New York City is often considered the epicenter of street art, so it's no surprise that every artist dreams of painting in this global city. Street art is a great way to immerse yourself in a city's local personality and culture. From its colorful alleyways to its less conspicuous nooks and crannies, here are 14 cities around the world that make you want to stroll through an outdoor gallery. Melbourne is a delight for street art lovers, with its vibrant alleyways, including Hosier Lane, and its hidden gems.
Keep an eye out for Ghostpatrol's works on Napier and Exhibition Streets in the Fitzroy neighborhood, as well as the world-famous Meggs and Rone, two of the city's most prominent artists. Buenos Aires is an incredible artistic destination, with international festivals such as the International Biennial of Contemporary Art of South America and the contemporary fair arteBA. It's no surprise that it's one of the most suggestive cities in the world for street art. Don't miss the large-scale works of Ever (Nicolás Romero Escalada), the whimsical murals by Martin Ron or the delightfully provocative pieces by Milu Correch.
Paris is known for its street art, with its graffiti, frescoes and stencils found in Ménilmontant and Belleville in the 20th arrondissement. Large frescoes, such as those found in Brooklyn and Berlin, are rare in Paris, but dozens of small images are repeated throughout the city. Keep your eyes peeled for an octopus or sparkling diamonds, which are small visual creations that only the most attentive passers-by will notice. Works by the famous French artist Jerome Mesnager, such as The Man in White, Nemo or his black character with a raincoat and hat, can be found mainly in Ménilmontant.
Mexico City has a lot to offer when it comes to street art, from references to Mexico's Aztec and Mayan civilizations to political statements. Don't miss the rooftop of The Old Toy Museum in Doctors, Chris Dyer's Spiritual Warriors in Parque México or the creations of Zacatecas Street in the Romani neighborhood. The charming South African city of Cape Town has a thriving and eclectic street art scene that began in the 1980s as a way for residents to express their frustration with apartheid and the government. Cape Town's most exemplary works include pieces on display in the Cape Flats, an area created by apartheid; the interactive mural Harvest on De Waal Drive; and the streets of Woodstock.
The German capital has one of the most important street art scenes in Europe, covering Mitte, the historic center that contains the Television Tower and Museum Island, to Kreuzberg district. Here, renowned Italian artist Blu created The Pink Man and two other famous frescoes, The Wives and East and West, which unfortunately were painted over by Blu himself. The East Side Gallery is a must-see - a 1.3 kilometer section of the old Berlin Wall where international street artists have created urban frescoes that convey peaceful messages. Moscow's metro station is unofficially known as “the longest art gallery in the world” due to its interesting paintings that began appearing in the 1970s. The colorful rough surface of its walls and ceiling gives a surreal impression of a burning space. New York City is considered to be the birthplace of modern street art movement and still has some of the best graffiti in the world.
After a tragic shooting of graffiti artist Diego Felipe Becerra, Bogotá authorities changed their position with regard to graffiti and street art. San Francisco has street art all over it but Mission District is home to a large concentration of it. It's also an opportunity to support local street art community and learn about urban customs from inside. Denver's buildings provide an urban canvas for street art including commissioned pieces as well as unauthorized areas where art is constantly evolving. From protest to beauty, these 28 cities have some of best public art collections around world. Melbourne took distinction with both hands and now have thriving community with commissioned and guerrilla works that cover three neighborhoods powered by huge annual Uppest street art festival. Estonia may be perfect example of UNESCO heritage but it also has good example of street art. Street art gives an idea of city's culture and personality and these 10 American cities have some of best public art collections around world. The city has difficult relationship with graffiti but it's clear that artists are winning battle making Melbourne city of great street art. London's street art is defined by ethic of guerrilla installations stratified disorder and constant renovations. Street art is legal in Buenos Aires (with permission from building owner) and its culture is proliferating there. The picturesque Portuguese capital Lisbon is made even more intriguing by its street art exhibitions from variety of local and international artists. Over time they have created 80 new works transforming into world-class street art city.
