Comic Book Murals Brussels
Brussels' streets come alive with over 50 vibrant comic book murals, transforming the city into a giant open-air gallery of beloved characters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Comic Book Murals Brussels
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brussels' streets come alive with over 50 vibrant comic book murals, transforming the city into a giant open-air gallery of beloved characters.
"Brussels is a living comic book! From Tintin to Lucky Luke, these hidden murals bring your favorite comics to life."
🗺️ Download a Map
Many murals are spread out; a map or app helps you find them efficiently.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover these hidden gems!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tintin's Adventures
Rue de l'étuve
Iconic murals depicting Tintin's daring escapades, a must-see for fans of the beloved Belgian comic.
Thundercats Roar
Various locations
Relive 80s nostalgia with vibrant murals of the Thundercats, a colorful tribute to a classic cartoon.
Smurfs & Marsupilami
Various locations
Meet your childhood icons like the Smurfs and Marsupilami brought to life on Brussels' walls.
Marvel & Manga Heroes
Various locations
From Avengers to Naruto, Brussels celebrates a wide range of comic and manga characters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hunt for Art
+1Free & Accessible Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Download a Map
Many murals are spread out; a map or app helps you find them efficiently.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover these hidden gems!
📸 Look Up & Around
Murals can be on unexpected walls and at various heights. Keep your eyes peeled!
🚶♀️ Embrace Getting Lost
Sometimes the best discoveries are made when you wander off the main path.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download a Map
Many murals are spread out; a map or app helps you find them efficiently.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover these hidden gems!
📸 Look Up & Around
Murals can be on unexpected walls and at various heights. Keep your eyes peeled!
🚶♀️ Embrace Getting Lost
Sometimes the best discoveries are made when you wander off the main path.
💡 Check Local Listings
New murals are added; check local guides for the latest additions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the comic book murals to be a 'coooool' and impressive aspect of Brussels, turning the city into a vibrant open-air gallery. While some appreciate the unique art and lack of crowds at certain spots, others note that the murals can be quite spread out, making a comprehensive hunt challenging.
"We were on comic mural hunt but each mural is so far from the other that it didn’t seem worth the walk.
We also felt that few murals that are in the busy area are great that other"
Kanchan Kumar
"That was awesome . No tourists . Very little Street. Just at the corner is a peace of life. Very impressive."
Alexandr Saveliev (Alex - Gsmche)
"A nice mural, not of Tintin, but other comic characters. Interesting."
Sumanta Chakraborty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The comic book murals, also known as the Parcours BD, are scattered throughout Brussels. Many are concentrated around the city center, including areas near Grand Place and the Dansaert District. It's recommended to download a map or use a dedicated app to navigate between them, as they can be quite spread out. +1
Yes, there is an unofficial 'Brussels Comic Book Route' that guides you to over 50 murals. While not a single, strictly defined path, many resources and social media posts highlight key murals and suggest logical ways to connect them.
While many murals are within walking distance of each other in the city center, some are further afield. You might need to combine walking with public transport or cycling to see a significant number of them.
Walking is excellent for exploring murals in concentrated areas. For longer distances, Brussels has an efficient public transport system (metro, tram, bus) and bike-sharing services.
Some are in prominent locations, while others are hidden in smaller streets or alleys. Looking up and exploring side streets is key!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the comic book murals are a free, open-air art exhibition. You can explore them anytime without needing to purchase tickets or make reservations.
Since they are public street art, the murals are accessible 24/7. However, for the best viewing experience and safety, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
Absolutely not! The entire comic mural route is a free attraction, making it a perfect budget-friendly activity in Brussels.
Yes, during events like the Brussels Comics Festival, there might be organized tours or special exhibitions related to the murals, but the murals themselves are always accessible.
While not officially organized by the city, you can often find independent guides or join walking tours that include the comic murals as part of their itinerary.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing stunning photos. Weekends can be very busy.
The Tintin murals, especially the one on Rue de l'étuve, are very popular for photos. Many larger, more detailed murals also make for impressive backdrops.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for most shots, but a camera with a wider lens can be helpful for capturing the full scale of larger murals.
Try incorporating people into your shots, or look for interesting angles and perspectives. Sometimes the surrounding urban environment adds to the photo.
Generally, no. As public street art, you're free to take photos for personal use. Be mindful of private property if a mural is on a building's interior.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
Brussels boasts over 50, and some sources even mention up to 70, comic book murals scattered throughout the city, celebrating Belgian comic heritage.
You'll find beloved characters like Tintin, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Spirou, Marsupilami, and even some manga characters like Naruto, alongside many others.
Most murals are well-maintained by the city or local art initiatives, though some may show signs of age or weathering.
Absolutely! Kids often love hunting for their favorite characters, turning the city into a giant comic book adventure.
Don't worry too much! The joy is in the discovery. If you miss one, there are plenty of others to enjoy. You can also ask locals for directions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a fantastic free activity that keeps little ones engaged and entertained while exploring the city. Pack some snacks, wear comfortable shoes, and let the mural hunt begin! Consider downloading a map beforehand to make the search more efficient and less tiring for younger legs.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's an excellent way to immerse yourself in the city's culture and art scene without spending a euro. Combine your mural hunt with picnics in parks or affordable street food for a truly budget-friendly day out.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
+1Explore the diverse styles and characters, from classic Belgian bande dessinée to international comic icons. It's an opportunity to appreciate art in its public context and discover the city's vibrant artistic pulse.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Brussels Comic Book Route: A City Transformed
+1The Parcours BD, or Comic Strip Route, isn't a single, marked trail but rather a collection of these impressive artworks. From the iconic adventures of Tintin and his dog Snowy to the mischievous Smurfs and the heroic Thundercats, these murals bring childhood memories to life. Many are commissioned by the municipality, showcasing the city's commitment to its rich comic heritage.
Discovering these murals is an adventure in itself. While some are clustered in the city center, others require a bit more exploration. It's a fantastic way to see different neighborhoods and stumble upon hidden gems. Many visitors find that the hunt for each mural adds an extra layer of excitement to their trip.
+1Iconic Characters and Their Brussels Homes
Beyond these, the charming Smurfs, created by Peyo, add a touch of blue to the urban landscape, often found in unexpected corners. Other Belgian comic legends like Lucky Luke and Spirou also have their artistic representations. More recently, the murals have expanded to include popular manga characters like Naruto, reflecting the evolving landscape of comic art.
Each mural is a piece of art, often depicting dynamic scenes that capture the essence of the characters. They serve not only as a tribute to the artists but also as a vibrant visual narrative of Brussels' cultural identity.
+1Planning Your Mural Hunt: Tips from Travelers
Social media content often highlights specific murals and suggests routes. For instance, starting around Boulevard Anspach and Rue du Marché aux Herbes can lead you to several key artworks. However, some visitors suggest that the murals can be quite far apart, making a comprehensive hunt time-consuming.
Don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path. Some of the most rewarding discoveries are made when you explore smaller streets and alleys. Looking up is crucial, as murals can be located at various heights. Visiting during weekdays, especially in the morning, can offer a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds for better photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit