Street Art – Modern Trekker https://moderntrekker.com The World Is Waiting Thu, 08 Nov 2018 00:12:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.12 https://moderntrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cropped-Plane2-32x32.jpg Street Art – Modern Trekker https://moderntrekker.com 32 32 144266218 Don’t Leave Warsaw Without First Visiting These 4 Places https://moderntrekker.com/what-to-do-in-warsaw/ https://moderntrekker.com/what-to-do-in-warsaw/#respond Thu, 08 Nov 2018 00:12:24 +0000 https://moderntrekker.com/?p=4544 Warsaw has been living in the shadows of its hipper…

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Warsaw has been living in the shadows of its hipper and more beautiful sister city, Krakow for years. All of this is now changing and people are starting to discover the charm that lies within Warsaw.

With recent investment and many younger people moving into the city, Warsaw is currently undergoing a renaissance of sorts. It is only fitting for a city that has been rising from the ashes since it was destroyed during World War II.

If you haven’t thought about putting Warsaw on your European travel bucket list, now might be time to reconsider and add it in there. But perhaps you’re wondering what to do in Warsaw?

From beautiful, pristine parks to incredible food to new, trendy districts that rival any found in other cities throughout the world, Warsaw is waiting for you to discover what it has to offer. Here are the 4 best places to visit when visiting Warsaw, Poland:

1. Lazienki Park

The city’s largest public park, Lazienki Park, sits on over 70 acres of land. It is located in the center of the city and was once home to Poland’s royal family. It features many palaces, hunting grounds, and other structures from the 18th Century.

Interestingly enough, the family was quite fond of peacocks and you can still find a large population that lives in the park today. The park is well maintained with its grass perfectly manicured and the paths clear of any leaves.

Lazienki Park
Exploring through the reeds in Lazienki Park.

Lazienki is perfect to visit during any season, but, by far, the best season to visit the park is during summer. On Sunday afternoons during summer there are free, open-air classical music concerts that feature music written by Chopin.

What to do in Warsaw? Visit Lazienki Park! It’s definitely a can’t-miss place.

2. Old Town

Warsaw, Poland

Home to the first inhabitants of Warsaw and the ultimate symbol of Warsaw’s rising from the ashes, the Old Town district is a must visit with its beautifully colored buildings and small, winding side streets.

It has fantastic views of the nearby Vistula River that are simply stunning.

The Old Town was originally founded in the 13th Century, but unfortunately, was badly damaged during World War II. It was painstakingly rebuilt with incredible detail and precision that it’s hard to even tell that most of the buildings and structures are not original. For this reason, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Be sure to visit Barbican, which is the defensive walls that encircle the Old Town. Originally built in 1548, the wall is perfect for an afternoon stroll and has become popular hangout spot for locals.

If you get hungry walking Old Town, go traditional and head to U Fukiera to get a real Polish experience. This is by far the most famous restaurant in the city dating back to the 16th Century. It has survived all these years due to its attention to detail and is one of the best places to try Pierogis, traditional Polish dumplings.

If you only have one day in Warsaw, Old Town is where you should spend your time.

3. Palace Of Culture And Sciences

Palace Of Culture And Sciences, Warsaw

This controversial tower looms over Warsaw. To some it is an architectural marvel, to others it is an ugly blemish and a reminder of the past. However you feel about the Palace of Culture And Sciences, the building is one of the most iconic symbols of the city.

The largest building in Warsaw standing at 231 Meters (758 Feet), was built as a friendly gesture from the Soviet Union in 1955. It is one of the best example of Soviet architecture still standing to this day.

The overall size of the building is immense. It holds meeting halls, movie screens, museums, and restaurants. It also has one of the best views of the whole city. You can go to the 30th floor to the observation deck and look out on Warsaw.

Palace Of Culture And Sciences, Warsaw

Since the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990’s, many locals have called for it to be brought down, but over the years, many have warmed to the building. The future looks bright for the Palace of Culture And Sciences. If you want to learn more about Poland’s Soviet past, the Palace is a good place to start.

4. Praga District

St. Florian's Cathedral, Warsaw

Located opposite from Old Town, Praga is having its moment in the spotlight. What once was considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Warsaw, is quickly becoming the area to be. It is now filled with restaurants, cafés, bars, and interesting shops.

At the end of Communism, when many fled Poland for better lives in the West, many artists moved into the old factories and buildings that were then vacant in Praga. They decided to turn the area into the artistic hub of Warsaw. So if you’re an art lover wondering what to do in Warsaw, this is the place to be!

Over the years, many others began to appreciate what these artists had done. Praga is filled with incredible street art and now attracts artists from all over the world to put up their murals.

There are quite a few things to do in Praga. For starters, the area is divided into Praga North and Praga South. Both areas are worth checking out, but in my opinion, the South has more to explore.

Be sure to check out Koneser. It was an old vodka factory that has now been turned into a creative area that is now home to hotels, restaurants, and Google’s Polish headquarters. Warsaw’s first vodka museum opened in Koneser and so far has been a hit among locals and visitors alike.

If you are into shopping for trinkets or just want to window shop, stop by Bazar Rozyckiego. It is the oldest market in the city and you can find anything you are looking for. It was one of the main trading areas during Communist times and is still popular among locals.

Finally, if you are lucky enough to be in town during a soccer match, head to National Stadium and get tickets. Experiencing a match is incredible as the Polish go crazy for their team! You’ll find the energy intoxicating and you’re bound to have a great time.

Have any more info on what to do in Warsaw? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: Malbork Castle In Poland: The Largest Castle In The World

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How To Make The Most Of Your Trip To Lisbon, Portugal https://moderntrekker.com/trip-to-lisbon/ https://moderntrekker.com/trip-to-lisbon/#respond Wed, 17 Oct 2018 07:00:56 +0000 https://moderntrekker.com/?p=4275 A trip to Lisbon is a must for anyone who…

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A trip to Lisbon is a must for anyone who loves charming European destinations, enjoyable city breaks, or anyone who wants the perfect home base to explore the rest of Portugal.

As one of the oldest cities in Europe (centuries older than London, Rome, or Paris), the city’s hills hold hundreds of years of uniquely Portuguese stories and culture, and it is diverse enough for everyone to find something they love.

City Center

First things first—at the start of your trip to Lisbon, the best way to get acquainted with the city is by taking a free walking tour to get acclimated with the city and learn a little bit about its history along the way. Most walking tours will start in the Praça Luís do Camões, a historic square and central meeting point for tourists and locals alike.

From there, you’ll cover the highlights and walk through Barrio Alto, visit Praça do Comércio (one of the most easily recognizable spots in Lisbon), and wander through the winding alleyways of Alfama, one of the oldest sections of Lisbon.

 

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If you opt to venture out on your own, definitely make a point to stroll through Alfama to forget that you’re in the center of Portugal’s biggest city for an hour or so, and get a peek into how the people of Lisbon have lived for centuries.

Due to its position atop a hill, many of Alfama’s buildings survived the 1755 earthquake and tsunami that destroyed much of Lisbon’s lower-lying structures, so it truly is a fascinating glimpse into the past.

 

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Alfama is a great place to listen to Fado, a unique music style that evolved in this section of the city. It is best characterized by the Portuguese word saudade, which roughly translates to “longing”.

The best description of Fado music I heard was from a local, who described the feeling of Fado as music capturing the feeling of finding a t-shirt or something that belonged to an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend years after the relationship has ended, and the feelings of nostalgia and loss that come along with it.

It’s a beautiful experience that you don’t need to speak Portuguese to be able to understand, and one that you definitely should not miss during your trip to Lisbon. Just note—any café that has a drink minimum or charges you an entrance fee to listen to Fado music is not a traditional Fado café, so be wary when choosing a spot.

Lisbon is also an incredible place to search for street art. You can find great pieces just about everywhere you look, but some of the best spots can be found in Barrio Alto, Mouraria, Alfama, Alcântara, and near many of Lisbon’s metro stops (Picoas is the most famous, but the others are great as well).

 

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Sunset Spots

Because it is built on a series of several hills, there are many breathtaking spots throughout the city to watch the sunset. If you’re looking for a great dinner with a great view, head to Chiado and ride the Ascensor da Bica funicular up the hill (or walk, if you’re looking for a workout).

At the top, there are dozens of restaurants where you can get a delicious, reasonably priced dinner out on the terrace while you look out over the city.

Trip To Lisbon

For a good sunset picnic spot, grab a bottle of wine and some sandwiches and head up to the Castelo de São Jorge.

The Moorish castle was the center of power in medieval Portugal for over 400 years, and although it was damaged and later abandoned by Lisbon’s ruling class in favor of a larger, more accessible location, it remains a fascinating part of the city’s history and now one of its main tourist attractions.

After you walk around inside, grab a spot on the castle grounds, look out over the sprawling city, and imagine how awesome it would have been to be royalty.

 

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If you’re looking for another unique but definitely memorable sunset spot, head a little bit out of the city to the Panoramic Restaurant of Monsanto, an abandoned restaurant with an incredible view of Lisbon and the surrounding area.

Belém

Belém Tower, Lisbon
Belém Tower

One of Lisbon’s most beautiful and fascinating districts lies just a few miles outside the city center and is definitely worth visiting if you have the time. Some of Lisbon’s most recognizable landmarks such as the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Jerónimos Monastery are there.

Of course, no trip to Belém is complete without a trip to the Fábrica de Pasteis de Belém for some traditional Portuguese pastries (both the cream-filled pasteis de nata and pastel de Belém, an egg tart).

 

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Belém is just absolutely beautiful at golden hour (starting about an hour before the sun sets) when the monuments are lit up with a gorgeous golden glow. It’s also the best time to visit the pastry shops because the line will be the shortest, so it’s a good stop on the way back from the beaches in Cascais or Estoril, if you have time for a beach day trip.

Nightlife

Lisbon nightlife is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced but has definitely one of my favorite nightlife cultures.

Around 11:30pm, head back to Praça Luís do Camões and meet up with your friends to walk through Barrio Alto. At night, the neighborhood transforms completely and the streets fill with people.

Bars in Lisbon are unique in that they are very small—often just a bar with a few beers on tap (Sagres and Super Bock are the Portuguese beers of choice) and your choice of liquor. Make sure you get it in a plastic cup (since no glass is allowed on the streets) and head outside to mingle with the hundreds of people lining the streets for blocks.

Do note that streets will be fairly empty until around 11pm—the Portuguese go out late and stay out until the wee hours of the morning.

 

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Before embarking on my trip to Lisbon I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with it the way I did, but it’s become one of my favorite cities and definitely a must-see stop on your trip through Portugal.

PS. Be sure to also check out Hot Clube de Portugal in Lisbon, which is one of the best jazz bars in the world!

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Miami’s Best Instagrammable Spots That’ll Explode Your IG Feed https://moderntrekker.com/miamis-best-instagrammable-spots/ https://moderntrekker.com/miamis-best-instagrammable-spots/#respond Wed, 03 Oct 2018 07:00:57 +0000 https://moderntrekker.com/?p=4114 Miami is a beautiful city filled with beautiful people, and…

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Miami is a beautiful city filled with beautiful people, and you can find somewhere new and interesting to capture with your camera every way you turn. Because the weather is warm year round, Miami has bloomed into a tropical paradise with no shortage of flowers, palm trees, and gorgeous design. The majority of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots listed here are located on South Beach, but South Florida is teeming with beauty every way you look.

 

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South Beach

First and foremost, South Beach itself is home to dozens of picturesque places you can snap for the ‘gram. You don’t even have to be that much of a morning person to wake up to catch the sun rising over the Atlantic—because Miami is relatively close to the equator, the sun rises around 6:30am at the earliest (during the summer solstice) and at a more reasonable 7:00ish for most of the rest of the year. This was one of my favorite times to be outside because the temperatures are still reasonable. In fact, the coldest time to be on the beach is right before sunrise, so you’ll see many locals exercising outdoors to beat the heat before going on with their day.

 

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Miami Beach Boardwalk

Another great place to walk, jog, bike, or rollerblade is along the Miami Beach Boardwalk, another one of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots. The boardwalk stretches from 23rd St. to 46th St., so it’s a little further north from the hustle and bustle of South Beach and takes you up into the quieter but ritzier Mid-Beach area.

 

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As you walk down the beach at any time of day, be sure to stop by Miami Beach’s colorfully painted lifeguard towers to snap a good shot or two. These towers are located approximately every block or so on the entire length of the beach. They also have a fascinating, uniquely Miami history—most of the original towers were destroyed by Hurricane Andrew back in 1992, so afterward, the city of Miami decided to restore them to become an icon for the city. Each tower is painted or designed by a local artist, architect, or musician, and they’re all unique.

 

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If you keep walking to the southernmost tip of South Beach and then turn around, you can snap a shot of the entire beach behind you. (Tip: this shot is particularly cool at sunrise or sunset if you can wake up that early). It’s also a great place to watch the cargo and cruise ships sailing in and out of the Port of Miami on the other side to get a sense of just how small you are in the scheme of things.

 

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Freehand Hotel

If you’re looking for one of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots to escape the heat and sand, head over to the Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel—one of America’s top-rated cocktail bars and a gorgeous, ‘grammable, tropical hipster paradise. (I’m not affiliated with the Freehand properties but it does happen to be one of my favorite hotel chains of all time because they’re just so adorable). Grab a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind cocktail and lounge by the pool all day and into the evening.

 

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Rooftop of the One Hotel

All of the Miami Beach hotel properties are gorgeous in their own way, but another one of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots is the rooftop of the One Hotel (open to the public after 6pm if you buy a drink), the Faena Hotel (same deal, and also home to some interesting sculptures and art pieces), the Dilido, and the W Hotel.

 

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Art Deco District

If the ritzy Miami Beach hotel lifestyle isn’t consistent with your IG style, it’s enough to just walk through the historic Art Deco District and snap some shots of the area’s unique architecture. The Art Deco District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world. The district is made up of 960 historic buildings within about one square mile. The iconic pastel-colored stucco buildings have been restored to their former glory thanks to the Miami Design Preservation League, and now they provide the perfect background for your Miami vacation shots.

 

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Wynwood & Miami Design Districts

Of course, there’s much more to Miami than just Miami Beach. You definitely can’t overlook the Wynwood Walls and the Miami Design District as a great place to find some unique street art, as well as some unique history. The Wynwood district was originally home to the third largest Garment Districts in the United States back in the 1920s, and has gone through several periods of decline and revitalization as the residents of the neighborhood changed, crime rates spiked, and the area suffered from urban blight. In the mid-2000s, the neighborhood began to transform into a haven for artists, culminating in the opening of the Wynwood Walls open-air art gallery in 2009 to coincide with Art Basel. It is now home to miles of street art, local breweries, and plenty to see and do.

 

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Perez Art Museum

If you love art and design, then the Perez Art Museum is definitely one of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots for you. The contemporary art gallery was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog and de Meuron, and visitors constantly move back and forth between indoor and outdoor spaces covered by a lush canopy.

 

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Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

If you’re looking to reconnect with nature without venturing too far out of the city, be sure to check out the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The Vizcaya estate is the former home of James Deering, of the Deering McCormick International Harvester fortune, and is an example of gorgeous Italian Renaissance gardens and Mediterranean Revival architecture. The estate and gardens have found a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and they appear in movies such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Haunts of the Very Rich, Iron Man 3, and others, as well as many popular music videos.

 

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This is by no means an exhaustive list of Miami’s best Instagrammable spots. It seems like there’s another one around every corner in this beautiful tropical paradise of a city.

Suggested next reading: Miami To Key West: The Ultimate Scenic Road Trip

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Medellín, Colombia: A Truly Amazing Hidden Gem https://moderntrekker.com/medellin/ https://moderntrekker.com/medellin/#respond Sat, 14 Jul 2018 07:00:35 +0000 https://moderntrekker.com/?p=2843 Colombia used to be a country that travelers avoided, but…

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Colombia used to be a country that travelers avoided, but today it is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. From mountains to beaches to forests, geographically speaking Colombia has it all. That doesn’t even begin to mention the people and culture of the country. The city in Colombia that’s truly shining at the moment is Medellín. It seems like every travel magazine, blogger, writer, and content creator is talking about the City Of Eternal Spring. It’s a city that is small yet feels big. Every neighborhood has its own kind of feel to it and certain type of Paisa (what locals are called in the region) that lives there. I have to say without a doubt that when it comes to Medellín, the cat is out of the bag. So why visit Medellín? Here are four reasons you must visit all that this hidden gem has to offer:

Innovation

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re quite aware that Medellín used to be considered a dangerous city. In an attempt to revamp its image (quite successfully might I add), Medellín decided to become one of the most innovative cities, not only in South America, but in all the world. Today, the city is well known for their cable cars. The purpose was to make sure that everyone in Medellín had access to their metro systems, one of the only in South America. The cable cars reach more isolated, poorer neighborhoods that were previously underserved by public transportation. That’s also great for travelers since it allows visitors to see other areas of the city they might not have even considered visiting. One area that is now thriving thanks to the cable cars is Comuna 13. The neighborhood was once considered the most dangerous in the city, but today is home to a vibrant and growing community that is ready to welcome visitors with open arms. Comuna 13 has changed thanks to a lot of hard work and effort put in by locals. The area is now known for its creative scene, especially street art and break dancing. I highly recommend taking a street art tour, led by a local artist, to better understand the complex history of Comuna 13 and how they are paving the way for a better future.

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Great Weather

There is a reason Medellín is called The City Of Eternal Spring. With year-round breezy temperatures, it’s no wonder that Medellín has become popular with snowbirds escaping the freezing cold. It’s rare to find air conditioning or even fans in any house in Medellín. While there is a fair amount of rain depending on the year, it sure beats snow found further north! To be honest, it’s one of the few places in the world that has year-round perfect temperatures. If you’re looking to escape the cold and can deal with some rain, Medellín is a great option.

Medellín, Colombia
Medellín has year-round perfect temperatures.

Nature

For a large bustling city, Medellín has a surprising amount of nature in the surrounding area. A can’t miss nature area is Arvi Park. Located about 30 kilometers from the city center in the northeastern section of the city, Arvi Park is a gem hidden in the mountains. Easily accessible by cable car, the trip alone to the park is a scenic adventure (unless you’re scared of heights, then you’ll be wondering when you’ll be back on solid ground!) Once you arrive at the park, you have so many options of things to do. From hiking to camping to just hanging out and enjoying a picnic with friends, Arvi has something for everyone. For those that want a unique experience, I suggest checking out night hiking. Led by a bilingual tour guide, your led around the park after hours while they explain what animals and plants can be seen along with the history and culture of the area. The best part is you get an amazing view of Medellín lit up at night.

Medellin At Night

For those travelers that prefer the adventure of doing things by themselves, a hike to the top of Cerro de las Tres Cruces (Three Cross Hill) is almost mandatory. The hike is more intense than it seems and if you walk up near dusk, you get to watch the sunset behind Medellín’s hills. The view is incredible as the buildings take on a fiery orange hue. Lastly, at the top of the hill, is an outdoor workout park so if you enjoy working out, you’ll love Tres Cruces.

Salsa 

No trip to Colombia would be complete without at least a few salsa dancing classes (no reason to worry if you have two left feet.). Now, Cali may be the salsa dancing capital of the world, but don’t sleep on the scene in Medellín. No matter where you go in the city, you can find classes or clubs where you can salsa dance. Dancing, in general, is a big part of Medellín’s nightlife. I highly recommend visiting a local, authentic Colombian salsa bar called El Eslabon Prendido. It’s a small place, but the intimate setting makes learning to salsa only that much more fun. They offer salsa dance lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so if you’ve never tried salsa before, this is your time to learn.

Friendly Locals  

I’ve saved the best aspect of Colombia for last. It’s impossible to talk about Colombia without mentioning the friendly locals. In Medellín, locals are known as Paisas and they are some of the warmest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Every time I meet someone that has traveled to Colombia, they always bring up the people and how nice they were. From sharing food to helping lost visitors with directions to just flashing a simple smile, Colombians local people are the highlight of the country. In my opinion, they are the greatest asset the country has and a big reason why the tourism industry has been booming in the past several years. I could write about them all day, but it’s best to go down to Medellín and see for yourself.

Medellin, Colombia

Suggested next reading: Why You Have To Go To Colombia This Year

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7 Best Cities For Street Art Around The World https://moderntrekker.com/best-cities-for-street-art/ https://moderntrekker.com/best-cities-for-street-art/#respond Tue, 15 May 2018 07:00:38 +0000 https://moderntrekker.com/?p=2102 Graffiti. Tags. Street art—as it is commonly known today—used to…

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Graffiti. Tags. Street art—as it is commonly known today—used to have a negative connotation and was thought to be done by criminals or vandals. It has only become mainstream in the last decade as festivals and street artists have had their profiles raised. The biggest reason for street art’s exponential growth can be attributed to Instagram. As more and more people share their lives through pictures and videos on the social media platform, street art murals became must-see destinations for tourists when visiting different cities. Today, in many cities, there are specific districts where street artists are either legally allowed to create their art or it is a well-known area for beautiful art. While it has become more and more popular for cities to create an area specifically for street art, these 7 cities stand out for the amount and quality of street art they contain.

1. Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso, a small, bohemian town on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, is a street artist’s dream. Almost every inch of the city is covered in art! While there are many tours that give you background on the different works, the best way to see the city and its art is by wandering around. The most famous street art is the, “We are not hippies, we are happies” mural that is painted across a sitting area at the top of one of the many hills in Valparaiso. The view from the top is absolutely stunning!

We Are Not Hippies, We Are Happies
Photographer: Sebastián García
Street Art in Valparaiso, Chile
More street art in Valparaiso, Chile

2. Bogotá, Colombia

South America is known for its incredible street art, but Colombia is at the top of the list. Bogota is both the capital of the country and the street art scene. Due to its long history of drug smuggling, political unrest, and violence, Colombia has some fascinating street art filled with political undertones. Home to over 5,000 murals all throughout the city, street art in Bogota has been legal since 2012. Head to the Chapinero district to see some of the best works, although you really can’t go wrong anywhere you go.

Street Art in Bogota, Colombia
Bogota, Colombia

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is Europe’s capital of all things hip and cool so, naturally, it has to be home to some great street art murals. The most difficult decision you’ll have to make when visiting Berlin is deciding which murals to see. From the streets of Kreuzberg to Factory 23 in Wedding to East Side Gallery, street art fills almost every inch of the city. An area that you have to see though is in the Friedrichshain neighborhood and it is called Revaler 99/Urban Spree. The former East German train repair factory turned business park is home to some of the most well known street art on the continent. While there, be sure to walk around the RAW area for the most colorful works of art. As an added bonus if you have time, head into the personal disco booth and have your own dance party for a couple of minutes.

Street Art Graffiti in Berlin
Berlin, Germany

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

 If you are looking for a piece of Europe with some Latin American flair then you have to head to Buenos Aires. The architecture is what resembles Europe the most and is most loved by street artists as the city allows them to work with few restrictions. It attracts artist from around the world who choose to do their huge, unique murals there. In most cities, I would recommend skipping the street art tour and walking around on your own, but in Buenos Aires, I highly recommend doing one. Argentina has a complicated political past and the tour did a great job of explaining how street art played a big role in changing the government and their lives. It was also interesting to learn how street art is coded into messages so only others can read it and each neighborhood had their own set of numbers and words only they understood. The best neighborhood to see street art in Buenos Aires is Palermo and after a long day of exploring and taking in the different murals, it’s a great place for dinner and drinks. Another highlight is the working-class area of La Boca.

Street art in La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Street art in La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s beauty is only enhanced by its incredible street art. Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon has quickly become a global hot spot for street art. Lisbon is unique because most of its street art is commissioned by the city. They want the city to feel like an open-air museum and, as a result, tourism in the city has exploded in recent years. The best area in Lisbon to see art is on Calçada de Glória. One of the steepest streets in Lisbon, the area is filled with art and you can’t beat the warm sea breeze on your skin.

Street art in Lisbon
The street art in Lisbon even extends to transport!

6. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is one of the coolest cities in the world and has recently become the de facto home to street art in Australia. The city has the perfect grid layout for exploring. Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) is composed of 260 Laneways that each have their own feel. Some of the Laneways are home to street art walls where artists can legally tag. Melbourne has owned its street art reputation and now hosts the yearly Street Sweets, a festival that celebrates various forms of art including street art. If you are ever in Australia, you have to see some of the incredible Laneways.

Street art on Hosier Lane in Melbourne, Australia
Street art on Hosier Lane in Melbourne, Australia

7. Montreal, Canada

Hidden in alleys, on rooftops, and visible tons of walls across Montreal are incredible art murals. With such intense winters, street artists make sure to use the warmer months to tag every inch of the city. Home to Canada’s best street art, Montreal is a city full of energy and the art only adds color to that picture. The city has only recently come on the global street art scene in 2013 when it started hosting its own street art festival called MURAL Fest. The 10-day art festival takes over Montreal’s Rue St. Laurent and has various artists from all over the globe put up their best murals. If you love street art, this festival simply cannot be missed!

Street Art in Montreal, Canada
Montreal, Canada

Suggested next reading: Discovering Beauty In Liverpool: A Gallery Definitely Worth Seeing

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