I recently took a pre-Christmas stroll with friends around the vibrant neighborhoods of Shoreditch, Hoxton, and Spitalfields in East London. These areas, once known for industry and poverty, have transformed into hip destinations filled with cafes, bars, boutiques, and most notably - colorful street art.
As we wandered the narrow streets, spectacular graffiti murals and intricate wheatpastes covered building facades around every corner. Shoreditch has become London’s epicenter of street art thanks to an influx of artists in the 1990s seeking affordable studio space. They left their creative marks everywhere, using buildings as blank canvases to beautify the industrial landscape. Works by famous street artists like Banksy and Stik can still be spotted if you know where to look.
In the middle of our walk we came across a sleek bronze statue of Shakespeare seated on a bench, quill in hand, seemingly capturing the scene behind him - a towering mural of Romeo and Juliet on the balcony spread across an entire building facade. It was a wonderful combination of traditional and modern art forms coexisting together on the streets.
What began as illegal graffiti has evolved into sanctioned works, with many property owners embracing urban art to enhance their properties. Some original Banksy pieces even remain if you know where to look. Local councils now celebrate this artistic heritage through official street art tours and dedicated conservation efforts.
New graffiti is constantly being added while other works are cleaned off by the councils. Some alleys always smell of fresh spray paint where you can catch artists in the act of creating works that may only last a few days or even hours. While sanctioned murals are protected, the transient nature of unsanctioned street art captures the energetic reinvention of Shoreditch.
The vibrant street art reflects the energetic reinvention of this area while also creating an outdoor gallery capturing its history. As Shoreditch transitions from a gritty creative haven into a trendy hotspot filled with tech companies and luxury developments, the colorful artistic spirit of the neighborhood perseveres through the murals adorning its walls. The street art visually encapsulates the essence of Shoreditch’s complex evolution - the old and the new, preservation and progress, all coexisting side-by-side.
After a long day of mural spotting, we stopped for some delicious Italian food and wine at Eataly, a fitting fusion of new and old reflected in the art and culture of the surrounding streets.
Shoreditch continues to win my heart with its eclectic spirit and the stories artfully told across its facades.
4th Jan: Update and new year’s resolution
I have seen other posts before on street art and they always seem to get great response from fellow local guides.
Sadly maps is not great in what it should be - allowing to capture locations of street art (yes it is dynamic but not always and location used are frequently constant).
@TerryPG @Tengyim @AniaKiser @Annaelisa @Rednewt74 - Thanks for your feedback - you gave me an idea and more interesting new year resolution.
Trying to cover, in a series of visits and posts, London’s street art main Locations.
Maybe even getting a Local meet-up arranged in better weather days to cover one or two of these areas.
- Calling other London visitors and fellow local guides to join the fun and clear locations of the following list (before I get to them)!
Can we do them all in 2024??
Locations to view street art in London, along with the closest underground or train stations:
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Shoreditch:
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Underground Station: Shoreditch High Street (Overground), Old Street (Northern line)
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Shoreditch is a hub for street art, with walls adorned by internationally renowned artists. Brick Lane, Hanbury Street, and Redchurch Street are particularly known for their vibrant street art.- Camden:
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Underground Station: Camden Town (Northern line)
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Camden is famous for its alternative culture, and you’ll find street art along the streets, markets, and canal. Camden Lock Market is a great place to start exploring.- Leake Street Tunnel (aka “Banksy Tunnel”):
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Underground Station: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City lines)
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Located under the platforms of Waterloo Station, Leake Street Tunnel is known for its ever-changing graffiti and street art. It’s a legal graffiti space that often features large-scale murals.- Hackney Wick:
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Train Station: Hackney Wick (Overground)
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Hackney Wick, located in East London, has become a creative hub with plenty of street art. Explore the streets surrounding Queen’s Yard and the canal towpath for some impressive artwork.- Southbank Skate Park:
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Underground Station: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City lines)
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Adjacent to the Southbank Centre, the skate park underneath the Hungerford Bridge features a collection of graffiti and street art created by skaters and artists.- Brixton:
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Underground Station: Brixton (Victoria line)
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Brixton has a vibrant street art scene, particularly around Brixton Village and the nearby railway arches. Look out for the famous mural of David Bowie on Tunstall Road.- Brick Lane:
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Underground Station: Aldgate East (District, Hammersmith & City lines)
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Brick Lane in East London is renowned for its cultural diversity and street art. The walls along Brick Lane and the surrounding streets are covered in colorful and thought-provoking artwork.
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Notting Hill:
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Underground Station: Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith & City, Circle lines), Notting Hill Gate (Central, District, Circle lines)
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Notting Hill features a mix of colorful houses and vibrant street art. Portobello Road and the surrounding streets are great places to explore for street art enthusiasts.
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East End Street Art Trail (Whitechapel):
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Underground Station: Whitechapel (District, Hammersmith & City lines)
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The East End Street Art Trail takes you through various streets and alleys in Whitechapel, showcasing a wide range of street art styles and artists.- Dulwich Outdoor Gallery:
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Train Station: West Dulwich (Southeastern)
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The Dulwich Outdoor Gallery is a unique street art project that brings world-class art to the streets of Dulwich. Artists have reimagined classic paintings from the Dulwich Picture Gallery and transformed them into street art murals.- Croydon:
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Train Station: East Croydon (Southern, Thameslink)
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Croydon, located south of London, has a burgeoning street art scene. St. George’s Walk and the area around Surrey Street Market are known for their vibrant street art.- Stockwell Skatepark:
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Underground Station: Stockwell (Northern, Victoria lines)
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Stockwell Skatepark is not only a popular skateboarding spot but also features impressive graffiti and street art. Many renowned artists have left their mark on the skatepark’s walls.
Unfortunately I guess I won’t have enough time to find even 1% of London murals. Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait for more. 
