Street Art in Berlin: Ultimate Guide to Murals, Graffiti & Creative Districts
Graffiti has a long history in Berlin, dating back to the 1960s, when they were used to rebel against the separation of West and East. Since then, urban art has been weaponized as a response to the tragedies during the Communist regime, and even after the Wall collapsed, it remains one of the primary outlets to stand up against injustices. In just one short stroll, I saw the works of El Bocho, Alaniz, Victor Ash, Zebu, and many others. You cannot overstate how influential Berlin has become in the street art scene, attracting creatives from all over the world to leave their mark in this iconic city.
In this Berlin graffiti guide, we will discuss Berlin’s street art, learn about the main protagonists and their famous artworks, and discover the best street art in Berlin across various neighborhoods.
There is no right or wrong way to explore the Berlin street art scene, however, I would like to offer you some vantage points to begin your journey. Start with the iconic East Side Gallery, don't skip the neighborhoods of Kreuzberg urban beauty, Friedrichshain street art, and Neukölln emerging scene, all full of constantly evolving urban art. Stop by the RAW-Geläde to marvel at giant murals covering every surface of the premises. Haus Schwarzenberg is also worth your time, featuring multiple galleries and outdoor creative spaces.
Although Berlin street art can be explored at any time of the year, the local climate may make it more difficult to see every place in the colder months of winter. Late spring through early autumn offers the most comfortable weather for walking tours, as well as longer daylight hours. Especially if you would like to capture the urban art on film, the warmer months will give you a better opportunity to take pictures. Summer is the month of open air and outdoor festivals as well as live painting events, allowing you to socialize with artists and art lovers while enjoying pleasant weather. At the same time, the months of summer also attract more tourists, bringing larger crowds and longer lines.
Check the typical temperatures for the month that you are visiting to pack strategically for your trip. Always pack comfortable shoes to explore the city on foot, as long walks on cobblestones and around construction sites can take a toll on your feet. Dress to anticipate Berlin's ever-changing weather, and bring a rain jacket or an umbrella. Those who are planning to take photographs of the urban art should pack a lightweight tripod to ensure better quality.
It's important to note that since street art Berlin exists in a legal gray area, mindful navigation is required. Although you are allowed to photograph any piece of art you see on the walls, touching, defacing, or adding to the existing artworks is strongly prohibited. Refrain from creating your own graffiti, as a lot of it might be illegal, and, without understanding the legal context, you may end up with a fine of up to €2,000 or even criminal charges. Instead, offer support by purchasing from local galleries and attending exhibitions. Be respectful when taking photographs so as not to block sidewalks or streets, especially in residential areas.
The most straightforward way to navigate the German capital is to use Google Maps. Download an offline map of the areas you would like to visit to discover the city even without an internet connection. With this feature, you can save some top spots to later use your custom street art Berlin map. You can also acquire the Berlin Art Work application that offers extensive coverage of the city's street art scene with photos, artist information, and Berlin murals locations. Another idea is to join Facebook groups featuring events and festivals around Berlin urban art, and follow your favorite artists on Instagram.
Most neighborhoods in Berlin are safe during daylight, however, like any other major city, it has a pickpocket problem. After sunset, stick to well-trafficked areas with a lot of people to avoid accidentally stumbling upon sketchy areas. When exploring residential areas, be exceptionally respectful, as these are people's homes and not open-air museums.
Before we fully dive into the Berlin street art scene, let’s first learn about the various techniques and styles that you will encounter along the way. Nearly every surface of the city is covered in murals, stencils, tags, and other forms of graffiti, pushing important social issues, opening political discussions, and commenting on the state of the world.
A city full of large-scale formats, Berlin brims with murals and other massive street artworks. Facades are adorned with canvases, telling stories of the city, making people smile, and opening the dialogue behind relevant topics. Some of the graffiti in Berlin came about from city commissions, some were requested by private businesses, while others are a result of sporadic art movements.
Techniques vary from spray paint and acrylic to weather-resistant paints to ensure the longevity of pieces in the always-rainy German capital. More often than not, Berlin murals address social issues, including migration, climate change, and human rights.
Stencils have long been integral to the street artist community. Popularized by Banksy, stencils afford speed, allowing artists to swiftly place their art on walls, electrical boxes, and poles. They are usually created using cardboard or plastic and depict visuals and slogans devoted to political and social themes.
Poster art or paste-ups are also ubiquitous in the street art Berlin community. These are relatively small designs on paper glued to surfaces across the city, from large walls and windows to poles and trash cans. Unlike murals and stencils, paste-ups don’t survive very long in the local climate, making them instrumental in spreading timely and imminent messages.
Finally, stickers, tags, and throw-ups represent the purest form of graffiti. Stickers can be quickly made at home, featuring various designs and slogans. They are commonly used to advertise an event or movement, promote an art collective, or even lighten a mood.
Tags are stylized signatures that a street artist might use to promote their artistry. Made with markers or spray paint, tags constitute a communication system within the community.
In this part, we will discuss the most famous spots in the city that you cannot miss, even if visiting for just one or two days. There are a lot more noteworthy spots like Dead Chicken Alley Berlin, Mauerpark graffiti wall, and Prenzlauer Berg murals, but I had to choose my favorites.
Arguably, the most iconic street art hub in Berlin is the East Side Gallery, featuring over 100 paintings. This 1.3-kilometer stretch in Friedrichshain brims with colorful and world-famous graffiti. The remnants of the Berlin Wall, the area has been covered in street art since 1990, a year after its collapse. To this day, the East Side Gallery is one of the most well-known open-air galleries in the world and one of the best things to do in Berlin
The most recognizable image in the gallery, and maybe even in the country, is Dmitri Vrubel's "Fraternal Kiss", depicting the kiss between Honecker and Brezhnev. Another famous piece is Birgit Kinder's "Test the Best", where an East German Trabant car breaks through the wall. While being constantly exposed to the elements has deteriorated some of the works, the Berlin Wall Foundation strives to preserve the integrity of the pieces.
Only a 10-minute walk from the East Side Gallery lies the RAW Gelände, a living canvas for street art Berlin. The former industrial buildings have been reused to provide massive spaces for local and international artists. What used to be a railway facility has been transformed into a giant art spot housing over 80 creative projects. Its eclectic atmosphere, paired with an industrial aesthetic, creates a unique backdrop for experimental artistry. On weekends, the entire complex turns into a flea market, inviting visitors to purchase various crafts, jewelry, clothing, and art pieces.
Urban Nation is a Berlin institution created to support and foster urban art in the city. In fact, it’s Berlin’s first street art museum, featuring artworks by Shepard Fairey, Vhils, Martin Whatson, and Hyuro. The gallery offers free admission, displaying both indoor paintings and outdoor murals and posters for anyone interested.
Berlin is a relatively safe city with great infrastructure, so exploring the art scene on your own should not pose a big challenge. This part will offer you some ideas for your own street art Berlin map.
The central point of the city’s hipsters and artists, Kreuzberg is worth a walking graffiti tour Berlin. Start at the Moritzplatz station and head to Köpenicker Street to explore the works of Alaniz, whose murals take a strong stance against inequality and injustice. Continue to Mehringplatz to stroll across the Urban Nation, always full of new and exciting pieces. Here, you can witness the striking murals by Don John, who likes to investigate the interactions between humans and nature.
Take a stroll in the neighborhood to discover Victor Ash’s Astronaut stencil, which has become one of the most photographed street art pieces in the German capital. Nearby, you can see the former Tommy Weisbecker Haus covered in political murals and mind-bending surreal elements. A bit further down, you’ll see works by ROA, depicting dead animals and showcasing the problematic treatment of cattle in the meat and dairy industry.
This Berlin street art tour kicks off at Warschauer Street towards RAW Gelände, giving you a chance to explore this massive cultural center. From there, head to Revaler Street to see vibrant and vivid murals by the Broken Fingaz crew. Continue to Simon-Dach Street to discover more sporadic street art pieces. North from there, head to Grünberger Street to marvel at the large-scale existential mural by Ricky Lee Gordon depicting a horse submerged in water.
Near Frankfurter Tor, you can witness several works by the Herakut art collective, producing humanitarian art. Their goal is to push charity causes, including supporting people in need, victims of abuse, refugees, orphanages, and immigrants. You can end your tour at the Karl-Marx Allee, brimming with socialist architecture and contrasting contemporary art.
The city center, known as Mitte, is also a treasure trove of thought-provoking street art Berlin. Start at Hackescher Markt to walk around the Hackesche courtyards to explore the works by Ericailcane, Caro Pepe, and JimmyC. Originally from Argentina, Caro Pepe kicked off her artistic journey in Berlin with a series of “one-eyed” women that explores the concept of partiality and how people’s perceptions of reality differ from each other.
Later, head to Haus Schwarzenberg street art, a post-war building covered in graffiti spanning decades. From here, walk to the Berlin Wall Memorial to witness the iconic mural by Markus Haas depicting a giant steak. Conclude your tour in Wedding, taking a look at the Wrinkles of the City project, displaying portraits of older Berliners who have lived through the city’s tumultuous history.
If you'd like to learn more about the Berlin urban art from professionals or cannot wait to meet like-minded people, free tours in Berlin and other guided walks are ideal for you. From the hip Kreuzberg tour, where you’ll hear about the local lifestyle and walks showcasing lesser-known street artworks, to the award-winning Berlin Street Art Tour, famous even outside the city, Berlin offers a wide range of fun and educational tours. Consider booking these events at least two to three weeks in advance to ensure their availability.
Join this free guided tour to explore the beautifully eclectic Kreuzberg, see more of the local street art culture, and learn about the alternative lifestyle of Berliners. The Kreuzberg street art tour will walk you through the most significant spots, explaining the stories behind them, and help you get acquainted with the local art culture.
Another street art tour in Berlin, this tour kicks off at the Lagriasm Palace (Trännenpalast) near the Friedrichsstrasse station. Starting from the Jewish community on the Oranienburger Street, the tour veers into Hackesche Höfe and Kötti, a multicultural district covered in graffiti and innovative artworks. Next, the tour guide will take you to the famous "Astronaut Cosmonaut" graffiti discussed above and the street art in Bethaniendamm and Baumhaus. The tour concludes at the East Side Gallery street art wall.
If you want to learn the nitty-gritty of underground Berlin, this counterculture tour in Berlin is the perfect opportunity. From urban art, graffiti, and stencils to various art collectives and impressive Berlin murals, the tour will let you explore all the hidden gems. Finally, the tour will offer you an entry course in the local electronic music scene.
Original Berlin Walks offers its award-winning street art tour Berlin, sharing some facts and providing entertainment for visitors. The guides will walk you through the historical and cultural context of Berlin in the 20th century and today, and explain the messaging behind Wall-era graffiti. The tour will encompass Kreuzberg, Urban Nation, and the East Side Gallery, sprinkling hidden spots along the way.
Interested in honing your photography skills? In this part, I’ll share my personal tricks to perfectly capture the street art Berlin imagery.
Golden hour is that special hour after sunrise and before sunset when the sun casts warm light, creating beautifully glowing colors and soft shadows. Your choice of golden hour really depends on which buildings you’d like to photograph. Meaning, east-facing surfaces, such as East Side Gallery, are better captured in the early morning sun, while west-facing walls are illuminated in the evening.
Another common question is associated with the constant overcast in Berlin. In reality, overcast weather conditions create diffused light that removes harsh shadows and overexposure, allowing for more subtlety. The soft light also brings out texture in the surfaces of the city, enabling you to capture even the smallest details.
As for the night photography, you might require some additional hardware, like tripods, as well as a higher ISO setting, between 1600 and 3200. Art spaces like RAW Gelände offer night lighting from streetlamps and neon signs, allowing visitors to take vivid pictures without the flash.
In Berlin’s urban landscape, you can identify spots to enhance the composition, colors, and textures of the images. From puddles left behind after a rainy day to reflections created by windows and street lights, catch the right angle to capture an artistic photograph. You can combine interesting reflective surfaces with lines and textures to highlight certain aspects of the visuals. Building corners and fence structures can add some context to a mural, emphasizing its shape, tones, and even message.
Show the scale of the artwork by including other objects like bicycles, shops, and people. Make use of wide shots to redirect the viewer’s attention to large-scale murals as well as smaller-sized posters and paste-ups. Unconventional angles, when used intentionally, can also enhance the message and make for a unique shot.
We have mentioned photographing people, but there is a caveat. While technically you’re allowed to capture people in public, the “right to one’s own image” protects the citizen’s rights to opt out of publication. If you accidentally captured a passerby in a photograph depicting a mural, it’s usually considered acceptable. It becomes an issue when the person is the focal point of the image. In this case, it’s highly recommended to ask for consent for both the picture and its publishing. Especially when it comes to minors, seeking permission from the children’s caretakers is imperative.
Who are the biggest names on the art scene? In this section, we’ll get to know the local art collectives, their history and messaging, and learn how you can offer your support.
Berlin is home to numerous world-renowned street art collectives, including 1UP and Berlin Kidz. The 1UP crew has been around since 2003 and consists of roughly 50 artists, who perceive their work as a hobby. Since they mostly work in the legally gray area, without asking for permission before they put graffiti on various surfaces, their names aren’t known to the public. They’ve grown in popularity thanks to their rebellious and sometimes even dangerous stunts, climbing rooftops, and scaling walls.
Berlin Kidz is arguably the most notable graffiti crew in Berlin, making their reputation by displaying their art on hard-to-access buildings. Aside from the sheer complexity of scaling tall buildings, this act gives them a vantage point, attracting more eyes to their art. They’re also known for tagging in a distinctive pichação style, inspired by Brazilian graffiti artists.
MadC is another German muralist and street artist who rose to fame after completing one of the largest graffiti pieces created by a single person. The project took at least four months to accomplish and covers the 700 square meters of the wall along the rail track from Berlin and Halle, a small German town in Saxony-Anhalt.
Urban Nation is by far the most well-known and influential street art space in the city and probably in the country. A major venue, hosting permanent exhibitions with internationally-renowned artists to organizing temporary shows with emerging ones, this cultural center has become synonymous with street art in Berlin.
Urban Spree at RAW Gelände street art is another noteworthy location, offering art shows, workshops, and various social events. The space also has a beer garden, creating a cultural and social hub for artists and art lovers. The compound also provides residency opportunities for international creators, bringing more artists into the German capital. Other notable mentions are Idrawalot Gallery, KINDL Centre for Contemporary Art, C/O Berlin, and Haus Schwarzenberg.
The best way to support artists is, of course, with the dollar. Purchase their paintings, come to their shows, buy prints and merchandise. However, make sure you’re paying through official channels other than resellers, since they cannot guarantee the proceeds will be going towards the actual artists. Additionally, credit artists when posting images of their works on social media.
Aside from that, just be respectful to other people’s work and craft. Be careful when handling artworks, refrain from touching it unless explicitly allowed, and don’t vandalize or alter them. Stay open-minded and considerate when talking to artists, and don’t interrupt them when they’re working. The same goes for the artistic spaces: buy drinks and merchandise, donate when possible, and be mindful of their institutions.
Finally, those who would like to see not-yet-mentioned neighborhoods, this part is for you. Here, we will investigate lesser-known areas of the city, full of emerging artists and a rebellious atmosphere.
If you’re up for a decent hike in the gorgeous German greenery, hop on this incredible journey to Teufelsberg street art. We started at the Ostbahnhof and took the train to Heerstraße, from where we embarked on a scenic route on foot - wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for moderate exercise. Teufelsberg is an abandoned Cold War relic, taking its roots in 1961, when US units were operating. Since the 1990s, the building has been transformed into a hub of street artistry and graffiti. For just fifteen euros, we entered the premises and were greeted with hundreds of graffiti, from older ones dating back decades to the recent ones created by contemporary artists.
In the former Tegel airport space, you will be surprised to discover large-scale murals created by the world’s famous street artists from all over the globe. Unlike its counterparts, Art Park Tegel offers a more professionally curated art experience, featuring selected works. Here, I saw the remarkable works by the so-called Australian Banksy, Fintan Magee, the iconic dyptich Das Pilot Girl and Luchadora Pachamama by Tankpetrol und Queen Kong, and the mesmerizing murals by the How & Nosm twin duo. The scale of the space allows creatives to realize ambitious projects, collaborate with each other, and surprise us with stunning visuals.
An emerging creatives spot, Neukölln is slowly transforming from a working-class neighborhood into the city’s most exciting and dynamic street art district. While still early-stage, Neukölln is already dotted with smaller studios and art venues, offering a glimpse into a counter-culture art scene of the German capital. Here, the areas still remain authentic and gritty, allowing for the neighborhood’s multicultural blend to spill over into the urban street art Berlin scene. The most prominent locations to explore local creativity are the Körnerpark, Tempelhofer Feld, and Weserstraße.
It may be hard to see everything you want to see in one day in Berlin, but here is the way to maximize your exploration:
Morning: Kick-start your exploration at the East Side Gallery to capture the iconic murals in the perfect golden hour and without the crowds. From here, hop on a subway train to visit the RAW-Gelände space and the weekend flea market.
Afternoon: Travel to the Haus Schwarzenberg to discover its boastful courtyard art.
Evening: Join a walking tour to see Herakut's humanitarian pieces or consider the Alternative Berlin tour.
Morning: Take a self-guided tour from Moritzplatz to Köpenicker Street to admire Alaniz's murals and the famous Astronaut artwork.
Afternoon: Continue self-exploring at the Urban Nation and Bülowstraße, and, if not too exhausted, veer off to Neukölln to see some emerging art.
Evening: Hop on the Counterculture tour to learn the history behind the murals you’ve seen.
If you’d like to take a class or visit a workshop during your stay in Berlin, you’re in luck. Urban Spree offers a wide range of graffiti and stencil workshops, allowing you to try your hand at creating urban art. While some workshops are free, the majority of their offerings require a €15 to €20 fee per person. Alternatively, spots like Urban Nation also provide some courses, but more sporadically, so monitor the updates on their social media accounts and home pages.
Despite the name, street art can also be indoors. For example, Urban Nation has a reputable indoor exhibition completely free of charge. Haus Schwarzenberg also provides covered courtyards, allowing guests to enjoy art even in bad weather. Urban Spree Berlin murals, C/O Berlin photography, and many other urban art venues have alternatives for a rainy day, as they come very frequently in the German capital. All in all, there is no excuse to skip a street art tour Berlin, even when the weather is not on your side.
In this Berlin graffiti guide, we will discuss Berlin’s street art, learn about the main protagonists and their famous artworks, and discover the best street art in Berlin across various neighborhoods.
How to Explore Berlin’s Street Art
There is no right or wrong way to explore the Berlin street art scene, however, I would like to offer you some vantage points to begin your journey. Start with the iconic East Side Gallery, don't skip the neighborhoods of Kreuzberg urban beauty, Friedrichshain street art, and Neukölln emerging scene, all full of constantly evolving urban art. Stop by the RAW-Geläde to marvel at giant murals covering every surface of the premises. Haus Schwarzenberg is also worth your time, featuring multiple galleries and outdoor creative spaces.
Best Time to Go
Although Berlin street art can be explored at any time of the year, the local climate may make it more difficult to see every place in the colder months of winter. Late spring through early autumn offers the most comfortable weather for walking tours, as well as longer daylight hours. Especially if you would like to capture the urban art on film, the warmer months will give you a better opportunity to take pictures. Summer is the month of open air and outdoor festivals as well as live painting events, allowing you to socialize with artists and art lovers while enjoying pleasant weather. At the same time, the months of summer also attract more tourists, bringing larger crowds and longer lines.
What to Bring
Check the typical temperatures for the month that you are visiting to pack strategically for your trip. Always pack comfortable shoes to explore the city on foot, as long walks on cobblestones and around construction sites can take a toll on your feet. Dress to anticipate Berlin's ever-changing weather, and bring a rain jacket or an umbrella. Those who are planning to take photographs of the urban art should pack a lightweight tripod to ensure better quality.
Etiquette & Legality
It's important to note that since street art Berlin exists in a legal gray area, mindful navigation is required. Although you are allowed to photograph any piece of art you see on the walls, touching, defacing, or adding to the existing artworks is strongly prohibited. Refrain from creating your own graffiti, as a lot of it might be illegal, and, without understanding the legal context, you may end up with a fine of up to €2,000 or even criminal charges. Instead, offer support by purchasing from local galleries and attending exhibitions. Be respectful when taking photographs so as not to block sidewalks or streets, especially in residential areas.
Navigation Tips & Useful Apps
The most straightforward way to navigate the German capital is to use Google Maps. Download an offline map of the areas you would like to visit to discover the city even without an internet connection. With this feature, you can save some top spots to later use your custom street art Berlin map. You can also acquire the Berlin Art Work application that offers extensive coverage of the city's street art scene with photos, artist information, and Berlin murals locations. Another idea is to join Facebook groups featuring events and festivals around Berlin urban art, and follow your favorite artists on Instagram.
Safety & Respect for Residents
Most neighborhoods in Berlin are safe during daylight, however, like any other major city, it has a pickpocket problem. After sunset, stick to well-trafficked areas with a lot of people to avoid accidentally stumbling upon sketchy areas. When exploring residential areas, be exceptionally respectful, as these are people's homes and not open-air museums.
Styles & Techniques You’ll See
Before we fully dive into the Berlin street art scene, let’s first learn about the various techniques and styles that you will encounter along the way. Nearly every surface of the city is covered in murals, stencils, tags, and other forms of graffiti, pushing important social issues, opening political discussions, and commenting on the state of the world.
Murals & Large-Format Pieces
A city full of large-scale formats, Berlin brims with murals and other massive street artworks. Facades are adorned with canvases, telling stories of the city, making people smile, and opening the dialogue behind relevant topics. Some of the graffiti in Berlin came about from city commissions, some were requested by private businesses, while others are a result of sporadic art movements.
Techniques vary from spray paint and acrylic to weather-resistant paints to ensure the longevity of pieces in the always-rainy German capital. More often than not, Berlin murals address social issues, including migration, climate change, and human rights.
Stencils & Paste-Ups
Stencils have long been integral to the street artist community. Popularized by Banksy, stencils afford speed, allowing artists to swiftly place their art on walls, electrical boxes, and poles. They are usually created using cardboard or plastic and depict visuals and slogans devoted to political and social themes.
Poster art or paste-ups are also ubiquitous in the street art Berlin community. These are relatively small designs on paper glued to surfaces across the city, from large walls and windows to poles and trash cans. Unlike murals and stencils, paste-ups don’t survive very long in the local climate, making them instrumental in spreading timely and imminent messages.
Stickers & Tags
Finally, stickers, tags, and throw-ups represent the purest form of graffiti. Stickers can be quickly made at home, featuring various designs and slogans. They are commonly used to advertise an event or movement, promote an art collective, or even lighten a mood.
Tags are stylized signatures that a street artist might use to promote their artistry. Made with markers or spray paint, tags constitute a communication system within the community.
Iconic Spots & Districts
In this part, we will discuss the most famous spots in the city that you cannot miss, even if visiting for just one or two days. There are a lot more noteworthy spots like Dead Chicken Alley Berlin, Mauerpark graffiti wall, and Prenzlauer Berg murals, but I had to choose my favorites.
East Side Gallery
Arguably, the most iconic street art hub in Berlin is the East Side Gallery, featuring over 100 paintings. This 1.3-kilometer stretch in Friedrichshain brims with colorful and world-famous graffiti. The remnants of the Berlin Wall, the area has been covered in street art since 1990, a year after its collapse. To this day, the East Side Gallery is one of the most well-known open-air galleries in the world and one of the best things to do in Berlin
The most recognizable image in the gallery, and maybe even in the country, is Dmitri Vrubel's "Fraternal Kiss", depicting the kiss between Honecker and Brezhnev. Another famous piece is Birgit Kinder's "Test the Best", where an East German Trabant car breaks through the wall. While being constantly exposed to the elements has deteriorated some of the works, the Berlin Wall Foundation strives to preserve the integrity of the pieces.
RAW-Gelände
Only a 10-minute walk from the East Side Gallery lies the RAW Gelände, a living canvas for street art Berlin. The former industrial buildings have been reused to provide massive spaces for local and international artists. What used to be a railway facility has been transformed into a giant art spot housing over 80 creative projects. Its eclectic atmosphere, paired with an industrial aesthetic, creates a unique backdrop for experimental artistry. On weekends, the entire complex turns into a flea market, inviting visitors to purchase various crafts, jewelry, clothing, and art pieces.
Urban Nation
Urban Nation is a Berlin institution created to support and foster urban art in the city. In fact, it’s Berlin’s first street art museum, featuring artworks by Shepard Fairey, Vhils, Martin Whatson, and Hyuro. The gallery offers free admission, displaying both indoor paintings and outdoor murals and posters for anyone interested.
Self-Guided Walking Routes
Berlin is a relatively safe city with great infrastructure, so exploring the art scene on your own should not pose a big challenge. This part will offer you some ideas for your own street art Berlin map.
Kreuzberg Street Art Circuit
The central point of the city’s hipsters and artists, Kreuzberg is worth a walking graffiti tour Berlin. Start at the Moritzplatz station and head to Köpenicker Street to explore the works of Alaniz, whose murals take a strong stance against inequality and injustice. Continue to Mehringplatz to stroll across the Urban Nation, always full of new and exciting pieces. Here, you can witness the striking murals by Don John, who likes to investigate the interactions between humans and nature.
Take a stroll in the neighborhood to discover Victor Ash’s Astronaut stencil, which has become one of the most photographed street art pieces in the German capital. Nearby, you can see the former Tommy Weisbecker Haus covered in political murals and mind-bending surreal elements. A bit further down, you’ll see works by ROA, depicting dead animals and showcasing the problematic treatment of cattle in the meat and dairy industry.
Friedrichshain Art & Alternative Culture Walk
This Berlin street art tour kicks off at Warschauer Street towards RAW Gelände, giving you a chance to explore this massive cultural center. From there, head to Revaler Street to see vibrant and vivid murals by the Broken Fingaz crew. Continue to Simon-Dach Street to discover more sporadic street art pieces. North from there, head to Grünberger Street to marvel at the large-scale existential mural by Ricky Lee Gordon depicting a horse submerged in water.
Near Frankfurter Tor, you can witness several works by the Herakut art collective, producing humanitarian art. Their goal is to push charity causes, including supporting people in need, victims of abuse, refugees, orphanages, and immigrants. You can end your tour at the Karl-Marx Allee, brimming with socialist architecture and contrasting contemporary art.
Mitte Historical Street Art Trail
The city center, known as Mitte, is also a treasure trove of thought-provoking street art Berlin. Start at Hackescher Markt to walk around the Hackesche courtyards to explore the works by Ericailcane, Caro Pepe, and JimmyC. Originally from Argentina, Caro Pepe kicked off her artistic journey in Berlin with a series of “one-eyed” women that explores the concept of partiality and how people’s perceptions of reality differ from each other.
Later, head to Haus Schwarzenberg street art, a post-war building covered in graffiti spanning decades. From here, walk to the Berlin Wall Memorial to witness the iconic mural by Markus Haas depicting a giant steak. Conclude your tour in Wedding, taking a look at the Wrinkles of the City project, displaying portraits of older Berliners who have lived through the city’s tumultuous history.
Guided Tours
If you'd like to learn more about the Berlin urban art from professionals or cannot wait to meet like-minded people, free tours in Berlin and other guided walks are ideal for you. From the hip Kreuzberg tour, where you’ll hear about the local lifestyle and walks showcasing lesser-known street artworks, to the award-winning Berlin Street Art Tour, famous even outside the city, Berlin offers a wide range of fun and educational tours. Consider booking these events at least two to three weeks in advance to ensure their availability.
Kreuzberg Street Art Tour Berlin
Join this free guided tour to explore the beautifully eclectic Kreuzberg, see more of the local street art culture, and learn about the alternative lifestyle of Berliners. The Kreuzberg street art tour will walk you through the most significant spots, explaining the stories behind them, and help you get acquainted with the local art culture.
Alternative Berlin
Another street art tour in Berlin, this tour kicks off at the Lagriasm Palace (Trännenpalast) near the Friedrichsstrasse station. Starting from the Jewish community on the Oranienburger Street, the tour veers into Hackesche Höfe and Kötti, a multicultural district covered in graffiti and innovative artworks. Next, the tour guide will take you to the famous "Astronaut Cosmonaut" graffiti discussed above and the street art in Bethaniendamm and Baumhaus. The tour concludes at the East Side Gallery street art wall.
Counterculture Tour Berlin
If you want to learn the nitty-gritty of underground Berlin, this counterculture tour in Berlin is the perfect opportunity. From urban art, graffiti, and stencils to various art collectives and impressive Berlin murals, the tour will let you explore all the hidden gems. Finally, the tour will offer you an entry course in the local electronic music scene.
Berlin Street Art Tour by Original Berlin Walks
Original Berlin Walks offers its award-winning street art tour Berlin, sharing some facts and providing entertainment for visitors. The guides will walk you through the historical and cultural context of Berlin in the 20th century and today, and explain the messaging behind Wall-era graffiti. The tour will encompass Kreuzberg, Urban Nation, and the East Side Gallery, sprinkling hidden spots along the way.
Photo Guide: Getting the Shot
Interested in honing your photography skills? In this part, I’ll share my personal tricks to perfectly capture the street art Berlin imagery.
Golden Hour, Overcast & Night Tips
Golden hour is that special hour after sunrise and before sunset when the sun casts warm light, creating beautifully glowing colors and soft shadows. Your choice of golden hour really depends on which buildings you’d like to photograph. Meaning, east-facing surfaces, such as East Side Gallery, are better captured in the early morning sun, while west-facing walls are illuminated in the evening.
Another common question is associated with the constant overcast in Berlin. In reality, overcast weather conditions create diffused light that removes harsh shadows and overexposure, allowing for more subtlety. The soft light also brings out texture in the surfaces of the city, enabling you to capture even the smallest details.
As for the night photography, you might require some additional hardware, like tripods, as well as a higher ISO setting, between 1600 and 3200. Art spaces like RAW Gelände offer night lighting from streetlamps and neon signs, allowing visitors to take vivid pictures without the flash.
Reflections, Lines & Scale
In Berlin’s urban landscape, you can identify spots to enhance the composition, colors, and textures of the images. From puddles left behind after a rainy day to reflections created by windows and street lights, catch the right angle to capture an artistic photograph. You can combine interesting reflective surfaces with lines and textures to highlight certain aspects of the visuals. Building corners and fence structures can add some context to a mural, emphasizing its shape, tones, and even message.
Show the scale of the artwork by including other objects like bicycles, shops, and people. Make use of wide shots to redirect the viewer’s attention to large-scale murals as well as smaller-sized posters and paste-ups. Unconventional angles, when used intentionally, can also enhance the message and make for a unique shot.
People in Frame: Privacy & Consent
We have mentioned photographing people, but there is a caveat. While technically you’re allowed to capture people in public, the “right to one’s own image” protects the citizen’s rights to opt out of publication. If you accidentally captured a passerby in a photograph depicting a mural, it’s usually considered acceptable. It becomes an issue when the person is the focal point of the image. In this case, it’s highly recommended to ask for consent for both the picture and its publishing. Especially when it comes to minors, seeking permission from the children’s caretakers is imperative.
Meet the Scene
Who are the biggest names on the art scene? In this section, we’ll get to know the local art collectives, their history and messaging, and learn how you can offer your support.
Crews & Collectives
Berlin is home to numerous world-renowned street art collectives, including 1UP and Berlin Kidz. The 1UP crew has been around since 2003 and consists of roughly 50 artists, who perceive their work as a hobby. Since they mostly work in the legally gray area, without asking for permission before they put graffiti on various surfaces, their names aren’t known to the public. They’ve grown in popularity thanks to their rebellious and sometimes even dangerous stunts, climbing rooftops, and scaling walls.
Berlin Kidz is arguably the most notable graffiti crew in Berlin, making their reputation by displaying their art on hard-to-access buildings. Aside from the sheer complexity of scaling tall buildings, this act gives them a vantage point, attracting more eyes to their art. They’re also known for tagging in a distinctive pichação style, inspired by Brazilian graffiti artists.
MadC is another German muralist and street artist who rose to fame after completing one of the largest graffiti pieces created by a single person. The project took at least four months to accomplish and covers the 700 square meters of the wall along the rail track from Berlin and Halle, a small German town in Saxony-Anhalt.
Galleries & Project Rooms to Watch
Urban Nation is by far the most well-known and influential street art space in the city and probably in the country. A major venue, hosting permanent exhibitions with internationally-renowned artists to organizing temporary shows with emerging ones, this cultural center has become synonymous with street art in Berlin.
Urban Spree at RAW Gelände street art is another noteworthy location, offering art shows, workshops, and various social events. The space also has a beer garden, creating a cultural and social hub for artists and art lovers. The compound also provides residency opportunities for international creators, bringing more artists into the German capital. Other notable mentions are Idrawalot Gallery, KINDL Centre for Contemporary Art, C/O Berlin, and Haus Schwarzenberg.
How to Support Artists
The best way to support artists is, of course, with the dollar. Purchase their paintings, come to their shows, buy prints and merchandise. However, make sure you’re paying through official channels other than resellers, since they cannot guarantee the proceeds will be going towards the actual artists. Additionally, credit artists when posting images of their works on social media.
Aside from that, just be respectful to other people’s work and craft. Be careful when handling artworks, refrain from touching it unless explicitly allowed, and don’t vandalize or alter them. Stay open-minded and considerate when talking to artists, and don’t interrupt them when they’re working. The same goes for the artistic spaces: buy drinks and merchandise, donate when possible, and be mindful of their institutions.
Beyond the Center: Outer-Ring Finds
Finally, those who would like to see not-yet-mentioned neighborhoods, this part is for you. Here, we will investigate lesser-known areas of the city, full of emerging artists and a rebellious atmosphere.
Teufelsberg
If you’re up for a decent hike in the gorgeous German greenery, hop on this incredible journey to Teufelsberg street art. We started at the Ostbahnhof and took the train to Heerstraße, from where we embarked on a scenic route on foot - wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for moderate exercise. Teufelsberg is an abandoned Cold War relic, taking its roots in 1961, when US units were operating. Since the 1990s, the building has been transformed into a hub of street artistry and graffiti. For just fifteen euros, we entered the premises and were greeted with hundreds of graffiti, from older ones dating back decades to the recent ones created by contemporary artists.
Art Park Tegel
In the former Tegel airport space, you will be surprised to discover large-scale murals created by the world’s famous street artists from all over the globe. Unlike its counterparts, Art Park Tegel offers a more professionally curated art experience, featuring selected works. Here, I saw the remarkable works by the so-called Australian Banksy, Fintan Magee, the iconic dyptich Das Pilot Girl and Luchadora Pachamama by Tankpetrol und Queen Kong, and the mesmerizing murals by the How & Nosm twin duo. The scale of the space allows creatives to realize ambitious projects, collaborate with each other, and surprise us with stunning visuals.
Neukölln
An emerging creatives spot, Neukölln is slowly transforming from a working-class neighborhood into the city’s most exciting and dynamic street art district. While still early-stage, Neukölln is already dotted with smaller studios and art venues, offering a glimpse into a counter-culture art scene of the German capital. Here, the areas still remain authentic and gritty, allowing for the neighborhood’s multicultural blend to spill over into the urban street art Berlin scene. The most prominent locations to explore local creativity are the Körnerpark, Tempelhofer Feld, and Weserstraße.
Plan Your Day: Ready-Made Itineraries
It may be hard to see everything you want to see in one day in Berlin, but here is the way to maximize your exploration:
24-Hour Highlight Circuit
Morning: Kick-start your exploration at the East Side Gallery to capture the iconic murals in the perfect golden hour and without the crowds. From here, hop on a subway train to visit the RAW-Gelände space and the weekend flea market.
Afternoon: Travel to the Haus Schwarzenberg to discover its boastful courtyard art.
Evening: Join a walking tour to see Herakut's humanitarian pieces or consider the Alternative Berlin tour.
48-Hour Deep Dive
Morning: Take a self-guided tour from Moritzplatz to Köpenicker Street to admire Alaniz's murals and the famous Astronaut artwork.
Afternoon: Continue self-exploring at the Urban Nation and Bülowstraße, and, if not too exhausted, veer off to Neukölln to see some emerging art.
Evening: Hop on the Counterculture tour to learn the history behind the murals you’ve seen.
Weekend with a Workshop
If you’d like to take a class or visit a workshop during your stay in Berlin, you’re in luck. Urban Spree offers a wide range of graffiti and stencil workshops, allowing you to try your hand at creating urban art. While some workshops are free, the majority of their offerings require a €15 to €20 fee per person. Alternatively, spots like Urban Nation also provide some courses, but more sporadically, so monitor the updates on their social media accounts and home pages.
Bad-Weather Swap List
Despite the name, street art can also be indoors. For example, Urban Nation has a reputable indoor exhibition completely free of charge. Haus Schwarzenberg also provides covered courtyards, allowing guests to enjoy art even in bad weather. Urban Spree Berlin murals, C/O Berlin photography, and many other urban art venues have alternatives for a rainy day, as they come very frequently in the German capital. All in all, there is no excuse to skip a street art tour Berlin, even when the weather is not on your side.
