Delhi’s Hidden Street Art Locations That Most Locals Don’t Even Know About
We usually think of Delhi as a city of forts, politics, and chaotic charm. But beneath the historical façade is a modern canvas—one that’s bursting with color, rebellion, and creativity.
Street art in Delhi isn’t just about beautifying old walls. It’s storytelling. It’s activism. It’s art for everyone, free and alive, often tucked away in alleys and forgotten corners. While Lodhi Art District gets most of the attention, this city has far more to offer—hidden street art locations in Delhi that are just waiting to be stumbled upon.
Let’s take a walk through Delhi’s lesser-known open-air galleries, shall we?
1. Shahpur Jat – The Hipster’s Hideaway
Tucked behind Siri Fort, this urban village is a maze of indie boutiques, rooftop cafes, and unexpected splashes of color. Artists from across the world have painted stories on its old stone walls—ranging from tribal art to surrealist portraits.
📍 Where: Shahpur Jat, near Hauz Khas
🎨 Vibe: Bohemian meets street
👟 Tip: Go on foot—murals often hide around narrow bends
2. Khirki Village – Graffiti With Grit
Next to the glitzy Select Citywalk mall lies a completely different world. Khirki Village is raw, residential, and buzzing with creative energy. This is where St+art India started some of its earliest work. Expect bold, message-driven graffiti layered with local context.
📍 Where: Behind Saket, near Malviya Nagar
🖌️ What to Spot: Social commentary, faces of the community, and activist art
🌍 Why Visit: One of the most authentic street art vibes in the city
3. Humayunpur – South Delhi’s Best-Kept Secret
Humayunpur, near Safdarjung Enclave, doesn’t look like much from the outside. But venture in, and you'll find entire lanes transformed into art trails. There’s wall art celebrating Northeast Indian culture, Tibetan symbols, and quirky characters.
📍 Where: Near Bhikaji Cama Place metro station
🌸 Don’t Miss: Murals near "Horn Please" café
🎒 Perfect For: Explorers and cultural photographers
4. Tibetan Colony – Art with a Message
Majnu Ka Tila is known for its food and monastery, but if you pay attention, there’s a deeper layer. Hidden murals speak of identity, exile, and the Tibetan struggle—done in a mix of traditional and modern styles.
📍 Where: Majnu Ka Tila, North Delhi
📷 Best Seen: In daylight, when the narrow alleys are quieter
🧘 Tip: Combine it with a peaceful Tibetan meal afterward
5. Sanjay Colony – Where Art Meets Community
A surprising spot inside Okhla's industrial area, Sanjay Colony is part of a guided slum walk where street art becomes a medium of social change. Local and international artists have painted walls with messages of empowerment and sustainability.
📍 Where: Near Govindpuri metro station
🌱 Why Go: Street art meets grassroots activism
👫 With Whom: Join a community-led guided walk for context
6. Mehrauli Art Corners – Around Qutub’s Shadow
Mehrauli isn’t all about monuments. Just a short walk from Qutub Minar, around DDA flats and local market walls, you’ll find emerging art projects with themes of Delhi’s forgotten history and evolving identity.
📍 Where: Mehrauli Market back lanes
🖼️ Art Style: Folk-modern fusion, often political
🧭 Nearby: Combine with a visit to Mehrauli Archaeological Park
7. Tughlaqabad’s Railway Wall Art
Yes, you read that right. Near Tughlaqabad station and under certain flyovers, there are bold pieces created as part of government beautification drives mixed with raw underground graffiti from unknown artists. This is true street culture.
📍 Where: Near Tughlaqabad Industrial Area
🎨 Highlights: Abstract graffiti, surreal creatures, local slogans
🚇 Pro Tip: Best reached by metro + short auto ride
8. Okhla Phase-II – The Urban Jungle
Amid factories and dull warehouses lies an unexpected trail of painted shutters and warehouse walls. Some murals here are 2–3 storeys high, featuring robots, cityscapes, and faceless commuters—all reflecting the mechanical rhythm of urban life.
📍 Where: Near NSIC Exhibition Ground
🏭 Vibe: Raw, gritty, deeply expressive
📷 Ideal For: Industrial aesthetic photography
What Makes These Art Spots Special?
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🖌️ They’re raw and real – Not curated, not touristy
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🌈 They change often – New layers get painted, adding to the story
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🚶 They’re best explored on foot – The discovery is half the fun
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🤳 They’re Instagrammable, yes—but meaningful too
Tips for Your Street Art Hunt
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🕓 Visit during daylight—many alleys aren’t well-lit at night
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🎨 Respect the art: don’t touch, mark, or paint over
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📷 Ask locals before snapping if the wall is on a home or store
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👟 Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be wandering
Government & Cultural References
If you're curious to explore more through structured experiences or learn about the artists behind these murals, check out:
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🎨 St+Art India Foundation – The NGO behind many of Delhi’s major street art initiatives
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🏛️ Delhi Tourism Art Walks – For occasional guided tours
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🖼️ India Foundation for the Arts – Supporting urban and public art
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