Street art in Porto

Lovers of tag, graffiti and street art in general will enjoy a discreet but very present representation in Porto. Almost everywhere, decorated walls, small frescoes, decorated electrical transformers, collages... In short, as in all cities, Porto has its more or less official artists. We give you a sample of this street art, which we also like and which we had fun looking at and photographing!

Photo: Porto City Guide

Where to see street art in Porto?

For years, the municipality apparently curbed these wild artistic expressions (in 2013, see press article (fr)). In recent years, it has been the opposite, artists have been encouraged and sections of walls, places, have been dedicated to them to express with their spray paint, their moods, their art and strong messages.

You will see these two styles coexist: wall frescoes or small neat graffiti, taking advantage of the support and embellishing the wall or part of the house which receives them. There are also, like everywhere, tags, signatures and other more or less successful attempts.

In the historic center, walk along Rua das Flores to admire the painted Transformers and the Blue Cat.
On the Trindade metro side, several sumptuous giant frescoes. Then continue towards the Bolhao market and Santa Catarina street.
In Bonfim, a neighborhood undergoing restructuring, there are many frescoes and small graffiti
Vila Nova de Gaia also has beautiful graffiti, and a monumental rabbit made from recycled materials!

Graff on the stairs in Vila Nova de Gaia

Graffiti by Tamara Alves Metro Trindade

The monumental rabbit of Bordalo II

Rua Das Flores Transformers

Graff in Bonfim, in a part of the neighborhood undergoing restructuring

Good tips for discovering street art in Porto

You can freely walk around the city and keep your eyes peeled for the street art featured in this article. But you can also surround yourself with enthusiasts of this theme, who will show you a new side of Porto and tell you the history of graffiti and the artists who created them!

Do not forget! Street art is ephemeral, it moves like the city evolves and sometimes, certain works are covered. This is particularly true in Porto which is constantly undergoing work to beautify itself and welcome its many tourists. If you come to Porto several times, you will probably not see the same graffiti!

A free tour around the urban art of Porto is possible, on a Free Tour! Remember to bring some change, because if it's free, we encourage you to reward the quality guide who will take you on a ride. Free but reasoned participation! 3 hours of visit in English or Spanish, depending on the day.
A more substantial half-day visit to discover street art in Porto.
A very interesting and well detailed article on the subject, to learn more about the artists of the street art scene in Porto.

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