Reine-Verte Park

Reine-Verte Park is a small but surprisingly scenic pocket park in the municipality of Schaerbeek (Schaarbeek) in Brussels, tucked inside a city block between Rue Verte and Rue des Palais. Covering a little over 5,000 m², it ranks among the more compact green spaces in the Brussels-Capital Region, yet it stands out thanks to its terraced layout, which visually expands the space and offers an unexpected perspective on the dense urban surroundings.

Where does the name come from and what's the history?

The park was created on the grounds of the former gardens belonging to the old RTT palace on Rue des Palais and opened to the public in June 2007. Its design is the work of landscape architect Erik Dhont, working alongside Philippe Serck, who transformed a neglected, formerly monastic garden into a multifunctional green space linking two streets through the middle of a built-up block. The project formed part of the broader Brabant-Vert neighbourhood revitalisation programme, aimed at bringing more greenery into the densely built, historically industrial areas of Schaerbeek.

What is there to see and do?

Despite its modest size, the park packs in a fair amount for such an intimate setting. Its pronounced elevation change — the park unfolds across a series of terraces — creates a striking sense of depth and, from the upper level, delivers a view many visitors describe as unexpectedly rewarding for such an unassuming spot: a panorama stretching all the way to the Atomium and the church tower of Laeken. That kind of long-distance sightline is rare in this part of the city, where dense building typically limits views to the nearest street.

The park also features a water element, adding a sensory and acoustic layer that helps mute the surrounding urban noise. For younger visitors there is a sandbox and a climbing structure, while older children can make use of a multipurpose field suited to various group games. Since January 2010, a small refreshment pavilion called Cannelle has operated on site, giving visitors a place to pause for a coffee or a snack mid-walk.

How to get there, and who is it for?

Two entrances lead into the park: one at 126 Rue Verte, the other at 42 Rue des Palais — meaning it can double as a shortcut between the two streets, a practical detail many Schaerbeek residents use as part of their daily route rather than as a destination in itself. That gives Reine-Verte Park a dual role: a place to relax and a quiet pedestrian passage through the interior of the block.

Reine-Verte Park works best for visitors seeking a low-key, off-the-beaten-path corner of Brussels — families with children who appreciate a playground in an enclosed, safe setting, local residents looking for a brief escape from city noise, and fans of unusual viewpoints that don't require climbing a tower or a hill yet still deliver a panorama of distant city landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, like most public parks in Brussels, Reine-Verte is open to everyone and free of charge.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the park has a sandbox, a climbing structure, and a multipurpose field for older kids.

Can you get food or drinks there? Yes, the Cannelle refreshment pavilion operates on site.

Is the park large? No — it's a small, intimate space of just over 5,000 m², though its terraced design makes it feel more spacious than it actually is.