Brussels has been called the capital of the comic strip, and the proof is on its walls. Since the 1990s the city has commissioned large murals of characters from Belgian comics, so a walk through the centre turns into a trail of Tintin, Lucky Luke, Gaston, the Smurfs and many lesser-known heroes. You can find the murals on your own, but a guided tour explains who drew them, why Belgium produced so many great cartoonists and how the form became a national art. It makes a lively break from museums and suits all ages. The tour follows a route through the lower town, stopping at the best-known murals and a few hidden ones that many visitors miss. The guide tells stories about the artists and characters and often points out small details, such as signature jokes and hidden figures, that you would overlook alone. Because the route is outdoors and mostly flat, it is easy for children and older visitors. Combined with a visit to the Comics Art Museum, it gives you a complete picture of the Belgian comic tradition, from its roots in newspaper strips to its place on the city streets.
What it is
A guided walking tour of Brussels' comic-strip murals, with stories about characters and artists. The exact route can change, so check the meeting point and language when you book.
Working the visit
Bring a camera and wear comfortable shoes, as the route covers cobbled streets. Good light helps, so a mid-morning or afternoon start is best. If it rains, the murals are still visible, but photos are harder, so a waterproof is handy. Several murals sit near the Grand-Place, so the tour fits easily into a day of central sights. You can also use a self-guided comic route map after the tour to find ones you missed.
Pairing
The Comics Art Museum, in a Horta building, is the natural indoor partner, and doing the walk first gives context for what you see inside. Families with children who know Tintin or the Smurfs will find the tour a good way to share the characters. For adults new to the form, the guide often explains why Belgian comics are treated as an art form and how the so-called ninth art became part of daily life. A coffee break in a nearby cafe makes the pace comfortable.
Good to know
Many murals sit on private buildings and can be affected by renovation or weather, so the guide may substitute others. The characters are known across Europe, so even visitors who have never read a comic recognise some of them. Look up as well as ahead, since several murals stretch across several storeys of a wall and are best viewed from a short distance. It is a relaxed, shareable activity that works equally well on a first morning or a spare afternoon.
Practical notes
The tour is a good fit for a first morning, because it orients you in the lower town while introducing the city's sense of humour. Groups are usually small enough for questions. Children can turn it into a game by counting characters or spotting their favourites, and teenagers who prefer manga often enjoy tracing the influence between the traditions. Pick up a coffee on the way, and keep your phone charged, since you will take more photos than you expect.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walking tour of the comic-strip murals of central Brussels.
Best time
Mid-morning or afternoon, in good light.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Comic fans and families.
- Families
- A lively outdoor tour that children usually enjoy.
- Couples
- A light, fun way to see the lower town.
- Pair with
- The Comics Art Museum.
- Time needed
- About two hours.
Good questions
Which characters will I see?+
Typically Tintin, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke and other Belgian favourites, though the exact murals depend on the route.
Is the tour suitable for children?+
Yes. It is outdoors, mostly flat and full of recognisable characters.
Do I need to know comics?+
No. The guide explains the characters and artists.
Can I do it on my own?+
The murals are free to look at, but a tour adds the stories behind them.
What if it rains?+
The tour usually goes ahead. Bring a waterproof.
