Things To Do
in Zaventem
Zaventem is a municipality located in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium. It is best known for being home to Brussels Airport, the largest airport in the country. Zaventem is a vibrant, international community with a mix of residential areas, commercial districts, and green spaces.
The town offers easy access to the city of Brussels and serves as an important transportation hub for both locals and travelers.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a fresh breakfast at a local café. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town center to get a feel for the area.
Visit the Zaventem Town Hall and learn about the local history. Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant and try some traditional Belgian fries.
Enjoy dinner at a cozy bistro, sampling local dishes. End your evening with a casual walk in the nearby park.
Visit the nearby Kasteel van Meise for a taste of Belgium's royal history. Spend the morning exploring the vast gardens.
Take a guided tour of the castle to learn about its fascinating past. Enjoy a light lunch at the castle café afterward.
Dine at a traditional restaurant in Zaventem, savoring Belgian specialties. End your day with a visit to a local bar for some Belgian beer.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Well-connected to major cities in Europe through Brussels Airport
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Proximity to Brussels, providing access to international institutions and business opportunities
- Good quality of life with access to parks and recreational areas
- Diverse community with various cultural influences
- High cost of living compared to other Belgian cities
- Traffic congestion during peak hours due to proximity to the airport and Brussels
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities
- Potential language barriers for non-French/Dutch speakers
- Weather can be unpredictable and often rainy
Best Activities in Zaventem
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A spacious park offering walking and cycling trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for families.
Enjoy a bike ride along the scenic canal paths in Zaventem, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Explore the natural beauty of Kasterenberg and its surrounding forests with picturesque hiking trails.
Tours
Uncover the best of Zaventem with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Zaventem
Visit one of these nice places.
Offering beautiful views and photo opportunities with its scenic park and historic castle.
A lush natural setting that provides great opportunities for capturing stunning photos of the landscape and wildlife.
An ideal spot for capturing unique photos of airplanes taking off and landing with the airport as a backdrop.
Food in Zaventem
Zaventem Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich beef stew cooked in Belgian beer and served with frites. Try it at Brasserie Royal in Zaventem.
Must-Try!
Steamed mussels served with crispy fries. Enjoy this classic dish at Chez Léon, known for its delicious seafood.
Spiced shortcrust biscuits with a caramelized flavor. Find these irresistible treats at local bakeries like Patisserie Kempeneers.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Zaventem better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every Sunday, this vibrant market offers a range of fresh produce, cheeses, and local specialties. Don't miss the waffle stands for a taste of authentic Belgian waffles.
A popular spot for street food, Fritkot Max serves up mouthwatering Belgian fries with a variety of dipping sauces, perfect for a quick and delicious snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Zaventem, it is polite to greet people with a handshake and maintain direct eye contact. It is customary to use formal titles like 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.' unless invited to use first names.
Punctuality is highly valued in Belgian culture, so it is important to be on time for meetings and social gatherings. Arriving a few minutes early is considered respectful.
When dining in Zaventem, it is customary to wait until the host begins eating before starting your meal. It is also polite to keep your hands visible on the table and not rest your elbows on it.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Zaventem with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Zaventem
Ensure a smooth experience
In Zaventem, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a 5-10% tip at restaurants and cafes if the service was satisfactory.
Payment in Zaventem is predominantly done using credit or debit cards, and it is widely accepted in most establishments. Cash is also widely accepted, but it's always good to have some euros on hand, especially for smaller purchases or at local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Zaventem.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for mild weather, blooming flowers, and outdoor activities.
Ideal for warm temperatures, outdoor festivals, and lively atmosphere.
Great for fall foliage, cultural events, and cooler weather.
Perfect for festive markets, seasonal cuisine, and holiday celebrations.
Zaventem at Night
Hiking in Zaventem
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast forest area offering numerous trails through beautiful woodland, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
A picturesque park with walking paths, lakes, and a mix of forest and open areas, perfect for a relaxing hike.
Located just southeast of Zaventem, this UNESCO-listed forest provides a variety of trails for hikers of all levels.
A centrally located park in Brussels with well-maintained paths, suitable for a leisurely hike close to the city.
This splendid garden offers walking trails among exotic plants and trees, making for a unique hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Zaventem through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Zaventem by plane.
The main international airport serving Brussels, located in Zaventem itself, it is the busiest airport in Belgium.
An international airport located in Charleroi, approximately 46 km south of Brussels. It serves as a secondary hub primarily for low-cost airlines.
Located about 45 km north of Brussels, this airport mainly accommodates charter and general aviation flights.
Located approximately 90 km east of Brussels, it is primarily a cargo airport but also handles some passenger flights.
Approximately 115 km from Zaventem, this airport serves both passenger and cargo traffic, primarily to holiday destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Zaventem, primarily composed of individuals who hold Belgian citizenship.
Includes individuals from other EU member states, contributing to the cultural diversity of Zaventem.
Comprises individuals from outside Europe, including those from African, Asian, and American countries.
Individuals working in Zaventem but residing in nearby areas or other municipalities.
Foreign nationals living in Zaventem, often due to employment with international companies or institutions.
Includes both local and international students attending educational institutions in or near Zaventem.
The Soul of Zaventem
Discover the essence of Zaventem through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Zaventem, with many local clubs and youth teams participating in regional leagues.
Tennis enjoys popularity in Zaventem, with several tennis clubs offering facilities and training for players of all ages.
Cycling is a favored activity in Zaventem, both as a sport and a mode of transportation, supported by numerous cycling paths and events.
Basketball has a following in Zaventem, with local teams and schools promoting the sport through various competitions.
Athletics is popular in the area, with local sports clubs organizing events and training for runners, jumpers, and throwers.
Swimming is a well-practiced sport in Zaventem, with several pools available for both competitive and recreational swimming.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zaventem.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Zaventem offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as fresh salads, vegetable tarts, and plant-based pasta options. Look out for cafes like Leuvensesteenweg for a variety of vegetarian choices.
Several eateries in Zaventem provide gluten-free alternatives, including gluten-free waffles, quiches, and soups. La Porteuse d'Eau is known for its gluten-free menu items.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Zaventem with these cultural adventures.
