For the tattooed traveler, there is something special about immersing yourself in the tattoo culture of a new city. Whether it is wanderlust or simply a desire to get inked, there are so many places worth visiting. In this guide, we look at the 8 top destinations to get tattooed, sharing with you some of the best artists and studios in each location. We hope that this will inspire you to take a trip and experience them for yourself.
London
Often described as a melting pot, London is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.
Unsurprisingly, this is reflected in both the experience and tattoo parlors. With so many great food spots, art galleries and so much more, it’s easy to find things to do. If you find yourself on the east side of the city, check out Vagabond Tattoo on Hackney Road. This light, contemporary parlour was voted London’s ‘No. 1 Tattoo Studio’ by Time Out. If you’re interested in bold, color traditional tattoos, resident artist Manu Santana is the guy for you.
New York
Everybody needs to visit this city once in their lifetime. New York truly has something for everyone, whether it is museums, pizza, or jazz bars, you’re sure to have an incredible time. We recommend you go to Chinatown, where you’ll find incredible dumplings, tacos and dim sum.
Whilst there, check out some of the Brooklyn tattoo shop options — this place is home to some of the best artists creating hyper-realistic or styled tattoos.
Tokyo
Japan has a deep history connected to its tattoo culture. There are many tattoo studios across the city, while each is different, there is a shared focus on keeping the traditional artform of Japanese tattooing alive. If you have a particular interest in this iconic style, then it’s certainly worth a trip. Aside from the ramen shops and amazing architecture, there are lots of things to immerse yourself in.
One of the best tattoo parlors in the area is Shiryudoh, which is run by Ron Sugano. He mixes detailed geometric designs with delicate line work and traditional motifs.
San Francisco
Known for its bold architecture — including the Golden Gate Bridge — San Francisco is an iconic city with the ocean on one side and a bay on the other. If you’re looking for incredible weather and a great café culture, this is the place to go.
Our favorite parlor in the city is Seventh Son. Owner Luke Stewart focuses on large-scale Japanese style tattoo, drawing heavily on folklore in his designs, but the city is full of cool spots for getting inked.
For those who’ve had a change of heart about their tattoos, there are quality options for Austin tattoo removal even though it’s a bit of a journey from San Francisco. It’s always good to know that options exist, whether you’re getting a new tattoo or parting with an old one.
Berlin
There’s no doubt that Berlin is the coolest city in Europe right now. Renowned for its techno clubs and thriving art scene, Berlin is the perfect choice for any culture fiend. If you’re interested in incredible linework with a distinctive style, check out Jio Tattoo.
Paris
It is hard to overplay the cultural importance of Paris and the same could be said about its tattoo parlors. Paris has long been seen as the perfect getaway for a romantic weekend, so why not get a tattoo to remember the occasion? One of the best spots is Venenum Tattoo — the roster of artists covers a range or traditional and contemporary styles. Some of our favorite work is by the artist Blum, her intricate dot work designs are easily recognizable and beautiful.
Sydney
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or hit one of the many great foodie spots, Sydney has got you covered. Besides the year-round scorching weather, the city has lots to offer, including a unique tattoo culture. A particularly popular and quirky spot is The Darling Parlour. There you’ll find a range of different styles to suit your taste. Resident artist Habby offers a playful take on traditional Japanese styles.
Hong Kong
Though for a long time it was considered taboo, Hong Kong now has an established and flourishing tattoo scene. Known for its blend of traditional and modern culture, the city offers a wide range of things to do. One of the most notable artists in Hong Kong is Jimmy Ho. He has been tattooing since 1958 and he has garnered a cult following. His mastery of traditional Chinese styles is second to none and a visit to his parlour is well worth it.
With more and more great tattooing scenes appearing across the world, there has never been a better time to enrich your experience as a tourist with getting a tattoo. Before getting a tattoo, it is important that you check the local licensing laws and whether the tattoo parlor is compliant.
Remember to do your research on the place. Most places will have reviews on the internet and pictures of the artists’ work — these can help to inform you on where to go, how much it will cost and what quality of work to expect.
