Comic Book Street Art Route

Route de la Bande Dessinée

Brussels celebrates Belgian comic culture with dozens of murals depicting Tintin, Asterix, and other characters painted on building facades throughout the city. A unique and whimsical way to explore neighbourhoods while celebrating Belgium's outsized influence on European comics.

Things to do

• Tintin and Snowy Mural Hunt — Seek out the iconic mural of Tintin and his dog Snowy on Rue de l'Étuve, one of Brussels' most photographed comic book artworks.
• Comic Book Museum Visit — Explore the Belgian Comic Book Museum (Musée de la Bande Dessinée) located in an Art Nouveau building on Rue de Sablons to understand the history behind the street murals.
• Self-Guided Mural Walking Tour — Follow the official Comic Book Route map available at tourist offices, which guides you past over 50 murals throughout Brussels depicting characters from Asterix, Lucky Luke, and Smurfs.
• Hergé Museum Pilgrimage — Day trip to the Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve, about 30 km south, dedicated to Tintin's creator and featuring original artwork and manuscripts.
• Spirou and Fantasio Mural Discovery — Visit the detailed Spirou and Fantasio mural on Boulevard de Waterloo, showcasing the beloved duo in dynamic action scenes.
• Photography Tour with Local Guide — Join a themed photography walk led by local guides who know the best angles and hidden murals not always marked on standard tourist maps.

Food to try

• Belgian Waffles (Gaufres) — Enjoy crispy Brussels waffles dusted with powdered sugar or topped with chocolate and fruit at street vendors along the route, particularly near Grand Place.
• Moules-Frites — Sample steamed mussels served with Belgian fries and various sauces at traditional restaurants throughout the city, a quintessential Belgian comfort food.
• Belgian Chocolate — Visit family-run chocolate shops near the murals to taste handcrafted pralines and truffles, Belgium's world-renowned specialty that pairs perfectly with comic book exploration.
• Carbonnade à la Flamande — Try this rich Flemish beef stew braised in beer at local bistros, reflecting the region's beer culture and culinary heritage.
• Croquettes aux Crevettes — Taste crispy fried croquettes filled with North Sea shrimp, a popular appetizer at Brussels' casual eateries and lunch spots.

Local customs & good to know

• Belgian Comics Are National Pride — Understand that comic books (bandes dessinées) hold deep cultural significance in Belgium comparable to literature in other countries, making these murals civic monuments rather than mere decorations.
• Best Visiting Times — Plan visits for early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best natural lighting for mural photography, as many walls face narrow streets with limited sun exposure.
• Respect Private Property — Remember that murals are painted on residential and commercial building facades, so be considerate of residents and business owners while photographing and stay on public sidewalks.
• Combine with Festival Culture — Visit during Brussels International Comic Festival (September) or check for temporary pop-up galleries celebrating local artists to experience the living comic book culture beyond street art.

Nearby

• Brussels — 1 km
• Grand Place — 1 km
• Royal Palace & Art Museums — 1 km
• Brussels Central Station & Saint-Michel Cathedral — 1 km