1. Admire the iconic Flower carpet

📅 13–16 August 2026
🚶 13-minute walk from Hilton Brussels Grand Place

Every two years, Brussels transforms its UNESCO-listed Grand-Place into an extraordinary work of art. The Flower Carpet is one of Belgium’s most iconic cultural events, attracting visitors from across the globe for just four magical days.

Stretching an impressive 70 metres long and 24 metres wide, the carpet is meticulously assembled by more than a hundred volunteers using hundreds of thousands of fresh flowers. The result is an intricate living tapestry that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity and international culture. The 2026 edition pays tribute to Japan.

Don’t Miss the View from Above

While the Flower Carpet is breathtaking from street level, purchasing a ticket to access the balcony of Brussels Town Hall offers a completely different perspective. From above, the full scale and intricate details of the floral artwork become truly spectacular.

Good to know

• Distance from Hilton: 13-minute walk
• Street-level access: Free
• Town Hall balcony: Ticket required (available via the official Flower Carpet website)
• Best time to visit: Early morning for photographs or after sunset for the light show

Missed the tickets sales? Don’t worry. Tickets will be available on site too.

2. Watch a film under the stars at Cinair

📅 13–16 August 2026
🚇 24 minutes by public transport from Hilton Brussels Grand Place

Trade the traditional cinema auditorium for a summer evening beneath the Brussels sky at Cinair, in the iconic Parc du Cinquantenaire. With an impressive 4K LED screen transforming the park into an open-air theatre, it offers a memorable way to enjoy cinema while experiencing one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks after dark.

Settle into a comfortable deck chair, put on your wireless headphones, and let the film begin as the sun disappears behind the Cinquantenaire arches. Whether you are planning a romantic evening, a relaxed outing with friends, or simply looking for a different way to enjoy Brussels in summer, Cinair brings together blockbuster entertainment and the atmosphere of a night under the stars.

Ticket Information

Tickets start at €19 for standard admission, while VIP tickets are available from €38. Places are limited, so booking in advance through Cinair’s official ticketing page is recommended; prices and availability may change as the event approaches.

As evening falls over Parc du Cinquantenaire, Cinair offers the perfect setting to unwind with a film, comfortable seating, and the lively atmosphere of a Brussels summer night.

If you’re travelling with children (or simply want to embrace your inner child), the Foire du Midi offers an unforgettable afternoon or evening out.

3. Experience the thrill of Foire du Midi

📅 18 July – 23 August 2026
🚇 34 minutes by public transport from Hilton Brussels Grand Place

No Brussels summer is complete without a visit to the Foire du Midi, Belgium’s largest annual funfair. Stretching along the Boulevard du Midi, this much-loved event has been entertaining locals and visitors for more than a century, transforming the city into a lively playground filled with lights, laughter and the irresistible scent of freshly made waffles and croustillons.

With around 130 attractions, there’s something for every type of visitor. Adrenaline seekers can brave towering roller coasters and thrill rides, while families with young children will find classic carousels, gentle attractions and funfair games that have delighted generations.

Good to know

• Distance from Hilton: Approximately 34 minutes by public transport
• Dates: 18 July–23 August 2026
• Opening hours: Daily from 2 pm (food stalls open earlier), with extended evening hours on weekends.
• Entry: Free, with rides and attractions individually priced.

4. Slow down with Afternoon Tea at Sentro

Every edition of Afternoon Tea by Sentro is an invitation to discover a new universe, where seasonal inspirations, local touches, and culinary creativity come together. Each month, the experience is reinvented through a new theme, a new menu, and unique creations designed by our culinary team.

From elegant sweet treats to delicate savoury bites, guests are invited to enjoy a refined selection crafted with care, including a signature dessert created by our Chef or developed in collaboration with a special partner. Paired with a selection of premium teas and refreshing beverages, every Afternoon Tea promises a memorable moment to share with friends, family, or loved ones.

Good to know

• Location: Sentro Restaurant, located inside Hilton Brussels Grand Place, in the heart of Brussels.
• When: Afternoon Tea by Sentro takes place every month. (Upcoming dates : available directly on the restaurant’s website.)
• A new experience every month: The theme, menu, and creations change with each edition, offering a fresh experience every time you visit.
• Price: €59 per person, including a selection of sweet and savoury creations, a signature dessert created by our Chef or in collaboration with a partner and a selection of teas and refreshing beverages

Whether it’s a special celebration or simply a moment to slow down and indulge, Afternoon Tea by Sentro is an invitation to gather, connect, and create lasting memories.

5. Discover Classical Music at Festival Classissimo

📅 5–11 August 2026
🚶 13-minute walk from Hilton Brussels Grand Place

For music lovers, summer in Brussels offers more than festivals and open-air events. Festival Classissimo has become one of the city’s cultural highlights, inviting audiences to experience classical music in an accessible, intimate and inspiring way.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the festival returns to the beautiful Théâtre Royal du Parc, just a short walk from Hilton Brussels Grand Place. Over seven evenings, internationally renowned musicians, rising stars and unique ensembles perform an eclectic programme that spans centuries and musical traditions from Mozart and Brahms to tango, opera and contemporary interpretations.

Good to know

• Distance from Hilton: 13-minute walk
• Dates: 5–11 August 2026
• Tickets: €15 in advance, €18 at the door, with free admission for students and under-18s.

For travellers looking to experience Brussels beyond its famous landmarks, Classissimo offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Located just an 11-minute walk from Hilton Brussels Grand Place, it’s one of the easiest cultural landmarks to include in your itinerary. Pair your visit with a stroll through Brussels Park or nearby Mont des Arts for a perfect afternoon in the city centre.

6. Step Inside the Royal Palace of Brussels

📅 3 July–16 August 2026
🚶 11-minute walk from Hilton Brussels Grand Place

For most of the year, the Royal Palace of Brussels serves as the administrative residence and official workplace of the Belgian King and Queen. Yet, for just a few weeks every summer, its magnificent doors open to the public, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore one of Belgium’s most prestigious buildings.

Inside, you’ll discover grand ceremonial rooms, elegant galleries, the impressive Throne Room and beautifully restored interiors that reflect Belgium’s rich royal heritage. Temporary exhibitions are also hosted throughout the Palace during the summer opening, adding another layer to the visitor experience.

Good to know

• Distance from Hilton: 11-minute walk
• Dates: 3 July–16 August 2026
• Opening hours: Daily (except Mondays) from 10:30 am to 5 pm.
• Admission: €10 for visitors aged 13 and over; free for children aged 12 and under.
• Booking: Online reservations are required due to limited visitor capacity.