For many travelers, art can be found in famous galleries such as the Louvre in Paris, the Tate in London, and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, among many others. But what about street art? There are many cities across the world that feature some of the best creatives – and it is all free to look at. Here are some of the best cities to visit:
Istanbul, Turkiye
A city that straddles Europe and Asia is fascinating enough, but its street art is on another level. One of the best places to see creative minds in action is in the Kadikoy Quarter on Istanbul’s Asian side. These colourful murals pop out from the street and can be very big. While Osmanaga and Rasimpasa neighbourhoods give you a taste of what is to come, the best area and home to many murals is on the narrow streets around Yeldeğirmeni. And they are so good the city even hosts a mural festival each year.
Valencia, Spain
In the heart of the nation’s street art capital, Valencia has several thought-provoking art murals. These complex paintings include acclaimed artists such as Akimbo, Escif, and Stillo Noir, with many paintings adorning buildings around the Cabanyal, El Carmen and Ruzafa districts. While looking out for David de Limón’s famous ninjas, peek at Dridali’s life-like portraits.
Berlin, Germany
One of the epicentres of street art is Berlin, given its huge political references and the presence of the Berlin Wall. It was in 1990 that over 100 artists painted the Wall, with the 1.3km section of the East Side Gallery a must-see. However, there are many areas to discover where street art flourishes. From Friedrichshain to Kreuzberg, Urban Spree and Mitte, home of the TV Tower, it seems that street art permeates on every corner.
Delhi, India
For many travellers, Delhi may come across as a surprise to be an exciting part of the tapestry of street art globally. However, thanks to St+Art India, a non-profit project that utilizes artists to paint different buildings across different cities, Delhi is now one of Asia’s bastions of creativity. There is a 968-metre artwork on Tihar Jail that reflects on inmates’ isolation and a 45 m-high mural of Mahatma Gandhi at the Delhi Police HQ to witness, as well as many more across the city, particularly in the Shahpur Jat district.
Rome, Italy
The bastion of the Roman Empire is more famous to visit for its historic buildings and to experience Italian culture rather than an up-and-coming street art scene, which is gaining more views as word spreads. International artists, including Garbtell and Pignetto, have left their stamp on the city. Visit the city’s quiet outskirts at Toe Marencia to be amazed.
Los Angeles, USA
For one of the thriving scenes to witness, Los Angeles has it all. There are 12 works from local artist Levi Ponce at Mural Mile in Pacoima. As well as the stunning black and white murals by Tristan Eaton, the jaw-dropping Kiss at One Santa Fe shopping mall will likely stop you in your tracks. There are also excellent murals from Mr Brainwash, with his latest being of Bob Marley in celebration of the reggae singer.
Melbourne, Australia
Urban art has utilized many parts of Melbourne as a canvas for pursuing creative thoughts in a kaleidoscope of colours. Whether it is in Hosier Lane, Flinders Lane, Collingwood or Fiztroy, these areas come alive with some of the best street murals to view from acclaimed creatives, such as Keith Haring.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist based in Turkey. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
