After a long day at work, what could be better than an original and friendly place to unwind? If you’re looking for an after-work spot in Brussels that’s different from traditional bars, head to Gare Maritime at Tour & Taxis. This former freight station converted into a food market hall is becoming Brussels’ most original after-work idea, thanks to its spectacular setting, gourmet food market, central bar (Victoria Bar) and lively evenings. Let us take you to discover this new HQ for Brussels workers looking for an unusual place to go out after work, where they can have a drink, snack and party in a friendly atmosphere.
A central and unusual place to unwind after work
Gare Maritime is first and foremost an iconic part of Brussels’ industrial heritage. This huge 4-hectare shed dating from the early 20th century has been completely renovated into a modern and warm space. Upon entering, you’re immediately struck by the monumental nave with its metal and wooden structures, bathed in natural light. The place looks like a “covered city” with its walkways lined with interior gardens and tall trees, as if the nearby park had invited itself inside. In short, Gare Maritime offers an unusual setting where heritage and modernity blend together: the perfect change of scenery to forget about the office for an evening.
Centrally located and easily accessible, the Tour & Taxis site is just a stone’s throw from downtown, along the canal. It’s served by numerous public transport options and close to business districts. You can get there by metro (Yser or Ribaucourt station, 8-10 minutes on foot) or by train via nearby Brussels-North station (10 minutes’ walk). Several bus lines (14, 20, 57, 88…) also stop right at the entrance. For those coming by car, no stress: two underground car parks are open 24/7 on site, one with 680 spaces, so you don’t have to drive around for hours looking for parking. In short, Gare Maritime is a central and practical location – a real plus when organizing after-work drinks with colleagues scattered all over Brussels.
Food Market and Victoria Bar: the perfect gourmet combination for a successful after-work
Going to Gare Maritime for after-work drinks means enjoying a unique gourmet experience in Brussels. The vast hall houses an innovative Food Market bringing together ten restaurants and stalls run by renowned chefs. You’ll find an impressive variety of cuisines: from reinvented Belgian gastronomy to world flavors (Italian, Asian, street-food, vegetarian options, etc.), including North Sea specialties and gourmet burgers. This unprecedented concept, launched in late 2021, highlights the richness of Belgian gastronomy while expanding our culinary horizons. Each stall offers quality dishes prepared by experienced chefs – some starred or known for their creativity. In short, you can snack on some tapas to share or enjoy a full meal, depending on how hungry you are. It’s the perfect place for those who get peckish early in the evening.
At the heart of this gourmet hall stands the Victoria Bar, the true centerpiece of Gare Maritime. This large central bar offers a “unique experience” in the words of the organizers. Here you can order from a wide selection of 100% Belgian drinks – beers of course, but also wines, cocktails and local soft drinks to toast with colleagues. Open continuously all day until late evening, the Victoria Bar is the essential meeting point to start the evening or take a break between tastings. Its name pays homage to Belgium’s rich brewing culture (remember that the venue is operated by AB InBev, the national brewing giant). With 10 street food stalls and a central bar in an iconic location, Gare Maritime Food Market truly has “something for everyone”. Whether you come as a couple for an intimate drink or in a group to celebrate the end of the week, you’ll find what you’re looking for in a relaxed atmosphere.
Thursday or Friday? Two after-work atmospheres to choose from
From 6pm every Thursday, Gare Maritime transforms into a friendly dancefloor to kick off the weekend. A live DJ set provides the musical backdrop for your after-work drinks. Imagine sipping a cocktail or craft beer under the huge glass roof while a DJ plays chill, funk or electro tunes in the background. The atmosphere is relaxed and gently festive: you chat with colleagues while letting the music carry you away. This Thursday after-work attracts an eclectic crowd – young professionals from the European quarter, downtown creatives, curious expats – all delighted to meet in this extraordinary place rather than the usual neighborhood bar. The formula is so successful that the local press has dubbed it “the most relaxed after-work” in the capital (sosoir.lesoir.be). Typically, the DJ set lasts until around 9pm, but nothing stops you from continuing the evening afterwards, as the kitchens and bar remain open a little later for dinner or another drink.
Friday evening: happy hour and chill vibes
What better way to celebrate the end of the week than with a good happy hour? Every Friday, the Victoria Bar offers special prices between 5pm and 7pm. This is the quintessential Friday after-work: you arrive straight from the office, perhaps with your tie slightly loosened or blazer still on your shoulders, and enjoy discounted drinks. Spritz, gin and tonic, or special draft beers – choose your tipple to toast the past week. The Friday atmosphere at Gare Maritime is relaxed and friendly: less festive than Thursday, more laid-back, perfect for debriefing quietly with colleagues or meeting up with friends in an unusual setting. The huge covered hall is a real refuge, especially in winter or when it’s raining. You settle around the large wooden tables, share some platters or dishes from the food market, and enjoy this moment of togetherness. The atmosphere is lively enough to feel the excitement of the weekend starting, while remaining relaxed. And if you still have energy, nothing stops you from continuing the evening elsewhere in Brussels after this successful warm-up.
Thursday or Friday, Gare Maritime adapts to your mood. Midweek, Thursday evening offers an energy boost with music and a more festive atmosphere – ideal for getting a head start on your weekend. Friday is the chance to really unwind with happy hour deals and a cozy setting where you can party or simply relax. Of course, Gare Maritime is open other days too (generally Wednesday to Sunday), but it’s really these two flagship evenings that have made it an essential after-work spot in Brussels. Note that on Friday evenings the crowd can be sizable, given its success: the space is large, but if you’re in a very big group and want seats together, try to arrive relatively early. Fortunately, thanks to the size of the hall, you never feel cramped – even when busy, the place remains pleasant because it’s spacious and well laid out.
Comfort, space and warm atmosphere: a stress-free after-work
One of Gare Maritime’s major assets for after-work drinks is that you don’t have to worry about the weather. And in Brussels, let’s admit that’s precious! Here, everything happens indoors under this huge covered structure, but without feeling stuffy thanks to the high ceilings and skylights. No more canceled drinks because of rain or freezing winter terraces: you can enjoy your aperitif in warmth and shelter from wind and rain, while almost feeling like you’re outside thanks to the trees and natural light. In summer, the hall stays pleasantly cool with large doors that can open to the outside, and in winter it’s perfectly temperate – the building being ultra-modern with geothermal heating and top-notch insulation. In short, comfort is guaranteed year-round.
Moreover, the very layout of the space makes it very convivial and group-friendly. Large high or low tables allow teams to settle in, there are also cozier corners with armchairs, and even standing you don’t block the wide aisles. During after-work events, you’ll notice a truly relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere: people easily mingle around shared tables, striking up conversations with neighbors about food stalls or the DJ’s music. The spirit of the place is friendly and inclusive, far from the stuffiness of some traditional after-work bars. “Friendliness and simplicity are the order of the day. People happily mix around large tables,” as one blogger described during an event at Gare Maritime (bruxelles-by-lulu.be). It’s therefore perfect for impromptu team building or meeting new people after work. The generous volumes of the hall mean that even when the event is in full swing, you can chat without shouting (the acoustics are surprisingly good, helped by the wood) and move around easily to order another drink or try a new food stall.
Finally, the place is versatile: if some in your group just want a drink while others prefer dinner, everyone finds what they’re looking for without having to change locations. No need to reserve a table in advance or stick to formal table service: the food market spirit lets everyone manage their after-work at their own pace. You can very well start by toasting around the bar, then go explore the food stalls, come back to the central area to enjoy your finds together, and end the evening strolling through the hall with a final drink in hand. Freedom, conviviality and quality sum up the experience. No wonder that since its opening, Gare Maritime Food Market has been a huge success with thousands of visitors each month and more and more events being organized on site.
Ready for your next after-work at Gare Maritime?
In conclusion, Gare Maritime at Tour & Taxis has quickly established itself as Brussels’ new essential after-work spot. Central, easily accessible, covered and monumental, it offers a rare mix of conviviality and originality. You come here to have a drink after work in an extraordinary setting, and you stay for the warm atmosphere, good music, culinary diversity and comfortable space. Whether you’re looking for where to have a drink at Tour & Taxis, an original after-work idea in Brussels for a change, or simply a nice place to meet up with colleagues at the end of the week, you won’t be disappointed. Gare Maritime truly has everything to please: a happy hour that’s easy on the wallet, DJ sets that get you in the mood, gourmet stalls for a culinary journey, all in a location full of history and character.
Next time the clock strikes 6pm and you feel like unwinding, think of this monumental hall where culture, gastronomy and partying meet. After-work in Brussels? Gare Maritime, of course! Don’t hesitate to bring your colleagues, your friends, even your boss – the place always makes an impression and guarantees good times. And who knows, you too might make Gare Maritime your new Thursday or Friday evening ritual. So, shall we meet there to toast the end of the day? Cheers and happy after-work!
