Self-Guided Walking Tour Along Brussels Comic Book Route

If you’re a comic fan or street art enthusiast planning a quick, relaxed way to see some of Brussels’ most famous murals, this self-guided walking tour could be just what you’re looking for. Designed to cover 12 key murals in under 2 hours, it offers a laid-back way to get your fill of vibrant street art while learning about the stories behind the characters.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its flexibility—you set your own pace, making it perfect if you like wandering slowly, pausing for photos, or grabbing a coffee without feeling rushed. Plus, at just $7 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to add a little local flavor to your itinerary. The inclusion of offline maps and audio guides makes it accessible even if you’re not plugged into Wi-Fi, which is a nice touch.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that because it’s app-based and self-guided, there’s no personal guide to answer questions or help if you run into issues, like the review where someone found the first mural closed. This could be a downside if you’re the type who prefers guided tours with a person to chat with. Still, if you’re comfortable navigating on your own and love discovering street art at your own pace, this tour offers a lot of value.

All in all, this experience is well-suited for comic lovers, art fans, or curious travelers looking for a relaxed, inexpensive way to see some of Brussels’ most iconic murals. It’s not perfect—especially if murals are closed or hard to find—but it provides a fun, laid-back way to explore the city’s vibrant street art scene.

Key Points

• Affordable price: At $7, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore.
• Flexibility: You determine your pace and timing, making it customizable.
• Self-guided convenience: Uses an app with audio and images, plus offline maps.
• Limited interaction: No live guide or physical devices included.
• Focus on murals: Highlights 12 of the most popular murals, perfect for comic and street art fans.
• Potential pitfalls: Some murals may be closed or hard to find, as experienced by at least one reviewer.

What to Expect from the Brussels Comic Book Route Tour

This tour caters to those who want to see Brussels through its colorful comic murals without the fuss of a guided group or unpredictable timing. The route is carefully curated to include some of the most well-known murals, like Tintin, Asterix, Thorgal, and Victor Sackville, all nestled in the city’s vibrant center.

The tour’s foundation is a user-friendly app that offers both audio and written guides, accessible for a full year after purchase. You get access to images for identification, an interactive map, and offline capability—meaning you don’t need internet while exploring.

The Starting Point: Smurfs Passage

The tour kicks off at Smurfs Passage, which is conveniently located near public transportation. From here, you’ll walk through various streets, stopping to admire murals that celebrate Belgium’s comic legacy. The route was chosen to maximize viewing in a short time, making it ideal if you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of Brussels’ comic culture.

The Murals: Highlights and Challenges

The highlight is definitely the chance to see murals inspired by iconic characters. Since the tour is self-guided, you’ll learn about each mural’s background and what makes it special, adding depth to what you’re viewing. One reviewer mentioned that the audio guide was clear and easy to understand, which helps bring these artworks to life.

But, not everything went smoothly for everyone. For instance, Tania_U shared that the first stop—the Smurfs wall—was permanently closed, throwing her off track and leading her to abandon the tour early. This is a reminder that street art locations can sometimes be inconsistent or affected by city changes.

The Experience of Walking the Route

This tour is about enjoying the city at your own pace. It’s roughly a two-hour walk—perfect for an afternoon break or a quick introduction to Brussels’ comic art scene. You’ll love the views and the opportunity to explore off the beaten path, perhaps discovering something you wouldn’t see on a traditional guided tour.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $7, you receive access to the app, which includes audio guides, images, and offline maps. There’s no need to rent physical devices or headphones—though you’ll need to bring your own if you want them. The tour is designed for anyone with a smartphone, and you can listen repeatedly, making it a flexible resource.

Importantly, there’s no physical guide or transportation included, so be prepared for some walking, and plan to start and end near public transit stops. The tour runs daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, giving plenty of flexibility for different schedules.

The Practicalities and Traveler Tips

• Timing: Schedule your walk during daylight hours to fully enjoy the murals and take good photos.
• Pace: Feel free to pause at any mural for longer—this isn’t a tight schedule.
• Navigation: Use the offline map to avoid getting lost, especially if you’re not familiar with the city.
• Murals’ status: Check if any murals are temporarily closed, especially the first one, to avoid surprises.
• Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera or phone for photos.
• Accessibility: The tour is open to most travelers, and service animals are allowed.

Reviews and Real Traveler Insights

The mixed reviews give a balanced picture. On the upside, Allison_D called it a “fun walk around the city” and recommended doing it early in your trip—so you get a good feel for Brussels. She appreciated the interesting facts and the chance to sightseeing on foot.

On the downside, Tania_U’s experience highlights a common issue with street art tours: murals can be closed or altered. Her experience with the closed Smurfs mural was disappointing, and she chose to abandon the tour rather than try to find her way back on her own.

This demonstrates that while the tour offers a flexible and affordable way to explore, you might encounter obstacles if key murals are inaccessible. It’s worth considering this if you’re visiting during a busy season or if street art locations are not well-maintained.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who loves street art, comics, or just exploring cities on foot, this tour offers a laid-back way to combine all three. It’s especially suitable if you prefer to explore independently rather than be part of a large group, and if you’re comfortable navigating via an app.

The price point makes it accessible for budget travelers, and the offline content means you can explore even without internet. However, if you prefer guided experiences with a more personal touch or are concerned about murals being temporarily closed, you might want to consider other options.

This tour works well as a first taste of Brussels’ comic scene, or as a leisurely activity on a lazy afternoon. It’s less suited for those who want a detailed, guided history or who prefer a more interactive experience with a person.

The Sum Up

All in all, the self-guided comic murals tour in Brussels offers a cost-effective, flexible, and fun way to enjoy the city’s colorful street art scene. The ability to move at your own pace, combined with helpful audio guides and offline maps, makes it a practical choice for independent travelers who want to see highlights without the fuss of group tours.

While it’s not without its hiccups—such as murals being closed or difficulty in navigation for some—it provides a good balance of entertainment, education, and exploration. It’s particularly ideal for comic lovers, art fans, or curious wanderers looking for a relaxed, affordable way to experience Brussels’ vibrant mural culture.

For those who enjoy discovering art at their own pace and don’t mind some minor inconveniences, this tour can add a fun, colorful dimension to your Brussels visit. Just keep in mind that street art can change or disappear, so it’s worth checking ahead when possible. Whether you’re here for a quick sightseeing fix or a leisurely walk, this experience has enough charm to earn a spot on your Brussels to-do list.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is mainly walking and viewing murals, it’s generally suitable for most travelers, including families with children, especially if they enjoy street art or comics. Just keep in mind that the tour is app-based and involves some walking.

Do I need to bring any physical devices?
No, the tour is app-based, and your smartphone is enough. You might want headphones for better listening, but they’re not included.

Are there any additional costs?
No, the $7 fee covers the app access, audio guide, images, and offline maps. You won’t need to pay extra unless you choose to buy food or souvenirs along the way.

Can I do this tour at any time?
Yes, the tour operates daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, and you can start whenever it suits you within those hours.

What if the murals are temporarily closed?
That’s a risk with street art tours—murals can be taken down or blocked temporarily. One reviewer experienced this firsthand when the Smurfs mural was closed, which affected her experience.

How long does the tour take?
It’s designed to take about 2 hours, but you can go faster or slower depending on your interest and pace.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

If you’re looking for a low-cost, flexible way to enjoy some of Brussels’ most iconic murals, this self-guided comic book route offers a lot of value—just be prepared for possible closures or navigational hiccups. Happy exploring!