The Tailor-Made Guide to the Street Art Murals of Aberdeen
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Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to inspire curious travellers and share the experiences behind my bespoke itinerary designs — giving you a flavour of what is possible, and the confidence to reach out and make it happen.
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Have you ever wondered how a city known for its grey granite buildings and the cold North Sea could transform into a vibrant canvas of colour? Over the past decade, the city of Aberdeen has done just that, thanks to a series of street art initiatives led by talented local artists, famous street artists from around the world and the Aberdeen Inspired group.
Imagine walking through the city, the smell of fresh paint mingling with the salty sea air, and the sound of seagulls overhead. The Nuart Aberdeen Festival has grabbed headlines, but it’s just one of many projects that have turned Aberdeen into a world-renowned street art city and a hub for graffiti street art at its most ambitious.
In this post, I’ll share my personal journey through Aberdeen’s most captivating and thought-provoking street art. I hope you enjoy these colourful street art murals as much as I do.
Tailor-Made Itineraries specialises in creating expert, bespoke self-guided tours. If you'd like to explore Aberdeen's street art as part of a professionally crafted itinerary, get in touch — we'd love to design something built around you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Aberdeen's Striking Street Art Murals
Nuart Aberdeen 2026
The 2026 Nuart Aberdeen Festival, which ran from 22–26 April 2026, marked a genuinely bold departure for one of the world's most celebrated street art festivals. Under the theme "Poetry is in the Streets" — drawn from a phrase scrawled on the walls of Paris during the 1968 student uprising — this year's festival became what appears to be the first street art event anywhere in the world to place poetry and text-based works at its heart. Nuart founder and curator Martyn Reed framed it as a return to the democratic roots of graffiti street art: the idea that if you know your ABCs, you have everything you need to make art on the streets. It was a fascinating, thought-provoking shift in direction for a festival that has, year after year, positioned the city of Aberdeen as one of the most exciting street art cities on the planet.
The artist line-up for 2026 was a compelling blend of Scottish and wider British talent, with a particular emphasis on artists who work with language, letterform and public intervention. Scottish names including KMG, James Klinge, The Rebel Bear, Ciarán Glöbel, Robert Montgomery and Trackie McLeod joined UK artists such as Remi Rough, Hicks, Molly Hankinson, Dr. D (aka Subvertiser) and Alisa Oleva. The collective The Writing Is On The Wall and the Lithuania/Scotland-based artist V2K rounded out a roster that felt genuinely rooted in the language of the streets. Supporting the festival was an impressive programme of speakers and academics exploring the culture of public art, with the University of Aberdeen among the partners. As with every year, the resulting street art murals have added a new and lasting layer of colour, wit and meaning to Aberdeen city attractions — and to the already extraordinary open-air gallery that the city has become.
Nuart Aberdeen 2024
The Nuart Aberdeen street art festival has become a highlight of Aberdeen's cultural calendar and I am always eager to find out what masterpieces are unveiled during early June. I wasn't disappointed! With this year's theme being 'Living Heritage', the dynamic side of cultural heritage was explored, with artists from as far afield as Egypt (Bahia Shehab), Amsterdam (Niels 'Shoe' Meulman) and Israel/Palestine (Addam Yekutieli). However, I feel that it is the piece by Hera down at Aberdeen Harbour that will become Aberdeen's most famous street art mural (the first three photos below), joining the ranks of Aberdeen's iconic street art.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
How can I find the exact locations of these amazing murals, I hear you ask. Well, Nuart Aberdeen maintains a handy map of where their murals can be found. Check it out and uncover these treasures. Is there a recommended order for exploring the murals? There are natural groupings that work much better than others, and knowing which direction to approach each area from can save significant time. While you can wander freely, visitors who plan ahead consistently get more from their day.
But the story doesn't begin in 2024. Far from it.
Nuart Aberdeen 2023
The theme of 2023's Nuart festival was 'Rewilding', and explored various aspects related to 'Tresspass and Transgression.' It also left Aberdeen a wonderful gift of stunning murals, especially around the Rose Street and St. Andrews Street area. There was a strong emphasis on British talent, with street art artists such as SNIK, Eloise Gillow and Aida Wilde, all of which ensured that Aberdeen continues to rank among the finest street art cities in the UK, if not the world — a remarkable achievement for a street art city of its size.
What inspired the artists to create their murals? Well, the inspiration behind each mural varies. Some draw from local history, culture, or personal experiences, while others explore global themes. The artists infuse their work with passion, storytelling, and a desire to engage viewers. I find that sometimes half the fun is trying to work out the artists inspiration yourself.
Nuart Aberdeen 2022
Nuart Aberdeen 2022 took place from 9th to 12th June 2022. Themed as “RECONNECT,” this street art festival aimed to restore social connections and relationships within cities after a period of lockdown and distancing. The festival featured renowned artists of modern street art such as the Spanish muralist Elisa Capdevila, the Danish artist Jacoba Niepoort, and Scotland's own James Klinge, whose cool street art creation now adorns the ibis hotel.
Are there any hidden messages or symbolism in these murals? Absolutely! Many of these murals contain subtle messages, symbols, or references. These might relate to social issues, environmental concerns, or personal reflections. I must admit that I don't really have any answers, but part of the joy is deciphering these hidden layers as you explore.
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Nuart Aberdeen 2021
After the disappointing postponement of the 2020 festival, we were treated to pieces from five world-renowned artists during the summer of 2021. The festival is usually conducted over an intense couple of weeks, but this year the painting was spread over June, July and into August. There was a little bit of secrecy surrounding the exact days when the artists would be working, which was in an effort to reduce the likelihood of crowds gathering during these uncertain times. In some ways this actually led to even more excitement, at least for myself, as it was like an artistic scavenger hunt, trying to discover where the artists were and catch them mid-creation!
Nuart Aberdeen 2019
Aberdeen’s Nuart street art festival had quickly established itself as a globally acclaimed celebration of street art, and reinforced this reputation by luring many international artistic luminaries to the city in 2019. The likes of Strok from Norway, Axel Void from Spain and Evol from Germany descended on Aberdeen, along with many British or UK-based artists, such as Helen Bur and SMUG, who must count as some of the most famous street artists and street art murals creators in the country.
Nuart Aberdeen 2018
Aberdonians may have been unsure what to expect when the Nuart Aberdeen Festival launched in 2017, but by 2018, there was great excitement to find out what was going to be created during the second instalment of the festival. I think it is safe to say that no one was disappointed, with many of the murals becoming city centre landmarks loved by the locals. This was emphasised by the extremely successful tours held immediately following the end of the festival, with great crowds of locals and visitors alike being guided around these magnificent pieces of art. One thing which struck me most, was the great range of the artistic mediums used – Bordalo II, for example, used discarded plastics to create his unicorn, while Carrie Reichardt used mosaics to focus on inspirational women from Aberdeen and Scotland, and, for my personal favourites, Bortusk Leer painted his colourful cartoon monsters onto newspaper! Such talented street art artists.
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Nuart Aberdeen 2017
Aberdeen’s twin city of Stavanger, Norway, has held the very successful Nuart street art festival since the early 2000s, so it was fitting that their concept was copied across the North Sea in 2017. The festival aimed to provide a platform for local, national and international artists to showcase their work through a series of site-specific murals, installations, interventions, and temporary exhibitions. Eleven artists brought the city centre to life, including the German art duo Herakut, who arguably created the festival’s most iconic street art piece on the Aberdeen Market building (which, unfortunately has been lost since the demolition of the market), and Polish M-city, who painted a large mural on Harriet Street. Alongside the large art pieces, there were also smaller, complimentary art, from the likes of the Belgian artist Jaune and his stencilled garbage men! The festival had established Aberdeen as home to some of the finest street murals and city murals in the world, and cemented its reputation as a street art city with genuine global credentials.
Here's where it gets really interesting — because the Nuart Festival is only part of the story. Read on to discover Aberdeen's colourful doors, Union Terrace Garden's lost treasures, and enjoy a double take of the Look A
gain Festival.
Painted Doors
The Painted Doors project was initiated in July 2016 and has brought new life and colour to many of Aberdeen’s neglected city centre doors. Curated by local artist Mary Butterworth, the doors are concentrated mainly around Langstane Place, Windmill Brae and The Green. The project continued in 2017 and 2018, with around 40 doors now having been painted by local artists, with each design being unique and eye catching. A map of the doors can be found here: http://bit.ly/2hczhjb. For anyone planning activities in Aberdeen Scotland, these independently commissioned street art murals offer a wonderful complement to the festival pieces nearby.
Release The Pressure
The precursor to the Nuart festival and perhaps the event that opened the eyes of many in Aberdeen to the importance and potential of street art, was 2016’s ‘Release The Pressure’ event. Union Terrace Gardens was a much loved, but neglected area of Aberdeen’s city centre, and it was here that a series of colourful and vibrant pieces of artwork were created to breathe new life into this public space.
2021 and 2022 saw a much-needed renovation of Union Terrace Gardens, but this unfortunately led to these dazzling pieces being covered up or destroyed! It would have been nice for them to have become a feature of the gardens, but alas, that is the fleeting nature of street art I guess.
Click to scroll through the images.
Look Again Festival
Look Again is a creative unit based at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen. A number of events and exhibitions are held throughout the year, but the most eye catching for me was the Love at First Sight installation created by Morag Myerscough in 2019. This temporary structure was part pavilion and part stage, encircling the historic Mercat Cross in Castlegate, with around 30 local volunteers hand painting the installation. An intriguing juxtaposition of historic buildings and modern street art.
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Read on to discover Aberdeen's edgier side, the local businesses who support the street art scene, as well as Aberdeen's own Skeps.
East Green & The Tunnels
With the impressive Union Street having been built over a series of arches in the early 1800's, the area beneath Aberdeen’s main street has always felt a little off limits. None more so than the area around the East Green and down into The Tunnels (Carnegie’s Brae), which has always had a certain degree of edginess. Today, however, this area seems to have taken that reputation and made it a positive. This subterranean passageway and backstreet access road is now full of vibrant, cool street art, with paintings, paste ups, social commentaries and political street art. The area also seems to renew itself rapidly, with new pieces replacing old in an ongoing fashion.
Since the Aberdeen Market building has recently been demolished (one side of the East Green), much of this hotspot for colour, political art and humour has either been lost or closed off to the public. It will be interesting to see whether this area maintains its street art credentials once the new market building has been constructed.
Business Premises
As street art has become acceptable and appreciated, there now seems to be a drive by businesses to commission works from these artists to brighten up their premises and provoke interest. Years ago, a good signwriter would be in high demand from shops, and it seems that there has now been an evolution of this need, where artists more known for their street art murals are getting assignments. One of the biggest proponents of art in the business space has been the local brewery and pub chain BrewDog, with all of their locations having some sort of eye catching art work, often by their once in-house graffiti artist Craig Fisher. There have also been undertakings by Aberdeen-born artist KMG, producing pieces for Dr. Martens on Union Street (now closed) and the Nigg Bay Golf Club. One of my personal favourites is the artwork around the entrance to Arch 420 on Palmerston Road. It will be interesting to see how this trend develops.
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Skeps
A relatively new addition, adding a touch of colour and culture to Aberdeen’s city centre, has been the portrait artworks of local artist Skeps. Certainly one to keep an eye out for and there will hopefully be some new pieces appearing in the future.
Aberdeen's Street Art Beyond the Festivals
Beyond the headline festivals and organised initiatives, visit Aberdeen and you will quickly discover that the city's walls are alive with creativity that exists entirely outside of any curated programme. Independent artists — both local and visiting — have quietly claimed gable ends, stairwells and forgotten corners of the city of Aberdeen, leaving behind striking street art murals that owe nothing to any festival brief or sponsor. These pieces range from bold, large-scale city murals that demand your attention from across the street, to smaller, more intimate street murals tucked into unexpected spots that reward the curious wanderer who looks up, looks down, and looks sideways. What unites them is a rawness and spontaneity that sits in fascinating contrast to the curated brilliance of the festival work. They are a reminder that in a true street art city, the art never really stops — it simply moves to wherever the next blank wall happens to be. Keep your eyes open as you explore, because some of the most memorable graffiti street art Aberdeen has to offer won't appear on any official map.
Still got questions? Good — here are the ones visitors ask most.
Quick Questions Answered
What is street art? Street art is a form of visual expression created in public spaces, often with the intent to engage, provoke, or beautify. It includes murals, stencils, stickers, sculptures, and more, and can be legal or illicit depending on context.
What qualifies as a mural? A mural is a large-scale artwork, often designed to transform public or interior spaces with visual storytelling, cultural expression, or community identity. Murals are painted or affixed directly onto surfaces (they are not movable canvases), and are usually designed with their location in mind, integrating with the architecture or environment.
Is painting on public walls illegal in the UK? Yes, painting on public walls without permission is generally illegal in the UK and is considered criminal damage or vandalism. However, if you have the property owner's consent, it can be entirely legal.
Who owns the rights to the mural? The artist typically owns the copyright to the mural, while the property owner owns the physical wall it's painted on—unless a contract states otherwise.
Do mural artists need insurance? Yes, mural artists in the UK typically need insurance—especially public liability insurance—to protect themselves from claims related to injury, property damage, or accidents during installation or exhibition.
Is Aberdeen street art free to visit? Yes — every single piece of street art in Aberdeen is completely free to enjoy, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you are visiting Aberdeen for the weekend or passing through on a longer trip, the murals are accessible to all, in all weathers, at any time of day or night. This makes exploring Aberdeen things to do on a budget surprisingly easy, as an entire afternoon of world-class public art costs nothing at all.
Can you take photos of street art in Aberdeen? Yes, photographing street art in Aberdeen is allowed and encouraged.
When does the Nuart Aberdeen Festival take place? The Nuart Aberdeen Festival typically takes place in late spring, generally around April or June, depending on the year. The 2026 edition ran from 22–26 April. New murals are created and unveiled during the festival week itself, so visiting Aberdeen during or just after the festival is the ideal time to see the freshest work — though all previous years' murals remain permanently on the walls year-round.
Is Aberdeen good for street art compared to other cities? Aberdeen is genuinely among the finest street art cities in the world. The Financial Times ranked it among the top six global destinations for street art, alongside cities such as San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney. For a city of its size, the sheer quality and density of work — produced by some of the most famous street artists of our time — is remarkable. Few street art city experiences anywhere can match what Aberdeen offers across its compact, walkable centre.
What other things can I do in Aberdeen alongside seeing the street art? Aberdeen has far more to offer than its murals alone. Aberdeen things to do range from exploring the stunning Aberdeen Art Gallery (free entry) and the medieval St Machar's Cathedral to wandering the historic Castlegate, strolling Aberdeen Beach, and visiting nearby Dunnottar Castle. The street art sits naturally alongside these Aberdeen city attractions, and many of the murals are found en route between other highlights, making it easy to combine art and sightseeing in a single outing.
How to Plan Your Time in Aberdeen
Here's the honest truth about visiting Aberdeen to explore its street art: it is not as simple as pulling up a map and ticking off a list. The murals span several distinct pockets of the city — from the harbour area and Union Row to the Painted Doors of Langstane Place, the historic Green, and further-flung pieces in Torry and beyond. Each area has its own character, its own natural pace, and its own combination of Aberdeen city attractions that sit alongside the art. Getting from one cluster to another without backtracking, or without missing a hidden gem down an alley, takes a bit of know-how.
What experienced visitors discover is that the city's street art naturally groups itself into neighbourhoods — some within easy reach of each other on foot, others better approached as a separate half-day in a different part of the city. A well-structured half-day can comfortably cover one of these natural groupings, taking in the murals alongside key nearby sights, with time for a coffee and a wander. A full day opens up the possibility of weaving across several groupings — but only if you know which order makes sense, and where the inevitable dead-ends and doubling-back lurk.
And that is where most visitors hit a wall (so to speak). Deciding which pieces to prioritise, how long each area genuinely takes, which direction to walk to catch the best angles on large-scale street art murals, and how to combine the art with other Aberdeen things to do in a way that doesn't feel rushed — these are the details that separate a brilliant day out from a frustrating one. It is easy to spend the morning on the wrong side of the city and run out of time for the pieces you actually came to see.
Ready to make the most of your Aberdeen visit? Browse our ready-made Aberdeen itineraries in the Online Store — expertly structured days out that take the guesswork out of your trip. Or, if you'd prefer something built entirely around you, get in touch and we'll design a bespoke self-guided tour around your interests, timeframe and travel style.
Conclusion
Street art murals have become an integral part of city culture around the world, and Aberdeen has been quick to spot its potential and has grabbed its opportunity to become a must-visit location for anyone interested in this art form. The creations around Aberdeen have delighted and provoked in equal measure. During my travels, I have always sought out a city’s street art. When visiting places as diverse as Houston, Łódź (in Poland) and Ghent, I have always been amazed at the talent and imagination of street artists. However, I’d have to honestly say that I have not visited a city quite like Aberdeen, where the quality, quantity and variety of street art murals is so easily accessible within a ten-minute radius of the city centre. So if you have even only a passing interest street art, make sure to put Aberdeen, Scotland, on your itinerary!
Aberdeen City Hotels Scotland
Aberdeen offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all styles of travel, from sleek city-centre hotels to charming coastal stays and cosy guesthouses. Whether you’re visiting for a short city break, business trip, or as a base to explore north-east Scotland, you’ll find plenty of options that balance comfort, location, and value. The compact nature of the city means many of the best hotels in Aberdeen Scotland are within easy walking distance of key attractions, while quieter neighbourhoods and surrounding areas offer more relaxed alternatives.
Best Hotels in Aberdeen Scotland
If you’re looking for a stylish and convenient stay, the city centre is home to some of the best hotels in Aberdeen Scotland. The Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel, set within a historic granite building, offers modern rooms and a central location just off Union Street. The Aberdeen Altens Hotel provides excellent facilities slightly outside the centre, ideal if you’re travelling by car. For something a little more boutique, The Chester Hotel or the Malmaison Aberdeen both combine contemporary design with a relaxed, upscale feel in the West End.
Great Value Places to Stay in Aberdeen
Aberdeen also has a strong selection of great value accommodation that combines comfort, convenience, and style without stretching the budget. Well-known options like Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel and Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen provide reliable quality, modern rooms, and central locations—ideal for short stays or city breaks.
Bed Breakfast Aberdeen Scotland
For a more personal and homely experience, there are plenty of excellent bed breakfast Aberdeen Scotland options. These smaller properties often provide warm hospitality, locally sourced breakfasts, and a quieter atmosphere. Look out for guesthouses in the West End or along the coastal routes, where you’ll often get a blend of character, comfort, and local insight that larger hotels can’t always match.
Aberdeen Airport Hotels Scotland
If you’re arriving late or departing early, Aberdeen airport hotels Scotland offer a practical and stress-free option. Hotels such as the Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen Airport and Moxy Aberdeen Airport provide comfortable stays just minutes from the terminal, with easy transport links into the city centre. These are particularly useful for business travellers or those with tight schedules.
Where to Stay: Tailored Suggestions
City Centre: Ideal for first-time visitors wanting easy access to attractions, restaurants, and transport links.
West End: A quieter, more upscale area with boutique hotels and leafy streets.
Near the Airport: Perfect for convenience if you’re flying in or out.
Related Blog Posts
If you are interested in finding out more about the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
If you would like more information on street art murals from around the world, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Have you spotted a favourite mural on your Aberdeen visit? Share it in the comments below — we'd love to hear which piece stopped you in your tracks!
Tailor-Made Itineraries specialises in creating expert, bespoke self-guided tours. If you'd like to explore Aberdeen's street art as part of a professionally crafted itinerary, get in touch — we'd love to design something built around you.
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Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
Aberdeen's street art scene is extremely inspirational! The Nuart Aberdeen Festival and other local initiatives have transformed the city into a thriving outdoor gallery. If you're looking for research or creative inspiration from these murals, consider dissertation help UK to capture the cultural relevance of this artistic movement in your academic work.