At some point in history graffiti became known as street art. Despite having been given the title ‘art’, some still question the ‘artistic’ merits of this form of expression.

Whether you love it or hate it, London is home to a mass of street art displays and even tours, with this year’s Olympic Games even getting in on the street art act. Here is a rundown on where you can find the best street art in London.

Hackney Wick is the Olympic Stadium’s neighbour and, in recent years, has experienced an explosion of colourful displays of street art.

The 4^th Plinth in Trafalgar Square is another home of the controversial modern art. Three of the four plinths near the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square have statues of George IV and two generals, while the 4^th was intended to be the home for the horse, but was left empty for 150 years, due to, as the story goes, a lack of funding. Since 1999 the 4^th plinth has been a display for specially commissioned street art.

Of course when talking about the best street art in London, the name Bansky invariably crops up. The guerrilla artist’s work has taken London by storm and many of Bansky’s street art displays can be seen on unexpected walls across London.

Lewisham, with more than 60 street art displays scattered around the borough, is another haven for street art enthusiasts in London.

Spitalfields is another regular home of street and public art displays. Paul Cox’s ‘Spitalfields Spirit’ is currently installed in Bishop’s Square. Cox’s display of oversized white rabbits are supposed to represent the tight-knit communities of the East End.