London: Street Art and Graffiti Guided Walking Tour

Key Points

• Price: Only $33.67 per person for a 2-hour expert-led tour
• Start Point: Meets outside Old Spitalfields Market near Liverpool Street Station
• Highlights: See street art from around 40 artists, including Banksy, ROA, and Stik
• Location: Explores Shoreditch and Brick Lane, two of London’s trendiest neighborhoods
• Guide: Led by a knowledgeable guide with hands-on experience and connections in the scene
• Accessibility: Tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover East London’s Street Art Scene Starting at Old Spitalfields Market

The London: Street Art and Graffiti Guided Walking Tour offered by Alternative London is a highly-rated experience, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on over 1,100 reviews. At just $33.67 per person, this 2-hour tour provides a focused glimpse into the vibrant urban art of East London. The tour departs from a well-known meeting point, under the White Goat Statue on Brushfield Street outside Old Spitalfields Market, just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station.

This tour is ideal for those interested in street art, graffiti, and London’s alternative cultural scene. It offers a rich mix of artistic insight, local history, and visual spectacle. While the tour moves through Shoreditch and Brick Lane, it also emphasizes the ever-changing nature of street art, ensuring that no two experiences are exactly the same. The inclusion of a guide with real-world experience adds depth to the visit that goes beyond simple sightseeing.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out: Focus on East London’s Creative Hub

This guided walking tour is often celebrated for its expert guides who bring a personal touch to the experience. Guides are described as knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and passionate about street art and graffiti. Many reviews highlight how guides like Eva, Josh, Laura, and Nicole make the tour engaging, offering insights into artists’ techniques, stories behind the murals, and historical context.

What also sets this experience apart is its focus on around 40 street artists, including famous names like Banksy, ROA, Invader, Shepherd Fairy, and Stik. Visitors see tiny hidden pieces as well as large murals, all created with a variety of materials and techniques. The tour actively showcases the diversity of styles that make East London’s street art scene so dynamic.

Starting Point: Meeting by the White Goat Statue

The tour begins at the White Goat Statue on Brushfield Street, just outside Old Spitalfields Market. The meeting point is very accessible, just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station, making it convenient for travelers arriving by public transport. It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes early to meet the guide and settle in.

Once gathered, the guide kicks off the exploration with an overview of East London’s culture and street art history. The tour then proceeds through the streets of Shoreditch and Brick Lane, two neighborhoods famed for their eclectic mix of art, culture, and trendsetting scenes.

Exploring Shoreditch and Brick Lane’s Street Art

During the tour, you’ll visit streets covered in murals, tags, and stickers. The guide explains the origins and meaning behind many pieces, providing context that enhances appreciation. You’ll see large-scale murals that showcase the technological and artistic techniques used by artists like Banksy and ROA, as well as small, hidden works that reveal the craftsmanship and often personal messages.

The walk offers a variety of visual experiences, from stunning murals to intricate stencils and creative stickers. Because street art frequently changes, this tour guarantees that each visit feels fresh and current. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and engage directly with the guide, enriching their understanding.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Art, Artists, and Techniques You’ll Discover

The tour covers a broad spectrum of street art styles. Expect to learn about artists like Banksy, renowned for political satire, as well as ROA, known for animal murals, and Stik, famous for simple, powerful figures. The guide also shares insights about Shepherd Fairy and Invader, offering stories behind their most famous works.

Techniques such as tags, stencils, stickers, and large murals are demonstrated through the artworks seen in the neighborhoods. The diversity of materials and methods showcases the creative range of East London’s street art scene, making the tour both educational and visually inspiring.

Practical Details: Logistics and Accessibility

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable yet comprehensive introduction to street art. It is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for travelers with mobility needs. The meeting point is easy to find, with clear instructions provided for arriving from Liverpool Street Station, including walking directions.

Participants are advised to bring rain gear, as London weather can be unpredictable. The tour operates flexibly, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Payment can be reserved with a pay later option, allowing for flexible planning.

How This Tour Compares to Similar Experiences

This guided walk offers a more in-depth and personalized experience compared to self-guided tours or shorter workshops. Many reviews highlight the expertise of the guides, who are often described as art teachers or local artists themselves. The depth of knowledge—covering artistic techniques, cultural background, and artist stories—makes this tour ideal for those seeking a meaningful understanding of street art.

Compared to other tours, this experience is praised for its engaging narration, interactive approach, and constant evolution due to the changing nature of street art. It is also complemented by options like shorter workshops or longer tours with breaks, catering to different interests and schedules.

The Value of the Experience for Art Enthusiasts and Curious Travelers

At $33.67, this tour provides excellent value for an immersive two hours exploring East London’s vibrant street art. With reviews praising guides like Josh, Eva, Laura, and Nicole for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and storytelling, visitors feel they gain more than just visuals—they leave with a deeper appreciation and understanding.

The flexible booking options and full refund policy add to its appeal, especially for travelers seeking reliable, engaging cultural activities without financial risk. The tour’s focus on East London’s creative neighborhoods makes it an ideal choice for art lovers, culture seekers, and those interested in urban trends.

The Sum Up: A Must-Do for Street Art Aficionados and Urban Culture Enthusiasts

The London: Street Art and Graffiti Guided Walking Tour offers a rich blend of visual discovery, cultural insight, and artistic storytelling in East London’s lively neighborhoods. The expert guides and careful selection of artworks make this experience stand out from more generic tours.

While the changing nature of street art means that some pieces may have been replaced, the knowledge and passion of the guides ensure that visitors walk away more informed and inspired. This tour is particularly well-suited for those who value authentic local culture and want to see London through the lens of its urban artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It begins under the White Goat Statue on Brushfield Street, just outside Old Spitalfields Market.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
It is recommended to bring rain gear due to unpredictable London weather.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there options for shorter or longer experiences?
Yes, there are shorter workshops and longer tours with a break available as alternatives.

What kind of street art will I see?
Expect to see works by around 40 artists, including murals, tags, stickers, and large-scale murals.

Is this tour suitable for art novices?
Absolutely; guides are known for being inclusive and welcoming to all levels of familiarity with street art.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby