium.
Pont des Armateurs - Redersbrug
Bridge over the Brussels, Scheldt Maritime Canal.
The K art signatures
Gallery in Brussels, Belgium.
Square du Laekenveld - Laekenveldsquare🌳 park
Square in Brussels, Belgium.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Tour & Taxis?
A former freight station site that is now a cultural and business center.
Is Gare Maritime worth a visit?
Absolutely, it is an award-winning sustainable wooden architecture with a food hall.
Are there events held there?
Yes, trade fairs, flea markets, and festivals like Couleur Café are regularly held here.
How do I get to the site?
By metro line 6 (Ribaucourt station) or by shuttle bus from the North Station.
Is parking expensive?
There is a large underground car park; fees are moderate for Brussels standards.
Tour & Taxis Brussels: where is it located?
Tour & Taxis Brussels is located in Belgium.
Tour & Taxis Brussels: what is there to see?
Highlights include World of Mind, First-rate Smile, Toys Discovery Museum.
Tour & Taxis Brussels: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Tour & Taxis Brussels: why is it worth visiting?
Tour & Taxis is a former large-scale industrial and customs site in Brussels, which today represents one of Europe's most ambitious urban renewal projects.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Belgium →
Nearby cities
Antwerp
Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest city and home to one of the world's largest ports.
Ghent
Ghent is a prominent university city in Flanders featuring a well-preserved medieval center.
Charleroi
Charleroi is the economic hub of Wallonia and a major industrial city.
Namur
The capital of Wallonia sits at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, crowned by one of Europe's largest citadels.
Leuven
Leuven is a dynamic university city east of Brussels, home to the oldest university in the Benelux.
Mons
Mons is a historic city in Wallonia and the cultural center of the Hainaut province.
Aalst
Aalst is a Flemish city on the Dender River, famous for its vibrant carnival.
Mechelen
Mechelen is located in Flanders between Antwerp and Brussels, once serving as the capital of the Netherlands under Margaret of Austria.
La Louvière
La Louvière is an industrial city in the Hainaut province.
Sint-Niklaas
Sint-Niklaas is a Flemish city located between Antwerp and Ghent.
Dendermonde
Dendermonde is located at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers.
Beveren
Beveren is a municipality in the province of East Flanders.
Merksem
Merksem is a vibrant district of Antwerp, known for the Sportpaleis venue and the Bredabaan, blending urban energy with proximity to the …
Lokeren
Lokeren is a Flemish city on the Durme River.
Heist-op-den-berg
Heist-op-den-Berg is a municipality in the Antwerp province, situated on a 48-meter high hill.
