Everything You Need to Survive, Thrive, and Make Memories on the Street
Busking is more than just standing on a street corner with a guitar. It’s freedom. It’s survival. It’s hustle. It’s community. It’s putting your heart out there for the world—and sometimes the world throws coins, sometimes insults, and sometimes... magic. I’ve busked across Berlin, London, Italy, Spain, Prague, Budapest, Australia—even along the rugged coastline between France and Spain. This guide is everything I’ve learned from years on the street, with the good, the bad, and the hilarious. If you’re dreaming about it, curious, or about to head off with a guitar and a suitcase, this is for you. Carl Travels uses Cookiebot to manage cookie consent, ensuring GDPR compliance.
🎭 What is Busking?
Busking (street performance) can take countless forms:
- Musicians (guitarists, singers, drummers, violinists)
- Magicians and circle shows
- Fire twirlers and living statues
- Mimes, clowns, comedians
- Human statues
Most common? A singer with a guitar. But honestly—I’ve seen everything.
🌍 Busking Rules Around the World
Every city, country, and even district can have its own rules. Sometimes you need a permit. Sometimes you don’t. Sometimes nobody cares. Here’s a snapshot from places I’ve personally busked:
| City | Rules |
|---|---|
| Berlin | Free-for-all. Play respectfully and you’re fine. |
| London | No permit needed in spots like Trafalgar Square. For the Tube (Underground), you must audition and apply. |
| Melbourne | Permits and auditions needed for main streets like Bourke Street Mall and Swanston Street. |
| Rome | Technically you need a permit, but street enforcement is relaxed. |
| Prague | Need a license for amplified music in tourist areas. |
| Budapest | Very relaxed. Margaret Island is wide open. |
🛑 Golden Rule of Busking Europe: "Ask for forgiveness, not permission." (But always stay respectful.)
🚨 How to Handle Permits
If you’re only passing through for a few days:
- Just play.
- Permits often take weeks or months to obtain—not worth it if you're there for a weekend.
- Be respectful, be friendly if police approach you, and be ready to move if needed.
- At your own risk, of course.
🎤 Essential Performance Tips (Focused on Musicians)
1. Amplification Is Everything
Switching to an amp changed my entire busking career. My earnings doubled or tripled overnight.
- People hear you better
- You seem more professional
- You attract larger crowds
But—don’t blast. Keep it clean and respectful. You want to be heard, not hated.
2. Have a Killer Sign
Your sign is your silent salesman. It can:
- Introduce you
- Share your socials
- Add humor
- Boost tips
Signs I’ve used:
- “Neigh Kid Horse” (my busking persona—horse mask + underwear + guitar)
- "Need money for horse things"
- "Will neigh for tips"
Signs made a huge difference in engagement and earnings.
3. Pick the Right Time of Day
Some buskers love drunk night crowds. Me? I preferred the mornings (11:30 AM):
- People hadn’t spent their money yet
- I was often the first busker they saw
- Safer, calmer, less chaos
Psychology tip: People often give to the first busker they see—they feel like they’ve done their good deed for the day.
4. Smart Placement of Your Tip Container
Not too close = awkward. Not too far = disconnected.
Ideal: About one metre from you—easy to approach, non-threatening.
🛠️ Always seed the case with a few coins and a small note first thing. Empty cases = no social proof.
💰 How Much Can You Actually Make?
Let’s talk real numbers:
| Type of Day | Personal Earnings |
|---|---|
| Worst Day | 50 cents |
| Average Day | €40–€60 per hour |
| Great Day | €100+ per hour |
| Best Day Ever | €300 total (about €100/hour for three hours) |
⚖️ But, The Bigger Picture: Most buskers worldwide? Average around $15 USD an hour. Only a small handful ever hit $1000 in an hour—and those few are now successful musicians touring the world.
🎵 Busking Reality: Most days are a grind. Some days are gold. If you have talent and the right spot—it can launch you.
📍 My Favourite Busking Spots (and Why)
After years on the road, here are my absolute favourite places:
- 🌟 East Side Gallery, Berlin: Best money spot. Huge tourist foot traffic. Open spaces, lively crowd, supportive vibe.
- 🌟 Mauerpark, Berlin (Sunday Flea Market): Not always the best for cash. But the pure fun and energy of the crowd is unbeatable.
- 🌟 Margaret Island Bridge, Budapest: Relaxed local and tourist mix. Peaceful vibe. Great tipping culture.
- 🌟 El Médano, Tenerife (Spain): Laid-back beach town. Tourists were generous. Warm weather and beautiful sunsets while playing.
🚫 My Worst Busking Experience: Swanston Street, Melbourne
Swanston Street was rough:
- Needed a permit.
- Needed to audition.
- Hardly anyone tipped.
- Felt like people viewed buskers more like beggars than entertainers.
Australia in general has become more cashless, which hurts casual busking income. Honestly? Berlin, Budapest, Spain—10x better for buskers.
🐎 Personal Story: Becoming "Neigh Kid Horse"
In Berlin, I needed something different to stand out. So I put on a horse mask, stripped to my underwear, slung my guitar over my shoulder, and started neighing between songs.
It was ridiculous. It was hilarious. And it worked.
Crowds gathered. Phones came out. Kids laughed. Tips flowed. Some days I made €200–€300 in just a few hours. Just by leaning into something stupid, fun, and memorable.
🌎 Where Busking Works Best
Cash cultures = better busking.
Best Countries I've Played In:
- Germany 🇩🇪
- Spain 🇪🇸
- Hungary 🇭🇺
- Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Tougher Places:
- Australia 🇦🇺 (more cashless society, colder tipping culture)
- Big cities with harsh regulations (e.g., Paris, NYC)
🛠️ Final Tips for New Buskers
- Always have old coins in your case when starting.
- Invest in a solid battery amp (Roland, Bose, etc.).
- Bring water, snacks, sunscreen—it’s real work.
- Protect your gear—weather, thieves, accidents.
- Smile—even when no one tips.
- Rotate spots—don’t overstay your welcome.
🎤 Final Thoughts
Busking isn’t just about the money. It’s about connection, resilience, and performance under pressure. You’ll:
- Meet people from all over the world
- See humanity at its rawest
- Build confidence you never knew you had
Some days will suck. Some days will be pure magic. But every day on the street is a day you're living your art, not just dreaming about it. And trust me—that's worth more than any coin in your case.
I’ve also made two documentaries about Berlin’s busking scene. Check them out below:
Berlin Busking Documentary (2013, Released 2014)
This first documentary shows insights into how I got started and includes interviews with 9 other buskers.
Busk Life: Berlin Busking Sequel (2023)
Filmed 10 years later, this sequel revisits Berlin’s vibrant busking scene.
Check out more on my YouTube channel!