5 hours in Brussels?
 

We have a 4 hour layover in BRU in early January, landing at 7 AM and leaving at 11:55 AM (Th Jan 4). I have searched, and old threads from 3 or 4 years ago have mentioned that leaves plenty of time to go to Brussels Centraal and walk around a bit, see the Grand Place have a waffle or a beer.

However, is that still the case after airport terrorist attacks from last year? How is security to go back in and head for a US-bound flight (bags should be checked through)? Is anything open at 8 or 9 AM in downtown? Or better spend those 5 hours in the lounge?

Thanks!

[QUOTE=Panache;2916793...have... a beer....[/QUOTE]

A beer at 9 am? Yakh! :o

The Grand Place is certainly worth seeing, not so much the Mannequin Pis. You'll certainly be able to get a croissant and a coffee, not so sure about beer. I've been though BRU twice since the attacks and noticed no difference, but can't speak to US departures. However, elsewhere in Europe, US departures require 2 hours and, although there are lots of signs warning of increased security, I haven't come across physical evidence of any increased security. You still get asked the silly questions by untrained people and you still go through the general security lines.

Indeed, I find Stansted in particular seems to reek of cheap lager by about 7:00 am. Never noticed such a phenomenon at BRU though.

One can definitely find a nice selection of Belgian beers at BRU in the morning, but likely much more difficult in the city itself.

So from what I read, it may not be worth the trouble to go into town at that hour, save to walk around for a bit, take some pictures and head back? Thanks for all feedback so far (did not mean to start a discussion about beer in the morning).

Well you could take the train from the airport to Brussel-Centraal. Heck I could even give you a 'blitz tour' (my office is therel. Train takes about 15-20 mins. But since you have a connection to the US I would avoid the hassle to be honest.

or Vodka. Haven't noticed this at BRU either. Seems to attract a different kind of traveler.

Brussel is certainly worth the trouble to see but I think that you'll need at least a day or two to properly savour it.

Does it really take the whole 2 hours to get through security for US bound flights? We're flying united business, seems that earns fast lane? But, I also don't want to just run around so if by the premise of less is more, I guess it is waffles at the airport?

Someone can correct me (please!), but as I recall it's not the main security line, but the secondary security questions for US-bound flights that can take some time. I don't recall any business class line for that. But it's been a couple years since I've gone through BRU, and I may be getting in confused with AMS :).

Don't know how United works and their staffing levels at BRU but with Delta it happens when you check in, elites and Delta One passengers may use the seperate SP line, took me 10 minutes to drop my luggage off, answer the 2-3 questions and get my BP.
After that you walk to the gates, go through security (using the fast lane), go through passport control and head to the gates (or lounge) were probably for the connecting pax there are those people asking the security questions again.

Took me like 25 minutes from arriving at check-in to the lounge (and that one was pretty close to the departure gate).
However since OP is connecting and most likely already has a BP, OP probably can walk straight to security.

Delirium Tremens Cafe opens at 10:00 am; I was there last week. Its just off the Grand Place and has a selection of over 2,000 beers.

There is no visible extra security in Brussels that would slow you down.
Check this page for the expected rush at the airport for your day of travel.
So yes, get on a train, get off at Centraal, visit the Grand Place, head back to the airport and have a beer after security if you really have to. You can also buy beer in the tax-free shops at the airport and take it on board with you (but the airline will not allow you to drink it). Also, if you connect in the US, you will not be allowed to take that beer with you.

Im surprised nobody has proposed an option to walk to Zaventem village. It looks like about 15-min walk, and I see a good numbers of places to eat on Google map.

I initially looked at Zaventem on map, because I've read it's a way to avoid diabo surcharge on trains leaving bru, but I thought the village itself was a worth visiting when one is short in time.