What is the Comic Strip Trail in Brussels, Belgium?

Brussels has become known as a comic art center due to the presence of hundreds of Belgian comic strip creators. The Comic Strip Trail is a collection of comic character murals located throughout the city center and beyond. Using a map, you can explore the city by finding the location of these art murals. It’s a unique and fun way to tour Brussels.

What currency does Brussels, Belgium, use?

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, which is a member and official seat of the European Union. The country uses the euro.

Is Brussels, Belgium, expensive?

Brussels is not as expensive as cosmopolitan European cities like Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam. While museum and attraction prices are high, doing Brussels on a budget is possible. Fortunately, the Comic Strip Trail is one of the free things to do in Brussels, and casual food options are not expensive. Visit during the spring and fall shoulder seasons when 3- or 4-star hotels can be less than $100 per night, or use hotel loyalty points for free nights at Marriott, Hilton, and IHG properties.

When is the best time to visit Brussels, Belgium?

The summer months have the best weather, but you will experience the crowds of vacationers and higher lodging costs. The shoulder seasons of April and May and September and October will still offer potentially good weather, fewer crowds, and lower lodging costs.

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The Comic Strip Trail — A Unique Way to Explore Brussels, Belgium

Updated: July 12, 2025, 8:00am CDT

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Table of Contents

The Comic Art Museum
Get a Comic Strip Trail Map
Choose a Neighborhood
Sights Along the Trail
Take a Break
Additional Comic Strip and Street Art Activities
Final Thoughts

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Comic books are considered the ninth art form, and Brussels, Belgium, has claimed its title as the world’s comic capital. The city passionately embraces comics as a vital part of its history and current identity. With a strong presence of comic artists and writers, Brussels is full of comic museums, murals, bookstores, themed hotels, festivals, activities, workshops, rallies, and more, all dedicated to promoting and supporting comic art.

In today’s article, I’ll discuss a unique way to explore the city: the Comic Strip Trail. This trail consists of murals painted by various artists, featuring historic comic strip characters and adorning buildings throughout the city center and beyond. Following the trail offers a grand city tour that allows you to enjoy the comic strip art that is the soul of Brussels.

I’ll also provide additional activity ideas to explore comic strips and street art in Brussels further.

The Comic Art Museum

The Comic Art Museum, also known as the Comic Strip Center, is a great place to gain historical context before exploring Brussels through the lens of comic art.

Brussels Comic Art Museum — Begin your Brussels comic art adventure by visiting the Comic Art Museum.

For decades, the museum has showcased the works and history of famous Belgian comic authors and artists, including popular Hergé (Tintin) and Peyo (“The Smurfs”). There are more than 700 comic authors from Belgium.

When I first discovered the museum, I knew nothing about the prominence of this art form in Brussels. I was a fan of Tintin comics and saw the Steven Spielberg movie. I was also familiar with “The Smurfs” from Saturday morning cartoons, but beyond those, I was clueless.

I found the museum entertaining and informative. It set the foundation for exploring Brussels using the Comic Strip Trail route, and I was excited to get started when I left.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Special events, including author masterclasses, sketch sessions, and children’s activities, may be held any day of the week.

Get a Comic Strip Trail Map

You’ll need to secure a map before you begin your epic Brussels Comic Strip Trail adventure.

There are several ways to get a route map or guide for following the Comic Strip Trail:

Download the Totemess app to geocache through a narrated Comic Strip Trail adventure. The treasure hunt begins and ends at the Comic Art Museum. The app and adventure are free.
For a great souvenir, you can pick up a paper Comic Strip Trail map and brochure at the Comic Art Museum.

I picked up my map at the museum and used it throughout the day.

My Comic Strip Map Brussels — My well-used Comic Strip Trail map at the end of my day. I found 20 murals in and around the city center.

The Visit Brussels website also has a trail map with pictures of each mural.
Pick up a map at a tourist information center.
Some bookstores carry Comic Strip Trail maps.
You can also arrange a private group tour of the Comic Strip Trail at the museum. The cost is €162 ($188), and up to 25 participants are welcome. The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and should be booked at least 3 weeks before the desired date.
It’s also possible to arrange a smaller group tour of the Comic Strip Trail.

Choose a Neighborhood

While more are periodically added, over 80 murals are now scattered throughout the city center and beyond. You can maximize the number of murals you’ll find by concentrating on a specific area.

The Historic City Center

The city center is a natural starting point for a first-time visitor to Brussels. You can find Comic Strip Trail murals and discover the city of Brussels simultaneously.

Comic Strip Mural Tintin — Tintin is featured in one of the most popular murals in the city center.

There are 19 murals in the city center, and you’ll need to walk approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) to find them all. Plan approximately 3 hours plus time for breaks.

Brussels Art Mural Broussaille by Frank Pe — The first art mural, “Broussaille” by Frank Pé.

Along the comic mural route, you’ll also find interesting street art, such as a street art stencil rendition of Bruce Springsteen photo-bombing an art mural.

Brussels Mural by Olivier Rameau — This Olivier Rameau mural is one of the most ornate in the city center.

Hot Tip:

The popular tourist attraction “Manneken Pis,” often depicted in street murals, is a small bronze statue of a boy urinating in a fountain. The statue, a mascot symbol of Brussels, can be found between rue de L’Étuve and rue Chêne, next to the Grand Place.

The Maroelles

The Maroelles area is a historic district with outdoor cafes, antique shops, daily flea markets, and boutique shopping. It features dozens of Comic Strip Trail murals and numerous pieces of street art.

Comic Strip Mural Blake Mortimer — Some murals, like “Blake & Mortimer” by Jacobs, can be challenging to spot.

The Marolles neighborhood is said to be the most authentic area of Brussels. It has some of the oldest bars, unique eateries, secondhand and vintage stores, and street art on every corner.

Sainte-Catherine

The Sainte-Catherine neighborhood is not to be missed as the Comic Strip Trail takes you along the picturesque canal.

Brussels Lucky Luke Mural — Belgian artist Morris created “Lucky Luke” bank robbery.

The Sainte-Catherine neighborhood is home to many of the city’s most popular Comic Strip Trail murals and is known for its trendy shops and vibrant street art.

Comic Strip Mural Spike and Suzy — “Spike and Suzy” mural by Willy Vandersteen.

The neighborhood is conveniently located near the Grand Place and is easily accessible for finding more Comic Strip Trail murals in addition to the city center. Watch for nautical-themed murals in this area and plan to stop at one of the restaurants or bars along the canal docks.

Brussels Cubitus Mural by cartoonist Dupa — The Cubitus bear character, by cartoonist Dupa, mocks Manneken Pis, Brussels’ famous boy statue.

Laeken and Haren

The Laeken and Haren area is a little further out of the city center, so finding the neighborhood’s 12 murals will require more time. Use the metro to help you find the murals in this neighborhood.

Sights Along the Trail

The best part of exploring Brussels via the Comic Strip Trail is enjoying the city’s sights, tastes, and sounds as you go through it.

Brussels Grand Place — Sights in the city center include the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you’re visiting Brussels for the first time, the city-center Comic Strip Trail is a great way to see its highlights. The city boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, including styles such as art deco and art nouveau.

Along the route, you can visit lush parks, museums, and art galleries. There are also plenty of pedestrian-only streets and walkways that make navigating the city quite comfortable.

Royal Flemmish Theatre Brussels — The Royal Flemish Theatre is in the city center.

The city’s tourism website provides more information on what to see and do in Brussels.

Take a Break

While searching for the comic murals, you’re bound to become hungry or need refreshments.

Brussels Waffle Shop — Waffle stands are numerous throughout the city center.

Here are some popular casual food and beverage options in Brussels:

Homemade Belgian waffles are a decadent treat in Brussels. Stop by a stand to select from the delectable toppings and enjoy one of these sweet delights.
Belgian fries are a Brussels specialty served from special fry shacks throughout the city. They’re fried twice for crunchy perfection and served with your choice of condiment, such as curry mayo, paprika, or ketchup. Travelers and locals alike carry around a paper cone of fries while strolling around the city.
Fresh mussels make the perfect lunch with Belgian fries and endive salad. Many city restaurants advertise lunch specials featuring mussels.
Shrimp croquettes, made with grey shrimp, are a popular food item. They’re served with béchamel sauce and make a great afternoon snack.
A day in Brussels wouldn’t be complete without Belgian chocolate. There are many chocolate shops, so you don’t need to worry about finding one. Try the pralines, too, as they’re delicious. If you’re a chocolate lover, consider booking a chocolate tour or workshop to learn more and to make your own.
Belgium is renowned for producing high-quality beer. Make time in your day to taste at least 1 Belgian beer.

Brussels Seafood Restaurant — Casual seafood restaurants are plentiful and perfect for a lunch break.

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Belgium Beer Store Window — There are hundreds of Belgian beers to choose from.

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Additional Comic Strip and Street Art Activities

Brussels is a haven for street art lovers. Here are a few more ideas for comic strip and street art activities.

Brussels Comic Art Museum Mural — Tintin characters are found throughout the city and at the Comic Art Museum.

Kick your comic strip character experience up a notch by visiting the Museum of Original Figurines (MOOF) in the Horta Gallery at Central Station. There is a fantastic collection of Belgian comic book character figurines. If you’re a fan, this is a must-see.
An official “Walk With Tintin” map helps you locate Hergé’s most essential works in Brussels. You can purchase the map at any visitor information center. You can also visit the Tintin website for a peek at what you’ll see on the walk.
Completing the Comic Strip Trail by bike is a good option as the city is bike-friendly and mostly flat. You can rent a bike from vendors such as Pro Velo or Villo!
Parcours Street Art offers an audio tour of the 2.6-mile street art route around Brussels. The documentary highlights the contributions of women in public spaces. You can also book a guided street art tour.
If you’re a Banksy fan, you’ll be delighted that Brussels hosts a Banksy Museum. The museum houses one of the largest collections of reconstructed Banksy street art works and historical information on the artist.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of comic strips or not, you’ll enjoy the treasure hunt of finding the fun murals on the Comic Strip Trail. The trail will take you to areas you might have never discovered and show you things you would have never seen otherwise.

Taking a break while on the trail may yield an enticing waffle, a fry shop vendor, or a lunch of fresh mussels or shrimp croquettes. It’s a great way to enjoy some of the city’s culinary delights casually.

In addition to the Comic Strip Trail, the city serves as a hub for street art, making it a fun place to wander and explore.

And finally, using the Comic Strip Trail to explore Brussels will help you see the city in a unique light, even if you’ve visited several times.