The 6 Best Street Art Locations in Berlin
Berlin is street art heaven! It is such a vibrant city with a rich history of street art. From politically charged murals to abstract designs, the streets of Berlin are a canvas for artists to express themselves and leave their mark on the city.
Are you looking for the best Street Art in Berlin? In this article we will show you the 6 best spots in the German capital to find the most amazing murals.
We loved exploring this raw side of Berlin. Once our eyes were opened to all the details and different types of Street Art, we discovered new and exciting artworks in every street and around every corner. When you visit Berlin, you will definitely experience the power of the graffiti and street art culture if you visit the areas and locations we mention in this blog post.
What is the History of Street Art in Berlin?
Berlin has a long and complex relationship with street art. From 1961 to 1989 the city was divided by the Berlin Wall, splitting the city into East and West Berlin. This created a sense of separation and isolation for many of its residents. During this time, street art became a form of protest and a way to express dissatisfaction against the government. Graffiti artists would risk their safety to paint messages of hope and resistance on the city’s walls.
Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, street art has become a huge part of the city’s culture. Today, the streets of Berlin are decorated with murals, stencils, and tags, and the city has become a hotspot for street artists from all around the world.
Where to find all the Street Art in Berlin?
East Side Gallery
One of the most famous street art locations in Berlin is the East Side Gallery. This remaining piece of the Berlin Wall is covered in murals and graffiti, and it has become an iconic landmark of the city. Some of the most famous murals on the East Side Gallery include Dmitri Vrubel’s “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love,” which shows the infamous kiss between former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker. The East Side Gallery stretches over 1.3 km.
Kreuzberg
Another popular street art destination in Berlin is the neighborhood of Kreuzberg. This area is known for its vibrant nightlife and colorful art scene, and it is home to some of the city’s most impressive murals. One of the most notable pieces in Kreuzberg is Blu’s “The Other Wall,” which is a 200-meter-long mural that covers the outside of an entire building. The mural depicts a series of abstract figures and shapes, and it has become a beloved landmark in the neighborhood.
In Kreuzberg you will also find some remnants of the Berlin Wall. We loved the added rawness and vibe this gave to the area. Some of the pieces of wall left standing are painted over and others are still bare. Seeing the bits and pieces of the Berlin Wall throughout the city gives it a uniqueness unlike any other city in Europe.
Haus Schwarzenberg
Haus Schwarzenberg is definitely worth a stop on your Street Art tour. It is a small artist community. The small courtyard gives you some raw 90’s vibes. Many artists come in and out to leave their mark. Make sure to check out the staircase in the back and the Gallery on the first floor. You will love it.
Use Google Maps to find this Street Art hotspot since it is not in plain sight and you might just walk passed it.
Mauerpark
If you want to leave the busy streets of Berlin behind, then head over to the Mauerpark.
Inside this green park there are walls filled with graffiti and street art. This is the spot where you are most likely to find artists at work anytime of the week. Mauerpark translates into “wall park” referencing the Berlin Wall.
The Mauerpark in Berlin is a trendy hotspot for locals in the weekend. Especially on Sunday the entire park transforms into a market and music spot. With food stands everywhere you will not go hungry. From 3 PM you can join the locals for some karaoke. Since shops in Berlin are closed on Sunday, Mauerpark is definitely the place to be.
RAW-Gelände
We love going to urbanized industrial ereas in a city. RAW-Gelände is such a place. Here you will find stunning murals and 3D sculptures. Often you’ll meet artists discussing their views on modern society. Food spots and shops make this small artist community complete. Make sure to check out the Intimes Cinema not far from the RAW-Gelände. This unique Cinema is completely covered in Street Art from murals to stickers and graffiti.
Neukölln and Friedrichshain
Besides the East Side Gallery and Kreuzberg, there are countless other locations throughout the city where visitors can discover incredible street art. The hip neighborhoods of Neukölln and Friedrichshain are examples of this. Just walking around will give you the opportunity to discover some famous and also some new works of art.
Check the website VISIT BERLIN for a free map of all the best Street Art locations in Berlin.
Where to book a Free Street Art Walking Tour in Berlin?
You can go on an awesome FREE walking tour in Berlin that takes you to multiple street art hotspots. We booked such a tour on our visit and we absolutely loved it. So much interesting information. We learned all about the different types of street art, famous artists and so much more.
The tours work on a tip-based system, so at the end of the Tour you decided if and how much you want to tip. Here are some FREE Street Art Tour Operators to chose from:
“The First time I visited Berlin in 2013, I was blown away by all the Street Art. The City felt so raw and the people seemed so expressive. I was focussed so much on this part of Berlin Culture that I almost forgot to check out all the “old” buildings and architecture.”
You might also like to read the adventures of our fellow traveler Tom on his trip to Berlin. Click here to visit his travel blog.
More on Berlin:
Dresden, located in the eastern part of Germany, is a city full of culture, history, and beautiful architecture. With two days to spend in the city, you can explore both…
Street art has become a huge part of Berlin’s culture and identity. The city’s rich history and diverse population have created a fertile ground for artistic expression, and visitors to…
It was the summer of 2013. I was on my way to visit Berlin for the first time. I was excited to experience the contrast between the historical architecture and…