Street Art Tours in London

London is a creative destination, where art is abundant both on its gallery walls and covering the city's streets.

While street art once had a bad reputation as ugly scribblings, it is now celebrated as an expressive way to create truly astounding murals that resonate with the public.

From political stances to social messages, street art tours in London show you the meaning behind all of the masterpieces you see dotted around the city.

Read on for all you need to know about street art tours, one of the most vibrant sightseeing tours in London.

What are the best street art tours in London?

Shoreditch street art tour

Shoreditch is known as London's hub for street art, and you can experience its colorful alleys for yourself on this tour.

Beginning at Old Spitalfields Market, you'll make your way toward the famous Brick Lane through back streets and alleyways to admire the best of the East End's artworks.

These come in all shapes and sizes, from giant murals to tiny sculptures, all of which you'll learn about from your guide.

Move onto Shoreditch where graffiti is the main type of street art on display and discover a new favorite underground artist.

Half-day street art tour and workshop in London

Get inspired by the smattering of artworks across the East End before getting creative yourself.

Admire the skills of the world's most famous street artist — Banksy — as you take a stroll through the East End neighborhood. Alongside works by this anonymous legend, you'll find murals by a plethora of artists including Shepherd Fairy, Jimmy C and ROA.

Then, try your hand at making your own masterpiece with the help of an artist guide. Take inspiration from the works you've seen or create a stencil from an image on your phone to work with.

Street art bike tour in London

See more of the city's masterpieces in less time on a street art bike tour in London.

Hop on your bike and follow your guide around London's grittiest areas, stopping to learn about the most iconic street art in the city.

Your guide will either be an expert in the field or a street artist themselves, making for a fascinating and detailed tour.

You'll make your way through Shoreditch, Brick Lane, Hoxton and Hackney, seeing an incredible display of works from a myriad of artists including Conor Harrington, and Phlegm, all from the seat of a bike.

Camden street art tour

On this self-guided city tour in London, you'll explore the alternative northern town of Camden, which is home to a variety of hidden gems when it comes to street art.

Head off of Camden's main road to get a feel for the area away from its iconic main strip. You'll travel past its famous market, where vendors flog everything from souvenirs to food and up toward the lock.

Wander past several historic churches and along Regent's Canal, keeping your eyes peeled for colorful artwork all the time. Head toward Primrose Hill where your excursion ends with a deeper understanding of the north corner of London.

Private photography and street art tour in London

Learn the skill of artwork photography on this private tour of London's most artsy neighborhood.

With a photographer guide leading you around the East End, you'll be able to not only admire but also capture lasting shots of the artworks you encounter.

As your tour is private, you'll benefit from the one-on-one attention of your guide who will show you all of the tips and tricks needed for art photography.

Some of the skills you'll learn as you make your way through Shoreditch and Brick Lane are composing a street scene, integrating people into the street art, and utilizing color in your photos.

Are there any combos available with graffiti tours in London?

London street art and markets tour

Starting in Aldgate, you'll take a walking tour of London's alternative neighborhoods, hearing tales of Jack the Ripper — Britain's most notorious serial killer of the 19th century.

Explore Brick Lane where murals can be found around every corner before heading toward Camden and its renowned market. On the way, discover the vintage market of Petticoat Lane and find yourself a new style.

Street art tour in London plus lunch

Wandering through the East End, you'll come across dozens of works from local artists, such as ZABOU, Daniel Blackwood and Butterfly Man.

Discover the often political messages behind these murals as you learn about the artist and their history from your knowledgeable guide.

Then, after working up an appetite, you'll tuck into some of the area's best street food tour, from a wide variety of cultures.

Which places are visited on a London graffiti tour?

Shoreditch

Known as a bohemian neighborhood, Shoreditch is filled with budding street artists and as such, new murals are always popping up across its streets.

Some of the most notable pieces in this area include Camille Walala's "Dream Come True," which decorates the Splice building on Old Street, and French artist Zabou's "sPray" on Brick Lane.

New Inn Yard, King John Court, Allen Gardens and Hanbury Street are all must-see destinations for anyone interested in London's up-and-coming artists.

Camden

Camden is another famed street art spot, just north of the city center. The Ferdinand Estate is one of the most popular places to catch a glimpse of some of the city's most esteemed artworks, by geniuses that include Said Dokins and Gary Stranger.

Head to Harmood Street to see the newest mural from the artist, Irony, or travel to Hawley Mews to witness an ever-changing display of street art. Castlehaven Road and Stucley Place are also known as places to see an interesting display of vibrant works.

How much do street art tours in London cost?

You can take a self-guided audio street art tour in London for less than £10 each and travel through the Camden area. Alternatively, a basic guided street art tour of the East End costs around £20 per person.

Street art bike tours in London cost approximately £30 per person, while excursions that include a workshop cost between £40 and £50 each. You can expect a street art tour that includes lunch to cost around £90 each.

Tours of London's street art scene plus its markets cost around £150 per person and you'll pay approximately £200 each for a private street art photography tour of the East End.

What do graffiti tours include?

Street art tours in London usually include the services of a guide who is either an artist themselves or is well-versed in street art and the artists behind the murals. Some include  extras, such as lunch, for an additional charge.

Tours that involve a workshop supply you with all you need to create your own masterpiece, which you can take home as a souvenir of your experience.

Those who opt for a self-guided city tour in London's Camden neighborhood will gain access to an app, which features an audio guide and maps.

Excursions that explore London's markets, as well as its street art scene, include an alcoholic beverage and tickets for public transportation.

When is the best time for a street art tour in London?

There is no bad time for a graffiti tour in London. However, most usually begin in the morning and end around lunchtime. This means that regardless of the time of year, you'll be able to see each artwork in its full glory before the sky turns dark.

Book your excursion toward the end of your vacation after you've discovered the center of the city and are looking to explore further afield.

Where do tours start?

The majority of street art tours in London take place in the East End and usually meet in Shoreditch High Street or outside Old Spitalfields Market.

Alternatively, some excursions traverse the streets of Camden and require you to meet at an easy-to-reach destination in this corner of London.

You can view the starting point of each tour before booking, in order to arrange any necessary transportation in advance.

How long are London street art excursions?

Typically, London street art excursions last around 2 hours, which gives you plenty of time to explore either the East End or Camden and discover the murals that have been created there.

Those short on time can choose a self-guided tour around Camden, which lasts just over an hour.

Alternatively, if you want to extend your experience, join a tour with a workshop, which teaches you to make your own street art and lasts approximately 4 hours.

Travel tips

• Street art tours in London always take place on foot so ensure you're wearing comfortable shoes.
• Remember your camera to snap photos of your favorite artworks.
• If your excursion includes any of London's markets, take cash with you for ease when purchasing goods.
• Tipping is not customary in England, so there is no need to tip your guide at the end of your tour unless you feel their service was exceptional.