Gate-side basics near Terminal 1 security
Just past security in Terminal 1, WHSmith covers the last-minute gaps: drinks, snacks, magazines, and basic travel gear in one stop. It runs from early morning to late evening, aligning with the first and last waves of departures from T1. Think grab-and-go rather than a long browse; it’s the kind of place you hit on the way to boarding, not as a destination.
Expect standard European airport pricing: bottled water around €3, chocolate bars around €2, and paperback books in the €10–€15 range. You’ll also see the usual travel staples like plug adapters and charging cables, often bundled at 2-for deals that sit just below what you’d pay at a duty free tech shop. Newspapers and German-language magazines sit up front, with English titles pushed slightly further inside.
Selection leans toward big brands: Haribo, Ritter Sport, Red Bull, Coke, and basic sandwiches and wraps in the €4–€7 range. Coffee is machine-based rather than barista-level; think quick caffeine before a Schengen hop out of Terminal 1, not a sit-down cafe. If you need kid distractions, there are small toys and puzzle books hanging near the snack shelves, typically under €10.
Lines build sharply about 30–40 minutes before bank departures in T1, especially around the self-checkout machines. Staff usually keep things moving, but payment terminals sometimes get congested with contactless and mobile wallets. One practical move: grab drinks and snacks here right after security rather than waiting until your A- or B-gate, where options thin out and prices can edge a bit higher.