Cities such as London, Bristol, and Berlin definitely lead the way with their long established scenes. What’s amazing to see is the growth of street art in cities not typically associated with the art form. Street art is exploding across Europe now, and more and more people appreciating the way it transforms their hometowns. It all means good news for us, the traveller.

Street art tourism is alive and well. Factoring in a day of exploring a well worn route or simply getting lost in a street art neighbourhood, is now becoming a must on any city break itinerary. What city will you see next?

The 30 Best Cities to see Street Art in Europe

Waterford, Ireland

Waterford might not be the first city name on everyone’s lips where street art in Europe is concerned, but I suggest it’s time to sit up and pay attention. The Waterford Walls festival is an annual event in August inviting the best of Ireland and the world to come and paint the cities walls.

The committee from Waterford Walls, led by Edel have done a tremendous job attracting so much talent. As it’s a small city, the result is there’s never a colourful wall far from you. Which means it’s great for wandering and seeing what you can find. Of course, you can follow my street by street guided tour.

The art starts from grassroots level thanks to local workshops, to Waterford’s own Coilfhionn Hanton who paints annually. Some of the most vibrant murals are as the result of Dan Leo, Curtis Hylton, Monkey Bird and Dan Kitchner who all brought their very distinctive work to the city. All artists are encouraged to paint as they wish, but many chose to draw from the history and fauna of Waterford.

One mural caught my eye prior to my visit and upon seeing first hand thoroughly lived up to expectations. Entitled Sonny, by the South African artist of the same name. The artist blends fantasy with the natural world in his work. The full wall features a girl in feather headdress with a white tiger. It’s wonderful.

Waterford is 2 hours from Dublin by both road and train and a must visit for street art fans.

Derry

By Tom from Travel Past 50

All along Rossville Street, in Bogside, Derry, Northern Ireland, are murals painted by a trio of artists collectively known as The Bogside Artists.

Tom Kelly, his brother William Kelly, and Kevin Hasson started painting the murals in 1993 to illustrate the “Troubles” in Northern Ireland, particularly those in Derry, which culminated on “Bloody Sunday” when, on January 30, 1972, British paratroopers killed 13 unarmed demonstrators.

The images are sometimes taken from photos taken on Bloody Sunday and during the “Battle of the Bogside.” Others are pure commemorations of hope, such as a dove on an oak leaf, symbolizing, at last, peace in Derry.

With supplies donated from local residents, the Bogside Artists painted the murals on the walls of Rossville Street buildings. From 1994 to 2008, they painted a total of twelve murals on this street in the Bogside, which they named The People’s Gallery.

The People’s Gallery spans the entire length of Rossville Street, which runs through the center of the Bogside, an entire street devoted to the history in art form of over three decades of political conflict.

Christiania Freetown in Copenhagen

by Anda from Travel for a While 

Christiania Freetown is a self-proclaimed independent area on Danish territory, within Copenhagen to be exact. It is home to less than 1000 people. Most of them are creative characters in search of a different life. They have a flag, a currency, and a voting system where every citizen takes part in the commune’s decisions.

One of the main reasons to visit Christiania is some amazing street art. You don’t need a map, it is literally all over the place. The abandoned military buildings of the area needed some color indeed. Also, the locals are blessed with a vivid, happy imagination. The skatepark inside Christiania Freetown is called Wonderland, and you couldn’t find a more suitable name for the place.

One of the most representative murals was done in 2016 by 5 artists. It represents the never-ending forest of purple Cats and 3D graffiti. Danish artist Rasmus Balstroem got together with Welin, Tonek, and 5.7 Crew.

Rasmus Balstroem is an incredible artist from Copenhagen who likes using freestyle drawing techniques. The two French artists from Montepellier, Sebastien (Sweo) and Marlene (Nikita) form the 5.7 Crew. Nikita likes to paint women in a warrior or fantasy style, while Sweo masters 3D letter-paintings.

Tonek is also a Danish artist. Tattoo art is his main thing, but he also enjoys graffiti and painting murals.

Andreas Welin is another Copenhagen-based artist. He worked extensively on murals spread from Melbourne, Australia to New York.

When these artists came together, they created an amazing mural that features all of their styles. Moreover, it captures the true Wonderland spirit of Christania.

Dundalk, Ireland

By John from CarpeDiemEire

Dundalk is the new pretender to Ireland’s street art throne. Following the same plan to attract talent, Dundalk runs an annual festival knows as Seek Dundalk. It only began in 2019, as a result of a collaboration between Dundalk Graffiti Artist and Graphic Designer Barry Finnegan (Omin) and Dundalk Town Centre Commercial Manager Martin McElligott. It’s aim of course was to make Dundalk, an outdoor art gallery.

They succeeded. Considering two of those years were hit by Covid restrictions, it’s quite amazing the amount of new works that have appeared. Dundalk is by no means a large city, and all of the art is within a stones throw of its main avenues.

Some of the legendary artists who have come to Dundalk and left their mark are Omin himself, Aches, James Earley, Fris, Claire Provost and Basik. This week, Ireland’s tallest mural was added by Smug, the world famous Australian artist,m. Standing 40 metres high on the Crowne Plaza hotel it depicts Lu, the god of light from Irish mythology. It promised to be another spectacular draw to Dundalk.

Our favourite piece was on Edward Bruce the disputed last High King of Ireland. He died at the Hill of Faughart not far from Dundalk. Using Aches special techniques of blending colour in a 3-d effect, the mural is astounding.

Keep an eye on Dundalk, it is destined to be among the best street art cities in Europe.

Street Art in Europe – Warsaw

By Or from My Path in the World 

Warsaw might not come to mind when thinking about European street art cities, but the Polish capital will not disappoint you. As a city of which 80% got destroyed during WWII, Warsaw makes a huge effort to preserve its history and heritage while also becoming more modern.

While you’ll find a mix of the traditional and modern on both sides of the Vistula River, it is on the eastern side of it, in the unique district of Praga, where most of the street art is found. Surprisingly, only 20% of this area was destroyed during WWII, so you can admire pre-war buildings alongside colorful murals and 21st-century townhouses.

Many of the murals in the city were created by different artists (both Polish and non-Polish), so each piece has its own style. Some of them are not to be missed, including ‘Eastern Warsaw’ by Sebas Velasco, ‘Playground’ by Ernest Zacharevic, ‘Warsaw Fight Club’ by Conor Harrington, and my favorite – ‘Ania.’

When you first look at ‘Ania,’ it looks so colorful and romantic that it immediately wins you over. But then you hear that it was created as a part of an advertisement produced for McDonald’s, which can be slightly disappointing, though it doesn’t take away from the piece’s beauty.

To fully enjoy and learn more about the local street art scene, one of the best things to do in Warsaw is to take a free walking tour in Praga, though you’ll also find some more murals in the neighborhood of Muranów.

Budapest

By John from CarpeDiemEire

Budapest’s offering as a street art city comes in the form of large murals, perhaps a recognition that it doesn’t have the history of some of the more famous city in that respect.

To visit most of the best murals pay a visit to the Jewish Quarter. You will anyway, it’s where the ruin bars are as well as the Dohany Street Synagogue. You can’t leave Budapest without having seen them, or in the case of the former, falling out of them. The Jewish district is as trendy as it gets in Budapest, so no surprise the street art is at its best there.

Wandering the streets of what was once the Hungarian Ghetto, you’ll find works by artists Dan Ferrer, Okuda San Miguel, the group Neopaint, Breakeone, and Cekas. Since 2008 the Colourful City Organisation have been responsible for bringing excellent artists here to ply their trade.

A particular standout is Alice by Spanish artist Dan Ferrer. In a car park on Kertesz Ut, we find Alice trapped in a small house in a bleak landscape, bruised and frightened. Carrying a message that children are our future and need to be nurtured, it’s brutally effective.

Just one of many murals to be found on a Budapest itinerary.

Lennon Wall in Prague

By Nina of Nina Out and About

One of the best street art cities in Europe is Prague.

The city is home to exceptional culture, having endured decades of communism and now a thriving democracy. You’ll find evidence of ancient kings at the Prague Castle, communist rule in demolished statues, and the flourishing free speech in its newer street art pieces. Within the city, there is a spinning head exhibit that is every shifting, just like human thoughts. But outside the city is a unique piece of art: the Kutna Hora Bone Church. The church was literally constructed from human remains, down to a chandelier with every bone from the human body.

The best spot for street art in Prague is undoubtedly at the Lennon Wall.

The wall began as an illegal graffiti wall during the communist reign. People began to paint on it to express themselves.

It started with small murals and doodles.

But the day that John Lennon died, it all changed.

The next morning, a giant mural dedicated to John Lennon went up on the wall. It featured the singer’s face and the addition of lyrics.

As the communist regime continued on, the wall became a way for the locals to express their frustration with the government and to express their desire for freedom.

While the original John Lennon portrait is long lost – especially since the government would repaint the wall frequently during the communist era – the wall continues to be a sign of hope.

Every time you visit, the wall will be different. Literally from one day to the next, the small signs for peace and pretty images will morph into something new thanks to a new addition.

You’ll easily stand there examining the wall for hours. Many buskers take advantage and play Beatles music in front of the mural. So bring a coffee and a few spare coins to tip the buskers as you soak in this gorgeous street art.

Manchester

By Helen from Helen on her Holidays

Manchester, in north west England, is a fantastic place to visit if you’re interested in street art. The city, in particular the Northern Quarter and Ancoats areas, has a history in recent decades of attracting some of the world’s best art talent to decorate its streets with murals, sculpture and mosaics.

The Northern Quarter part of Manchester used to be an area full of abandoned Victorian mills and warehouses until the 1990s, when it gradually became the most fashionable part of town, full of bars, loft apartments and alternative shops. It’s always been an area with its own character, and even its own font, which appears on street names and on the slabs in the pavement of Tib Street, where you can read the poem Flags by Lemn Sissay.

Manchester took part in the Cities of Hope street art festival in 2016, attracting nine street artists from around the world, including Nomad Clan (Cbloxxx and AYLO). Nomad Clan recently returned to Manchester to replace their Cities of Hope piece with a new work, Make Do Mend, which celebrates the city’s textile heritage.

In contrast to the large pieces which last for years, the Out House in Stevenson Square has a higher turnover of works that often appear spontaneously in response to news events, such as the death of David Bowie, the killing of George Floyd (both pieces by Akse) and the Manchester Arena bombing (by Qubek).

On a lighter note, a Manchester favourite is the giant blue tit on Newton Street, which was created by Faunagraphic in 2011 in a partnership with Converse.

Ljubljana

By Nicole from GoFarGrowClose.com

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana Old Town is a large historical district with pedestrian-only walking zones along cobblestone streets. You can find small boutique hotels along these paths that offer elegant rooms and old world charm. In addition, there are beautiful medieval churches scattered throughout and the imposing 12th Century Ljubljana Castle perched over top. If you are looking for the perfect old-world European experience, this is the place for you.

In striking contrast, after a short walk over The Ljubljana River, you find yourself in run down areas filled with squatters and spectacular street art. First, there is Rog Factory, a former bicycle manufacturing plant, where artists squat and produce fabulous paintings and sculptures making political or cultural statements.

A little farther along, you come across Metelkova, an independent social and cultural centre. It was formerly the military headquarters of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, then the Slovenian headquarters of the Yugoslav National Army. After Slovenia became independent, it was supposed to become a government sanctioned alternative art scene.

When that didn’t happen, the squatters moved in and became a vibrant artistic and cultural spot. To learn all about the history of Slovenia, specifically post independence, the evolution of the street art scene, and about the amazing murals and artists, consider taking a walking tour called Ljubljana Alternative Tour offered by Ljubljana Urban Tours. It is one of the best things to do in Ljubljana.

Berlin

By Ali from Berlin Travel Tips

Berlin is one of the best cities in the world for street art. The city is known for art and creativity, and street art has become an important part of the landscape. Some pieces commissioned works while others are illegally done.

Although you can find street art all over the city, Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are two of the best neighborhoods to explore for impressive art. Of course there’s the East Side Gallery, a long stretch of the Berlin Wall that is now covered in art. This is one of the best free things to do in Berlin, especially if you’re interested in street art. 

Not far from there is the RAW-Gelände. This former train repair station now has restaurants, clubs, beer gardens, a flea market, and lots of street art. Here you’ll find pieces by Felix and Matthias, Marina Zumi, Ostap, Shepard Fairey, and more. The Urban Spree Art Gallery, which focuses entirely on street art, is also located here.

Across the river in Kreuzberg, you can follow the U1/U3 Ubahn tracks and detour a little here and there to see more famous pieces. There are several from Blu, ROA, Os Gemeos, Victor Ash, and more. 

One of the more interesting pieces here is a mural of dead or dying animals, a statement on how nature is dying as a result of over-urbanization around the world. Another famous piece worth checking out here is the Astronaut by Victor Ash. 

In western Kreuzberg, you can also visit the Urban National Museum. This fairly new addition to the Berlin art scene is dedicated to street art and has new artwork painted on the outside on a regular basis. 

Street art is easy to explore on your own. But a street art tour can give you loads of interesting information about the art and help you enjoy it more.

Stockholm

Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

If you are a fan of public art, you will love Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, which is home to what is considered the longest art gallery in the world. 

Stockholm’s subway art is famous, not only for its color and scale, but also for the underlying themes of diversity, inclusion, and other social causes. Many of the city’s more than 100 subway stations feature stunning art, with entire tunnels covered in color. 

One of the most beautiful stations you can visit is Kungstradgarden, where the ceilings feature colorful art. At Fridhemsplan, you can view cool and quirky robot art. At Hallonbergen, child art with stick figures and childhood themes will captivate you. 

While Stockholm’s subway art is internationally renowned, it also features traditional street art in its various districts. 

Snosatra, Stockholm’s graffiti park, is the largest in Europe and a great place to visit if you are interested in street art but have limited time in the city. Here you can see the works of some of the city’s most well-known street artists such as Mogul and Huge.

If you enjoy the work of Os Gemeos, the Brazilian twins that have created gigantic murals in various cities across the world, you will find one in Stockholm to view! The mural, located in Fiskargatan, depicts persons created in their typical style, with beautiful colors.

Best Street Art Cities in Europe — Kyiv

Contributed by Inessa Rezanova, image by Natalie Rezanova, Through a Travel Lens Blog

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is eastern Europe’s heart of street art. First murals appeared in the city fairly recently — after the revolution of 2014, and initially, the locals were not all that thrilled.

But the outrage over what was perceived as vandalism of public property turned into admiration as soon as the first murals — among them, the iconic girl in traditional Ukrainian clothes — turned a few bleak buildings of the capital into colorful impressions of what today’s Ukraine is.

A mix of modern architecture and historic buildings of the 19th century, Kyiv has its fair share of Soviet apartment buildings. These are not exactly what most of the Ukrainians are fond of and much to the pleasure of the locals, it is these houses that became the canvases and main inspiration for the local artists as well as for the artists around the world. 

The capital’s arguably most popular mural — “The Girl in Vyshyvanka” — was created by the Australian artist, Guido van Helten. A dedication to Ukrainian women, this 53-meter long depiction of a young girl in traditional Ukrainian clothes almost made it to the Guinness World Records as the biggest European mural. Drawn on a wall of a building at Lesya Ukraininka street, it is now one of the area’s highlights.

As the artists continue to flock to Kyiv to paint the walls of the capital’s buildings, there are now plenty of beautiful murals in the historic center — the old town of Podil, as well as in the busy business area in Pechersk. Great street art can be spotted not only downtown but also in remote areas of the city. Fans of murals should also include areas like Obolon and Left Bank to the list of places to visit in Kyiv to enjoy the vibrant street art.

Rotterdam

By Zoe from Together in Transit

One cool place to find street art in Europe is the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Unlike the rest of the Netherlands, Rotterdam is a unique city to visit due to its modern architecture. However, it still has many quirky locations with hidden gems and industrial street art locations. 

You may think there is one specific location for a city, but Rotterdam actually has many spots that you can explore and view the street art across the city. Some popular locations include street art at the Witte de Wit street, the Centraal station area and near an old factory called Maassilo in Rotterdam South. 

The best way to enjoy all these locations as well as find the hidden gems is to use the Rewriters010 street art or take a tour with them, where they provide interesting walks about each piece of art work during a walk. Many of the artists are Dutch, but there are also some international artists that have special pieces in the city too. Some artists to name are: Bier en Brood, Dan Botlek, I Am Eelco, TelmoMiel and Mark Goss.

For the last few years, the PowWow street art festival has also held an event here. During the weekend there are live graffiti artists completing their new artwork in the city as well as on cars and vans. There are tours available to walk along many of the street art routes to learn more as well as activities at the event location.

My favourite personal photo is a piece by I Am Eelco in gorgeous purples, yellows and greens. His style has always been one of my favourites from Rotterdam due to the overlapping style and animals pictured in the artwork.

Reykjavik

By Darlene from Thirsty Journeys

Reykjavík, Iceland has a wealth of colourful and thought-provoking street art. The majority of its murals are located in Reykjavík’s downtown (or “Old Town”), making a self-guided walking tour of many of the murals very easy to do in an afternoon.

Some of the murals were commissioned by local businesses, while others are the result of a bigger project called Wall Poetry. This project was a collaborative effort between Urban Nation, a contemporary art collective based in Berlin, and Iceland Airwaves, Iceland’s largest music festival. Ten musicians performing at the 2015 Iceland Airwaves festival provided song titles, lyrics, quotes, stories, or poetry that influenced their music to ten artists working on the murals. The initiative was a way of connecting music and art – an initiative that was so well-received, that the project was implemented again the next year.

For example, this particular piece, painted by Canadian tattoo artist and illustrator Heather McLean, is inspired by a song called “A Hundred Ropes” by Minor Victories. Notice how the locks of the woman’s hair become the waves on a stormy sea.

One of the challenges for street art in Reykjavík is the rapid speed at which the city is growing. Everywhere you look there are construction cranes, as old buildings are demolished to make way for new shops, hotels and businesses. Some of the street art painted on the sides of buildings are disappearing as empty lots are filled in. And while the very nature of street art is that it is not meant to be permanent, it’s a shame to see some of the art disappear. Luckily, the spirit of street art in Reykjavík is going strong, with no signs of slowing down even as the city expands.

Plovdiv

By Anda from Travel for a While

The first thing you find out about Plovdiv is that it is the oldest inhabited city in Europe. Being such an ancient place, you wouldn’t really imagine the real young vibe it has.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Plovdiv. Among them, well-preserved Roman ruins and traditional painted houses in the Old Town. Besides them, you will also find coffee shops, craft beer places, and great food. Another reason to visit is the street art in Plovdiv. Street art is virtually everywhere in Plovdiv. From underway passages to garbage bins and school walls, you will find graffiti and murals in many places.

The best places to find some great street art pieces are the trendy Kapana neighborhood and the area behind the drama theater. The street behind the theater was transformed in just one week, during the Street Art Fest of 2013. Climb the stairs behind Milo the Crazy’s statue to find this hidden gem of Plovdiv.

Kapana is a much larger area where artists are frequently commissioned to bring new life to the old walls. Start exploring with the heart of Kapana and admire the three large murals. Then, walk on the small streets to find smaller pieces in the most unexpected places.

One of my favorite pieces in Plovdiv is ‘МИР’ (Peace) by Nasimo. A Bulgarian artist, by his real name Stanislav Trifonov, Nasimo has been painting walls since 1995. He is one of the most active and popular Bulgarian artists. 

Peace is a mural composition, the biggest in Bulgaria. Nasimo started working on it in 2015 and has added pieces a few times since. He aims to inspire love and peace, the food our souls need.

Best street art cities in Europe – Łódź

By Ania from The Travelling Twins

I’m going to tell you how great street art in Łódź has become over the years. What started as an act by Polish artists against communism became something so much more than that. It was an act of defiance against all odds and now it’s an integral part of what makes Łódź so special.

Today, nearly forty years after the first street art appeared in Łódź, street art here not only symbolizes freedom of speech but has become one of the main attractions for visitors to the city. The local authorities support street artists and Łódź is proud of its legendary murals.

Murals in Łódź which has been started by local artists now attracted big names like Aryz and Os Gemeos brothers (ul. Roosevelt 5), Aryz or Eduardo Kobra with a mural of famous Polish Pianist Arthur Rubinstein, who was born in Łódź.

Besides painted murals, you can find in Lodz as well cool installations on the wall where using negative space effect and half a tonne of nails artist Łukasz Berger created the word “CISZA” (Silence)

Unfortunately, some of the cool ones like big surrealistic graffiti done by French artist Remed was reprinted with boring medical advertisements. But still, many empty building faces are waiting for new murals.

When you plan to visit Łódź its one of the great things to do is to discover the town by searching for interesting murals.

Bucharest

By Vanessa from Traveling Ness

Romania might not be the first country you think of for street art in Europe but the capital of Bucharest is bursting with art murals and cool graffiti around every corner! Bucharest has a European charm without the crowds often referred to as “Little Paris”.

Since the end of communism, Romanians used street art and graffiti as a way to express themselves in the new wake of independence. By exploring the various street art, you are walking through a visual story tied with bits of Bucharest’s history.

Some of Bucharest’s street art is very hidden and in other areas, you can’t help but notice it. The main areas to spot the best street art in Bucharest is around Old Town, in the Piata Romana neighborhood off of Strada Pictor Arthur Verona and the North Railroad Station area.

Top artists that have painted the walls of Bucharest with some really cool street art are Pisica Patrata (Alexandru Ciubotariu), Vhils, Sweet Damage Crew, Obie Platon, and Benr.

My favorite murals in Bucharest are done by Sweet Damage Crew that consists of a group of artists. The first mural is hidden in a courtyard of an outdoor movie screen, known as Creart. 

It is of a man sitting on a TV looking up at the moon with rich shades of blue and purple that is a few stories tall! As it is on private property, ask if you can go in or attend one of the movie viewings held there.

The other top mural by Sweet Damage Crew is Make a Point, depicting a woman drawing on a piece of glass she is holding. You can find Point on Strada General Eremia Grigorescu 10. No matter what area of Bucharest you explore, you are bound to find plenty of epic urban art during your stay!

Kaunas, Lithuania

By Tal from Bright Nomad Travel Blog

Kaunas, Lithuania, is a lesser known destination with a great street art scene waiting to be discovered.

One of the most famous pieces of street art in the city is called The Wise Old Man. It’s a huge mural in a very central location, close to Kaunas Castle, on the wall of an old shoe factory.

It’s a painting of a well known local artist called Jurgis Maciunas, a historic figure who was the father of the Fluxus art movement. The city embraced this mural and it has become one of its symbols.

Another great spot for street art is called The Yard Gallery. Located inside a residential yard and initiated by one of the residents, this gallery has a wonderful collection of murals and installations by local street artists. It’s a place that’s fun to explore.

Not far from the yard, you’ll find another famous piece of art, an eye-catching mural of a massive pink elephant. 

You can see many more pieces of street art, including some very impressive murals, scattered around the city. Many of them are legal and commissioned by the city, which appreciated both the art and the artists. To discover them easily, you can pick up a beautiful illustrated street art map from the tourist information centre in the city hall.

Barcelona

By Ignacio from Tango and Rakija

The city which gave birth to art characters such as Miro, Dali, Gaudi and Picasso is obviously a good city for hunting street art.

You will quickly realize that even without a map and just strolling around the city you will step into a world of graffiti and many forms of street-art.

Luckily, this time you won’t have to think much but just enjoy it. These are, according to us, the MUST SEE places for a deep-dive in street-art culture of Barcelona.

You should start visiting one of the oldest pieces of art in the walls of the city – Keith Haring’s mural. It was painted in 1989 on a very old building in the Raval neighbourhood which nowadays is the MACBA museum. Painted in red, the colour of blood, this mural contains all Haring’s  classic  iconography: children, life, sex, death and his fight against AIDS.

Since you are already in the Raval area you can visit one of our favorite ones in the city. A mysterious couple of artists which IG is @me_lata. Just walk around El Raval and you will find their art mostly everywhere.They do art with empty cans and write quotes and thoughts on them. 

Not far from the Raval, in the area of Poble Sec you can go to The Three Chimneys urban park and sit to enjoy art creation in real time. This is one of the favourite playgrounds of Barcelona’s street artists (both professional and amateur) owing to the fact that it is one of the city’s only purpose-built graffiti parks.The walls on the park are part of the initiative called Murs Lliures in catalan (‘free walls’), urban areas distributed around the city that the artists can reserve for a specific date and do their magic. The good thing is that the art on the walls changes mostly every week. 

If you love Barcelona, you love Miro, if you love Miro you will love this huge graffiti. In the corner of C/Sant Pau and C/ de la Riereta you can see perhaps one of Barcelona’s most iconic pieces of street art, the large mural on the corner is a tribute to the famous Catalan artist Joan Miró. 

To wrap-up your visit to this area of Barcelona we suggest you to go to the street Carrer Selva de Mar between Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Av. Diagonal. Here you will see many graffitis from different artists in all possible colors and shapes. It’s a 20 min walk or less full of vibrant street-art.  

For our next proposal you need to think big because this is a huge mural. Just on the front wall of an old building called  La Carbonería which stands the title of the oldest building in the area of Eixample, it’s so old that it is protected by the council. Meaning it can’t be destroyed or altered in any significant way. Formerly a coal company that was abandoned and after some years it was squatted for many others before its residents were finally evicted in 2014. To find this fantastic and historical piece of street-art you need to go to the intersection of Urgell and Floridablanca. 

In order to stay in tune with murals you cannot miss a visit to the huge collage called 

The Shark. It’s a three-metre-long shark made of paintings of €100 notes at the top of El Carmel. In 2008, Blu, artist from Bologna, did. ‘El Tiburón’ as a reminder of Spain’s political corruption. The controversy behind this art expression was enormous, nevertheless, The Shark is standing there after many years.

Our last suggestion of the day is that you take a walk till Turó del Carmel, a park full of walls with graffiti from many different artists. You have a graffiti wall that runs the length of Camí de Can Móra to enjoy. It’s around 500m long.

And, the best part about street art in Barcelona is that, this is not all. If you just walk around the streets of the city, you will find true pieces of art in almost every corner.

Athens

Chrysoula from Athens and Beyond

Athens is a city known for its rich history with the many archaeological sites scattered in every corner, the tasty cuisine, and the vibrant nightlife. In the last years, the city has seen an increase in the number of murals from creative street art artists, many of which are students in the Athens School of Fine Art.

There are many neighborhoods one can admire street art, but the most popular ones include Monastiraki, Exarchia, Psiri, and Keramikos. All these areas are located in the city center and are easily accessible to tourists on foot.

An alternative way to admire the most famous murals is to take a guided tour offered by various companies.

One of the most famous Greek street art artists with many works around Athens and various cities around the world is INO with his large-scale black and white murals. Some of his well-known works include “Access control”, “Clock Work”, and “Wake Up”. 

One of my favorite murals in Athens is the one of Loukanikos, a stray dog that got famous during the protest marches against anti-austerity measures in downtown Athens. After his death, the street art artists Martinez, N. Gramms, and Smart created a big mural in his honor in the Psiri neighborhood. The mural depicts the dog in a scene of riots and flames and there is also an epigraph that says: “We were struck by tear-gas together” and also “All Dogs go to Heaven”.

While exploring Athens, keep your eyes open for some amazing street art.

Rome

By Claudia Tavani from Strictly Rome

Rome is a fantastic city for street art, and you can easily admire many interesting pieces in several areas of the city. Street art in Rome helped convert neighborhoods that were once burdened by petty crime into much better places with live (and free) art galleries that anybody can visit.

There are several neighborhoods in Rome where visitors can admire street art. One of them is Quadraro, a bit outside of the center of Rome but easy to reach by metro. Others are Testaccio and neighboring Ostiense, a 30 minutes walk from the Colosseum; or Pigneto and San Basilio.

Rome’s latest street art project, however, is in the area of Tor Marancia, further south of the Colosseum (about one hour walk). It was only in 2015 that the walls of Viale Tor Marancia were completely turned into an art gallery, with 20 international artists working for 70 days in a row to change the face of many buildings within the “Big City Life” project. More than 20 murals were painted.

The most notable mural in Tor Marancia is “The Weight of History” by Argentine-Italian artist Jaz. It portrays an Argentine wrestler holding an Italian wrestler on his shoulder and it represents the tight connection between Italy and Argentina.
The best way to enjoy street art in Rome is via a guided walking tour. Several companies run good ones around the city.

Glasgow, Scotland

By Rachel from Average Lives

Undeniably, Glasgow is one of the best street art cities in Europe.  The city is a former fishing village and will welcome you with green spaces, museums, architectural wonders and a fantastic food scene.  

If that was not enough, over the past 14 years, Glasgow’s once tired and empty buildings have transformed thanks to some gifted street artists. There is now a famous ‘Mural Trail’, which should be on a Glasgow itinerary. The trail was named one of the most exciting things to do in the world on Time Out’s DO List for 2020 and is the perfect way to brighten up any day. 

The Mural Trail showcases the diverse art from primarily local artists and can be reached on foot from the city centre. The unique works help to bring colour to the city. They are often described as murals for everyone, from radical, to conservative, to unusual or narrative-based. 

You can see the murals on a self-guided tour with the help of the Mural Trail website, or you can go on a tour with a local artist to learn more about each one and its significance. The trail is 5-miles in total and would take around 3-hours to complete, but many people complete sections at a time over a couple of days. 

One of the most famous and exciting murals is named Saint Mungo and was created by the artist Smug (Sam Bates), who is originally Australian but lives in Glasgow. It is a photo-realistic mural finished in 2016 and is on the gable end of High Street. It was crafted freehand and depicted the patron Saint of Glasgow with a small robin – an indication of the story of the Bird That Never Flew.

Naples

By Danila from Travelling Dani.

Naples is a lovely city in Southern Italy, which lies next to the sea.

While most of the world identifies Napoli with the delicious Neapolitan pizza, cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, us locals know that our city hides a pretty colorful treasure.

Street art is well hidden and it always represents our feelings or the important people who have had a great impact on the whole region. Among the best things to do in Naples (Italy), hunting for murals is one of the top 3. You can do it for free: it’s cheap, fun and it will let you discover the hidden side of Naples.

The most popular mural in Naples is dedicated to the one football player that has forever changed our city: Diego Armando Maradona.

The local stadium has been named after the Argentinian player when he died by the end of 2020.

The Maradona murale dates back to 1990, when the Naples Soccer Team won the Italian “Scudetto” thanks to Diego. It was restored in 2016.

You can visit it for free: find it at Piazzetta Diego Armando Maradona, in Naples.

The popular Maradona murale was painted by a local artist who was just 23 at the time, Mario Filardi. He wasn’t a street artist, but he so felt inspired by the player who had managed to bring glory to Naples, that he decided to try his hand at painting.

This has soon become the most popular street art in Italy.

Another very famous and huge mural was created by the artist Jorit Agoch, who is pretty active in Naples.

It represents San Gennaro, the patron saint that every Neapolitan loves. He is believed to have stopped the lava when Mount Vesuvius erupted, thus “saving” Naples from destruction.

The “Gennaro” mural covers the entire side of an historical building in Piazza Crocelle ai Mannesi, in Forcella, next to the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore.

Lyon

By Leyla from Offbeat France

While French cities have their share of informal street art, Lyon’s monumental murals are famous not only throughout the country but around the world.

While each is unique and meaningful, perhaps the one that best encapsulates the mural story and the history of Lyon is the “Mur des Canuts”, or the Wall of Silk Workers. This massive fresco sits above Lyon on Croix-Rousse Hill, which was once home to the many weavers who turned Lyon into Europe’s capital of silk for five centuries from the Renaissance onwards.

This particular mural depicts everyday life in Lyon in a naïve art style that might make you look twice to see if this is actually a mural – or real life. Many others follow the same pattern, highlighting a moment in history, or the faces of famous Lyonnais. 

Other murals have little to do with reality, picturing scenes from entertainment or even science fiction.

It matters little: all were born from a desire to bring art to poorer neighborhoods of the city and were the brainchild of a small group of rebellious art students who created a cooperative, CitéCréation, in the 1980s after being inspired by murals during a school trip to Mexico. The Mur des Canuts was their first creation and involved the local community in its design.

Today, the cooperative is so well known it receives commercial offers to undertake murals around the world, which its artists do, but they never forget their origins and continue to populate Lyon with delightful scenes. They have even opened a school for muralists-in-waiting, paving the way for the future generation.

Bristol

By Claire from Go South West England

Whether you’re spending a weekend in Bristol or are here for a longer time, one of the best things to do is see its beautiful street art!

Bristol is the home of Banksy who is possibly the world’s most famous street artist – so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best places in Europe for street art!

Banksy is an anonymous street artist – he leaves his work with his signature style on walls, but nobody actually knows who he is! You’ll find his art all over Bristol. Often, it’ll have a meaningful message, as he addresses topics like war and inequality. 

Other times, he’ll mention current issues in his art but have a comic twist, such as his famous “mild, mild west” artwork in Stokes Croft which features a teddy bear throwing a cocktail at riot police and alludes to the illegal parties that were held in the city in the 1990s. 

Bristol street art certainly isn’t just Banksy though. The entire city is covered in a mishmash of murals and poignant art pieces – it’s like walking around an outdoor art gallery. While Banksy’s work is usually black and white, many other pieces are full of colour and vibrance. 

Stokes Croft is one of the best areas to walk around for street art. From expansive colourful murals to smaller pieces reminding you that “hate is foolish” and to “think local, boycott Tesco”, there’s loads to look at here!

Another awesome spot is North Street in Southville. This is the location for the street art festival Upfest, and nearly all of the road’s buildings have beautiful murals! Most poignant is perhaps outside Aldi, where Greta Thunberg’s face, half-covered in water from rising sea levels, looks down on shoppers – reminding you to make sustainable choices with your shopping.

Belfast

By Faith from XYU and Beyond

Northern Ireland and particularly artists in Belfast have a long history of representing and reflecting their troubled history in street art. 

Street art and political activism have always gone hand in hand but in 1998 when the Peace Accord was signed a new kind of street art began appearing on the walls of Belfast.  

You can still find many of the murals that depict “The Troubles” in neighbourhoods separated into Catholic and Protestant areas. From murals of Bobby Sands who died while on hunger strike, to a mural of the Women’s Quilt with words relating to women and the roles they play in communities. 

These days artists have taken to the streets of Belfast to bring new life into areas of the city that were run down and abandoned and have now been transformed turning Belfast into a street art mecca like London, New York and Berlin. 

The new street artists include Joe Caslin whose piece of two women kissing drew attention to the LGBTQIA community with the hashtag #lovewins.

In stark contrast to the political murals some of the best street art is found in the Cathedral District. Exhibiting work by world-renowned artists this area is stunningly colourful with work by Kev Largey (aka KVLR), Pang, Christina Angelina’s (aka StarFighteraA) and James Earley.

My favourite piece though is the one called Lobster Pot by the Australian street artist Sam Bates, also known as Smug. Smug is recognized around the world as one of the masters of Photorealism.

You can take a walking tour of Belfast’s street art that was created and led by local artists who have driven the street art scene in Belfast. This two hour walking tour will take you through the ever changing street art scene in the City.

Lisbon

By Berkeley Square Barbarian

Lisbon is a fun weekend destination. You can easily spend a few days exploring the different neighbourhoods sprawling across the hills and valleys. Street art here started with political murals after the revolution of 25 April 1974.

Few cities offer more exciting street art than Lisbon. This is even more impressive considering its relatively small size compared with many of its competitors. The city actively encourages and supports street art (within boundaries). You will find graffiti and murals everywhere around town.

Alfama, the cobble-stoned ancient neighbourhood between the river and the castle, with its steep, crooked alleyways, sports many of the best-known works of street art.

Glória Funicular leading up to Bairro Alto features the fabulous Street Art Gallery. Every once in a while a jury established by the City Council invites dozens of street artists to paint the hundreds of metres of wall for a limited period of time. Graça, Chiado, and Belém have no lack of amazing murals.But no place is more exciting than Mouraria. Among others, a multi-level car park was decorated by various street artists.
Famous local artists include Nuno Saraiva, Vhils, Odeith, Tamara Alves, and Bordalo II. That said, artists from all over the world have visited Lisbon and left some of their works on the walls. Shepard Fairey, Os Gemeos, Utopia63, Blu, SAM3, Andrea Tarli, and Kobra are a few of the more prominent names.

My favourite mural has to be the one on the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão in Mouraria, which was created by a number of different artists. It celebrates the musical tradition of Fado. True, it is not particularly aesthetic. However, you can see that it was a work of love and it gets enthusiastic reactions by almost everyone who passes by it.

London

By Rose at Where Goes Rose?

London is a world-class city whatever you’re into. The street art is no exception and arty travellers to London will be spoilt for choice by the number of alternative neighbourhoods covered in colourful murals.

To find the best street art in London, you’ll want to escape the city centre which is better known for mainstream tourist attractions and shopping districts. Two of the best street art districts in London are Camden and Shoreditch.

In Shoreditch, make a beeline for the Brick Lane street art. Wentworth Street, Fashion Street and Heneage street are known for their colourful murals by artists including ARTiSTA, Benslow and SHOK-1.

Don’t miss the secret unnamed alleyway beside Saffron Restaurant. Here you’ll find a host of socially-conscious art with messages such as ‘more love, less theft’.

Another mural not to miss in Shoreditch is the enormous crane (bird) on Hanbury Street. This is one of the largest and most detailed pieces of street art in the area.

Over in Camden (North London), you can find street art dotted along Kentish Town Road, Bayham Street, Buck Street and Castlehaven Road to name but a few. 

Hawley Mews is an enclave off Hawley Street, completely covered in vibrant street art. Artists regularly change the art here so you never know what you might find.

There are numerous murals dedicated to the late Amy Winehous who called Camden home. In the Stables Market, you’ll also find an arty, lifelike statue dedicated to her.

Birmingham

By Richard from RJ on Tour

Digbeth in Birmingham is also known as the creative quarter and is a lovely place to hang out. Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and there are lots of things going on, including the 2022 Commonwealth Games. They adorned the Digbeth area with lots of nice street art throughout, including any spare walls and in most of the bars. The area is a great place for nightlife, dining out or just for a walk to admire the art on the buildings.

The best area of Digbeth to see is the streets near the Custard Factory, specifically Floodgate Street and Gibb Street. To see the more up-and-coming artists, take a stroll along the canal. There are some fantastic examples on boards and walls as you stroll along.

Two of the most prominent artists in the city are Gent 48, who does some very intriguing work. The other that pops us all over the place is Annatomix, whose art usually includes theor distinctive fox. My favourite Annatomix piece is along the canal path, the art really enhances the dark drab warehouses. There are many other artists in the area, and the standard is pretty high.

Bars like Zumhof Biergarten and Nortons have some outstanding pieces in their beer gardens. They are both great places for a night out or an afternoon drink. Although Digbeth is by far the best area for street art, the nearby China Town has some great political pieces too.

Which of these street art in Europe cities is next on your agenda? Save a pin for future reference.

Wowed by Colmar, we still dragged ourselves away from the wine capital of the Alsace. The car we had rented for Switzerland was therefore a blessing. Actually we rented it from France, cause Basel airport is in France. However no more on that as I’m even confused thinking about it. But a blessing nonetheless. The villages of Alsace had not been on out itinerary but a quick extension of our car rental, and all of a sudden they lay very much in our path.

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Which Alsace Villages should you visit?

We choose to be selective of which villages to visit as our time in the region was limited. Of the many beautiful villages that line this most aesthetic of rural routes, two stood out above all as impeccable examples of archetypal Alsace villages. They were Kaysersberg and Eguisheim. Kaysersberg is France’s favourite village in 2017, and Eguisheim in 2013. But it wasn’t accolades that drew us there but photos of their beauty on the net. They don’t have the monopoly on aesthetics but they are in the lead. The castle overhead Kaysersberg sealed the deal. The road taking you to the villages from Colmar is that perfect picture of France from my mind, through rolling hills of vines and villages. Above the route stands the Vosges mountains, and the area is designated a regional national park. It all comes together in the Alsace Wine Route.

Alsace Wine Route

The Alsace Wine Route has existed since 1953. A 170km route, it passes 70 villages, and many more vineyards. Around 100 of these offer wine tasting experiences. It’s above all a trip where you need to make sure you aren’t the designated driver. If you didn’t know much about Rieslings, Muscat, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer before Alsace, rest assured you will after. Alsace wines tend toward the sweet side, with Germanic influences and also strong influence from Tokaj in Hungary.

The area around Colmar is known as the Terre et Vin au Pays de Colmar. As the Grand Cru wine path, quality is guaranteed and in this area for instance, Winery Adam Pierre., Maison Joseph Cattin, Cave de Turckheim and several others offer a great tasting experience. The villages of Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Eguisheim also fall on this route.

For a blow by blow guide to the Alsace wine route, the official site, Alsace-Wine-Route.com is a great resource.

Alsace Wine Tasting Map

To help you grasp an idea of the Alsace Wine Route this is the map which is available from the above website. With so many villages and even more vineyards, the route is treat for all of your senses.

Eguisheim

As fortune would have it, I was the designated driver so wine tasting didn’t fall into the remit of this road tip. Plus we toured the villages in the morning, to try and avoid the crowds, and wine is also best avoided in the morning. I learned this the time I didn’t refuse prosecco with my breakfast in Italy. Anyway enough about that.

Eguisheim is an Alsace village of 1782 people, renowned for the quality of its wine and having being selected as France’s favourite village in 2013; an accolade which is quite prestigious. It’s streets are arranged in a concentric way, around what used to be a castle at its heart. The ruins of more overlook the village from the hills above, and are known as the Three Castles of Eguisheim.

Eguisheim is only 15 minutes drive from Colmar, and arriving we found Parking Eguisheim on the outskirts of the village. It’s €3 for the day so both convenient and cheap. The subsequent short stroll to the centre was enough to raise my excitement levels, with intriguing buildings lining the route such as the town hall.

Le Pigeonnier

Undoubtedly the most photographed place in Eguisheim is Le Pigeonnier, or the pigeon house. Located on the intersection of Rue du Rempart Sud and Rue de l’Almend-Sud, we did more or less stumble onto it as our route took us that way. It pays to arrive early in the day though, as everyone wants a piece of this beauty. Even at 10am we had to wait a while to get our shot. I don’t feel I did its cuteness justice. At the rear is a lovely well, delightfully decorated with flowers.

Eguisheim half-timber houses

Of course the village doesn’t disappoint with its half-timbered houses, which are best found by wandering the concentric streets of its centre. They are all pedestrianised. What impressed me most were the flowers which decorated so many of the streets. Above all Eguisheim really is a pleasure

Most of the houses were built from the 15th century onwards. They were originally covered in soot, and it wasn’t till the 17th century that windows were enlarged, and the pastel covered frontage added to the houses of wealthier inhabitants. This idea was abandoned in the 18th century, in favour of cement frontings. Luckily the identity of Alsace was reclaimed in the last century with paint bringing colour back to the streets.

Storks

I may be a sucker for storks. These are some talented birds, as seen by the way they build huge nests in the most unusual of places. Storks are another feather in Eguisheims cap. They can be seen soaring above the town, and where you have storks of course you have those wonderful nests. Churches are their favourite in Eguisheim however, with two nests perched atop the Saint Pierre and Paul church, and on the St Leon Chapel. They may not bring babies but those birds do bring me happiness to see them.

Place de Château St Léon

Grand Rue runs through the village to the centre, which is found at Place de Chateau St Leon. Originally the castle once stood here, but all that remains now are some walls, and the church of the castle. In the centre of the square is the St Leon Fountain, a medieval fountain which had a statue of St Leon added in the 19th century.

St Leon is Eguisheim’s most famous citizen. Born in 1002 he rose through the Catholic Church to become pope. His birthplace was the castle that predated the one whose walls we see today.

St Leon Chapel

St Leon is further commerated in Eguisheim by this small chapel. The chapel for me is the Eguisheim’s main draw. For instance there’s the storks floating overhead. In addition the nest atop the steeple. Then the painting of the crucifiction adorning a nearby wall. After that the flowers that line the small path to its door.

The chapel was commissioned in 1885 and the keep of the castle that remained was destroyed. The church was finished by 1895, and contains the relics of St Leon. The ceilings, walls, and alter are decorated in stunning tiles and murals. The interior is tiny but perhaps all the better for it. It exudes charm. Entry is free.

Eguisheim’s local website is an excellent source of more information on the village.

Leaving Eguisheim behind we moved to Kaysersberg after that. Kaysersberg would prove to be a much bigger village and also a much longer drive. Lying to the north-west of Colmar, it took us around 30 minutes to cover the 15km drive. But we didn’t complain, the vine covered hills are a delight and we lamented not having more time in the region.

Kaysersberg

Kaysersberg-Vignoble as it has been known since 2016, is a village of some 4677 people. Lucky people. Again it’s pedestrianised, but a string of car parks encircle the town. We parked in one at Rue de la Flieh, which was also was around the €3 mark. It’s a short stroll into the centre, of less than five minutes. That’s if you don’t stop to take photos of houses like this irresistibly cute one on Rue de l’Oberhof like I did for instance.

Kaysersberg has a long central street (rue du General de Gaulle) with a good number of cafes and gift shops. It’s the ideal place to people watch and enjoy a crepes and coffee, as we for instance did at Kaysers Bier Brasserie. By this time late morning the village was already busy.

Do I need to mention that half timber houses and buildings are again the attraction? I don’t think so. Kaysersberg’s are as quaint as any before. Do not miss the extraordinary beauty of Maison du Faller-Brief from the 1590’s and also Boulangerie Loewert from 1739 on Kaysersberg’s main street.

What not to miss in Kaysersberg

Pont Fortifie

Kaysersberg has a charming location on the banks of the River Weiss. The shallow river flows through the town and over some very passive cascades at Pont Fortifie. These are the best views in the town, and probably the best I saw in the whole of Alsace. We took a walk down by the river bank, and the rich colours of the summer flowers also lent an extra level of enchantment to the village

Finding the gingerbread man

Well this one speaks for itself…

Eglise de l’Invention de la Sainte-Croix

The church of the Holy Cross is a romanesque structure from the 13th century. It quite plain from the outside with the exception of its bell tower. Inside the church is quite dark, and the one thing that immediately strikes you is the size of the crucifix over the alter. The 4.5 metre crucifix from 1582 dominates the church. At the base are statues of John and Mary. It’s the church’s principal sight, but the altar area from the 16th century is of more interest. Well worth a minute or two of your time and entry is free.

Hotel de Ville de Kaysersberg

The Town Hall of Kaysersberg is a renaissance era building and dates from 1604. It is quite different from the usual Alsatian buildings surrounding it, and presents as a curiosity.

Kaysersberg Castle

Did you say castle Kaysersberg? If anyone knows me, then you’ll know I can never say no to a castle. This one overshadows the town and is a fifteen minute hike up via steps. It was relatively tough in the heat, but as you reach the summit, it is most definitely worth it. Not so much for the castle though!

The castle was built around 1200 and consists of external walls, a courtyard, and a central defensive tower. It is notable for its small dungeon in the base of the round tower. But as with outside the castle, the one hundred steps to the roof provide the greatest attraction.

That attraction is the views. Surrounded by vineyards for as far as the eye can see, and with the rooftops of Kaysersberg down below, its exhilarating. The village is as delightful from above as within, with the churches tower the most distinguishing feature.

For more on the town of Kaysersberg, I suggest their local website.

If these Alsace Villages have enticed you to the area, then may a suggest a look at Colmar. The capital of the Alsace wine route, its a glorious city of architecture, culture and good food. And the subject of my two most recent blogs.

50 photos of Colmar

Top cultural things to do in Colmar

I would really appreciate a share or pin if you enjoyed this blog. Happy travels.

History of Colmar

It’s not by coincidence that Colmar looks so Germanic in architecture. First mentioned in 884, it gained credit as a city in 1226, under the Holy Roman Empire. It became part of the alliance known as the Deapole city league, a group of ten Alsatian cities who maintained their rights, while remaining members of the Holy Roman Empire. It was taken by the Swedish Army for two years during the Thirty Years War. The customs, language and traditions of Alsace at this time, was predominantly German. In 1673, King Louis XIV conquered Alsace, and soon after it became part of the Kingdom of France. Despite this, the people were still allowed to keep their German language.

During the French revolution, many of the revolutionary generals hailed from the Alsace, including General Jean Rapp from Colmar, as opposition to the monarchical rule was strong there. The Franco-Prussian war of 1871, ended in defeat for the French, and the resulting treaty of Frankfurt saw France cede control of Alsace and Colmar to the Germans.

World Wars

World War I was a difficult time for Alsace as many who identified as French were forced to fight against their perceived countrymen. Soldiers returning after the war tried to create an independent government of Alsace Lorraine. It lasted all of two weeks as French soldiers stormed the new territory and established French control. This was ratified by the Treaty of Versailles. World War II saw the young men of Alsace again pitted against the allies, with many conscripted against their will. Most perished on the eastern front.

With such a turbulent background its no surprise the lines are crossed in Colmar. The language and people are most certainly French, but the architecture is undoubtedly Alsatian. And all the better for it.

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Planning on booking a tour or hotel in Colmar? Use one of the links below.

Top Things to do in Colmar

Enjoy Alsatian cuisine

One aspect of Colmar that cannot be missed is it’s cuisine. Not that I would ever miss a meal. From the rich options available at our breakfast buffets, to the lunch and dinner, Alsatian cuisine packs a punch. French cooking is regarded as possibly the world’s best, and Alsace has been awarded the best regional cuisine a number of times over the past few years.

We arrived from Colmar train station starving and made the somewhat unwise move to eat in the most tourist of areas, and in the first restaurant we found. La Krutenau is perhaps more bar than restaurant, but as we are total pizza lovers, we decided the first place with Tarte Flambée was going to be the winner. The bar also serves as the docking point for the boat cruises up the La Lauch river. Reviews we read after suggested the place was poor, but most partained to the staff, whom we found to be friendly in a French way.

But only one thing mattered and that was the food. It was served quick and eaten quicker. Tarte Flambee is a local pizza style dish, without tomato sauce, and usually with a topping of cheese, ham and mushrooms. The base is delicate, thin and delicious.

Better than pizza? Maybe. We even came back the second day to share another.

Where to eat in Colmar

Hearty cuisine is very much the order of the day in Alsace, which is perhaps the reason I enjoyed it so. I grew up on hearty Irish food. Al fresco dining is en vogue come summer, but to get a table come early or late. Or try reserving; it’s something I usually remember too late. Plus I’m more of a walk and pick at random diner. The best thing about dining out in Colmar, is its remarkably cheap. Having just come from Switzerland, it was a breath of fresh air.

Au Kofihus

Wherever you end up try the local stews. I suggest the Baeckeoffe aux trios viandes, a stew of pork, lamb, beef, and potatoes, with a white wine sauce and served in a traditional metal pot. Restaurant Au Kofihus comes recommended.

My adventurous side got the better of me when I saw calf head on a menu. Maybe it was just to add one more unusual dish to the my list, but I ordered without hesitation. I was nervous but when the plate appeared, I was thankful that it appeared more like two cheeks with a breadcrumb coating. No bones, eyes, nose, ears or any other features were anywhere to be seen. Phew. What’s more it was delicious and should be at the top of adventurous Alsatian appetite quenchers. We ate “Tête de Veau” at Le Fer Rouge on Grand Rue, and the duck with wine is wonderful for those looking for something more commonly French.

For something a little more on the run or to pick up some fine local produce, the Marche Couvert (covered market) is a fine place to stroll through. Above all bring your sweet tooth or take some craft produce to enjoy at home.

Drink the wines of Alsace

If you haven’t already had enough wine through the cooking (not likely), the Alsace has a great wine scene. Sweet wines are the speciality in the region, with Rieslings, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat quite popular. There are a vast number of vineyards throughout the region, with 890 producers bottling for sale. That gives a lot of opportunity to explore. I’m no expert on Alsatian wines, but with Colmar as the professed capital of the reion, its a good place to start. For more in depth on the wines of Alsace, check the Vins d’Alsace site.

Visit Little Venice

As I said, I expect you to end up in Little Venice, so naturally I’m going to end up there too. One of the oldest and most beautiful parts of Colmar, the views of the river and the timbered houses are impeccable. It is the Colmar must see attraction.

Fishmonger’s District

This area is an extension of Little Venice and the heart of old town Colmar. It alongside and over the river. A big industry centuries ago here, the more affluent fisherman lived here in those colourful maisons.

See Bartholdi’s Colmar

Something that caught our eye as we wandered the streets of Colmar was the presence of golden triangles with the head of Lady Liberty on them. Where were these heads taking us? The triangles led to the various monuments that the sculptor had completed in and around Colmar. So who is Bartholdi and why does the Statue of Liberty adorn little waymarkers?

Bartholdi was a famed French sculptor who was born in Colmar in 1834. After the loss of Alsace to the Prussians he left for Paris rarely to return before his death in 1904. He had by that time though, built up a good repertoire of public works, and a sterling reputation. He is predominantly known for being commissioned by the French government to design the Statue of Liberty. With the aid of Gustave Eiffel and his team, he produced one of the most iconic statues in the world. The statue was of course gifted by the French government to the US one, as a sign of friendship and an emblem of liberty.

Bartholdi’s works in Colmar

In following those arrow heads not only will you be led to many of the sights of the town, but you can will have the pleasure of Bartholdi’s local legacy. There is great local pride in his achievements. With good reason; the man was talented. For me the wine grower of Colmar on the corner of the covered market is a definite highlight, but the fountains of Schwendi and Roesselmann are great centrepieces for their squares. Perhaps his most famed Colmar statue is of the French general Rapp.

Bartholdi Museum

The Bartholdi Museum is found in the artists birth home. The museum has been open since 1922 and is one of the finest Colmar attractions. For an insight into the man behind the art, it’s therefore essential. Admission is €6 for an adult. Within you will find a reconstruction of his house in Paris where he worked, kindly donated by his wife after his death. There are also much drawings, models, photographs, paintings and personal belongings of Bartholdi.

Naturally a museum dedicated to a sculptor without sculptures would be a bit boring so thankfully this end is covered too. Scale models of all his Colmar works are present, all preparatory works. The first floor is dedicated to this. The second is specific to his other famous pieces such as the Lion of Belfort and a horse head from the Fountaine Bartholdi. These works can be found in Belfort and Lyon respectively. The third floor though is why you came here. It’s 100% Statue of Liberty, from correspondence, plans to small models, and a huge ear as a centrepiece. Worth the admission price ‘ere alone.

Musee Unterlinden Colmar

If you are going to see one museum in Colmar make it the Unterlinden Museum. Part of the Musee de France, it’s more than worthwhile for the following reasons. Firstly it’s a museum. Secondly, it’s located in a ramshackle maze style, incorporating both a 1906 public baths, and a 13th century Dominican convent. The convent is wonderfully woven into the museum, making excellent use of the cloisters. I’ll be honest though, I got lost a few times in the buildings. But happily lost amongst the great collection. I paid €13 for the pleasure.

The convent plays host to a religious wing as its theme. It’s highlight is undoubtedly the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald, a jaw dropping work. It also features a neat trick of conservationists at work behind glass, endeavouring to ensure the art looks its best. I’m sure they felt like animals in a zoo though with all the punters watching them.

The museum has been open since 1853, but it was only in the last decade that it expanded to the baths. My highlights were the art collections both modern and from the 19th century. However I’ll admit I’m not the greatest student of art. I find beauty therefore where I find beauty. Or in the case of my favourites here I’m probably drawn to the dark.

L’art

Seek out the The Chariot of Death, an 1851 painting by Theophile Schuler, produced in the aftermath of the 1848 French Revolution . It stopped my in my tracks, a huge canvas featuring the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, Jesus on the Cross, and the liberty leading some poor souls to safety, while all descends around them. Or at least that’s what I got out of it. Riveting.

An honourable mention must go to Le Christ en Prison by Jean-Jacques Hennet, and the Child Jesus amongst the Doctors by Ronault. I was drawn again to the dark and haunting Christ on the Cross and Prisoners of War by Otto Dix.

I was surprised to find myself quite enthralled by the museums modern art. It’s not usually my cup of tea. But from the Picassos to Monet to others, I was captivated. Picasso’s Bust of a Seated Woman has a raw unfinished look to it. Don Coucoubazar by Jean Dubuffet is a chaotic but captivating sculpture. Guernica by Jacqueline de la Baume is a tremendous tapestry based on the Picasso work of the same name.

The most interesting houses

Colmar is known for its great houses. Here are a few of my favourites.

House of Heads

Constructed in 1609, the House of Heads or La Maison des Tetes was built for a local shopkeeper. It takes its name from the 106 heads and masks that adorn it’s facade. The whole facade is beautiful with a large bay window and atop the gable stands a Bartholdi sculpted statue of a cooper.

Adolph house

Colmars oldest house isn’t exactly as aesthetic as it’s city compatriots, but any house built in 1350 is worth your attention. It stands opposite the St Martin Church.

Maison Pfister

Around the corner from the Adolph house on Rue des Marchands, lies the Pfister house of 1537. Probably Colmars finest, it’s style comes from the Renaissance. It’s a wonderful collection of wood; a gallery opens the facade and the roof is topped by turrets. The murals of biblical scenes are the perfect finish to what is an architectural beauty.

St Martin church

The St Martin Church was badly looted during the Franco Prussian War and sadly its interior reflects this. This gothic church was consecrated in 1365, after a build of over a hundred years. It’s exterior is it’s highlight; large enough to be a cathedral and constructed from an attractive sandstone. The interior is devoid of much attraction besides the choir, but it is free to visit. The Isenheim altarpiece once stood here, but was dismantled and dispersed in 1720. The recovered parts are now in the Unterlinden.

The Customs House

The Ancienne Douane is practically the centre of the city of Colmar. Constructed in a mix of Gothic and Venetian styles in the 15th Century, it is recognisable by its stunning green roof tiles. It was also the birthplace of General Rapp. Nowadays it plays host to a local craft market and the arcaded area is great for busking and live music shows. Amazingly I caught the same classical buskers here as I had in Bern a week earlier. What a voice!

Visit the Alsace Wine Route

Extending through the villages of the Alsace, the wine route passes many vineyards and wine houses. Wine has been with us thousands of years, so there’s hardly anything more cultural is there. But dotted though that region are some of the most incredible villages in France. From Eguisheim to Kaysersberg, to Riquewihr, they are all half-timbered delights. Why not follow my day trips to Kaysersberg and Equisheim.

The River Cruise Through Little Venice

Ok so I said this post was about the deeper side of Colmar and now try to finish on one of its most frivolous things. But hear me out. River cruises are a great way to get to know a city from a different perspective. Rivers were the main source of commerce for many centuries, even for one as small as the river La Lauch. Of course today it no longer has that functionality, it’s sole purpose for the entertainment of visitors through tours.

But get the right gondolier and he might just share the city’s secrets with you. Why are houses painted certain colours? I can’t recall but I know he mentioned it. Plus there’s nothing more relaxing that floating gently down a river, as those pretty colours pass you by. And the fun of ducking so as you don’t lose your head to the bridge. Priceless.

Priceless like much of Colmar. The Alsace wine region is remarkable and Colmar and Strasbourg are its powerhouses. Lost in time, yet modern, Colmar’s rich culture permeates from behind its beauty. But if its beauty is all you seek then please seek inspiration in my photo blog, 50 Photos of Colmar that will convince you to visit.

If you have any more suggestion on cultural Colmar things to do, please suggest in the comments.

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Colmar is located in the east of France, in the region of Alsace. It borders Germany, and was in fact part of Germany for some time in the aftermath of the Franco- Prussian wars. The end of World War I saw it annexed again, and after a brief uprising settling to its present day status as part of France. This was a struggle that dated from the earlier stages of Alsace, and this history is important in understanding the architectural evolution of this fine city.

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My top 50 Photos of Colmar

It’s not that all roads in Colmar lead to Le Petite Venise (or little Venice), it’s just that most visitors paths lead there first. Therefore it’s a good place for me to start! For more on the charms of this area you can in addition check out the local Colmar website.

Little Venice

A tour of little Venice is best began at Boulevard St Pierre, and its quaint little bridge. It overlooks the start of the area, and also the Promenade En Barque, which is the perfect place to take a leisurely boat ride. The flowers and the boats completely add to the romance of the location. I’m sure some men have dropped to their knee right here.

Little Venice is best known by the view on Rue Turenne, and it’s the first formal introduction to those multi coloured timber houses. If you are looking for an insta-popular photo, then this is the place. We fell into that trap too, as soon as 45000 people moved out of the way. Follow the streets and the La Lauch river to the Marche Couvert (the covered market), for even more idyllic river shots.

Colmar has an embarrassment of rich architecture and none more so than along the Lauch.

We couldn’t resist the urge to see Colmar from the water, and the boat ride through the town was a relaxing way to soak up its sights. The gondolier shares a little history en-route, but it’s mostly just for pleasure. The buildings reflecting on the water in the evening were a marvel to witness.

Back streets of Colmar

As with any city I advise to leave the centre, and therefore discover the true heart of any location. Colmars side streets are peaceful and above all are an ideal way to see local life. It’s here too you will get to see the many varied houses which make up the city. In other words, the real reason why you came to Colmar.

Colmar’s Houses

The Alsatian architecture is distinctive, it’s timber framed houses with clay roof tiles and wooden window shutters, contrasts against its colourful flower pots. The mix is brought into harmony by the colours that the timber frames are painted. The style is predominantly Germanic. This is a collection of my favourites.

Other notable beauty in Colmar

Colmar is more than just a collection of pretty streets and finely built houses. Beneath the surface a cultural heartbeat is prevalent. But that’s a side of Colmar I describe in my blog, the Top Cultural Things to do in Colmar. I’ll finish this one on photos of Colmar therefore, with an introduction to some of the sculptures, churches and fine buildings that show the other side of Colmar.

And so the sun sets on this article showcasing Colmar in photos. Above all, I hope by now you’ve seen enough of Colmar to include it in your next visit to France.

Before you rush off to book those flights, I would appreciate it if you could show this blog a little love, and pin or share.