Berlin Street-art Walking Tour

Hello DIY enthusiasts, this week in Berlin, we're visiting the German capital to discover the street art here. Bricovoyage has put together a great urban hike that will take you through back streets deserted by the general public, but where local life and works of art intermingle. 

Let's start, for once, with a little history. Don't worry, we won't be going back too far in time. It all began 17,000 years ago in France, when a Paleolithic regular, no doubt unconcerned with his daily chores, set about leaving his mark on the walls of a cave in Périgord by painting horses and aurochs. Cave graffiti was born.

After this cultural digression, it is time to get back to business. Street art, or urban art for Francophiles, is an art form that emerged in the early 1960s. Even the most ardent Anglophobes will understand that it is on the street (Street in English) that this art form finds its true expression. From tagging to installations and stencils, the techniques used by street artists to express themselves are numerous and varied. These include the emergence of digital techniques such as Blitztag, used in particular by the Graffiti Research Lab, which uses a computer and a video projector to create and project ephemeral graffiti. Among the most daring techniques is that of Portuguese artist Vhils, who sometimes even uses explosives to sculpt the city's walls ! 

If street art isn't your cup of tea, we recently launched our treasure hunt : "THE NEFERTITI AFFAIR"

Naturally, from amateurs practising their craft to established artists, you will find some good and some not so good. Everyone is free to decide what they like and what they don't like! 

However, the works of Blu from Italy, JR from France (whose work was displayed on the city's walls through the temporary exhibition ‘Les sillons de la ville’ in 2013), and Vhils, mentioned above, should allow most of us to agree. 

The magic of street art lies in its ability to unexpectedly transport us out of our everyday lives, or when the virtual world poetically blends with reality and challenges us with its political message. I agree that offering a street art tour is tantamount to reversing this proposition, but it's such a delightful way to visit this city that Bricovoyage couldn't resist sharing this DIY urban tour with you.

Naturally, Berlin's history has made it representative of a certain protest movement. Add to that the emergence of its underground culture in the 1980s, and it's easy to see why Berlin has become one of the figureheads of this alternative culture. In fact, it invites street artists from all over the world to exhibit their work there, giving this area a unique character that can be explored like an open-air museum.

Now that we know roughly why we're here, it's time to get going. I suggest doing the tour on foot, but it's also perfectly possible to use a bicycle, there's no shame in that. Allow at least six hours to complete this route and take the time to appreciate the works. The route I have planned for you will take you through the districts of Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Mitte and Wedding. For those who are afraid of wearing out their shoes, it is entirely possible to do this tour over two days or to spend only half a day on it. In this case, I suggest you concentrate your visit on the Kreuzberg and Mitte districts.

First, you need to get to the starting point. To do this, go to Niederbarnimstraße. Take the U5 underground line towards Honow and get off at Samariterstraße station. Walk west along Frankfurter Allee. Once you reach the intersection with Niederbarnimstraße, turn left and let's go. Now all you have to do is follow the pretty route on the map. But you don't have to, if you don't want to.

Berlin’s street art scene is full of mystery, symbols and hidden narratives.

If you enjoy exploring the city through the lens of creativity and investigation, you may also love OUTscape Berlin, an immersive outdoor treasure hunt set in the heart of Mitte and Alexanderplatz. Instead of only observing Berlin’s stories on the walls, you become part of one, solving clues, unlocking sealed evidence and navigating the city like a real investigator.

👉 Discover the experience: The Néfertiti Affair – OUTscape Berlin.

1- Walking down the street, you will arrive at The Guestbook, the starting point of our tour. The Guestbook is a collage of multiple works that form a whole! You will find many paper collages, but also several sculptures. I particularly appreciated the presence of the Hyena and its message! Here, the work is constantly evolving, and it is difficult to count the number of pieces on display, but let your eyes wander through this harmonious maze and find your favourite.

2- Urban Spree is like a temple dedicated to street art. It is teeming with all kinds of works, including stencils, graffiti, collages and sculptures. Once again, it was a sculpture that caught my eye: a giant toucan sculpted from folded car parts. Impressive.

3- You are now standing in front of a 43x11-metre artwork, and you have to admit that its size is impressive! It was created by the French collective DMV (Da Mental Vaporz). From where you are standing, it is not easy to get a view that allows you to appreciate the artwork in its entirety. Connoisseurs will appreciate the presence of Mr Oiso. Urban Spree, Friedrichshain.

4. In mythology, Leviathan is the monster of primitive chaos. Can we apply the same interpretation here? The question arises. Inevitably, naked bodies everywhere, mingling en masse in a setting that is not even lewd, is striking. So, I came up with my own interpretation: man creates his own chaos. Well, that's mine, it doesn't mean it's the author's. Now it's up to you. But don't strain your brain too much. 

From where you are, you can now see two faces on a black background on the façade next to Leviathan. A monkey and a man. So, stupidly, we think it's a bit like an advert for Planet of the Apes... Well, yes, that's it! So, street art or not street art ? Still, it's not bad, the lines are fine and the result is a fairly realistic impression.

5. Les Lads by London Police. I don't know about you, but the little ‘dog’ in the background reminded me of Polux from The Magic Roundabout. To those who know who Polux is, well done, it's official, you're at least thirty years old. You'll notice that the style of these figures clearly bears the duo's graphic signature. Whether you're travelling in Berlin, Oslo or Brooklyn, you'll now find it easy to identify London Police's work. A real favourite.

6. Rounded Head by Nomad. Looking at this piece, it's not easy to say what it is. An aspiration, a languid embrace ? Strangely, when I saw these colours and shapes, I thought in turn of Pink Floyd, Formica furniture, and A Clockwork Orange. How street art in Berlin offers you a glimpse of 1970s England. 

The nonchalance of Yellow Man now awaits you across the street. It was during the 2005 Backjump festival that the Brazilian twins Os Gemeos left this mark of their passage in Berlin. The group's signature is the presence of these yellow characters on each of their productions.

7. Continuing with the theme of yellowish characters, we move on to Ema Jones' Fishman, which you can see along the River Spree. In terms of fauna, it's something never seen before, and given the sinister appearance of this fish with a human head, let's hope it stays that way !

8. After Ema Jones' animal vision, you can see Roa's work in Oranienstraße. The Belgian artist is passionate about depicting animals for the symbolism they represent in each culture. The artist uses markers to bring out the details of his work, particularly the fur. Like a goldsmith exercising precision, Roa exercises his own and immerses us in the illusion of being in front of one of those old drawings found in ancient books.

9. Following these animal illustrations, it is time to focus on humans. A short distance away, Victor Ash's Astronaut Cosmonaut awaits you. Proof that street art has become an integral part of public policy, this work by the artist was commissioned by the city. If you look closely, you will notice long black streaks. This is a deliberate act by the artist to increase the feeling of weightlessness. Viewing this work at night will give you a surprise.

10. From the bridge leading to your next destination, you will see a sculpture by Vhils. As I mentioned in the introduction, the Portuguese artist uses an absolutely mind-blowing technique for his creations, namely explosion. I cannot say for sure that the portrait you are looking at was created in this way, but there are videos on the internet where you can see Vhils' mastery of this art. 

Continuing on to the point indicated on the map, you will arrive at the YAAM courtyard. Like Urban Spree, art is everywhere here. Typically Berlin, it is the ideal place to cool off while continuing to enjoy urban art.

11. Change of neighbourhood: goodbye Kreuzberg, hello Mitte (Discover our treasure hunt to explore the Mitte neighbourhood). For once, it's a local artist who has left his mark on the capital's walls. Handiwork is a recurring theme in the artist's work. You'll appreciate the 3D rendering of the piece as well as the subtle touches of black, yellow and red reminiscent of the German flag.

12. Here, the mural is by Japanese artist Twoone. If you look closely, don't you see a little bit of Pocahontas in it? Yes, you can love street art and Disney ! The piece is located in a courtyard that is not always accessible, but I went there on a Saturday in the middle of the afternoon and it worked. Don't panic if the doors are closed, just come back later.

13. Passing through Rosenthaler Straße at number 39, with its open doors, a courtyard awaits you. Here, no fewer than a hundred graffiti artworks, drawings, sculptures, stencils and more are on display. What's more, you'll no doubt have the chance to watch an artist or two in the midst of creating their work.

14. In a modern graffiti style with a touch of medieval flair, I present The Truth Maschine by Superblast. The artist, who is a true local, has several creations to his credit in Berlin. If you feel like getting lost near the Teufelberg Radar Station, you can take in the panoramic view of Berlin as well as other projects by the graffiti artist.

15. On this wall, a swaying version of the curves of the Berlin TV Tower. Frankly glamorous compared to the original !

16. On both sides of the wall here, we had come to look for another of Vhils' works, and while searching, we came face to face with a giant bear. For those new to Berlin, as I was, you will be delighted to learn that Berlin's mascot is the bear.

17. For the last part of our street art tour in Berlin, you will stroll through the Wedding district. All the works you will see here are part of a project called Wedding Wall. The creator of Three Children, who are watching you through binoculars, is none other than Victor Ash, who also created Astronaut Cosmonaut.

18. Slightly smaller than their 43x11 piece, this work is signed by Blo, one of the members of the Da Mental Vaporz collective. Although less colourful than the 43x11 piece seen previously, the black and white world of this two-colour piece has plenty to appeal to the public. 19. Although a grille may block your access, you can still admire Hannes Höhlig's work from a distance. Although colourful, my attention was mainly drawn to the subjects of the mural. This is undoubtedly my own interpretation, but it reminded me of the graphic style of old cartoons.

19. Although a grille may block your access, you can certainly view Hannes Höhlig's work from a distance. Although colourful, my attention was mainly drawn to the subjects of the fresco. This is undoubtedly my own interpretation, but it reminded me of the graphic style of old cartoons.

20. That's it, we're done, well, almost. One last one for the road. Ladies first, with Woman.

Wandering around the German capital in search of street art is an original, active and free way to discover Berlin. Street art is as much a symbol of Berlin culture as the wall on which it is displayed. Whether on foot, by bike or by underground, I hope you will enjoy the work of these artists and their thought-provoking messages. 

In addition, there are agencies that offer tours with professional and passionate guides.  

We also offer a treasure hunt in Berlin: ‘The Nefertiti Affair’. Find out more in our article on this topic or directly on the OUTscape Berlin treasure hunt website.