Thing to do
Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert
A 213-metre glass-roofed arcade opened in 1847, one of Europe's earliest covered shopping galleries, lined with chocolatiers, cafés, a theatre and a cinema.
Comic Book Route
A self-guided trail of more than 50 large comic-strip murals painted on walls across central Brussels since 1991, featuring Tintin, Lucky Luke and more.
At a glance
- Type
- Self-guided mural walk
- Area
- City Centre (Pentagon), Brussels, Belgium
Good to know
- Free
- Self-guided
- Outdoor
- Family-friendly
Why we recommend it
Brussels likes to call itself the capital of the comic strip, and the Comic Book Route is the most enjoyable way to see that claim on the streets. The project began in 1991 as an initiative of the City of Brussels in collaboration with the Belgian Comic Strip Center, with the original aim of brightening empty walls and gables. It has since grown into a trail of more than 50 murals, most of them inside the Pentagon, the ring of boulevards that encloses the historic centre. The association Art Mural, founded in 1984 by five artists, has painted most of them.
The first mural, Broussaille by Frank Pé, appeared at the corner of Rue du Marché au Charbon and Rue des Teinturiers. Among the best-known stops are The Adventures of Tintin at Rue de l'Étuve 33, close to the Manneken Pis, and a large Lucky Luke mural of around 180 square metres at the corner of Rue de la Buanderie and Rue 't Kindt. Other walls feature Gaston, Blake and Mortimer, Astérix and Corto Maltese, so fans of European comics will recognise plenty of characters.
The route is free and self-guided, which makes it ideal for families, budget travellers and anyone who enjoys exploring on foot. Children enjoy spotting the next mural, and the walls lead you through side streets of the centre that many visitors would otherwise miss. Photographers should note that some walls face narrow streets, so a wide-angle lens helps.
You can follow as many or as few murals as you like. A short loop around the Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis and the Rue du Marché au Charbon takes about an hour, while seeking out every wall takes the best part of a day. Wear comfortable shoes, check a route map before you set off, and remember the murals are on residential buildings, so keep noise down. If you would rather cover the distance quickly, Pro Velo runs a guided bike tour of the route that lasts around two hours.
Most of the murals are within walking distance of the Grand-Place and Brussels-Central station. Start or finish at the Comic Art Museum on Rue des Sables to put the characters in context, and combine the walk with a stop for waffles or a Belgian beer along the way.
Comic Book Route FAQs
Is the Comic Book Route free?
Yes. The murals are on public walls and can be seen at any time for free.
How many murals are there?
There are more than 50 murals, most of them inside the city centre.
When did it start?
The project began in 1991, led by the City of Brussels with the Belgian Comic Strip Center.
Where is the Tintin mural?
The Adventures of Tintin mural is at Rue de l'Étuve 33, near the Manneken Pis.
How long does it take?
A short loop takes about an hour; seeing every mural takes most of a day.
Is it good for children?
Yes. Spotting the murals keeps children engaged, and it is all outdoors and free.
Can I do it by bike?
Yes. Pro Velo runs a guided bike tour of the route lasting around two hours.
Where should I start?
The Tintin mural on Rue de l'Étuve or the Comic Art Museum on Rue des Sables are good starting points.