Home to some of the most celebrated artists in history and today, London is a must-do for art lovers everywhere. And whilst there are plenty of (free) award-winning museums to go to, you only have to walk down the street to feel like you’re in an exhibition.
The streets have become the canvas for London’s greats and attract thousands of visitors every year. But, with London being the size that it is, it’s hard to know exactly where to look. Here are all the spots you need to check out!
Shoreditch
The name that comes to everyone’s minds when they’re looking for something cool and whacky, Shoreditch is the creative hub of East London. Bustling with startups, independent coffee shops, and art studios, have a stroll around Redchurch Street, Leonard Street, and Old Street to glimpse colourful murals.
Rivington Street has to be one of the best in the area. Here, you can see pieces from revered artists like SAM3, Bastardilla, Thierry Noir and even the world-famous Banksy.
Brick Lane
Just a stone’s throw from Shoreditch is Brick Lane, otherwise known as the beating pulse of street art in the UK. A bustling street crammed day and night with tourists, artists and creatives, Brick Lane is an every-changing landscape of street art and reflects the times in which we live.
Head to Seven Stars car park, Hanbury Street, The Truman Brewery and Scalter Street for a real taste of London’s east end.
Leake Street
An Instagram hotspot, the tunnel under the Old Vic is a renowned graffiti spot. It’s so famous that not a single square inch of wall is unpainted. It made its name thanks to Banksy’s CANS festivals and has been the location for the Femme Fierce All Female street art takeover.
Day and night you’ll find keen artists perfecting their technique. Pop back the next day from your accommodation in Waterloo and all the illustrations will have changed, thanks to the endless rotation of artists who come down to these spooky quarters.
Penge
A street art gem in South London, there’s endless amounts of artwork to see here. The scene has somewhat exploded over the last few years, leaving countless murals in its wake.
There’s no limit to artists’ imagination down here and you’ll find everything from colourful octopuses, a Tower of London raven and an artist’s reimagination of a banana!
Camden
Camden isn’t Camden without its iconic market. Full to the rafters with creative folk and punk rockers, one can weave in and out of the canal and under the railway arches for some hidden, street art gems. One of the most eccentric districts in London, you’ll be sure to find something very unique in this pocket of North London.