Exploring London’s Street Art Scene for Free

London is home to some of the most incredible street art in the world. From Banksy to Stik, there are countless masterpieces to be found on the city streets and beyond. But it can be hard to know where to start when exploring London’s street art scene. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you discover the best art, for free! Read on to find out where to go, what to look for and how to get the most out of your urban art adventure.

Finding the Best Street Art Hotspots

When it comes to finding the best street art hotspots, it helps to do a bit of research. Websites like Street Art London and Street Art Cities are great resources for finding out what’s on where. You can also follow street art accounts on Instagram and Twitter, which will alert you to new pieces and events. It’s also worth asking around – if you’re in a hip neighbourhood, chances are you’ll be able to ask locals for tips on the best spots to check out.

Hit Up the Tourist Hotspots

London is full of iconic sights, and many of these have been given a street art makeover. Take a walk around Shoreditch and you’ll find plenty of Banksy pieces, while Camden is a great spot for finding more experimental works. There’s also plenty to be found in Soho and Covent Garden, while the South Bank is another popular spot for street art aficionados. Take a stroll along the South Bank and you’ll find a mix of works from both established and emerging artists.

Explore London’s Graffiti Tunnels

If you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten track, why not explore London’s graffiti tunnels? From Leake Street in Waterloo to Bishopsgate Goodsyard, there are plenty of tunnels to explore. While these locations aren’t always legal, they can provide an incredible insight into the underground street art scene. Just make sure you respect the local laws and check out the artwork with a critical eye.

Brixton Village

Brixton Village is one of London’s most vibrant street art hotspots. Located in south London, this street is filled with colourful murals from both local and international artists. The street art here is constantly changing, so it’s worth taking a few trips to check out the latest works. You’ll also find a number of street art galleries in the area, as well as a number of great bars and restaurants.

Urban Nation

Urban Nation is a street art museum located in Berlin. The museum has an incredible collection of street art from around the world, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area. The museum also hosts a number of events, including talks and workshops, which are a great way to learn more about the street art scene.

The Alternative London Tour

The Alternative London Tour is a great way to explore the city’s street art scene. Led by an expert guide, the tour takes you to the best street art hotspots in the city, as well as some of the lesser known spots. The tour also sheds light on the history of street art in London, with plenty of stories and anecdotes along the way.

The Street Art Map

The Street Art Map is a great resource for finding street art in London. Whether you’re looking for a specific artist or just want to explore the city, the map has you covered. The map is regularly updated, so you can always find the latest works. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use the map to plan your own street art tour.

Street Art Festivals

London is home to a number of street art festivals, which are a great way to explore the city’s art scene. Shoreditch Street Art Festival is one of the biggest events in the city, while the Upfest in Bristol is a great way to explore the vibrant street art scene in the South West. There are plenty of other events to check out, so make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming street art festivals.

Graffiti Writing Workshops

If you’re looking to get involved in the street art scene, why not try a graffiti writing workshop? You can learn the basics of street art, from brush lettering to stenciling, as well as getting tips from experienced street artists. Workshops are a great way to gain insight into the street art world, and you might even make some new friends along the way.

Art Galleries

London is home to a number of art galleries that showcase the best in street art. The Tate Modern is one of the most popular galleries, and it has a great collection of street art from around the world. The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) is another great spot for discovering street art, with a range of both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Street Art Magazines

If you’re looking to learn more about the street art scene, why not pick up a copy of one of the many street art magazines? From Juxtapoz to Wall Street, there are plenty of publications to choose from. Magazines are a great way to find out about the latest works, as well as discovering new artists.

Conclusion

Exploring London’s street art scene for free is an amazing way to get to know the city. From Banksy to Stik, there is an incredible array of works to discover. By doing a bit of research, hitting up the tourist hotspots, exploring London’s graffiti tunnels and checking out art galleries and street art festivals, you can get the most out of your urban art adventure.