Graffiti, an artistic expression adaptable to virtually any space, finds its favorite canvas on walls and flat surfaces, using spray paint as its main tool (but not the only one, as we'll see) Though graffiti has existed throughout the centuries, it surged in popularity in the 20th century thanks to media exposure. Today, with more affordable materials, this art ofmr has democratized, allowing people from all walks to unleash their creativity.
More than mere decorative images, many graffiti convey political and social messages, promoting justice and solidarity among diverse communities. From anti-corruption campaigns to calls for peace and human rights, graffiti has become a powerful voice in public spaces, enriching the cultural and artistic fabric of modern urban environments.
And it's precisely this that we want to show you. Because Barcelona is much more than Gaudí and the Sagrada Familia. In this city, art is lived in many ways, and one of the purest is on its streets. Are you ready to explore an urban art route through the city?
Our tour of Barcelona's street art begins in the central neighborhoods, home to Casa Camper Barcelona. In Raval, Gótico, and Ciutat Vella, not only will you find some of the city's most famous architectural jewels and tourist spots, but there's also a more underground world brimming with art for you to discover.
We start our tour at Plaça Raquel Meller, greeted by a monumental mural that changes over time as artists leave their mark. Each visit is a unique experience, as new art pieces emerge and transform the scene, leaving spectators breathless. Artists from various corners of the globe converge here to make their mark on this ever-evolving urban canvas. Don't forget to snap a photo each time you encounter this mural and compare it with others from different times to appreciate its changing faces!
Moving on from the same square, we come across the intersection of Calle de Sant Pau, where an impressive geometric graffiti unfolds. The author remains anonymous, but their skill in geometry and urban art is undeniable, turning this piece into a true visual gem.
Continuing our route, we arrive at charming Calle Aurora, home to another gigantic mural in constant metamorphosis. The artists demonstrate exceptional talent, palpable in every stroke that adorns this wall. Don't miss the opportunity to view this open-air art gallery and immerse yourself in its bubbling creativity!
As we've seen throughout this article, any street art enthusiast must visit Barcelona, but within Barcelona, Raval is a must-visit, and within Raval, the artistic epicenter of this culture is Plaça del Àngels, popularly known as Plaça del MACBA. Anyone who's been there knows it's a meeting place for skaters, urban artists, and the curious drawn by the strange magnetism of this spot. Here you'll find two of Barcelona's most iconic works, not only of street art but of art in general.
The first is the famous Keith Haring graffiti, a mural that in his recognizable style depicts a snake wrapping around a syringe, along with human figures in various postures next to the slogan: together we will end AIDS. This work from 1989 is a great example of how street art is a reflection of its society and a channel for advocacy. Want some history about this piece? In 1992, facing the imminent demolition of the wall that housed Keith Haring's graffiti in Plaza Salvador Seguí, various alternatives were considered to preserve the work. Eventually, a real-scale replica was chosen, allowing for future reproductions. However, the mural had suffered severe damage over time and human intervention, so the Barcelona City Council decided to hire a restoration team. These experts managed to recover the visibility of the original design and create a replica in polyethylene plastic, which served as a pattern for later reproductions. Using the stenciling technique, the mural was transferred to the wall with paint, meticulously reconstructing every detail in a process that took about five days. Thus, Haring's street art was given new life, preserving its essence and legacy for future generations.
Another detail of this square that has marked popular culture is the (now canvas) of RAVALEJAR. A verb (to ravalear in Spanish) meaning to walk and let oneself be carried away by the Barcelona of the neighborhoods, of the smells, and of the thousand cultures. The neighbors of the neighborhood have made this verb their own, and you can see it in many works throughout the city. And as we say at Casa Camper... We are in the Raval, Ravaleja!
And since you're here and you like art, it goes without saying, you must enter the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona). There you'll find both a fantastic permanent exhibition and temporary thematic exhibitions that any art lover will enjoy.
Finally, if you want to see a work that combines tradition with modernity, you can walk to the famous Carrer Petritxol. Although this street is known for its hot chocolate, the reason for the visit (though not mutually exclusive) will be to see graffiti that represents one of the most representative paintings of modernism in Catalonia. In this mural, you can see the painter Ramón Casas alongside Pere Romeu on a tandem that has now passed into the history of art and that we can now see on a wall with the silhouette of the city as a background. This graffiti, a tribute both to the city and to one of the artistic movements that has most shaped it, is a must for all culture lovers.
But the street art of Raval is not limited only to graffiti. In fact, you just need to walk through the neighborhood to realize that the most underground art permeates everything, in all its forms and styles. Trees and lampposts dressed in crochet pieces, cans stuck to the wall that send messages to whoever wants to look at them, and even works that you'll find inside many of the bars and establishments on streets like Joaquím Costa.
Beyond a guide to check off works from the list, the best recommendation we can give you is to let yourself get lost in the city and wander its streets because in the most unsuspected places you'll find genuine jewels of street art.
The neighborhood of Poblenou is very popular among the city's artists. Its particular architecture, with many old buildings with smooth walls, makes it an ideal canvas on which to create their artworks. You can tour the entire neighborhood and find endless works on all streets, but here we want to highlight 6 very important and impactful ones.
If you start the route through this neighborhood, we recommend starting in the area closest to the beach of Mar Bella, specifically on Taulat Street, where you'll find the spectacular graffiti dedicated to Neus Català and created by the artist Roc Blackblock, paying homage to the Catalan resistance survivor of the Nazi concentration camps. If you continue the route along this street, you'll find Espronceda Street, which you can go up to reach the Parc del Centre de Poblenou. There, take Pere IV Street until you reach the abandoned factories, one of them, "La escocesa," with a mural that will leave you breathless.
Now it's time to go down to Cristóbal de Moura Street, at number 105, where you'll find a cooperative of Barcelona artists called La Bonita Cooperativa. On its shutter, you can see one of Tim Marsh's performances from his PobleZoo collection, with a giant geometric turtle. If you now head north with the help of Selva de Mar Street, you'll see that at the intersection with Peru Street there is a graffiti tribute to Pau Donés, former singer of Jarabe de Palo. Following this street, you'll find the wonderful final mural by Jorge Rodríguez Gerada on the façade of the Poblenou Civic Center.
The fascinating Street Art route through the Sant Andreu neighborhood starts at Nau Bostik, an old industrial enclave converted into a creativity and art epicenter in La Sagrera. This space, formerly a factory that ceased its activity in 2008 due to the crisis, resurfaced in 2015 as a vibrant center of life and artistic expression. Here, visitors immerse themselves in an eclectic collection of Street Art, from graffiti to murals that decorate its walls with vibrant colors and shapes.
From Nau Bostik, the journey takes us south to the impressive mural by Lily Brick, located at the Sant Andreu casal, L’Ateneu L’Harmonía. This monumental work stands out for its focus on the human figure, captivating viewers with its expressiveness and emotionality. An unmissable stop on this exciting artistic journey.
To culminate the experience, we head east to Medianeras, where the imposing mural created by the talented hands of Vanesa Galdeano and Anali Chanquia awaits. This mural, with its volumetric focus and perfect integration into the urban environment, provides a unique three-dimensional visual experience. It is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of this route, illustrating the impressive talent and creativity of the artists.
Throughout this tour, you'll delight in three of the most emblematic works of the Sant Andreu neighborhood, each with its own character and distinctive style. A unique opportunity to admire the ingenuity and skill of local artists. Don't miss the chance to explore these wonders if you find yourself in the fascinating neighborhood of Sant Andreu in Barcelona.
How about heading to the bustling neighborhood of Gràcia to continue our Street Art route? In this journey, we'll delve into the alleys of this picturesque Barcelona neighborhood to discover some of the most emblematic works of local and international artists who have left their mark on the historic walls. Get ready to be surprised by the diversity and expressiveness of these urban art manifestations.
We'll start our adventure in Poble Romaní Square, where a permanent mural commissioned by the city council and created by the talented artists SM172, Xupet Negre, and Konair awaits us. This work is a tribute to the cultural richness of Catalonia, representing iconic figures of Catalan culture and the city of Barcelona, from the castellers to the musician Gato Pérez. An essential stop to immerse yourself in the history and identity of the area.
Then, we'll head to Bruniquer Street, where an eclectic collection of graffiti by both local and international artists awaits us. From interpretations inspired by series and movies to more realistic style expressions, each mural tells a unique story. Walk attentively and let yourself be surprised by the creative diversity that inhabits these streets.
Continuing our tour, we'll head to Ventallat Street, where an eye-catching graffiti of Heisenberg at number 10, in tribute to the famous character from the series "Breaking Bad," awaits us. This vibrant work, by Axe Colours, stands out for its striking presence and expressiveness.
To conclude our experience, we'll stop at Encarnació Street, where we'll find the Encarnación Garage at number 72, a meeting point for urban art lovers in the city. Here, an impressive work dedicated to the painter Tamara Lempicka, created by the artist Arroyo, pays tribute to this prominent figure of art with majestic medallions. A fascinating example of how urban art can celebrate the history of art in a unique way.
And here we conclude our Barcelona Street Art Guide. What we've seen here is just a small summary of what can be found in the city, but the best way to experience it is by walking it. Every day, great works of ephemeral nature appear and disappear that are worth discovering and immortalizing.
