The Best Cities for Street Art

Some of these cities have landed on viewers’ radar because of their cosmopolitan status as capital cities. Others have well-curated festivals whose international rosters bring the same level of attention. Some places have simply created the perfect storm of circumstance, allowing creativity to thrive. Our list of The Best Cities for Street Art reflects the diversity of these public art epicenters, mixing both local as well as nomadic artists, who combined create the atmosphere that makes these locations so unique.

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Street artists who have painted there: Kid Zoom, the Yok, Reka, Rone, and Miso

Melbourne-based Everfresh Studio consistently creates projects that make Melbourne a street art epicenter. The Yok and Sheryo have also been known to paint the city while escaping New York's winters.

Street artists who have painted there: JR, Banksy, and How and Nosm

The separation wall between Israel and Palestine has become a place for individuals, artists or not, to illegally express their frustrations. On the West Bank, How and Nosm chose to paint a key, while JR juxtaposed Israeli and Palestinian citizens making faces. Meanwhile, unknown citizens take to the wall to express their political frustrations, striking at the roots of graffiti.

Street artists who have painted there: Reverend and Nugz, Gaia, Nanook, and Droid 907

Baltimore represents how graffiti and street art can thrive in a city that is developing economically. The many abandoned buildings and underused spaces allow for typographical geniuses like Reverend and Nugz to explore their craft. In the street art world, artist Gaia has given the city a reputation through both his own work and the Open Walls Festival.

Street artists who have painted there: Broken Fingaz, Sweet Toof, Mobstr, and Banksy

As England's capital, London is brimming with talent of all types. Broken Fingaz is one of our favorites, brining comic-like illustrations with bold color choices. Of course, Banksy also paints here.

Street artists who have painted there: JR, Invader, C215, and Ludo

Several of street art's heavyweights are native Parisians, leaving the city a playground for any street art fan. Tile artist Invader has clocked in over 1,000 pixelated aliens in the city alone. Even though JR is now based in New York, his work is also still prominent in Paris.

Street artists who have painted there: Blu, Evol, Various and Gould, Blu, and Banksy

Everyone who visits Berlin speaks about the vast expanses of graffiti and street art around every corner. Blu's portrait of a working class man has become emblamatic of the city. Locally, Various, Gould, and Evol represent the range of talent, from religiously referential to realistic.

Street artists who have painted there: Hyuro, Escif, Blu, and Vinz

In the streets of Valencia, monochromatic artists Escif and Hyuro can be found painting and collaborating. The pair carefully craft their color palettes to their surroundings. Meanwhile, the collages of Vinz add a colorful punch to the otherwise beige walls.

Street artists who have painted there: Etam Crew, Aryz, Os Gemeos, Massmix, and Inti

Under the watchful eye of Urban Forms, Lodz has hosted some of the most visually distinct murals of last year. Polish artists such as Massmix or Etam Crew show the depth and range of the country's talent. Meanwhile, festival favorites such as Os Gemeos and Aryz created some of their most popular murals of the year in the Polish town.

Street artists who have painted there: Aryz, Os Gemeos, Feral Child, Cannon Dill, and Zio Ziegler

Nomadic Californians, such as Feral Child and Cannon Dill, have made their way to San Francisco at one point or another. On a local level, artist Zio Ziegler spreads his graphic, patterned style throughout San Francisco. International talents like Os Gemeos and Aryz also frequent the city, making for murals as diverse as the city's neighborhoods.

Street artists who have painted there: Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siquieros, José Clemente Orozco, Smithe, and Saner

Mexico City has spent over a century in the street art spotlight, dating back to preeminent muralists Rivera, Orozco, and Siquieros. Today, artists like Saner and Smithe are carrying on the tradition that is rich in history and color. Themes emerge within these artists who make the past and present one.

Street artists who have painted there: Steve ESPO Powers, Stikman, Cornbread, and Roti

Philadelphia is often cited as one of the United States' graffiti homes, alongside New York City. Through projects like RJ Rushmore's work with Philadelphia Mural Arts, the city has also attracted some of the world's top street artists. Philadelphia is perfect for viewers looking for international names who also want to learn something about local history.

Street artists who have painted there: Jaz, Ever, Blu, Pastel, and Sonni

South America is the birthplace of a rich history in muralism, and Buenos Aires pays homage to this past through its many painterly public artists. Jaz, Ever, Pastel, and Sonni all find their roots in the city, while others, such as Blu, are merely passing through.

Street artists who have painted there: Blu, Herakut, Phlegm, and M-City

The Nordic town of Stavanger was put on the street art map because of the annual Nuart Festival. The city offers a cross-section of many of today's most talented street artists. Thanks to government support, the artists are given multi-story walls and hence more creative freedom.

Street artists who have painted there: Jetsonorama, Yote, Roa, Alexis Diaz, and Doodles

The Navajo Nation has gotten the spotlight for street art thanks to the work of Jetsonorama, Yote, and the Painted Desert Project. The goal is to paint the roadside stands of Native Americans to bring attention to their businesses. In the years following the Painted Desert, the artist has brought both local and global attention to the area.

Street artists who have painted there: Futura, Lady Pink, Judith Supine, Bast

New York is one of the founding cities of graffiti and street art. From the scrawls of Taki to the wheatpastes of Swoon, this city has all mediums covered. Today, artists like Supine, Elle, Pixote, and Cash4 are keeping the spirit alive.