The City of Balloons and Murals
Brussels is famous worldwide for its comics. Belgium is home to unforgettable characters like Tintin (Hergé), the Smurfs (Peyo), Lucky Luke (Morris), Gaston Lagaffe (Franquin), and many others. Walking through the streets of Brussels means encountering gigantic murals that tell comic stories directly on the walls of buildings. The city has transformed its facades into an open-air museum, unique in the world.
But Brussels is not just about classic comics. In recent years, contemporary street art has invaded the peripheral neighborhoods, featuring works by local and international artists. From the institutional murals of the Belgian Comic Strip Center to the spontaneous interventions in Saint-Gilles and Molenbeek, the city offers an alternative, free, and fascinating artistic route. This guide will lead you to discover the comics on the walls and the most vibrant street art, perfect for those looking for a different side of their holidays in Brussels.
The Comic Strip Route
What It Is and How It Works
In 1991, the Belgian Comic Strip Center and the Brussels municipal administration launched a project: to paint scenes from the most famous Belgian comics on the walls of the city. Today, the Comic Strip Route features over 50 murals spread throughout the historic center and surrounding neighborhoods.
Each mural is created using professional techniques, respecting the original style of the designer. The subjects are taken from famous comics: Tintin, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Gaston Lagaffe, Blake and Mortimer, and many others. The murals have been authorized by the rights holders and are often painted under the supervision of the authors.
How to Follow the Route
The Brussels tourist office (Grand-Place) provides a free map of the route. Alternatively, maps can be found online to download to your mobile phone. The route stretches for about 5-6 kilometers, but it can be divided into two or more stages. Many murals are concentrated in the neighborhoods of Saint-Gilles, Marolles, and around the Grand-Place.
Must-See Murals
Tintin and Milou (Rue de l'Etuve, 33):Very close to Manneken Pis. Tintin and his dog Milou are coming out of a painted window. One of the most photographed.
The Smurfs (Rue du Marché au Charbon, 57):An entire building occupied by the original Smurfs. Large and colorful.
Lucky Luke (Rue de la Montagne, 21):The lone cowboy with his horse Jolly Jumper against the backdrop of the Wild West.
Gaston Lagaffe (Rue des Riches Claires, 26):The famous clumsy employee created by Franquin. Grumpy expression and coffee cup.
Blake and Mortimer (Rue du Chêne, 6):Two murals dedicated to the heroes of the scientific adventure comic.
Cubitus (Rue du Marché aux Herbes, 74):The large white dog created by Dupa.
How Much Time is Needed for the Route
To see all 50 murals, it takes at least 4-5 hours on foot. You can rent a bicycle to shorten the time. Alternatively, choose about ten of the most famous murals and focus on the center (within a 1 km radius from the Grand-Place).
The Belgian Comic Strip Center (Musée de la Bande Dessinée)
A Museum in the Art Nouveau Palace of Horta
Located in a magnificent Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, the Belgian Comic Strip Center is the temple of the ninth art. Admission is paid, but the bookstore and the ground floor (with some free temporary exhibitions) are accessible without a ticket.
The permanent museum displays original boards, sketches, wax figures, and reconstructions of artists' studios. You can admire the first Tintin strips (1929), the original Smurfs drawn by Peyo, and a lot of unpublished material. For enthusiasts, it's an hour and a half of pure joy. Even the building itself is worth a visit: the stained glass, the spiral staircase, the floral details.
Temporary Exhibitions
The center organizes temporary exhibitions on contemporary authors or specific themes (e.g., comics and feminism, comics and politics). Often these exhibitions are included in the admission ticket.
Contemporary Street Art: Beyond Classic Comics
In the last ten years, Brussels has become a European hub for street art. Artists like Bonom (monochrome portraits of children), Jaune (stencils of environmental workers), DZIA (deformed and grotesque characters), and Jérôme Meynen have filled the walls with provocative, ironic, or poetic works.
The Street Art Districts
Saint-Gilles (Parvis and Barrière neighborhood):Here, street art is more free and experimental. Many faces, hands, eyes. Aimless walks.
Molenbeek (near the canal):Once a notorious neighborhood, now revitalized by large murals. The cultural center "Molenbeek" has promoted numerous initiatives.
Cureghem/Anderlecht (around Gare du Midi):Multicultural street art, with North African and African influences. Many political graffiti.
Brussels-Charleroi Canal (along the canal):A street art route linked to the "Parckfarm" festival and spontaneous initiatives.
Street Art Events and Festivals
Brussels Ville Sonore (summer):Not just music, but also artistic performances and live painting.
Fresh Paint (biennial):International street art festival involving dozens of artists.
Parckfarm (June-July):Free event in the Tour & Taxis park, featuring murals, installations, and temporary gardens.
Where to Find Street Art (Without a Map)
There is no official map of contemporary street art like there is for comics. But you can:
Follow the Instagram accounts of local street artists (they often post locations).
Use the "Street Art Brussels" app (free, community-updated).
Simply get lost in the neighborhoods of Saint-Gilles and Cureghem. Street art is everywhere: gates, garages, blind walls, even trash bins.
Comics and Street Art for Kids
Children love comic murals because they recognize cartoon characters. The comic route is also suitable for younger kids: you walk outdoors, take fun photos, and can search for murals like a treasure hunt. Even the most colorful street art appeals to children, as long as it’s not too dark.
Recommended Itinerary for a Morning of Comics and Street Art
Departure:Grand-Place. Pick up the mural map at the tourist office.
Stop 1: Rue de l'Etuve(Tintin and Snowy) andRue du Marché au Charbon(Smurfs).
Stop 2: Rue des Riches Claires(Gaston Lagaffe). Brief stop at the square's bar.
Stop 3:Cross the Marolles district (not just murals, but also spontaneous street art).
Stop 4:Arrive at the Belgian Comic Strip Center. If you have time, go inside (for a fee) or just stick to the bookstore and the outside.
Conclusion:Walk towards Place du Jeu de Balle (flea market) where there are sometimes new graffiti.
Respect the Works: A Code of Conduct
Comic murals are protected by copyright law. They cannot be defaced, covered, or damaged. Contemporary street art, although often unauthorized, deserves respect: do not add tags or writings on top. Take photos, share, but do not touch.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freely photograph the murals?
Yes, for personal use. For commercial use (publications, sale of prints), authorization from the author or the Belgian Comic Strip Center is required.
Are all the comic murals in the city center?
Most are, but some are scattered in the suburbs (e.g., in Laeken, in Schaerbeek). The official map marks them all.
How big is the largest mural?
It's probably the one of the Smurfs (Rue du Marché au Charbon) or a Tintin mural on Rue de la Colline. Some exceed 100 square meters.
Is street art in Brussels legal?
Some murals are authorized (commissioned by the municipality). Others are illegal but tolerated, as long as they are not offensive. If a wall has been painted without authorization, it may be erased.
Is there a comic-themed guided tour?
Yes, there are 2-3 hour walking tours (for a fee) organized by local agencies and the Belgian Comic Strip Center.
Can I combine comic murals with Art Nouveau?
Yes, many murals are located in the Saint-Gilles neighborhood, where the Horta House is also located. You can create a single itinerary.
Do children enjoy classic comics?
Yes, the Smurfs, Tintin, Lucky Luke, and Gaston are still well-known. Even the youngest recognize them from TV series.
What to do if it rains?
The murals can be seen even in the rain. Bring an umbrella. If it rains heavily, take shelter in the Belgian Comic Strip Center (indoors).
Are there any famous international street artists in Brussels?
Yes, for example, the French Blek le Rat, the Belgian Roa (giant birds), and the English Banksy has left some works (unofficial).
Can I buy prints of the murals?
At the Belgian Comic Strip Center and in some specialized bookstores (e.g., Brüsel, in the center) they sell high-quality posters and prints.
A city that tells stories
Brussels is a city that tells stories. Some are written in history books, others on the walls. Comics and street art are the popular, ironic, and creative soul of the capital. Walking along the mural trail means immersing yourself in childhood, smiling in front of a giant Smurf, and getting excited in front of an adventurous Tintin. But contemporary street art adds a level of depth: social commentary, ephemeral beauty, expressive freedom.
No tickets or reservations are needed. Just look up, step away from the beaten paths, and let yourself be surprised. Brussels will speak to you through its balloons, its graffiti, its characters. Listen to it.
To explore all aspects of the art and culture of the Belgian capital, check out our complete guide to holidays in Brussels between art and flavors.
Revision date:May 15, 2026