Sachin Walls
Brussels Airport, also known as Brussels Zaventem Airport, is located just 15 to 23 minutes away from the city centre by train, making it an ideal location for travellers to explore the city during a layover. The airport itself offers various amenities, such as cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as duty-free shopping, as well as lounges with comfortable environments and facilities like showers. For those with longer layovers, a quick train ride to the city centre opens up a plethora of options, including exploring the Grand Place, a 17th-century main square, and visiting the Cinquantenaire Park, a grand green space with museums nearby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eateries | Belgian, French, and European food, Leffe Bar, Beers & Cheers, Hendricks Gin bar, Starbucks |
| Shopping | Duty-free stores, Louis Delhaize market, Belgian Chocolate House |
| Airport Lounges | Diamond Lounge |
| Attractions | Cinquantenaire Park, Triumphal Arch, Cinquantenaire Museum, Autoworld, Royal Military Museum, Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Jeanneke, Royal Greenhouses, Atomium, René Magritte Museum, Marolles, Mont des Arts, Sablon neighborhood, Horta Museum, European Parliament |
| Transport | Trains to Brussels city centre |
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What You'll Learn
Explore Cinquantenaire Park, a 10-minute ride from the airport
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to pass the time near Brussels Airport, consider a visit to Cinquantenaire Park, located just a 10-minute ride away. This park is not just a green space but also a national landmark in Brussels with a rich history and impressive architecture. The name, which translates to 'Park of the Fiftieth Anniversary', commemorates fifty years of Belgian independence during the reign of Leopold II. Symbolically, the park is built in the shape of a pentagon, mirroring the inner and outer rings of the city.
The park is easily accessible by metro, with 'Merode' leading to the front of the park and 'Schuman' taking you to the back. At the Schuman roundabout, you'll be able to see the park in relation to the grand boulevards and the European Quarter, where the buildings house the offices of the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Cinquantenaire Park is best known for its majestic triumphal arch, which offers panoramic views of the city. The surrounding buildings are also home to some of Brussels' most fascinating museums, including the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History and Autoworld, perfect for history and engineering enthusiasts. The park boasts extensive lawns, hiking trails, and fountains, making it ideal for picnics or leisurely walks. It also often hosts events and festivities, contributing to a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
If you're looking for refreshments, the airport offers a range of cafes, bars, and restaurants serving Belgian, French, and European cuisine, as well as healthier options. For a local brew, try Leffe Bar or Beers & Cheers, or head to the Hendricks Gin bar for a quality cocktail. The airport also has a 24-hour Starbucks in the pre-Security Arrivals area.
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Visit the Royal Greenhouses, the Atomium, and the Marolles
Brussels, Belgium's capital, is a vibrant city full of fascinating attractions. If you're looking for things to do around Brussels Airport, here's a detailed guide to visiting the Royal Greenhouses, the Atomium, and the Marolles:
Visit the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are a beautiful botanical garden and a great place to start your exploration. These greenhouses are located just a short distance from the airport and house an impressive collection of rare and exotic plants. You can admire the stunning architecture and wander through the lush gardens, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. The Royal Greenhouses are usually open to the public for a few weeks in spring, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.
Explore the Iconic Atomium
The Atomium is an iconic symbol of Belgium and a must-see attraction in Brussels. This unique museum is housed inside a 102-metre-tall building shaped like an atom structure. Take the record-breaking elevator to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. As you make your way through the different spheres, you'll learn about the history and construction of the Atomium. The Atomium is easily accessible by metro, and you can combine your visit with a trip to Mini-Europe, where you'll get fantastic views of the Atomium from different angles.
Discover the Marolles
The Marolles, or Quartier Marolles, is a charming district in Brussels with a rich history. Once the district of textile merchants, you'll still hear the local dialect, Marrollien or brusseleer, spoken on the streets. Explore the area to discover antique shops, food shops, pubs, and beautiful buildings. Take a stroll through the daily flea market, and don't miss the chance to sample some delicious Belgian fries. However, be cautious when venturing further out of the centre, as some areas are considered unsafe for tourists.
Other Attractions Near Brussels Airport
In addition to these highlights, there are plenty of other attractions near Brussels Airport. You can take a Brussels Highlights Walking and Bus Tour, which includes a delicious Belgian waffle. For a fun and unique experience, try Jaxsun Sports Kiteschool, located just 0.7 miles from the airport. If you're interested in train history, Train World in Schaerbeek is a top attraction, only 5.1 miles from the airport.
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Check out Central Station and the Grand Place
Brussels Central Station is the main station for the European capital and parliament. It is a 10-minute walk from the Grand Place, which is perhaps the best-known attraction in Brussels. The Grand Place, or the central Market Square, is surrounded by impressive gothic architecture, including the Town Hall (constructed between 1402 and 1455), Guild Houses, and the Bread House. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. There are cafes scattered around the square where you can sit and enjoy a Belgian beer while taking in the stunning surroundings.
If you are arriving at or departing from Brussels Central Station, there are several hotels just steps away, making it a convenient place to stay. The station also has a Starbucks inside, and trains to and from Amsterdam take around 90 minutes. When arriving from Germany, transfer at North Station to get to Central Station, and when departing for the Netherlands, transfer at South Station.
If you have a long layover at Brussels Airport, you can take one of the trains that run six times an hour to the city centre and explore Central Station and the Grand Place. There are also cafes, bars, and restaurants at the airport, as well as duty-free shops and lounges.
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Take a bus tour of the city
If you're looking to explore Brussels and its highlights during your layover, a bus tour is a great option. Brussels Airport is well-connected to the city centre, with buses running frequently and avoiding traffic jams around the ring road. The bus station is located one floor below the Arrivals Hall at level 0, easily accessible via escalator or elevator.
For a quick and convenient option, consider a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. These tours offer panoramic views of the city and provide audio guides in 11 languages. You can purchase a 24- or 48-hour ticket, allowing you to explore Brussels at your own pace. These tours typically cover popular attractions such as the Botanical Gardens and Grand Place.
If you prefer a more personalised experience, private bus tours are also available. These tours offer the flexibility to customise your itinerary and discover hidden gems in the city. You can expect an English-speaking professional driver to pick you up from the airport or your accommodation. Some tours even offer full refunds if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind if your travel plans change unexpectedly.
When choosing a bus tour, it's essential to consider your time constraints, budget, and specific interests. Some tours cater to specific themes or areas of interest, such as architecture, history, or food. Additionally, pay attention to the duration of the tour and whether it includes any additional activities or expenses.
Brussels has much to offer, and a bus tour is an excellent way to get an overview of the city's highlights. Whether you choose a hop-on, hop-off bus or a private tour, you'll be able to sit back, relax, and take in the best that Brussels has to offer.
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Enjoy the cafes, bars, and restaurants in the airport
Brussels Airport has a variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants to enjoy. If you're looking for a quick bite, there are several cafes and to-go options serving Belgian, French, and European fare, as well as healthier options. You can find these throughout the airport, with Pier A offering more choices than Pier B. For a taste of Italian cuisine, try Sapore or Black Pearls, both located just a short walk from the airport. If you're in the mood for something more exotic, EXKi, located in Terminal A, offers vegan and seafood options with Japanese, Sushi, and Asian dishes.
If you're looking to sit down and relax, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Leffe Bar and Beers & Cheers are great choices for a local brew, while the Hendricks Gin bar serves up quality cocktails. For a more luxurious experience, you can pay an entry fee to access airport lounges, which offer comfortable environments with food and drinks, WiFi, TV, and even shower facilities, such as the Diamond Lounge.
Brussels Airport also has a 24-hour Starbucks in the pre-Security Arrivals area, perfect for coffee lovers. And if you're looking for a quick snack to take on your flight, the Louis Delhaize market offers local gourmet treats, and the Belgian Chocolate House has delicious souvenirs (if you can resist eating them first!).
If you're looking for a quiet place to relax or even take a nap, head up to Floor 4 for some quieter, dimly-lit corners. And if you need a more comfortable place to rest, there are several hotels within a quick 8-minute drive of the airport, including one directly opposite the terminal offering day rooms.
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Frequently asked questions
You can head to the Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels' European quarter, a 10-minute ride from the airport. This grand green space is perfect for a walk or a picnic. You can also check out the Triumphal Arch and the three museums within the park.
Brussels Airport has a variety of cafes and restaurants. There are also duty-free stores for those interested in shopping. You can also find a quiet spot to catch up on some sleep or take a shower at the Diamond Lounge.
You can take a train to Brussels Central Station and visit the Grand Place, a 17th-century main square known for its ornate City Hall and lavish guild houses. You can also see the famous Manneken Pis statue and its female counterpart, Jeanneke.
There are hop-on hop-off bus tours that offer panoramic views of the city and provide audio guides in multiple languages. You can also book a tour of the Sablon neighbourhood and the Horta Museum.
One of the most popular attractions in Brussels is the Atomium, an iconic structure from the 1958 World's Fair. You can also visit the Royal Greenhouses, the surrealist painter René Magritte's former home-cum-museum, and the oldest neighbourhood, the Marolles, with its vibrant flea market.
