May 30, 2025

The Banksy Effect: TUI Musement Reveals 10 Most Popular European Cities for Street Art Lovers

Tours & Activities
  • The artist «strikes» again: a new an unseen work of art sparks global interest
  • Analysis: Study based on Instagram posts
  • Themed experiences: Urban art tours are on the rise and offer a unique way to discover a destination

With the rise of street art, streets, squares, and walls have transformed into open-air galleries. The latest creation by Banksy is just another example of how this form of artistic expression has taken over urban landscapes.

TUI Musement (https://www.tuimusement.com/uk/), a leader in tours and activities, has compiled a list of some of Europe's most popular cities for street art, based on the number of Instagram posts* related to this art form. The list highlights 10 colourful destinations where travellers can admire iconic murals, take part in graffiti workshops, and explore neighbourhoods revitalised by the street art movement.
Paris: The City of Light, home to renowned artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh, has become a major destination for street art enthusiasts. From the massive murals decorating the facades of the 13th District to the famous graffiti and murals in the Belleville and Oberkampf neighbourhoods, Paris is an open-air museum. The central Le Marais area, housing the iconic Jef Aérosol piece ("Chuuuttt !!!"), is also a must-visit.
London: Over the past few decades, national and international artists have left their mark in areas like Shoreditch, Camden, and Walthamstow. Additionally, Leake Street, the famous Banksy tunnel, attracts numerous visitors. For street art lovers, TUI Musement offers a guided tour of the East End, led by urban artists.
Berlin: The East Side Gallery, the longest outdoor gallery in the world, features works by 118 artists from 21 countries. Murals decorating the Berlin Wall, such as the famous "Brotherly Kiss" by Dimitri Vrubel, are some of the city's most iconic sights. Travelers craving more can take an urban art tour through the Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain neighbourhoods or participate in a graffiti workshop at Mauerpark.
Barcelona: Street art is prominent throughout the city, especially in the multicultural El Raval district, the Gothic Quarter, and the facades of the old factories in Poblenou. Fans of Banksy shouldn’t miss the dedicated exhibition at the Moco Museum, which delves into the techniques of this famous artist.
Lyon: The massive murals decorating the facades of Lyon make the French city a landmark for street art lovers. Le Mur des Canuts, one of the largest murals in Europe, is just one of the many works found in the Croix-Rousse district. Additionally, the neighbourhoods of Guillotière, Presqu'île, and Etats-Unis offer a unique perspective on the city’s urban art scene.
Hamburg: To see street art in this city, visit Schanzenviertel, an alternative neighbourhood filled with colourful murals and graffiti. Likewise, the iconic St. Pauli district attracts not only nightlife lovers but also street art fans, while the impressive outdoor gallery Walls Can Dance in Harburg displays 13 large murals.
Bristol: Allegedly the hometown of Banksy, Bristol is a key destination for admirers of his work. The Bedminster district, known for its street art festival, is a major hotspot, along with Stokes Croft and Nelson Street. First-time visitors to Bristol can take a tour combining urban art with visits to iconic landmarks.
Rome: While the capital’s historical and artistic heritage is undeniable, with world-famous attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, Rome also stands as a leader in street art. Murals in the neighbourhoods of Quadraro, Ostiense, San Lorenzo, Pigneto, and Tor Marancia are prime examples.
Lisbon: Renowned artists like Os Gémeos, Blu, and Shepard Fairey have left their mark on Lisbon, transforming facades into true masterpieces. Street art is prevalent in many parts of the city, including Graça, Mouraria, Marvila, and LX Factory, which explains the large number of tours dedicated to this theme. Among the most famous murals is Fado Vadio, a tribute to traditional Portuguese music.
Madrid: To discover some of the best examples of urban art in Madrid, a tour through the Lavapiés neighbourhood is highly recommended, where the walls of the old tobacco factory La Tabacalera showcase stunning murals. Malasaña, known for its alternative vibe, is also a must-see.
Notes for editors:
Images available here: images

*Methodology: The ranking was based on European cities with more than 380,000 inhabitants. The number of posts for the two most popular street art-related hashtags for each city were added up: #streetartX and #Xstreetart. For example, for Madrid, the hashtags #streetartmadrid and #madridstreetart were analysed. Both the original city name, and its English translation, were included, selecting the most popular option. The analysis was conducted in May 2025.

Ranking – Number of Instagram Posts:

Paris: over 1,888,000

London: over 1,182,000

Berlin: over 633,000

Barcelona: over 430,000

Lyon: over 188,000

Hamburg: over 184,400

Bristol: over 165,600

Rome: over 163,800

Lisbon: over 154,200

Madrid: over 147,000

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