Street Art in London: a guide to the most interesting murals
April 11, 2025
London, a city full of contrasts and surprises, hides real treasures of street art in its backstreets. From monumental murals to subtle graffiti, the British capital offers an extraordinary journey through the world of contemporary artistic expression. In this guide, we'll take you on a fascinating journey in the footsteps of some of the most interesting works of street art that are changing the face of London and telling the stories of its inhabitants. Get ready to discover hidden gems, meet local artists and immerse yourself in a culture that is constantly evolving and surprising. Whether you're passionate about art or simply looking for unusual attractions, London's murals and graffiti are sure to inspire you and leave an unforgettable impression. Ready for an artistic adventure? Let's hit the road!
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Iconic street art sites in central London
Our journey begins from the very heart of London, where some of the most recognizable works of street art are located. The first stop is the famous 'The Graffiti Tunnel', also known as the Leake Street Arches. This place is a true paradise for street art lovers, located just a few minutes' walk from Waterloo Underground station. Address: Leake St, London SE1 7NN. The tunnel, which is over 300 meters long, is entirely covered with graffiti, which changes almost daily. It's a legal place to paint, so you can see artists in action here at any time of the day or night. Admission is free and the tunnel is open 24/7, but remember to be careful and respectful of the artists' work. For families with children, we recommend visiting during the day when there is more light and other visitors.
Another spot on our map is the 'Spirit of Soho Mural' on Broadwick Street (Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9PE). This impressive mural, created in 1991, depicts the history and distinctive characters of the Soho neighborhood. The best way to get here is by subway, getting off at Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road stations. The mural is available for viewing all year round, 24 hours a day. Interestingly, at the bottom of the mural there is a clock that starts animated elements at the full hour - a great attraction for the little ones!
We also can't miss the 'Cable Street Mural' (Cable St, London E1 0BL), which commemorates the historic events of 1936. This monumental mural, 55 meters long, is located in East London, near Shadwell Underground station. It depicts the Battle of Cable Street, when residents of the East End defied a fascist march. The mural is available for viewing all year round, but is best visited during the day to appreciate all the details. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby where you can relax after exploring.
These three locations are a great start for a family's exploration of London street art. Each of these locations offers not only impressive artwork, but also a lesson in the history and culture of the city. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, water and cameras - London's street art is a true feast for the eyes and a great topic for family discussions about art and society.
Discover street art in east London
The eastern part of London, known for its artistic atmosphere and alternative lifestyle, offers an incredible wealth of street art. Our journey in this part of the city begins with the iconic Brick Lane, which is a true mecca for street art lovers. 'Brick Lane Street Art' (approximate address: 9 Brick Ln, London E1 6PU) is not so much a single work of art as an entire open-air gallery. The best way to get here is by subway, getting off at Liverpool Street or Aldgate East stations. A walk along Brick Lane and the surrounding streets is a real adventure - every few meters you will come across new and fascinating murals, graffiti or installations.
It's worth planning a visit here on the weekend, when the area is bustling with numerous markets and cultural events. For families with children, we recommend organizing your own 'street art hunt' - it can be great educational fun, teaching observation and interpretation of art. Remember that the art on Brick Lane changes frequently, so each visit can bring new discoveries. You'll also find many affordable restaurants in the area serving cuisine from around the world - an ideal opportunity to combine art discovery with a culinary journey.
Not far from Brick Lane, on Chance Street, is one of Banksy's most recognizable works in London - the 'Banksy Tree Mural' (Christie Court, Hornsey Rd, Finsbury Park, London N19 4HS). This relatively new work, created in March 2024, depicts a tree against a white wall with green leaves falling from it. The mural is a perfect example of Banksy's distinctive style, combining simplicity with a profound message. Unfortunately, due to attempts at vandalism, the mural is currently protected by Plexiglas, which can make it somewhat difficult to view. It's best seen in daylight, when natural light allows you to appreciate the details.
For those who want to explore the history of London street art, an invaluable stop would be the 'Fitzrovia Mural' (8 Tottenham St, London W1T 4RB). This monumental mural, painted in 1980 by Mike Jones and Simon Barber, depicts the life of the Fitzrovia community in the 1980s. The mural is a prime example of how street art can chronicle the social and political of its time. It is located in central London, easily accessible from the nearby Goodge Street subway station. Next to the mural is an information board that will help you understand the context and meaning of the various elements of the work - a great opportunity to talk to children about history and social change.
Exploring street art in East London is not only about seeing murals, but also immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of this part of the city. Be sure to plan enough time for leisurely exploration - street art is best enjoyed unhurried. It's also a good idea to carry a map with you or use one of the many apps dedicated to London street art to help you find hidden gems.
Practical tips for street art explorers
Exploring London street art is a fascinating adventure that requires some preparation. Here are some practical tips to help you fully enjoy this remarkable art form:
- planning your route: Before setting out, it's a good idea to plan your route. While spontaneous discoveries are part of the charm of street art, a map will help you not to miss the most important works. We recommend starting at the centrally located 'Spirit of Soho Mural' (Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9PE) and then moving east towards Brick Lane.
- Transportation: the London Underground (Tube) is the most convenient way to get between major street art spots. Consider buying an Oyster card or using contactless payments - it's the cheapest way to travel around the city. For families with children, it's worth remembering that children under 11 travel for free with an adult.
3 Tour time: Most street art works are available for viewing 24/7, but it's best to plan to visit during the day, when natural light allows you to appreciate the colors and details. Weekends are ideal for visiting places like Brick Lane, when the area is vibrant but also more crowded.
4 Equipment: Comfortable shoes are a must - you'll be doing a lot of walking! A camera or smartphone with a good camera is a must-have. It's also a good idea to bring a powerbank, a map (paper or on your phone) and a bottle of water.
5 Safety: While most neighborhoods with street art are safe, always be vigilant, especially when photographing with high value equipment. In places like 'The Graffiti Tunnel' (Leake St, London SE1 7NN), it's worth being especially vigilant, especially in the evening.
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Respect art and artists: Remember that although street art is public art, it should be respected. Don't touch freshly painted works and don't obstruct the view of other photographers.
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Educate: Before visiting, it's a good idea to read up on the history of London street art. Places like the 'Cable Street Mural' (Cable St, London E1 0BL) or the 'Fitzrovia Mural' (8 Tottenham St, London W1T 4RB) gain an extra dimension when you know their historical context.
8 Guides and Tours: For those who want to explore more deeply, we recommend considering a guided tour. Companies such as 'Urban Street Art Tours London' (160 Brick Ln, London E1 6RU) offer fascinating walks with experts.
9 News: Street art is a vibrant art form that is constantly changing. Before visiting, it's a good idea to check the latest news on London street art websites or artists' social media.
- family tour: For families with children, we recommend creating a 'treasure hunt game'. - Prepare a list of items to find on the murals, making the tour more engaging for the little ones.
Remember that exploring street art is not only about looking at murals, but also about learning about the city, its history and contemporary culture. Each London neighborhood has its own unique atmosphere, which is worth absorbing with all your senses. Be open to surprises - often the most interesting works of art are hidden in the least expected places. Whether you are a seasoned art lover or just beginning your adventure with street art, London is sure to delight and inspire you. We wish you fascinating discoveries and unforgettable experiences in the world of London street art!
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