Brussels Tintin and Hergé Walking Tour: An Honest Review

Thinking of checking out Brussels but want to experience more than just the usual tourist hotspots? A great way to do it is with a private walking tour. Especially if you’re into comics. If that’s you, maybe you’ll want to discover the heart of the city that gave birth to Tintin and his creator, Hergé. I had a chance to do just that not too long ago, and so I wanted to share some thoughts about my experience on the Brussels Tintin and Hergé Private Walking Tour.

Setting the Scene: Why This Tour Is So Appealing

First things first, why should you even consider a tour focused on Tintin and Hergé, right? Well, the stories of Tintin are very much ingrained into the history and streets of Brussels. More or less, they’re a source of real pride for many Belgians. So, it is almost like taking a stroll through the pages of a beloved comic book. But it is brought to life with fascinating stories and real-world locations. The appeal is definitely there if you’re a comic fan, of course. But it’s also there for anyone with even a small interest in pop culture or what gave the city its artistic charm.

I would say one of the biggest benefits of opting for a private tour specifically, is that it becomes super personalized. Instead of shuffling along with a big group, a private tour gives you the chance to chat with your guide, ask heaps of questions, and really tailor the whole thing to suit your own pace and what interests you. The guides generally know their stuff like the back of their hands, which makes all the difference between just seeing the sights, and really learning something new.

What You Can Expect On the Walk

Okay, so what do you see? Most of these tours tend to kick off in the very heart of Brussels, right in the Grand Place. I recall it was like this on my trip, anyway. It’s a stunning spot. Even without the tour, it really shows off the architectural beauty of the city. It usually only takes a quick walk before you spot some nods to Tintin. Maybe a mural adorning a building, or even a little statue tucked away in a corner. From there, my tour went through spots that had either a direct or, in some respects, an indirect connection to Hergé’s life and work.

Don’t expect a tour that only points out the illustrations though. My guide also talked a lot about the history of Brussels. But he did this while focusing on how the city influenced Hergé. The tour balances seeing some eye-catching things while hearing some truly interesting stuff. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for both the artist and the environment that inspired him.

The Guide: Your Storyteller and Cultural Interpreter

Seriously, the guide really can make or break a tour. You want someone that doesn’t only know the stuff about Tintin and Hergé. But can make it exciting. Our guide had this infectious enthusiasm. He brought to life what it must have been like in Brussels when Tintin was just starting out. Plus, he also shared cool little-known details about Hergé’s creative thinking, or certain images. These small tidbits really stayed with me. It made the stories far more involving.

Another great thing was how he handled questions. Sometimes with group tours, there might be less encouragement to participate. Yet, my guide was very inviting and interested in whatever the group asked. So he could expand on topics we found interesting. It showed, I felt, how a private tour offers this very nice advantage of personalized connection and the kind of engagement that enriches the experience so.

Must-See Spots on the Tour (and What Makes Them Special)

A main attraction has to be the murals, anyway, scattered across the city. These big artworks bring pages of Tintin right onto buildings. It provides fantastic photo ops. Also, I think they work as these amazing public celebrations of Belgian comic art.

Besides the murals, the tour I went on took in places such as the house where Hergé actually lived. Even some places that had inspired certain settings or scenarios in the Tintin books were shown. Being there gives you, like, a tangible sense of connection with the stories, which is rather cool.

Beyond Tintin: The Broader Appeal of the Tour

You should note that what is really neat regarding the tour I had, is that it wasn’t aimed only at die-hard Tintin fans. Of course, loving the comics certainly spices up the tour. But there is very much something there for anybody keen on exploring the city. Whether that exploration involves getting into its culture from a different angle.

The tour, as a matter of fact, offers, at least in some ways, a superb overview of Brussels itself. In a way it focuses on the city’s past and present. The beautiful streets and vibrant culture make the city really unforgettable. The Tintin connection is more or less only one part of it. Even if that part really does add that little extra flavor to what is on offer.

Snacks and Souvenirs: Enhancing Your Tour Experience

Consider this: as you wander from one Tintin landmark to another, why don’t you take in some of Brussels’ delicious snacks? In fact there are lots of spots for a quick treat. Why don’t you stop by a chocolate shop to sample a praline, or visit a traditional frites stand to enjoy some Belgian fries. This may well depend on how long your tour runs.

Regarding souvenirs, I remember heaps of dedicated comic shops. They sell various Tintin goodies. Like your books, figurines, and posters. These sorts of places are perfect for grabbing something special to remember your tour experience with. Just so you have something more than photos of cool murals to remember the day.

Booking Tips and Recommendations

When you book your tour, be sure you do a little scouting of the different tour providers, alright? Give attention to what other folks said, and also to the itineraries that they put together. I would even recommend getting in touch with the tour company beforehand. Tell them, in that conversation, what you are hoping to see and do. So that, you know, you get more out of the outing.

Since you will be walking around for a few hours, just so you know, it might be better for you to dress with some comfy footwear. And also maybe bring some water. That’s not to mention accounting for the weather on the day.

Another great thing is, after the tour, you can ask your guide about other spots for seeing comic art, in a way. If it comes up, I’d always ask. Guides can make some brilliant recommendations for other places. If this really gets your attention, anyway.

Is It Worth the Money? A Final Opinion

Taking everything into account, my experience with the Brussels Tintin and Hergé Private Walking Tour was very cool. For sure. Getting up close with characters in comic books that are held in very high regard? Plus getting the culture of Brussels on top of all of it? It is a special experience. This rings very true, should you find that walking tours with guides do it for you anyway. Particularly guides that will give you their time on a personal level.

While maybe this kind of thing isn’t for everyone, or some think there might be more important things, if you are looking for a different approach for touring and doing some sight-seeing in Brussels, I reckon you’ll find a great amount to love about what is on display. That way, you might love the day a lot too.