Complete Guide to Berlin's Best Murals and Graffiti (2025)

There's a moment we keep coming back to when we think about Berlin's street art scene. Standing in front of Victor Ash's towering Astronaut mural in Kreuzberg at sunset, watching a couple taking selfies, a local walking his dog without even glancing up, and a tour group listening intently to their guide's explanation of Cold War symbolism. Three completely different Berlin experiences happening simultaneously in front of one wall. That's when it clicked for us: Berlin isn't just a city with street art. It's a city where street art is part of the daily rhythm of life.

We've spent considerable time tracking down the city's most significant murals and graffiti hotspots, and what we discovered goes far beyond Instagram backdrops. These walls tell stories of division and reunification, rebellion and hope, local identity and global artistic expression. This guide covers everything you need to experience Berlin's urban art scene in 2025 – from the iconic East Side Gallery to hidden courtyards that even many locals have never explored.

Why Berlin Became the Street Art Capital of Europe

Before diving into specific locations, it helps to understand why Berlin looks the way it does. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city became a magnet for artists, squatters, and creatives from around the world. Abandoned buildings, empty firewall spaces between structures (a legacy of World War II bombing), and a generally tolerant attitude toward urban expression created the perfect conditions for street art to flourish.

What started as political graffiti and underground tagging evolved into one of the world's most respected urban art scenes. Today, projects like Urban Nation's ONE WALL initiative, the Berlin Mural Fest, and countless independent artists continue to transform the city's walls into an ever-changing open-air gallery.

The Essential Street Art Locations

East Side Gallery – Where History Meets Art

No guide to Berlin street art can skip the East Side Gallery, even though it's the most obvious starting point. This 1.3-kilometer stretch along the Spree River is the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall and the world's largest permanent open-air gallery.

Immediately after the wall came down in November 1989, 118 artists from 21 countries traveled to East Berlin to paint murals reflecting the wave of political change sweeping the world. The most famous piece – Dmitri Vrubel's "My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love" (commonly called the Fraternal Kiss) – depicts Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German President Erich Honecker in a socialist embrace. It's become one of the most recognizable images of Cold War history.

Other standout works include Birgit Kinder's "Test the Best" (a Trabant car appearing to burst through the wall) and Thierry Noir's colorful cartoon heads – some of the earliest art painted on the Wall back in the 1980s.

Practical Information:

• Location: Mühlenstraße 47-80, 10243 Berlin

• Hours: Open 24/7, completely free

• Getting there: U1/U3 Warschauer Straße or S-Bahn Ostbahnhof

• Best time to visit: Early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds, or sunset for golden light

• Guided tours: Available daily through the Berlin Wall Foundation; €3.50 per person (reduced €2.50)

• Visitor info center: Mühlenstraße 73, open daily 10 AM - 5 PM

Tip: Start from the Oberbaumbrücke end if you want to see the most famous murals first. Walk the entire 1.3 km – it takes about 20 minutes without stopping, but plan for at least an hour to properly absorb the art and history.

Urban Nation Museum – Street Art Goes Indoors

Since opening in 2017, Urban Nation has become a globally unique center for urban contemporary art. Located on Bülowstraße in Schöneberg, this isn't just a museum – it's a hub that brings international artists to Berlin and transforms the entire surrounding neighborhood into an outdoor gallery.

The museum's façade itself is a rotating artwork. In 2024, legendary artist Lady Pink transformed it into a fantastic cityscape mixing Berlin and New York motifs. Previous façade works have included pieces by D*Face, DALeast, and the Iranian brothers Icy & Sot.

Inside, over 100 exhibits trace the history of urban art, from early graffiti culture to contemporary installations. The current main exhibition, "Love Letters to the City", curated by Michelle Houston, explores the role of art in shaping urban experiences.

But the real magic happens outside. Walk along Bülowstraße and the surrounding streets to find works by Shepard Fairey (the "Hope" poster artist), 1UP crew, and dozens of other internationally renowned street artists.

Practical Information:

• Address: Bülowstraße 7, 10783 Berlin

• Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 10 AM - 6 PM; Thursday-Sunday 12 PM - 8 PM; Closed Mondays

• Admission: Free

• Getting there: U2 Bülowstraße or U1/U2/U3 Nollendorfplatz

• Guided tours: Available in German, English, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese

Don't miss: The surrounding Bülowstraße area features works by Martin Whatson, Herakut, Fin Dac, and Portuguese artist Vhils, who created several of his signature carved portraits here.

Kreuzberg – The Heart of Berlin's Graffiti Culture

If the East Side Gallery is street art's museum, Kreuzberg is its living, breathing laboratory. This is where the energy is raw, the art is political, and the walls change constantly.

The neighborhood's most famous mural is Victor Ash's Astronaut/Cosmonaut at Oranienstraße 195. Created during the Backjumps Festival in 2007, this massive 22-meter black-and-white figure floats against the sky, reflecting Berlin's position between East and West during the Space Race era. It's consistently ranked among the world's greatest street art murals.

Just around the corner, you'll find Jadore Tong's colorful elephant at Wilhelmstraße 7 – a 24-meter-high mural that's become one of Berlin's most photographed works. The Brazilian duo Os Gêmeos have left their distinctive yellow-faced figures on walls throughout the neighborhood.

Key Kreuzberg spots:

• Oranienstraße area: Dense concentration of murals, paste-ups, and stencils around the SO36 club

• Moritzplatz: Works from the Backjumps Live Issues and Berlin Mural Fest projects

• Wassertorstraße 65: "Daphne & Apollo" by Francisco Bosoletti and Young Jarus

• Tommy Weisbecker House: Entire building covered in political murals

Videre læsning: If Kreuzberg's vibe appeals to you, our guide to Berlin nightlife explores the neighborhood's legendary bar and club scene.

RAW Gelände – Industrial Art Playground

RAW Gelände (short for Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk, or Imperial Railway Repair Works) is what happens when artists take over an abandoned industrial site. This sprawling former railway yard in Friedrichshain has become one of Berlin's most dynamic cultural spaces.

Unlike the carefully curated walls around Urban Nation, RAW is gloriously chaotic. Graffiti covers nearly every available surface – from massive murals on warehouse walls to layered tags on every door, pillar, and window frame. The art is constantly evolving, painted over, and renewed.

The site also houses Urban Spree, an excellent contemporary art gallery dedicated to urban culture, with rotating exhibitions, an art bookstore, and a popular beer garden. On Sundays, a flea market adds another layer of Berliner alternative culture.

Practical Information:

• Address: Revaler Straße 99, 10245 Berlin

• Hours: Outdoor areas accessible most hours; venues have individual schedules

• Getting there: S-Bahn/U-Bahn Warschauer Straße

• Cost: Free to explore; individual venues may charge admission

Note: RAW retains an edgy, urban character. It's generally safe during daytime and early evening, but like any alternative space, be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.

Haus Schwarzenberg – Hidden Gem in Plain Sight

Tucked away behind an unassuming archway next to Café Cinema on Rosenthaler Straße, Haus Schwarzenberg is one of the last non-commercial cultural spaces in Berlin's central Mitte district. In 2025, Schwarzenberg e.V. celebrates its 30th anniversary as an independent cultural project.

The narrow courtyard explodes with street art in every possible form: large murals, stencils, paste-ups, stickers, knitted works, and installations layered on top of each other. The art changes almost weekly as new pieces are added, painted over, and repurposed. Famous street artists like El Bocho, C215 (the "French Banksy"), Miss Van, and Otto Schade have contributed works here.

Don't miss the portrait of Anne Frank by Australian artist Jimmy C – one of the few pieces that remains protected and untouched, serving as a poignant reminder of the building's historical connection to WWII resistance.

Practical Information:

• Address: Rosenthaler Straße 39, 10178 Berlin

• Hours: Courtyard open 24/7, free admission

• Getting there: S-Bahn Hackescher Markt or U8 Weinmeisterstraße

Inside Haus Schwarzenberg:

• Neurotitan Gallery & Shop – Monthly rotating exhibitions

• Kino Central – Independent cinema with open-air screenings in summer

• Monsterkabinett – Bizarre mechanical monster exhibition (€8)

• Eschschloraque Rümschrümp – Underground bar and venue

Teufelsberg – Street Art on a Spy Station

For an experience unlike anywhere else in Europe, make the journey to Teufelsberg. This former NSA listening station sits atop a man-made hill (built from WWII rubble) in the Grunewald forest, its distinctive white radar domes visible across the Berlin skyline.

After abandonment following the Cold War, artists transformed the crumbling structures into what's now considered Europe's largest street art gallery. International names like El Bocho, Nina Valkhoff, Herakut, Dan Kitchener, and Akut have created works across five floors and 2,400 square meters of wall space.

The combination of haunting Cold War architecture, panoramic city views, and vibrant contemporary art creates something truly unique. New works appear regularly, and the site hosts exhibitions, workshops, and open-air events throughout the year.

Practical Information:

• Address: Teufelsseechaussee 10, 14193 Berlin

• Hours: Daily 11 AM - sunset (check website for seasonal variations; closes earlier in winter)

• Admission: From €10 for adults

• Getting there: S-Bahn Heerstraße, then 20-minute walk through the forest

• Tours: Street Art Tours on Saturdays, Historical Tours daily

Important: There's no parking at the site. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes – the buildings are in various states of decay.

Artpark Tegel – Northern Berlin's Hidden Treasure

Most visitors never venture to Tegel, but those who do are rewarded with some of Berlin's most impressive large-scale murals. The Artpark project transformed several building facades into massive artworks.

The standout is "The Starling" by Dutch artists Collin van der Sluijs and Super A – a giant blue bird rendered in brilliant colors and countless bright details that's become one of Berlin's most popular street art destinations outside the central districts.

Location: Neheimer Straße 6, 13507 Berlin (U6 Holzhauser Straße)

Experiencing Berlin Street Art

Guided Tours

If you want deeper context and history, several excellent tours cover Berlin's street art scene:

Alternative Berlin Tours The most established street art tour operator, with guides who are often artists themselves. Their three-hour tours explore Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. Around €20 per person.

Walkative! Alternative Berlin Free Tour A "pay what you wish" walking tour covering Mitte, Kreuzberg, and the Spree riverfront. Tours meet at the Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus).

Urban Nation Museum Tours Neighborhood tours exploring the street art around Bülowstraße, plus museum tours of the current exhibitions.

Self-Guided Routes

For independent explorers, here's a suggested full-day itinerary:

Morning: Start at the East Side Gallery (arrive by 9 AM to beat crowds). Walk the full length, then cross the Oberbaumbrücke into Kreuzberg.

Midday: Explore Kreuzberg's street art around Oranienstraße. Stop at Burgermeister (under the U-Bahn tracks) for lunch.

Afternoon: Take the U-Bahn to Hackescher Markt and explore Haus Schwarzenberg. Continue to Urban Nation via U-Bahn to Bülowstraße.

Evening: If time permits, head to RAW Gelände – it's especially atmospheric as the sun goes down and the bars come alive.

Apps and Maps: The Berlin Artwalk app features 350+ street art locations with AI-powered tour suggestions. VisitBerlin's ABOUT BERLIN app also includes detailed street art information.

Practical Tips for Street Art Hunters

Best seasons: Spring and autumn offer comfortable walking weather and good light for photography. Summer can be hot but the long days allow more exploration. Even winter has charm – fewer crowds and a starkly beautiful atmosphere.

Photography etiquette: Respect other visitors and residents. Don't block sidewalks, and remember that some street art is on private property visible from public spaces.

The art changes: Street art is inherently impermanent. Some works we've mentioned may have been painted over by the time you visit – that's part of the culture. See what's new.

Legal graffiti walls: Want to watch artists at work? Check out the Legacy Wall in Gleisdreieck Park near the skate park, or Mauerpark's legal wall where artists create new pieces regularly.

Combine your visit: Berlin's street art neighborhoods offer much more than walls. Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain have excellent food scenes, nightlife, and markets that complement a day of art exploration.

Final Thoughts

Berlin's street art scene isn't a museum exhibit – it's a living conversation between artists, the city, and its history. Every wall tells a story about where Berlin has been and where it might be going. From the historical weight of the East Side Gallery to the raw energy of RAW Gelände and the curated excellence of Urban Nation, this city offers something for every level of street art appreciation.

The best approach? Get lost. Follow a mural down an unfamiliar side street. Step into a courtyard that looks like it might hold something interesting. Ask locals about their favorite pieces. Berlin's street art scene rewards curiosity – and there's always something new to discover.