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The Tailor-Made Guide to the Best Street Art Murals in the World

Sep 27
18 min read
Mural of a woman on a brick building under blue sky, with title text The Best Street Art Murals in the World.

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.


Street art murals on the side of a building depicting Clint Eastwood in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Deep Elum, Dallas

Contents

 

Have you ever wandered through a city and been captivated by the vibrant street art murals that seem to bring the walls to life? Over the past few years, I've had the incredible opportunity to explore some of the world's most dynamic street art scenes. From the bold, colourful murals of my hometown, Aberdeen, where the scent of fresh paint mingles with the salty sea air, to the bustling, art-laden lanes of San Francisco's Mission District, each mural tells a unique story of its city's spirit and culture. Whether you're chasing colour in a single street art city or stringing together several across a longer trip, these murals reward a slow, curious wander.

 

Street art murals on the gable end of a building portraying  a toddler dressed as a policeman. There are cars driving along a road in the foreground.
Civic Center, San Francisco

This guide rounds up some of the best of street art from across the globe. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through these open-air galleries, sharing tips and personal anecdotes from my travels. You’ll discover why these murals are more than just art—they’re a reflection of the communities that create them. So, if you’re searching for the best street art murals around the world, let’s dive in and explore the extraordinary creativity that transforms ordinary streets into stunning visual experiences.


Aberdeen street art murals
Nuno Viegas, Gerard St., Aberdeen

Planning an independent trip to any of these cities?

 

All information in this post is based on my own experience travelling around the world, backed by extensive research to bring you everything you need to know to have your own amazing experience. 


Street art murals on a building wall depicting a large African elephant.
Lodhi Arts District, New Delhi


Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries specialises in creating expert, bespoke self-guided tours. If you'd like to explore the world’s street art cities 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.



Guide to the Best Street Art Murals in the World


United Kingdom


Aberdeen


Aberdeen is well known for its grey granite buildings and the grey North Sea that coldly laps up its beaches, but over the past decade, Aberdeen has seen an explosion of colour and vibrancy. The annual Aberdeen Nuart Festival has stolen many of the headlines these past few years. This street art festival first came to the city in 2017 and has successfully provided an annual platform for local, national and international artists to showcase their work through a series of site-specific murals, installations, interventions, and temporary exhibitions. 


Street art murals of a man in a hoody, with tatoos on his hand, holding a brown dog in his lap.
SMUG, The Green, Aberdeen

But there have been several other initiatives that have contributed to making Aberdeen a world-renowned centre for the best modern street art. My favourite has to be the Painted Doors project which was initiated in July 2016 and has brought new life and colour to many of Aberdeen’s neglected city centre doors. Around 40 doors now having been painted by local artists, with each design being unique and eye catching.


  • Painted Doors, Aberdeen
  • Painted Doors, Aberdeen
  • Painted Doors, Aberdeen

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


The painted doors can be found mainly around Langstane Place, Windmill Brae and The Green, while there is a handy concentration of Nuart murals along Union Row, just off of Union Street.


Street art murals on the gable end of a building portraying  a colourful unicorn. The mural has been made from various pieces of junk.
Bordalo II, 62 Union Row, Aberdeen

For a more in-depth look into Aberdeen’s street art murals scene, check out my Nuart Aberdeen Festival 2021 and Aberdeen’s Striking Street Art posts.



  • Axel Void, Woolmanhill Flats
  • Aberdeen
  • Anders Gjennestad, Rosemount
  • Helen Bur, Union Wynd
  • KMG, Palmerston Road
  • Fanakapan, West North Street
  • Henrik Uldalen, Gerrard Street
  • Fintan McGee, Jopps Lane
  • Phlegm, 499 Union Street

Glasgow


The splashes of colour from Glasgow's street art murals reflects the city's pulse, and its cultural heartbeat. Follow the Glasgow Mural Trail to capture some of the very best iconic street murals. This open-air gallery showcases local and international talent, with most of the murals telling the story of Glasgow's heritage, the people who make it tick, and its unique character. The styles range from hyper-realistic portraits to whimsical fancies, all adding their own flavour to the city's vibe. Look out for the Strathclyde University Wonderwall, the touching St Enoch and Child on High Street, or Smug's Fellow Glasgow Residents – each one a celebration of Glasgow's identity and the strong sense of community. The Glasgow Mural Trail is fantastic, but the murals are dotted across the city centre in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. A bit of structure helps you connect the most iconic pieces without unnecessary detours.


Smug's Fellow Glasgow Residents
Smug's Fellow Glasgow Residents

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


The Glasgow Mural Trail offers a really handy audio map, which, not only guides you where to find the murals, but also talks you through their meaning.


  • Billy Connolly, Osborne Street
  • Wonderwall, Strathclyde Uni
  • Wonderwall, Strathclyde Uni


Belfast


The street art in Belfast that focuses on The Troubles is a vivid reflection of the city’s turbulent past. During a black cab tour of the area around the Crumlin and Shankill roads, I had the chance to view these fascinating and sometimes heart-breaking murals. Often found on the dividing walls between historically Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods, this political street art tells two very different stories about the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland. They were used as a form of expression for both Irish Republicans and Loyalists, with symbols such as weapons, flags, and martyrs commonly found in their artwork.


Street art murals of a man in a red jumper, surrounded by a border of broken chains, on the gable end wall of a building.
Bobby Sands, Falls Road
Street art murals of a man in lord mayor offical dress, with a the City Hall and a Union Jack in the background, on the gable end wall of a building.
Hugh Smyth, Shankill Road

On the other hand, the contemporary street art murals in the city centre of Belfast has transformed many walls and buildings, adding a vibrant and colourful character to the city. This recent growth in street art is less political in nature, showcasing a wide variety of different types of art, reflecting the city’s evolving artistic landscape.


Street art murals of a blue woman in robes, with colourful painted tiles in the background, on the back wall of a building.
Spirit of Commerce, by Irony - Pottinger's Entry
  • Nomad Clan, Hill Street
  • Conor Harrington, Hill Street
  • Smug, High Street

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


If you are in the Crumlin Road area checking out the murals, set aside a couple of hours to visit the Crumlin Road Gaol. A visit to this prison museum gives a highly informative insight into the often-torrid history of Belfast.


  • Crumlin Road Gaol
  • Crumlin Road Gaol
  • Crumlin Road Gaol


Bristol


It is over ten years since I visited Bristol, and at that time, Nelson Street was the city’s hub for street art, thanks to the See No Evil project which transformed the area. Today, other notable areas, like Stokes Croft (which has been graced by works from Banksy, perhaps the most famous street art artists), all contributes to Bristol’s reputation as a hub for creative expression through graffiti street art.


  • Nelson Street, Bristol
  • Nelson Street, Bristol
  • Nelson Street, Bristol
  • Nelson Street, Bristol

London


London is a powerhouse of global street art, with murals stretching from curated Shoreditch walls to the raw, ever‑changing graffiti tunnel of Leake Street. Shoreditch and Brick Lane form the city’s creative core, packed with large‑scale pieces, political commentary, portraits, and paste‑ups that shift constantly. Beyond the centre, neighbourhoods like Camden, Hackney Wick, Brixton, and Ilford showcase community‑driven murals and diverse artistic styles, cementing London as one of the world’s most dynamic and influential urban street art cities.


Graffiti Tunnel, Leake Street
Graffiti Tunnel, Leake Street

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

For a more in-depth look into the cultural heart of London, check out my post The Tailor-Made Guide to the Street Art Murals of London



If you enjoy this kind of curated travel insight, you can subscribe to receive future guides and inspiration.



Belgium


Brussels


Brussels has a great history of comic books, with Herge’s Tintin being perhaps the most internationally famous. Over recent years the artistry has leapt out of the pages and onto the walls of Brussels, with rich and colourful murals appearing regularly. The Comic Strip Walk takes in more than 60 murals and has transformed Brussels into a gallery and open-air museum.  


Street art murals on the side of a building depicting Tintin and Captain Haddock running down a fire escape stairway.
Herge's Tintin, Brussels

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


For a more in-depth look into the cultural attractions and street art scene of Brussels, check out my How to See Central Brussels in One Day post.


  • Street art murals, Brussels
  • Street art murals, Brussels
  • Street art murals, Brussels
  • Street art murals, Brussels
  • Street art murals, Brussels
  • Street art murals, Brussels


Ghent


Ghent is a port and university city, with an interesting history stretching well into the Medieval period. Today, Ghent is an absolute treasure house of modern street art murals, and over the years this art form has been actively encouraged, with many areas being established where it is legal to create these masterpieces.


Colourful Street art murals on the side of a building depicting a man with a seagull face mask, carrying a hobo's bag on a stick.
Patershol District, Ghent

As well as checking out Ghent’s large wall murals, take a walk-through Graffiti Street. More of a lane than a street, artists are allowed unlimited access to express their spray-can art on the surrounding walls, making it an ever-evolving work of street art. If you are lucky like I was, you will get a chance to watch one of the artists compose another signature street art painting.  


  • Graffiti Street, Ghent
  • Graffiti Street, Ghent
  • Graffiti Street, Ghent
  • Graffiti Street, Ghent
  • Graffiti Street, Ghent
  • Graffiti Street, Ghent


Tailor-Made Top Tip:


Visit Ghent have produced a really helpful street art map which details over 200 of the city’s murals. If you are visiting the city centre, you will find many great examples in the Patershol and Heilig-Kerst areas.


Street art murals on the gable end of a building depicting a building wall being peeled back, exposing a demonic witch figure, with occult symbols around here.
Patershol District, Ghent

For a more in-depth look into the cultural attractions and cool street art scene of Ghent’s, check out my How to See Ghent on a Budget post.


  • Ghent street art murals


Antwerp


Antwerp is perhaps best known as a busy port or as a commercial city, especially in the trade of diamonds, but it is another Belgian city which has been very supportive of its street artists. Local artist Rubens and his ever-popular house museum attracts the crowds, but since the ‘Baroque Murals’ project, pioneered by Antwerp’s more contemporary artist, Rise One, the city is now firmly on the map of the world’s street art hotspots.


Street art murals on the gable end of a building depicting a young man with a beanie hat on resting his head on his hand.
Smug, Antwerp

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


Before visiting the city, check out Street Art Antwerp’s Facebook page for all the up-to-date news on the mural scene.


For a more in-depth look into the cultural attractions and street art mural scene of Antwerp’s, check out my How to See Antwerp on a Budget post.


  • Antwerp street art murals
  • Antwerp street art murals
  • Antwerp street art murals
  • Antwerp street art murals
  • Antwerp street art murals
  • Antwerp street art murals

Read on to find out about street art in Finland, Germany and Spain.



Finland


Helsinki


The city centre is largely devoid of large wall murals but look closely and you will discover Helsinki's electrical junction boxes, which have been transformed into vibrant masterpieces. Take a stroll through the streets and immerse yourself in the creativity and imagination of local and international street artists. These mini masterpieces tell a unique story and adds to the city's character turning what was once an eyesore into works of art.

 

Street art murals painted on an electrical junction box on a city street depicting a woman with long pink hair and a daisy over her ear.
Helsinki Electrical Junction Boxes

The themes of the paintings vary widely, but they often reflect the local culture and history. Some boxes feature traditional Finnish motifs, such as reindeer or the Northern Lights. Others depict famous landmarks, such as the Helsinki Cathedral or the Olympic Stadium. Still others are more abstract or whimsical. 

 

  • Helsinki street art murals
  • Helsinki street art murals
  • Helsinki street art murals

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

 

For a more in-depth look into Helsinki’s colourful junction boxes, check out my post The Tailor-Made Guide to Helsinki's City Centre Street Art.


  • Helsinki street art murals
  • Helsinki street art murals
  • Helsinki street art murals


Germany

 

Munich


While in Munich, I didn’t have enough time to track down it’s wall murals, however, I was able to visit the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art. At MUCA, the young art form of urban and street art has been brought from the street to the museum for the first time. The black and white facade of the museum was designed by renowned street artist Stohead and is a work of art in itself. Inside, an extraordinary collection of works by national and international artists such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Vhils and Herakut await visitors. 

 

A police helmet made from a disco glitter ball, suspended on a chain.
Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


For a more in-depth look into the cultural heart of Munich, check out my post The Tailor-Made Top 21 Attractions to Visit in Munich, Part 1.


  • MUCA
  • MUCA
  • MUCA
  • MUCA
  • MUCA
  • MUCA
  • MUCA


Spain


Bilbao


The La Vieja area of Bilbao is a vibrant hub for street art murals. This area is flooded with colour and creativity, with numerous artists showcasing their work on different buildings and walls. The area is the other side of the Nervion River from Bilbao's old town, Casco Viejo, and doesn’t seem to be visited much, which is a shame. The artworks vary in style and address different topics and have been gradually transforming this neighbourhood into a massive open-air art gallery.


Street art murals of a tall observation platform stood in water with a gloomy sky in the background.
La Vieja Street Art Murals, Bilbao

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


A handy map of the neighbourhood showing the location of many of the murals can be downloaded.


  • La Vieja, Bilbao
  • La Vieja, Bilbao
  • La Vieja, Bilbao
  • La Vieja, Bilbao
  • La Vieja, Bilbao
  • La Vieja, Bilbao
  • La Vieja, Bilbao
  • La Vieja, Bilbao
  • La Vieja, Bilbao

If you enjoy this kind of curated travel insight, you can subscribe to receive future guides and inspiration.



Poland


Warsaw


Warsaw’s street art is a testament to the city’s creative pulse, offering a colourful and interesting journey through its history, especially from the Second World War and the Holocaust period. These city murals are currently going through a wave of popularity and the city has hosted the Street Art Doping street art festival since 2009, while the so-called Tibetan Gallery at the Tibet Roundabout receives plenty of plaudits. My personal favourite, however, could be found under the Aleja Armii Ludowej motorway, at the northern tip of Łazienki Park.


Street art murals on the gable end of a building depicting a series of birds and fishes.
Warsaw Street Art

  • Warsaw Street Art
  • Warsaw Street Art
  • Warsaw Street Art
  • Warsaw Street Art
  • Warsaw Street Art
  • Warsaw Street Art
  • Warsaw Street Art
  • Warsaw Street Art
  • Warsaw Street Art


Łódź


Łódź is the third largest city in Poland and was once the centre of textile production in the Russian Empire. Since 2009, however, Łódź has successfully created a cultural re-invigoration of the city by encouraging and promoting the work of street artists from around the world, and It seems that around every corner in the city centre is a beautiful, colourful and challenging piece of street art. Street artists from around the world, notably Os Gemeos from Brazil, Aryz from Spain, and Remed from France, as well as Polish artists such as M-City, Bezt and Sainer, have been employed to brighten up and fascinate the city.  

 

Street art murals on the gable end of a building depicting a a man in a dinner suit pulling his ears and making a funny face, with a colourful geometric pattern in the background.
Łódź Street Art

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


The community group Urban Forms have created a map of much of the city’s street art – see how many you can tick off!


For a more in-depth look into the cultural attractions and street art scene of Łódź, check out my 10 Things to see and do in Łódź, Poland post.


  • Łódź Street Art
  • Łódź Street Art
  • Łódź Street Art
  • Łódź Street Art
  • Łódź Street Art
  • Łódź Street Art

Read on to find out about street art in the US cities of Houston, San Francisco, Dallas and Detroit.



USA


Houston


The Houston street art mural movement has been leading the way for a number of years with fantastic examples all over the city. For this reason, you really need a car to fully explore the street art scene in H-Town, although there are plenty of great examples in a walkable distance within Downtown. Other notable areas of the mural scene are around Westheimer & Montrose, in East Downtown (especially on Leeland Street), and around the Winter Street Studios. 


Street art murals on the side of a building depicting a godly looking man with white hair and beard holding a can of spray paint.
"Preservons La Creation" (Let's Preserve the Creation), by "Mr. D"

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


One of the quirkier free and not so well known of Houston’s attractions is the Eclectic Menagerie Park. The park is an open-air public museum on the edge of a Houston pipe yard. Numerous handmade metal sculptures by local and famous artists, line the edge of the yard along 288 South and Bellfort St.

 

  • Eclectic Menagerie Park
  • Eclectic Menagerie Park
  • Eclectic Menagerie Park

For a more in-depth look into the cultural attractions and the Houston street art scene, check out my 25 Free Things To Do In Houston, Part I and Part II posts.


  • Winter Street Studios
  • Winter Street Studios
  • Winter Street Studios
  • White Oak Drive
  • Westheimer & Montrose
  • Downtown Houston
  • Westheimer & Montrose
  • Westheimer & Montrose


San Francisco


The city has a great history of public art, from the murals of Diego Rivero in the 1930’s and the paintings of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), through the explosion of street art during the sixties and seventies in The Mission District and the psychedelic Haight-Ashbury area, to today’s massive, professional murals which adorn almost every neighbourhood. 


Street art murals on the side of a building depicting Jimi Hendrix wearing a fedora hat.
Haight-Ashbury area

Described as a laboratory for cutting edge art and alternative culture, the Mission District can boast of more street art murals within its thirty blocks than any other neighbourhood in the world, with literally hundreds of murals in an ever-changing conveyor belt of artistic brilliance. This area is certainly the hub of San Francisco street art. 


Street art murals covering a whole building, depicting colourful scenes with women.
Women's Building, the Mission District

Perhaps the best-known collection of murals in the Mission District are those in Balmy Alley, being a hive of activity with tours, individual travellers and an artist or two frequenting the alley on a daily basis. Then there is Clarion Alley street art, towards the north of the district. This space has been home to an ever-changing line up of murals, which has a particular focus on political street art, with over 700 murals having been created since 1992. Impressively, the alley receives over 200,000 visitors annually. 


  • Balmy Alley, Mission District
  • Balmy Alley, Mission District
  • Balmy Alley, Mission District
  • Balmy Alley, Mission District
  • Clarion Alley Mission District
  • Clarion Alley Mission District
  • Clarion Alley Mission District
  • Clarion Alley Mission District



Tailor-Made Top Tip:


The short, narrow alleys around Balmy Alley should not be missed either. Hemmed in between Valencia Street & Harrison Street and 24th & 26th Street, these alleys are an absolute treasure trove of great artwork. The murals are scattered, so a structured plan makes a big difference


  • Mission District alleys
  • Mission District alleys
  • Mission District alleys

For a more in-depth look into the San Francisco street art scene, check out my post The Tailor-Made Guide to San Francisco’s Street Art & Murals.


Street art murals covering a whole building, depicting colourful Hispanic scenes.
24th Street, the Mission District

Dallas


I enjoyed my walk through Deep Ellum area of Dallas, a neighbourhood that has been a cultural hub for over a century. Deep Ellum, born from the convergence of railroads in the 1870s, blossomed into a melting pot of cultures and became a beacon for musicians and artists alike. Today, Deep Ellum’s cool street art murals and quirky sculptures stand as vibrant testaments to its rich heritage.


Street art murals on the side of a building depicting an image of Marlyn Monroe, but instead of facial features, there is are scrambled colourful brush strokes.
Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas
  • Deep Ellum, Dallas

The Bishop Arts District, with its quaint charm, also holds a storied past. Originally a bustling trolley stop in the 1930s, it faced decline but was revitalized in the 1980s, transforming into a vibrant arts hub. The street art murals here, though more subdued than in Deep Ellum, carries the legacy of a community reborn.


  • The Bishop Arts District
  • The Bishop Arts District
  • The Bishop Arts District

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


It was also in The Bishop Arts District that I discovered the best Texas BBQ spot in the state – Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ. Treat yourself to some delicious food while you peruse the engaging murals.


  • Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ
  • Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ
  • Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ


Detroit


A fascinating and surprising highlight of my visit to Detroit was The Heidelberg Project. This outdoor art project located in the McDougall-Hunt neighbourhood on Detroit’s east side was initially created in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton. It began as a political protest against the deterioration of the artist’s neighbourhood, but soon the evolving artwork transformed this inner-city neighbourhood into an area where the community took pride in it, becoming a symbol of resilience and creativity in Detroit.   


Street art murals on the side of an old wooden house, with different coloured circles painted all over the walls.
The Heidelberg Project, Detroit

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


For a more in-depth look into the cultural attractions of Detroit, check out my post The Tailor-Made Guide to 9 Attractions You Should Visit in Detroit.


  • Heidelberg Project, Detroit
  • Heidelberg Project, Detroit
  • Heidelberg Project, Detroit


India


New Delhi


Delhi and India in general, has its own brand of colourful street art murals throughout its urban areas. However, it is in the Lodhi Arts District (LAD) where you get to see a concentration of the more international style of street art. This open-air art area, located in the Lodhi Colony neighbourhood, was founded in 2014 by St+art India, a non-profit organization that promotes mural street art and public art. The goal of the LAD was to make art accessible to everyone and to transform the Lodhi Colony neighbourhood into a vibrant cultural centre.  


Street art murals on the side of a wall, with white doilie-like patterns on a red background.
Lodhi Arts District (LAD)

The LAD is home to over 50 murals by artists from India and around the world. The murals cover a wide range of topics, from social and political issues to personal stories and reflections on the human condition. 


Street art murals on the side of a wall, with pink and black leaves and branches on a blue background.
Lodhi Arts District (LAD)

 Tailor-Made Top Tip: 

 

I struggled to find a definitive guide or map to all the murals in the LAD, so I would suggest walking the area between Second and Fifth Avenues, and between Jor Bagh Road and Blocks 12, 13 & 14 to see most of the murals. 

 

  • Lodhi Arts District (LAD)
  • Lodhi Arts District (LAD)
  • Lodhi Arts District (LAD)

For a more in-depth look into the cultural attractions and street art murals scene of New Delhi, check out my post The Tailor-Made Guide to 17 Attractions You Should Visit in Delhi.


  • Lodhi Arts District (LAD)
  • Lodhi Arts District (LAD)
  • Lodhi Arts District (LAD)


Jodhpur


Jodhpur is famous for its blue-painted buildings, which are mainly located in the old town area below the southern cliff of the Mehrangarh Fort. Indeed, Jodhpur is often referred to as the Blue City. In addition to these striking blue buildings, this area of Jodhpur is also famous for its colourful street art. I was unable to find out the story behind impressive artistry, so I can only assume that the city is home to several talented artists who have transformed the city’s walls into beautiful canvases.  

 

Street art murals on the side of a wall depicting two men in traditional Indian dress, with one playing a sittar. A moped sits in front of the mural.
The Blue City, Jodhpur

Tailor-Made Top Tips:  


The blue buildings and street art are spread out around the labyrinth of alleys south of the fort. If you check Google Maps, you will see points such as ‘Blue Corridor Jodhpur’, ‘Bluecity Paint Wall’ and ‘Blue city photo lane main’.

 

  • The Blue City, Jodhpur
  • The Blue City, Jodhpur
  • The Blue City, Jodhpur

For a more in-depth look into the cultural attractions and street art murals scene of Jodhpur, check out my post The Tailor-Made Guide to the Blue City of Jodhpur, India.


  • The Blue City, Jodhpur
  • The Blue City, Jodhpur
  • The Blue City, Jodhpur


Udaipur


Udaipur’s street art is a colourful tapestry that weaves together traditional Indian motifs with contemporary themes. As you wander through the city’s winding lanes, you’ll be captivated by the murals that adorn its walls. From intricate mandalas to striking portraits, each piece tells a story, reflecting the city’s cultural heritage and the creativity of its artists.  


Street art murals on the side of a building depicting a country scene with two elephants.
City Palace, Udaipur

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


For a more in-depth look into the cultural attractions and street art scene of Udaipur, check out my post The Tailor-Made Guide to 7 Attractions You Should Visit in Udaipur, India.



  • Udaipur street art murals
  • Udaipur street art murals
  • Udaipur street art murals
  • Udaipur street art murals
  • Udaipur street art murals
  • Udaipur street art murals

Rishikesh


Rishikesh’s street art blends spirituality with modern creativity, transforming quiet alleys, riverside walkways, and abandoned retreats into colourful open‑air galleries. Rishikesh’s murals appear in pockets across the town — from the Beatles Ashram to Tapovan and Janki Setu — and linking them together smoothly takes more planning than you might expect. The standout is the Beatles Ashram, where crumbling meditation huts are covered in psychedelic murals, tributes to the band, and spiritual symbolism. Across town, contemporary bursts of colour with graffiti celebrating yogis, Hindu deities, and daily life along the Ganges, makes Rishikesh one of India’s most atmospheric and unexpected mural destinations.


Beatles Ashram
Beatles Ashram

Tailor-Made Top Tip:


For a full review of Rishikesh's street art scene check out my post The Tailor-Made Guide to the Street Art Murals of Rishikesh



If you enjoy this kind of curated travel insight, you can subscribe to receive future guides and inspiration.


How to Plan Your Time in a Street Art City


Exploring street art is one of the most rewarding ways to experience a city, but it can also feel overwhelming — murals are often scattered across neighbourhoods, hidden down side streets, or grouped in pockets that aren’t obvious until you’re on the ground. Most cities have “natural clusters” where several major murals sit within walking distance of each other, while others require short hops between districts to make the most of your time. A half‑day usually lets you explore one key neighbourhood at a relaxed pace; a full day opens up the chance to combine two or three clusters without rushing.


The challenge is that every city’s street‑art layout is different. Some mural districts are compact and walkable, others are spread out, and many evolve constantly — meaning the best routes aren’t always the ones shown on tourist maps. Planning your own itinerary can be surprisingly tricky: choosing the right starting point, sequencing neighbourhoods efficiently, and avoiding dead zones or long detours makes a huge difference to how much you actually see.


If you’d prefer a ready‑made plan that removes the guesswork, you can explore my off‑the‑shelf itineraries or request a bespoke street‑art itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and travel dates. I create a limited number of bespoke itineraries each month to ensure every trip is properly tailored, so if you’re considering it, it’s always worth getting in touch early.


Dennis Law, Aberdeen
Dennis Law, Aberdeen

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.


  • 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.


  • Which city has the best street art? Cities like Aberdeen, Glasgow, Berlin, Melbourne, and São Paulo are often considered the world’s street‑art capitals thanks to their huge concentration of murals, legal graffiti zones, and constantly evolving creative neighbourhoods.


  • Which city has the most murals in the world? Philadelphia is frequently cited as having the highest number of murals globally, thanks to its long‑running Mural Arts Program that has produced thousands of public artworks across the city.


  • Who are the most famous street artists in the world? Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Kobra, JR, and Invader are among the most internationally recognised street artists, known for large‑scale works, political commentary, and distinctive visual styles.


Conclusion


Reflecting on these artistic journeys, I am in awe of the power of street art to communicate, provoke, and inspire. Each city, with its unique mural street art, has told a story that transcends language barriers and connects us on a human level. The exploration doesn't end here though, since I will be regularly updating this post to add the new, colourful destinations that I will visit. There are still countless walls to be discovered, murals to be admired, and stories to be told. So, until the next spray can rattles, keep wandering, keep wondering, and remember, art is everywhere—you just need to look.




Street Art Hotels


For travellers who want to stay immersed in creativity long after they’ve finished exploring mural districts, a handful of hotels around the world offer street‑art‑inspired stays. These properties blend contemporary design with large‑scale murals, graffiti‑influenced interiors, and curated art collections — perfect for anyone who wants their accommodation to feel like an extension of the city’s urban art scene.


Art’otel London Hoxton (London, UK) Located in Shoreditch, one of the world’s most famous street‑art neighbourhoods, this hotel features original Banksy pieces at the entrance and bold murals by D*Face throughout the building. It’s ideal for travellers who want to sleep inside a living gallery just steps from Brick Lane’s iconic walls.


BnA_Alter Museum Hotel (Kyoto, Japan) Each room is a full art installation designed by a different Japanese artist, many incorporating mural‑style wall art and graffiti‑inspired elements. It’s perfect for travellers who want a deeply immersive, one‑of‑a‑kind creative experience.


BnA Wall Hotel (Tokyo, Japan) A sister property to the Kyoto hotel, BnA Wall Tokyo offers rooms designed as individual art installations, complete with bold murals and urban‑art aesthetics. It’s perfect for street‑art fans who want to stay in a space that feels like part of Tokyo’s contemporary creative scene.


21C Museum Hotel Louisville (Kentucky, USA) The flagship 21C property doubles as a contemporary art museum, with large mural‑style works, rotating installations, and bold pieces integrated into hallways and public spaces. Street‑art fans will love the scale and accessibility of the artworks.


21C Museum Hotel Cincinnati (Ohio, USA) Known for striking, wall‑spanning installations and immersive light pieces, this hotel feels like an indoor urban‑art district. It’s an excellent option for travellers who enjoy high‑impact, colourful, and thought‑provoking contemporary art.



Related Blog Posts


If you would like more in-depth articles on my street art adventure, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:

 


Comment below and let us know where I should go next to experience great street art murals.


  • Aberdeen street art murals
  • Aberdeen street art murals
  • Aberdeen street art murals

Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries specialises in creating expert, bespoke self-guided tours. If you'd like to explore the world’s street art cities as part of a professionally crafted itinerary, get in touch — we'd love to design something built around you.



Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.

 

Barry

 

 

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.


Collage of colorful street art murals with the title The Best Street Art Murals in the World and tailormadeitineraries.com

Collage of street art murals under title The Best Street Art Murals in the World, with dancers, hands, flowers, and bold colors


2 Comments


Guest
Mar 17, 2025

The world of street art is so much more than just vibrant visuals on walls; it’s a reflection of the communities and cultures it represents. From the painted doors of Aberdeen to the politically charged murals of Belfast, each piece tells its own story, offering a window into the history and spirit of a place. I especially love how street art not only beautifies urban spaces but also sparks conversations about heritage, identity, and change. If you’re planning to explore these open-air galleries yourself, it’s fascinating to see how each city’s street art captures its unique essence. And much like how students carefully craft their stories, seeking help from a Scholarship Essay Writing Service can provide the support needed to communicate…

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bihotam373
Dec 18, 2024

Exploring the best street art murals around the world is such a fantastic way to experience the creativity and culture of different cities! Street art adds so much vibrancy to urban landscapes. If you're planning your next adventure, consider combining art and nightlife by checking out Amsterdam events this weekend—you’ll find plenty of inspiring murals and lively experiences to enjoy.

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