I’m a big fan of street art. Not the ugly, meaningless signature-like graffiti that can be found in many cities around the world, but rather, the striking or thought-provoking pieces which stop people in their tracks. I always make it a point to check out the local street art wherever I travel, and this has led me to incredible pieces in places such as Valparaiso (Chile), George Town (Malaysia), Reunion Island and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). One country, though, that continues to impress me with its amazing street art is Germany. Street art in Germany often incorporates sociopolitical messages in colourful works of art which can be found in many cities. An attraction in themselves, they’re always a joy to look at.
Best cities for street art in Germany
As an introduction to street art in Germany, check out this cool video produced by my friends at Story Travelers featuring street art in nine German cities.
Here’s a selection of German cities I’ve visited where I discovered some really cool street art:
Berlin
Berlin’s history has had an enormous influence on the city’s street art. Famous political leaders, past and present, continue to feature in Berlin’s street art. One of the world’s most famous pieces “The Kiss”, depicting East German leader Erich Honecker and his Soviet counterpart Leonid Brezhnev in a passionate kiss, is the star attraction on the East Side Gallery section of the Berlin Wall.
However, there’s lots more street art to discover in Berlin, amongst others, in Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Revaler 99/Urban Spree, Dirckenstrasse and Teufelsberg (an abandoned spy station).
Read my post about a weekend in Berlin and my stay at the 25Hours Bikini Berlin Hotel with its cool art.
Leipzig
This eastern German city, south of Berlin, is not as well-known as a tourist destination compared to its eastern neighbours, Berlin and Dresden, but it’s absolutely worth a visit! Expect stately historic buildings, rejuvenated industrial areas, beautiful villas, a vibrant nightlife and colourful street art!
Dresden
Dresden is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Baroque old city centre but venture out into the suburbs such as Neustadt and you’ll find lots of great street art.
The next time you visit Germany, take some time to discover the street art in its cities, from the large murals that clad the entire façades of buildings to the mini pieces on lamp-posts. I’m pretty sure you’ll love it as much as I do!
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