Five Years On: How the Pandemic Continues to Shape Brussels

Five years ago, on March 13, Belgium ordered its bars and restaurants to close in what would soon become a countrywide lockdown.

While much of the world has returned to a pre-pandemic sense of normalcy, remnants of Covid-19 remain embedded in everyday life—whether people realize it or not.

From shifting work habits to urban transformations and changing consumer behaviors, the effects of the pandemic are still visible across Brussels.

While most measures imposed during the health crisis were lifted, many aspects of life have permanently changed, shaping how people work, socialize, and interact with the city.

The Rise of Teleworking and the Decline of Office Spaces

One of the most significant and lasting changes has been the normalization of remote work. Teleworking existed before the pandemic, but it was rarely utilized. That changed drastically during lockdowns, as businesses were forced to adapt to remote operations.

“Before the lockdowns, teleworking was theoretically possible, but nobody was doing it,” said virologist and interfederal Covid-19 spokesperson Steven Van Gucht. “The attitude towards it has changed massively.”

According to Van Gucht, pre-pandemic work culture emphasized physical presence in the office five days a week. Now, many professionals work from home at least once or twice a week. “It took some adjusting from both employees and employers, but teleworking is here to stay. It definitely broke through because of Covid.”

This shift has had a visible impact on Brussels’ urban landscape, particularly in the European Quarter. With more employees working remotely, companies required less office space, leading to widespread vacancies.

The European Commission, for instance, sold over 20 office buildings in September 2023, with plans to convert them into residential housing, public amenities, and commercial spaces.

“When the Covid-19 crisis struck, it quickly became clear that the world after the pandemic would not be the same as before,” said Alain Deneef, President of the European Quarter Fund, a think tank affiliated with the King Baudouin Foundation.

“The European Commission, which occupies 70% of all EU buildings, now has 25% to 30% excess office space. This is a direct result of the post-pandemic shift towards teleworking.”

Brussels’ Streets Transformed: The Rise of Outdoor Terraces

Another noticeable change in Brussels is the continued presence of expanded outdoor terraces. During the pandemic, restaurants and bars were allowed to use parking spaces and sidewalks for additional seating, a measure initially meant to be temporary.

However, the popularity of these terraces led to multiple extensions of the regulation, with the latest one set to last until December 2025.

“It was a measure introduced to support the hospitality industry during the crisis,” said outgoing State Secretary for Urbanism, Ans Persoons. “Since then, it has been extended repeatedly due to its success.”

While the terraces have proven beneficial for businesses, they have also sparked debates about urban space allocation. Pedestrians and cyclists argue that reclaiming parking spots for terraces contributes to a more walkable city, while some drivers lament the reduced availability of parking.

The Cashless Society: Contactless Payments and QR Codes

The pandemic also accelerated the transition toward cashless transactions in Belgium. While digital payments were already gaining traction before Covid-19, the fear of viral transmission pushed many businesses to adopt contactless payment methods almost exclusively.

According to banking federation Febelfin, the percentage of Belgians who have made a contactless payment nearly doubled since 2020. Today, four out of five Belgians prefer digital payments, and more than half of young people say they rarely, if ever, use cash.

Across Brussels, many businesses now operate on a “cashless” basis. “It’s not just about hygiene anymore,” said a café owner near the Grand Place.

“It’s about convenience. Transaction fees have gone down, and contactless payments are faster and easier for both customers and businesses.”

QR codes, which gained prominence during the pandemic for menu access and check-ins, have also remained widely used.

Many restaurants no longer offer printed menus, opting instead for digital alternatives. Some establishments have even integrated QR-based ordering systems, allowing customers to place orders directly from their smartphones.

The End of Late-Night Drinking? Shorter Opening Hours for Bars

Before Covid-19, Brussels was known for its lively nightlife, with bars staying open well into the early morning hours. That has changed in the years since the pandemic, with many establishments now closing earlier.

While the initial restrictions on bar hours were lifted, many businesses never reverted to their pre-pandemic schedules. Erik Beunckens, spokesperson for the Federation of Cafés of Belgium, explained that a combination of factors contributed to this shift.

“There are several reasons why bars are closing earlier,” Beunckens said. “The Covid-19 crisis started the trend, but wage costs have risen by 12% since then. Additionally, inflation has made going to bars more expensive, which has led to fewer customers staying out late.”

For bar owners, cutting back on operating hours is a way to manage rising labor costs while adapting to shifting consumer habits. While some nightlife hotspots, like the Saint-Géry district, still attract late-night crowds, the broader trend suggests a gradual decline in late-night drinking culture.

Takeaway Culture: A Pandemic Habit That Stayed

The pandemic supercharged the food delivery industry, making takeaway meals a fixture in everyday life. Lockdowns and dining restrictions forced many restaurants to pivot towards delivery services, a trend that has remained strong even after restrictions were lifted.

Platforms like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Takeaway.com saw exponential growth during the pandemic, and demand for food delivery has remained above pre-Covid levels.

“Before Covid, ordering takeaway was something people did occasionally,” said a spokesperson for Deliveroo Belgium. “Now, it’s a weekly habit for many. The convenience factor, combined with the rise of digital ordering platforms, has made takeaway meals a part of daily life.”

Recent research suggests that more than one in four Brussels residents order takeaway meals at least once or twice a week. This ongoing reliance on delivery services has reshaped the restaurant industry, with many establishments optimizing their operations for takeaway and delivery rather than in-person dining.

A Lasting Impact on Public Health Awareness

Beyond physical and economic changes, the pandemic has left an enduring mark on public health awareness. While Covid-19 is no longer a dominant concern, hygiene practices that became widespread during the pandemic—such as frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers—remain common.

Additionally, many people now take a different approach to illness. Before 2020, it was common for employees to go to work despite having mild cold symptoms. Today, remote work has made it more acceptable to stay home when feeling unwell, reducing the spread of seasonal illnesses.

Public transportation usage, which saw a sharp decline during the pandemic, has also bounced back—albeit with some lingering hesitancy. Surveys indicate that while most commuters have returned to buses, trams, and trains, many remain more conscious of personal space and ventilation.

Conclusion: A City Forever Changed

Five years after Belgium’s first lockdown, Brussels has changed in ways that extend beyond the immediate effects of Covid-19. The city’s work culture has shifted, its streets have been reimagined, and consumer habits have evolved.

While the world has largely moved on from the pandemic, its impact on daily life remains evident. Whether in the form of hybrid work, cashless transactions, or a growing takeaway culture, the pandemic has left an indelible mark on Brussels—a city that continues to adapt to the new normal.