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What to Do at Brussels Airport

Restaurants and Cafes

  • Le Pain Quotidien (Pier A): This is a Belgian cafe chain that is a comfortable place to sit down for breakfast or a light meal. Expect fresh bread, pastries, coffee and simple organic dishes. It's especially popular with travellers waiting for morning flights.
  • Bricco Cafè (Pier A): Bricco serves Italian style coffee with sandwiches and pastries. It's a quick stop if you want a good espresso before going to your gate.
  • Hi! Brussels (Pier B): A restaurant inspired by the cuisine of Belgium where travelers can try local dishes and Belgian beers. It's a casual option if you have time for a proper sit down meal.
  • Starbucks Location (Multiple Locations): The common coffee chain has a number of outlets in the airport. Travelers regularly stop here for quick coffee, snacks and comfy seating areas.
  • Quick (Pier A): Quick is a Belgian fast-food burger and fry restaurant. It's a handy choice for travelers that want a quick meal between flights.

Shops and Lifestyle Stores

  • Belgian Chocolate House: Chocolate is one of the most famous exports of Belgium and this shop has a wide range of pralines and gift boxes. Many travellers pick up last-minute souvenirs here.
  • Brussels Duty Free: The duty-free area, which is the main one, sells perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, chocolates and luxury items. It's in the international departure zone.
  • Relay Travel Store: Relay Stores - Magazines, snacks, books, and travel accessories are sold. They're handy to pick up small objects before getting onto the boat.
  • Fashion and Lifestyle Boutiques: Several fashion outlets are available to provide clothing, accessories, and travel essentials for the passengers who need to make last-minute purchases.

Lounges and Relax Spots

  • Brussels Airlines Lounge (Pier A): Used for Brussels Airlines premium passenger and Star Alliance members. It provides buffet food, beverages, comfortable sitting and quiet work spaces.
  • Diamond Lounge (Pier A and B): These lounges are available through lounge memberships or airline programs. So they define light meals, Wi-Fi, and relaxation areas.
  • The Loft by Brussels Airlines (Pier A): One of the more well-known lounges at the airport, the space features large seating areas, dining areas, and views of the runway.

Other Activities and Unique Features

  • Brussels Airport has a number of art installations and cultural displays dotted around the terminal corridors. These exhibitions sometimes feature Belgian artists and local culture. If you have additional time, go for a walk near the large glass observation areas near the departure lounges. Watching aircraft taxi and take off is surprisingly relaxing.
  • For longer layovers, the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel is located directly across from the entrance to the terminal, and can be found in a short walk. Many travelers reserve day rooms there to rest between flights.

Recommended Layover Itineraries

  • 3-Hour Layover: After getting past security, take some time to do a tour of the duty-free area, also visit shops for Belgian chocolates. Grab a coffee at Bricco or Starbucks and spend the rest of your time lounging near your gate or at a lounge if you have access.
  • 5-6 Hour Layover: With a little more time you could take the airport train to Brussels Central Station. The journey is approximately 20 minutes. A stroll around the old city centre and a quick meal near the Grand Place can easily be incorporated into a half-day break before heading back to the airport.
  • 8+ Hour Layover: A longer layover means that you can explore more of Brussels. Visit the Grand Place, the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert or the Belgian Comic Strip Center. Leave plenty of time to make it back to the airport and pass security before your flight.

Airport Facilities Summary

  • Duty-Free Shopping: Brussels Airport has several duty-free stores in place, mostly in the departure areas of Pier A and Pier B. Travelers can find perfumes, spirits, chocolates, cosmetics and luxury accessories. Belgian chocolates are one of the most purchased items before departing.
  • Restaurants and Eating Out: Dining options are interspersed between both of the main departure piers and vary from cafes and bakeries to full restaurants. Belgian dishes and local beers are available along with the international chains. Early morning cafes are usually busiest because of the large number of flights in the morning.
  • Lounges: The airport has several lounges such as the airline lounges and independent lounges. Most offer Wi-Fi, buffet meals, comfortable seating and showers. Access is generally provided in the form of airline status or premium tickets or lounge membership programs.
  • Ground Transportation: The airport train station is located right under the airport terminal and in approximately 20 minutes takes travellers to the Brussels city center. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also provided outside the arrivals hall. Airport buses are available between the airport and a number of cities in Belgium and surrounding areas.
  • Traveler Essentials: Currency exchange counters and automatic teller machines are found throughout the terminal. SIM cards and mobile accessories can be bought from travel shops. Pharmacies and convenience shops offer basic travel supplies to the passengers before departure.

Quick Facts

Category Details
Airport Code BRU
Location Brussels, Belgium
Terminals 1 main terminal with several departure piers
24x7 Services Yes - airport is on a 24/7 basis
Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi available
Wheelchair Access Provided by airline or airport assistance

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