I absolutely love street art wherever I go in the world, and have found several cities around Europe in which the street art is exemplary and definitely worth a visit. Amsterdam is definitely one of those cities – there is street art around seemingly every corner with subjects ranging from the silly to the serious. Here are a few examples of the fantastic street art that can be found in Amsterdam that I took on a recent trip to this fantastic city.

(all photos are my own – please ask if you’d like to use any of them)

I love the way this artist incorporated an entire building into his/her piece. With a cartoonish feeling to the art and the bright blue, this definitely sticks out from the brick facades of all the other buildings in the neighbourhood.

Photo credit: Kathryn @Travelfusion

I spotted one of my favourite street series here – the Space Invaders! Spotting these little guys on my travels always makes me so happy.

These former poster and advertisement sites have a brand new lease on life thanks to the bright and colourful pieces that are now painted here.

This was one of the coolest walls that we walked by on our trip. I love the contrast between those scary beasts and the silhouette of a young couple in love at the bottom right of the frame.

There was something that seemed “just right” about this composition – from the colour to the fish itself, this piece was definitely worth remembering.

The uniformity of these bird-creatures was definitely appealing but the bright blue also had me smiling. Are these chickens? Or perhaps the mythical phoenix?

One of the more political of pieces that I spotted on my recent trip, the Egyptian influences of this piece are clear, as are the messages explicitly painted into the side of this street art.

This little manga-like girl was a bright spot of colour on an otherwise dreary wall!

And finally, what would Amsterdam be without some bicycle street art. The European capital for cyclists, this particular bike owner decided to make a little roving street art of his own, brightening up whatever corner he decides to use as his next parking spot.

Take a trip to Amsterdam to explore the street art for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!

I would love to take a trip to Lebanon and explore the beautiful beaches and sample the flavourful Lebanese cuisine!

Photo credit: Giorgio Montersino

Have you travelled to Mali? I’d love to hear any stories from people who have been there themselves!

Photo credit: emilio labrador

Here are some of my favourite examples of *love* found on the streets all across the globe. Have you discovered any wonderful street art dedicated to love? Share it here!

This street art heart series was wildly popular in San Francisco in 2004. Artists would create their own hearts that were placed all around the city and offered visitors and residents alike a veritable art show whilst walking around the city. Here is one of my favourite hearts from the collection – nothing says love for San Francisco like a piece including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, the green hills of Marin and a clear and sunny sky!

Photo credit: TheGirlsNY

Found on a wall in Germany, this stencil is the perfect ode to an unrequited love, with boy chasing girl. Who knows if she gave up and fell for him in the end, but sometimes the chase is the most fun!

Photo credit: madmetal

Not far from its more famous “LOVE” sculpture on Avenue of the Americas, this New York City mural is simple yet intricate but its message is clear.

Photo credit: bixentro

More stencil art here, but this time we’re headed back to San Francisco which seems to be teeming with romantic street art. One of a series of similar pieces, this stencil was found on the sidewalk and offers quite a poignant message.

Photo credit: Franco Folini

Now we’re headed all the way across the Pacific to the Australian state of Adelaide. This piece is somewhat contradictory with the man’s heart breaking whilst “I’m Your No. 1″ is printed right below. I love the way the red colour pops against the blue wall. Nice one!

Photo credit: badjonni

Finally, we’re off to the city that is known to many as the most romantic on earth – Paris, France. This street art is different from the others as it’s a work in progress that can be expanded upon by anyone passing by. Couples attach padlocks or “cadenas d’amour” to symbolise undying love for one another. Some are quite elaborate and include engraved messages, and signs that the act has been planned far in advance. Others seem to have been purchased on the fly, perhaps to commemorate new relationships that have blossomed in this city of love. Located across the Pont des Arts bridge, these love locks are the ultimate way to leave your mark in Paris and impress your partner in the meantime! This type of installation is common in Europe, and similar monuments to love can be found in Italy, Hungary and Russia.

Photo credit: portmanteaus

Many older traditions are still popular in Lesotho, including traditional housing, music and clothing that harken back to days gone by yet still manage to keep history alive in this fascinating country. Diamond and water exports are the country’s main exports though many residents live well below the poverty line. As Lesotho is susceptible to the political and cultural changes of surrounding South Africa, the country has seen many changes over the years yet it remains a stunning and remote place to visit.

Photo credit: Tjeerd