Where to Go for the Best Street Art & Murals Around the World
- TopTravelIndex
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 13
Street art has evolved from underground graffiti to a global movement that transforms cityscapes into open-air museums. From large-scale murals to hidden alleyway masterpieces, some destinations are now famous for their vibrant street art scenes. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a unique way to explore a city, here are the best places around the world to experience stunning street art and murals.
1. Berlin, Germany – The Open-Air Canvas of History
Berlin’s street art scene is deeply rooted in history and rebellion. The city became a hub for graffiti and murals during the Cold War, with artists using the Berlin Wall as their canvas for political expression. Today, remnants of the Wall, like the East Side Gallery, showcase powerful murals that reflect themes of freedom and unity.
Where to Find It
East Side Gallery – Over 1.3 km of murals painted on the Berlin Wall.
Kreuzberg & Friedrichshain – Alternative neighborhoods packed with graffiti-covered buildings.
Teufelsberg – An abandoned Cold War spy station covered in street art.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina – A City of Artistic Expression
Buenos Aires is known for its vivid colors, political art, and large-scale murals. Street art here is not just tolerated—it’s encouraged, with local authorities giving artists permission to transform entire neighborhoods into artistic wonderlands.
Where to Find It
Palermo – Home to massive murals and intricate stencils covering walls and shopfronts.
La Boca – This neighborhood, famous for its colorful houses, is also a street art hotspot.
San Telmo – Features a mix of historic architecture and urban art.
3. London, England – Banksy’s Playground & More
London is one of the best places in the world to see street art, featuring works by legendary artists like Banksy, ROA, and Stik. From politically charged murals to playful cartoon-like figures, the city’s art scene is ever-changing.
Where to Find It
Shoreditch & Brick Lane – A hotspot for famous works, including Banksy pieces.
Leake Street Tunnel – A legal graffiti tunnel filled with ever-evolving murals.
Camden – Street art and punk rock culture collide in this vibrant area.
4. Mexico City, Mexico – A Muralist’s Dream
Mexico City is home to both historic murals from artists like Diego Rivera and modern street art that reflects the city's rich cultural heritage and social activism. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into an outdoor gallery.
Where to Find It
La Roma & La Condesa – Trendy neighborhoods filled with large-scale murals.
Centro Histórico – Features political and historical murals.
Calle Regina – A pedestrian street known for its diverse street art styles.
5. Valparaíso, Chile – A Hillside of Color
Often called "The Jewel of the Pacific," Valparaíso is one of the most colorful cities in the world, with entire neighborhoods covered in bright murals and poetic graffiti. The city’s hilly landscape makes for dramatic backdrops and Instagram-worthy shots.
Where to Find It
Cerro Alegre & Cerro Concepción – Streets lined with art-covered staircases and walls.
Paseo Yugoslavo – A scenic walkway with striking murals.
Museo a Cielo Abierto – A street art "museum" featuring large-scale murals.
6. Melbourne, Australia – The Graffiti Capital of the Southern Hemisphere
Melbourne has one of the most active and legal street art scenes in the world, with entire laneways dedicated to ever-changing graffiti and murals. The city's street art culture is so big that there are guided tours specifically for mural hunting.
Where to Find It
Hosier Lane – The most famous street art alley in Melbourne.
AC/DC Lane & Duckboard Place – Murals featuring famous musicians and abstract works.
Fitzroy & Collingwood – Neighborhoods with hidden masterpieces and indie vibes.
7. New York City, USA – The Birthplace of Modern Graffiti
New York’s street art scene dates back to the 1970s hip-hop era, and today, it continues to be a hub for both local and international artists. The city's walls feature iconic graffiti tags, political murals, and contemporary urban art.
Where to Find It
Bushwick, Brooklyn – The Bushwick Collective is a must-see for street art lovers.
The Bowery, Manhattan – Home to ever-changing murals by world-renowned artists.
Coney Island Art Walls – A seasonal outdoor museum of colorful street art.
8. Lisbon, Portugal – A City Covered in Tiles & Murals
Lisbon is famous for its "azulejo" tile art, but its modern street art scene is just as impressive. The city’s walls feature massive murals, intricate stencils, and creative installations.
Where to Find It
LX Factory – A creative hub filled with murals.
Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo – Large-scale political murals.
Bairro Alto & Alfama – Old streets covered in vibrant urban art.
9. São Paulo, Brazil – The Graffiti Capital of South America
São Paulo’s street art scene is one of the most dynamic in the world, with local artists like Os Gêmeos (world-famous twin brothers) shaping the city’s creative identity. The sheer scale and detail of the murals make it one of the most unique street art destinations.
Where to Find It
Beco do Batman (Batman Alley) – A narrow alley covered in high-quality murals.
Avenida Paulista – Skyscrapers with graffiti-covered walls.
Vila Madalena – A bohemian neighborhood filled with street art.
10. Bogotá, Colombia – A City That Embraces Graffiti
Unlike many cities where graffiti is criminalized, Bogotá has embraced street art as part of its cultural identity. The result? One of the most creative and socially conscious urban art scenes in the world.
Where to Find It
La Candelaria – A historic district filled with street art.
Calle 26 – Features large political murals.
Parque de los Periodistas – A gathering spot for artists.
Final Thoughts
Street art tells the stories of a city—its history, culture, and people—through powerful visuals and hidden messages. Whether you're looking for historical murals, politically charged graffiti, or purely aesthetic masterpieces, these destinations offer some of the most stunning urban art experiences in the world.
Which street art city is your favorite? Have you visited any of these?
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