The Belgian capital of Brussels offers the traveler many things - history, culture architecture… However, for many visitors a trip to Brussels is a chance to see some of its internationally-renowned comic art up close.

Belgium's Comic History

Belgium's massive contribution to international comic culture should not be underestimated. A formidable rival to the US Marvel Comics business, Belgium has produced some of the most enduringly popular comic book characters.

Of these one stands out above the rest: Tintin. Written by George Reni - under the nom de plumes, Hergé - the Adventures of Tintin have been translated into over 50 languages around the world, and sold more than 200 million copies.

There are various attractions dedicated to the crime-solving, quaff-sporting reporter across the city. Just off the Grand Place on Rue de la Collin, La Boutique Tintin is a good place to go and buy a book or some related memorabilia, while in 2007 a mural dedicated to him was unveiled at Brussels Midi train station to go with those at Stockel, Porte de Hals and Ribaucourts Metro Stations.

Indeed, the whole city is positively covered in street art, murals and vibrant graffiti - most of which has a decidedly "comic" slant. The best way of seeing this side of the city is to pick up a copy of the "Comic Book Trail" guide from the tourist office.

Within Belgium, though, the longest running comic strip is Spirou and Fantasio, which dates back to 1938 and is still in print today.

Brussels Comics Centre

The Brussels Comics Centre, or Centre De La Bande Dessinee as it is known locally, is one of Brussels most unique and fascinating attractions.

Carefully detailing the history of Belgian and European comic culture in a thorough and entertaining fashion, it is filled with rare and hilarious comic snippets and contributions that will keep any fan entertained for hours.

Luminaries such as the notorious Baden Powell Jije, Victor Hubinon of Buck Danny and Redbeard fame, and Maurice de Bevere - or Morris as he's affectionately known - are just some of the features in its permanent show.

It also has a comic book shop offering a blend of touristy knick-knacks and rare comic collector finds to entertain visitors. In short, comic fans traveling around Europe should be clamoring at the doors of Brussels hostels to get a glimpse of the city's special artistic heritage.

It's not the most exciting or glamorous city in the world, but I guess it's the associations with people who mean a lot to me. Whenever we get together, it's always good.

I feel a real sense of otherness when I'm there, of escape from the humdrum me. It just seems friendly and tolerant, you do what you want to do, it seems to say, we'll take you as you are, if you want to work, work, if you want to play, play, that's fine with us.

It's relaxed and welcoming but with just enough reserve so that it's not in your face all the time. You expect it to be cold (metaphorically) and grey and a bit dour, but I'm always startled by how cosmopolitan it is, how laid back and faintly surreal.

Its politics are ridiculous, its weather is horrible, but it just gets on with things, it knows how to have a good time when it feels like it, it doesn't take itself too seriously, it doesn't pressure you into being one thing or another, it doesn't make you feel small because you're from out of town and you're not used to its ways.

It accepts you for who you are, and it would ask you to do the same, except that, it doesn't really mind how you take it, not in an arrogant way, just that it's your choice and it will respect that.