How to read the map
Green cities have no general busking permit: you can play acoustic music in public places as long as you keep the footpath clear, keep the volume reasonable and move on when asked. A green dot does not mean anything goes. Markets, malls, parks and stations often have their own rules.
Orange cities ask every busker to hold a permit or licence before playing. Some issue it on the spot, some by appointment, and a few audition performers first.
Blue cities are free in most places but need a permit in certain areas, such as a busy mall, a waterfront or the subway, or when you use an amplifier.
Red cities ban busking, or limit it so tightly in the centre that most performers cannot play there.
Common questions
Where is busking allowed without a permit?
In many cities you can play acoustic music in public places without a permit, as long as you keep the footpath clear, keep the volume reasonable and move on when asked. Those are the green dots on the map. Amplifiers, malls, markets and transit stations often have their own rules, so open the city card before you play.
Do you need a permit to busk?
It depends on the city. Some require a permit for everyone, some only in certain areas or when you use an amplifier, and some have no busking permit at all. Tap a city on the map for its rule and a link to the official page.
How much does a busking permit cost?
It ranges from free to a few hundred dollars a year, and some cities charge by the day or the month. Each city card shows the fee the city publishes.
How up to date is this map?
Each city was checked against its official pages in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the city before you play. Cities whose rules could not be confirmed are left off the map.
Can I take card tips while busking?
Yes. A QR code on a sign beside your case lets people tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay from their own phone, with no app to install. A few cities limit collecting money, and the city card says so where that applies.
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