Brussels turns the city itself into an open-air comic gallery. Since 1991, walls across the capital have regularly gained new murals, and the official tourism board now counts more than 80. This self-guided route focuses on the historic centre, where comic art shares the streets with guild houses, covered galleries and landmark squares.
Why follow the Brussels comic strip trail?
The walk is more than a checklist of painted walls. It leads through lanes that many first-time visitors might otherwise miss, while linking Belgian visual culture with the architecture of central Brussels. The official Visit Brussels comic strip trail provides current route ideas; the historical-centre itinerary is described as roughly 5 km and about three hours on foot.
A practical self-guided route
1. Start near Brussels Central Station
Begin around the station and Mont des Arts, then descend toward the old centre. A large Smurfs mural is visible inside the station area, but opening conditions and access routes can change. Treat it as an optional first stop rather than a fixed starting point.
2. Cross the Grand-Place quarter
Move through the UNESCO-listed heart of Brussels and look beyond the main façades. Murals often appear on side walls, corners and narrower streets. Keep the official map open, but allow short detours: part of the fun is noticing how the artwork changes the scale of an ordinary street.
3. Continue toward Manneken-Pis and the lower town
This compact section contains several well-known walls and busy pedestrian streets. Visit earlier in the day for clearer views and easier photographs. Never step into the road for a picture, and avoid blocking entrances used by residents and shops.
4. Finish around Sainte-Catherine or the Comic Art Museum
You can extend the walk west toward Sainte-Catherine and the canal, where the official route combines murals with food, fashion and street art. Alternatively, head north to the Comic Art Museum at Rue des Sables 20, housed in an Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. Check the official museum listing for current admission and opening details.
How to plan the walk
- Distance: about 5 km for the official historical-centre circuit.
- Time: around 3 hours, longer with a museum or café stop.
- Best conditions: daylight and dry weather make small details easier to see.
- Navigation: use the current official map, because new murals can be added.
For a broader city plan, begin with our Brussels three-day guide. Then compare guided options on Our Free Tour and add bookable cultural activities from Experiences.
Frequently asked questions
Is the comic strip trail free?
The outdoor murals are free to view. Museums, exhibitions and guided visits may charge admission.
Is the route suitable for families?
Yes. The official historical-centre route is presented as family-friendly, though busy crossings and cobblestones require attention.
Do I need to complete every mural?
No. Choose one district and a manageable circuit. More than 80 murals are spread across Brussels, so seeing all of them is not a realistic single walk.
Can I walk the route in rain?
Yes, but wet cobbles can be slippery. Shorten the outdoor circuit and combine it with the Comic Art Museum if the weather worsens.