Travel the World to See this Incredible Street Art

The world is full of amazing artists, and I don’t just refer to the ones that you see in museums and art galleries. Whether you like any form of art is so dependent on your own personal taste that it is impossible to make a definitive set of best or worst art, but we’re going to have a go!

Street art is a progressively mainstream medium for individuals to express themselves globally, and it provides an ever-evolving canvas for these gifted individuals to paint on.

Here are some of the world’s top street art locations globally.

1. Melbourne – Australia

The Australian haven of hipster beards and excellent coffee, there are roads and lanes such as Hosier Lane reserved for art in Melbourne.

The artwork in these specialized streets doesn’t get washed away, rather the next series of artists move through and blanket it with their work so you have some amazing collisions of art forms. You can even take street art walking tours of the city to ensure that you don’t miss all the best bits.

2. London – England

World famous artist Banksy’s hometown, London is full of insightful and vibrant art if you know where to find it.

Neighborhoods such as Shoreditch and Brick Lane are the hub of the London street art phenomenon, where it is not at all unusual to see spray painted buildings alongside upmarket, boutique stores.

3. Berlin – Germany

The Berlin Wall was once the ideal canvas for artists to spray their politically motivated work, but street art in Berlin is much more than that.

Berlin has accepted its past and its future in street art, so it’s not difficult to locate some stunning pieces and become lost in the lovely city.

The rest of the wall is still completely filled with artwork just like when the entire thing was up, so you could even learn some history in the process!

4. Los Angeles – USA

The LA public mural ban was just overturned, and you can experience the creativity of the city flourishing absolutely because of it.

The Arts district is where you’ll see the best street art, but you can find it all over LA, so put on your walking shoes and spend a day getting to know the ins and outs of the amazing LA scene.

5. Lodz – Poland

Arguably one of the lesser recognized on the list, Lodz has become one of the street art must-sees since the Urban Forms Foundation committed to enhancing the global reputation of Lodz with art.

Hosting over 40 enormous murals painted by artists from not just Poland, but worldwide. There are also thousands of lesser works that are no less amazing and a bit less in your face!

6. Christchurch – New Zealand

Following its destruction by an earthquake in 2011, Christchurch a clean slate just waiting to be rebuilt from the ashes.

The combination of contemporary architecture with the stunning street art is giving Christchurch one of the most contemporary and forward-thinking cities in the world, and with ever-increasing new buildings being constructed, more artwork is unavoidable.

7. Montreal – Canada

The optimum time to see street art in Montreal is in June when the Mural Festival lasts for 11 days. Street artists descend from all corners of the globe and toss some amazing works up all around the walls of Montreal.

If you can’t make it to Montreal in June however then don’t worry, there is still much art on show all year round, including in the middle of winter!

Saint-Laurent Boulevard is a must-see if you are present here.

8. Valparaiso – Chile

Street art is illegally done in some locations, but in Valparaiso it’s not only legal, it’s promoted.

You can either walk around by yourself or join an organized (and free) tour. Either way there is no possibility that you will be able to view all of the street art in Valparaiso because it is on pretty much every corner.

9. Istanbul – Turkey

Typically found in older Byzantine architecture, a recent art explosion in the modern art world in Istanbul has rapidly become one of the world’s top scenes.

Kadikoy is at the center of Istanbul’s street art scene, but they are scattered throughout the city. It can be a fun way to see the less touristy areas of the city by searching for these works of art throughout the city.

10. Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

Famous for its colour and vibrant streets, Rio de Janeiro is more than just haphazard splodges of colour though.

The best street art is in the favelas, but go there only if you have a local contact or a guide because they can be extremely unsafe. It’s worth doing it though to witness some of the world’s finest street art!

11. Barcelona – Spain

The effective erasure of street art is both blessing and curse to Barcelona, as it makes the city an adaptable, constantly evolving canvas, yet also takes some of the best work away too quickly.

The most convenient time to view the artwork here is during evenings after shops close. The roller security doors are frequently utilized by artists to give their artwork a more permanent nature, but they cannot be accessed when shops are operating.

12. New York – USA

A concrete jungle with no particular style, the diversity is artists and style to be found in New York is truly mind-blowing.

There are galleries to cover street art if the streets are no good, but there is so much to see in such an expansive space that you’re guaranteed to find some pieces that will last a lifetime.

13. Cape Town – South Africa

First developed as a means of expressing political views under Apartheid, the street art community in Cape Town retained its activist orientation.

There is some kind of political message in most of this artwork and really speaks to the strength of the human spirit to combat what you believe in. A must visit for those with strong political convictions. They really leave you thinking.

14. Buenos Aires – Argentina

You will never be short of gigantic, wall covering murals in the city of Argentina, particularly in streets such as Palermo, San Telmo and Colegiales.

Street art is part of the heritage of Buenos Aires, and there are walking tours that will allow one to experience its grandeur. From lighthearted humor to profound political expression, pieces cover it all in Buenos Aires.

15. Lisbon – Portugal

With the Lisbon City Council actively encouraging the city’s street art culture, this capital city is full of colour and artwork that few cities can match.

With both world-renowned artists and fantastically skilled locals painting murals across its walls, Lisbon is an historic city being catapulted into today’s era of art.

Sources:

Hostel World – 9 of the best cities in the world for street art
International Traveller – THESE are the world’s best cities for street art
Afar – The World’s Best Cities for Street Art