BackHidden gems
Comic Strip Route
Brussels celebrates its 9th-art heritage with dozens of giant comic murals across the centre.
What to see
Tintin, Lucky Luke, Asterix and Smurfs murals; the Belgian Comic Strip Center.
Why it matters
Brussels is the spiritual home of European comics — a free open-air museum.
Traveller tip
Pick up a free map at the tourist office or follow our Comic Route.
Best time to visit
Dry days; combine with a waffle stop
Cultural context
The mural route began in 1991 when the city commissioned Frank Pé's 'Broussaille' on rue du Marché au Charbon. Today over 60 painted walls celebrate Tintin, Lucky Luke, the Smurfs, Cubitus, Boule et Bill and many others — a tribute to Belgium's role in inventing the European 'ninth art'.
