East End London Instagrammable Street Art and Graffiti Tour

Discover the Colorful World of East London Street Art for $49

The East End London Instagrammable Street Art and Graffiti Tour offers a vibrant exploration of London’s most dynamic street art scene. Priced at $49 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this walking tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide who reveals the stories behind the murals and graffiti that adorn East London’s walls. With a rating of 5.0 from 16 reviews, it’s highly recommended, and booking on average 91 days in advance shows how popular this experience is.

This tour suits street art enthusiasts and curious visitors eager to see a different side of London beyond the typical tourist spots. The focus on famous works by artists like Banksy, massive murals, and hidden treasures makes it a compelling choice. Plus, it offers an exciting opportunity to create your own street art during the experience.

While the pace is lively and the stops are numerous, it’s worth noting that some locations may be more accessible than others due to narrow lanes and street conditions. This tour combines visual spectacle, local stories, and interactive fun at a reasonable price, making it a standout for those wanting an authentic, creative taste of East London.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-rated: At $49, this street art tour consistently receives top reviews.
• Expert local guide: The tour features a knowledgeable guide who shares stories behind the art.
• Multiple stops across East London: From Brick Lane to Shoreditch, the route covers key art hotspots.
• Includes a hands-on art activity: Participants get to create their own street art.
• Focus on famous artists: Works by Banksy, ROA, Thierry Noir, and others are featured.
• Flexible, outdoor experience: The 2-hour walking tour requires comfortable walking and an interest in urban art.

Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins at 80 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX, at 11:00 am. It covers a diverse range of street art locations over approximately 2 hours, ending near Liverpool Street Station. The mobile ticket makes it easy to join, and since the walk is outdoors, no special transportation is necessary beyond public transit options nearby.

The group size is limited to 20 participants, ensuring an engaging and personal experience. The guided commentary helps visitors understand the stories behind each piece, making the tour both educational and visually stimulating.

Exploring Heneage Street’s Murals and Graffiti

The journey kicks off in Heneage Street, where two massive murals dominate hidden backyards. One features Phlegm’s signature long creatures walking on stilts, towering above tags from other artists. The other, by FanakaPan, showcases his famous silver helium balloons with a twist, inviting close inspection of intricate details. These murals span entire building walls, offering a striking start to the tour.

This stop provides a glimpse into London’s underground art scene, with free admission and a focus on large-scale murals. It’s an ideal first stop for those interested in street art’s technical mastery and hidden urban corners.

Brick Lane’s Artistic Diversity

Next, the guide takes visitors to Brick Lane, a street renowned for its variety of artwork. From a distance, the works of Dan Kitchener and Perspicere are visible on doors that aren’t large but demand attention. These pieces showcase technical skill and detailed design, encouraging close-up viewing.

The diversity continues with smaller pieces and changing graffiti, reflecting the constantly evolving street art scene. Brick Lane remains lively and authentic, making it a perfect spot for photo opportunities and appreciating the layered history of East London’s art.

Discovering Sticker Art and Community Messages at The Seven Stars

A short walk brings visitors into a narrow yard behind The Seven Stars, where sticker art dominates. These small, often humorous or thought-provoking stickers are a crucial part of street art culture. Participants are encouraged to leave a sticker of their own, becoming part of the ongoing visual dialogue.

The space is lively and creative, representing the DIY spirit of street art. The free admission and informal atmosphere make this stop a fun break from the more mural-heavy locations, emphasizing art’s accessibility and community roots.

The Resilience of Stik’s Work on Princelet Street

On Princelet Street, the tour highlights Stik’s mural, a piece dedicated to the Muslim community in Shoreditch. Despite being defaced multiple times, the artwork has been repainted repeatedly, showcasing the area’s cultural resilience. Its simple form and vivid colors stand out amid more complex pieces.

This stop underscores street art’s role in community identity and political expression, offering insight into East London’s multicultural history. The 15-minute visit adds depth to the tour’s narrative of art as resistance and continuity.

Iconic Artworks on Hanbury Street

Walking along Hanbury Street, the tour spotlights ROA’s giant bird and Martin Ron’s upside-down man, both enduring over 20 years. These large murals have become landmarks, blending street art with the building’s architecture. The skillful depiction of figures, especially the man balancing on his hand, demonstrates the technical prowess of East London’s street artists.

This segment offers ample photo opportunities and a chance to admire the scale and detail of classic street art. The free viewing makes it an unmissable part of the tour.

The Rainbow Broccoli Trend and Ad Reinventions

Dray Walk introduces the whimsical trend of colorful broccoli murals, started by Adrian Boswell. The rainbow hues have become a signature visual on Brick Lane, even inspiring a gallery and shop selling broccoli-themed art. This playful motif adds lightheartedness to the street scene, contrasting with more serious murals.

The long-standing presence of these broccoli artworks illustrates East London’s evolving street art culture, where fun and creativity go hand-in-hand.

The Graffiti Park at Allen’s Gardens

Allen’s Gardens serves as a dedicated graffiti park, where walls are constantly changing with new works every few days. The area is mainly filled with letter-based graffiti—artists specializing in lettering and abstract styles—making the art often difficult to read but visually vibrant.

Visitors should prepare for rapidly evolving art pieces and lots of photo potential. This stop emphasizes street art’s temporary nature and its focus on color and form over readability.

Celebrating International Artists: Ebor Street and Rivington Street

Ebor Street features large-format portraits by Neon, painted with a mist-like spray technique that creates gentle, character-driven images. Nearby, Ben Eine displays his signature bold, easily recognizable lettering, with various fonts that invite viewers to step into his world.

On Rivington Street, the tour showcases Banksy’s pieces behind protective glass, as well as works by Otto Schade—noted for his ribbon-like designs—and Thierry Noir, famous for his bright, cheerful heads. These iconic artists contribute famous works and a sense of street art history to the tour.

The Art’otel Reinstatement and William Shakespeare’s Bench

A unique stop is at art’otel London Hoxton, where a restored Banksy piece has been reinstalled. This highlights how street art’s legacy can be preserved within commercial spaces. Visitors get a chance to see famous works in a context that blends art and hotel design.

Finally, near Hewett Street, a William Shakespeare statue sits next to graffiti of Romeo and Juliet, connecting literature and street culture. Sitting on the theatre’s bench, visitors can pause and appreciate the unexpected cultural crossover in East London.

The Final Stops and the End of the Tour

The tour concludes near New Inn Broadway, where a massive collage of artists and styles creates a colorful graffiti mosaic on a large building wall. The last stop is on Shoreditch High Street, where the guide shares a story about the history of graffiti wars, adding a layer of urban legend and community rivalry to the experience.

The end point near Liverpool Street Station makes it convenient for continued exploration or transport connections. The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours provides flexibility for planning.

Why This Street Art Tour Stands Out

This guided exploration of East London’s street art combines visual delight, cultural storytelling, and interactive elements like creating your own art. The diverse stops—from massive murals to tiny stickers—offer a comprehensive look at urban art’s complexity and vibrancy.

The knowledgeable guide enhances the experience by sharing stories behind each piece, including famous works like Banksy’s and local community projects. The cost-effective price and short duration make it accessible for most visitors.

While some stops involve narrow lanes or street conditions that may be less accessible, the overall experience provides a highlights reel of East London’s artistic identity. It’s ideal for photo lovers, culture seekers, and anyone wanting to see London’s creative side.

East London’s Street Art: A Living Canvas

What makes this tour particularly special is the constant evolution of street art in East London. Walls are frequently repainted or covered, so photos taken today might look different in just a few days. This dynamic environment gives visitors an authentic sense of street art’s transient beauty and power as a form of expression.

Participants also get the chance to leave their own mark during the art activity, connecting them personally with this urban art scene. The tour is a great value for the quality of art, stories, and creative engagement offered.

Final Thoughts: A Creative Look at London’s East End

The East End London Instagrammable Street Art and Graffiti Tour offers an enriching, visual journey through one of London’s most colorful neighborhoods. Its affordable price, enthusiastic guides, and diverse stops make it a worthwhile experience for art lovers and curious explorers alike.

This tour shines in its storytelling, variety of sites, and interactive element of creating street art. It’s perfect for those wanting a short, engaging, and authentic slice of London’s creative culture. Whether for Instagram photos, cultural insights, or simply appreciating urban art, this tour delivers a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate; the tour involves walking and outdoor exposure, but no specific age restrictions are noted.

Do I need to be physically fit to join?
Since the tour involves walking around various locations, comfortable footwear is recommended. Some stops may be in narrow alleyways or uneven streets.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. Part of the tour’s focus is on Instagrammable spots and photo opportunities, so bring your camera or smartphone.

Is it possible to join the tour last-minute?
Booking is recommended, with an average of 91 days in advance. The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers, so last-minute spaces may be limited.

Are food or drinks included?
No, the tour is purely focused on street art and does not include food or beverages.

Can I create my own street art during the tour?
Yes, participants have the opportunity to leave a sticker and make their own art, adding a personal touch to the experience.