Street art tours: Urban canvases around the world
If cities could talk, they’d probably use street art to tell their stories. While tourist landmarks tell you the official history, street murals reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface: the struggles, the joys, the creativity, and, above all, the soul of the city.
In this article, we’ll take you through some of the best street art tours in the world so you can discover a new side to your favorite city. And before you set off, don’t forget to check out www.handyvisas.com for any visa requirements and stress-free applications!
Berlin, Germany
Ask anyone about street art in Germany, and the Berlin Wall is likely the first thing they’ll mention—and for good reason. Berlin has earned its spot among the world’s street art capitals, with graffiti rooted in both its history and cultural identity.
During the Cold War era, street art became one of the main ways to express protest and convey one’s position. Today, the most iconic spot is still the East Side Gallery, an open-air gallery on the Wall’s eastern flank. Artists from around the world have transformed a symbol of division into a celebration of freedom, and Dmitry Vrubel’s Brotherly Kiss remains the most recognisable piece in the city.
However, Berlin’s street art goes far beyond the Wall. In neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, you’ll also find massive murals by legends like Blu and Shepard Fairey.
A great way to see Berlin’s street art (and understand the stories behind it) is to join the Street Art Tour by Alternative Berlin. The guides are artists and locals themselves, and they’ll take you off the beaten path to show you pieces you won’t find in any guidebook.
London, UK
London is another European city where street art has become an integral part of the culture.
The highest concentration of murals can be found in Shoreditch and Brixton, where alleyways and shopfronts turn into colourful and constantly changing galleries. Here you’ll spot works by big names like Banksy, ROA, and Stik, alongside fresh new artists you’ve probably never heard of (yet!)
Shoreditch even offers dedicated street art tours, where guides explain the stories, techniques, and messages behind the murals. Prefer exploring on your own? No problem — there are plenty of blog posts and self-guided routes to help you find the highlights.
If you have extra time, it’s also worth taking a trip to Banksy’s hometown, Bristol, which is just a 90-minute train ride from London. There are more than a dozen Banksy-made murals around the city, and you can take a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the artist, his works, influences, and more.
Miami, USA
The Wynwood Walls district in Miami needs little introduction among street art enthusiasts — what began as a gritty warehouse district is now one of the most iconic open-air art spaces in the world!
Beyond its colourful walls, Wynwood has quite the backstory: it all started in 2009, when developer and arts patron Tony Goldman saw potential in these abandoned streets and buildings. He invited some of the most respected graffiti and mural artists in the world to turn the blank walls into large-scale masterpieces, and, from that vision, Wynwood Walls was born.
Today, you’ll find works by legends like Shepard Fairey, Retna, Os Gemeos, and many more.
The entire neighborhood has become a cultural magnet, filled with galleries, cafes, and creative spaces. Guided tours by groups like Wynwood Art Walk are a great way to dig deeper, learn about the artists, and hear how this forgotten corner of Miami became a global art destination. You can even sign up for a class and try your hand at spray painting!
Fun fact: The murals are constantly changing, which means no two visits are ever the same.
Valparaiso, Chile
ValparaÃso is one of South America’s most colorful cities—and, naturally, a paradise for street art lovers. This coastal city is a maze of narrow streets, steep hills, and vibrant murals that seem to cover every available surface.
Cerro Alegre is a must-visit district, where nearly every wall has been transformed into a canvas. Some pieces are whimsical, playful, or surreal, while others are deeply political and touch on themes from Chile’s past. The entire neighborhood feels like a massive outdoor gallery that’s accessible to everyone.
George Town, Malaysia
From Chile, we head to Malaysia—or more specifically, to George Town on Penang Island. Known as the Asian capital of street art, this city is filled with murals that are charming, funny, and often interactive.
What makes George Town’s street art special is how closely it reflects local life. You’ll see scenes of kids playing, uncles reading newspapers, and street vendors selling food—all painted in a style that feels warm and familiar.
Many of the most famous pieces were created by Ernest Zacharevic, who used real-life props like bicycles and swings to bring his murals to life. His work has become such a huge tourist draw that many of his murals have turned into must-see photo spots.
To see the main highlights, we recommend following either the short 2.1-km or long 5-km mapped route that guides you through the best-known spots.
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