7 Amazing Things to do in Shoreditch, London
Shoreditch, located in the east end of London, is a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood that offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. From exploring the street art and grafitti to visiting vintage shops and markets like Brick Lane Market, and checking out the nightlife in Commercial Street, and independent cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this guide will provide you with 6 amazing things to do in Shoreditch. Before we delve into 6 amazing things to do in Shoreditch, here are some questions people ask.
What is cool about Shoreditch?
Shoreditch is a vibrant and trendy neighbourhood in Lonodn, known for its eclectic mix of cultures, vibrant nightlife, and cutting edge art scene. Here are some of the things that make Shoreditch cool:
The Street Art
Shoreditch is home to some of the best street art in the world, with colourful murals and grafitti adorning the walls of buildings through the neighbourhood. Take a walk around the streets and discover hidden gems like the giant Banksy mural on Rivington Street.
The markets
Shoreditch is home to several vibrant markets, where you can find everything from vintage clothing and handmade jewellery to delicious street food.
The nightlife
Shoreditch is known for its lively nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out with friends or a more relaxed evening, you’re sure to find something to your taste in Shoreditch.
The art galleries
Shoreditch is home to several world-class art galleries, including the Tate Modern, which houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art.
The diversity
Shoreditch is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world living and working in the neighbourhood. This diversity is reflected in the food, music, and art of Shoreditch, making it a vibrant and exciting place to visit.
1. Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane Market, open only on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm, is an area where you’ll find working-class people selling second-hand goods with their British cockney accents. Although the area appears impoverished, it’s one of the most expensive places to live in London, with its character-filled properties, such as Fournier Street, which still exudes the Georgian style of the 17th-18th century. The market comprises five different sections: Truman Markets, Backyard Market, Sunday Markets, Boiler House Food Hall, Ely’s Yard Street Food, and Vintage Markets. The Brick Lane Vintage Market is a large three-story vintage warehouse, offering a vast array of vintage products ranging from denim jeans to funky boots. The market also features handmade bespoke products such as candles, jewellery, furniture, and ornaments. The market offers a plethora of products and activities, with over 200 market stalls selling vintage clothes, making it a perfect spot for a half-day trip.
Upon entering the vintage warehouse, you’ll be greeted by a photo booth where you can take fun snaps with friends. The entrance is decorated with several photos taken at the booth. A vintage “Coors Light” bomber jacket and a bright red “Budweiser” jacket are hung at the top of the wall, while the bottom is filled with hundreds of American football jerseys and t-shirts to choose from. If you can’t take photos, don’t worry; make sure to follow @vintageparadiseuk on Instagram and @vintagaparadise_uk on TikTok to see what you can find. You can also check out olifowler.com and @oli.fowlerart on Instagram for wall arts. On the other side of the warehouse, a white-walled area feels more spacious and is where traders sell bespoke handmade products, such as candles, jewellery, furniture, and general ornaments. You can easily spend half a day exploring this warehouse.
2. Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields is just a short walk from Brick Lane Market. Here, a large 19th-century khaki-green building houses high-end designer fashion boutiques and small outlets selling handmade jewelry and unique boutique items at affordable prices. Inside the building, you’ll find a vast Victorian market hall filled with crowds of people, making it challenging to navigate. While reading the market’s history, you’ll hear and see the same products sold by stall traders in the 17th century, now with a modern twist. Read on for more about my experience at Spitalfields Market.
3. Box Park Shoredith
Boxpark Shoreditch is a trendy pop-up mall constructed from shipping containers, located in the heart of Shoreditch, London. The vibrant atmosphere of the space is buzzing with a youthful energy that caters to the eclectic mix of visitors who come to browse the unique retail shops, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a drink at one of the many bars. The mall features over 60 independent brands that offer an array of products, from clothing to tech gadgets, as well as a variety of international cuisine and drinks. Boxpark Shoreditch is a great spot for anyone looking for an alternative shopping experience and a fun day out in one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods.
4. Jack the Ripper Tour
The Jack the Ripper Tour is a popular and eerie attraction for those interested in the dark history of London. The tour takes visitors on a journey through the streets of Whitechapel, where Jack the Ripper committed his gruesome murders in the late 1800s. One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Ten Bells Pub, where two of Jack the Ripper’s victims were said to have visited before their deaths. The pub still retains its Victorian-era charm and is a popular spot for visitors to grab a drink and soak in the macabre history of the area. The Jack the Ripper Tour is a must-see for those interested in the chilling tales of one of London’s most infamous serial killers.
5. Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery
One of the most popular spots in Shoreditch is the Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery, a family-run Jewish bakery that has been serving fresh bagels since 1974. Located on Brick Lane, this shop is always buzzing with locals and tourists alike, and the line is always long. Despite the wait, it’s definitely worth it to try their famous salt beef bagel with mustard, a popular choice among customers. The bagels are freshly baked and are always served warm, making for a delicious and satisfying treat. It’s no wonder this bakery has become a beloved institution in the area, and I highly recommend stopping by for a taste of their delicious bagels.
6. Grafitti
Brick Lane is famous for its vibrant and eclectic street art scene, and the abundance of graffiti is one of the first things that comes to mind when people think of the area. The walls of the buildings are adorned with colorful and intricate murals, tags, and graffiti art that express various themes, ideas, and messages. The street art scene in Brick Lane is constantly evolving and changing, with new pieces appearing frequently. Some of the most famous and iconic pieces of graffiti in the area include the giant white bird mural, the ‘Love’ mural by artist Ben Eine, and the portrait of Amy Winehouse. Walking through Brick Lane is like walking through an outdoor art gallery, and there is always something new and interesting to discover.
Taking a graffiti tour in Shoreditch, London is a great way to explore and appreciate the diverse and vibrant street art scene in the area. The tour will take you through the streets and alleys, where you can admire a variety of styles and techniques displayed on walls, buildings, and even doors. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the art form, and they will share stories and insights about the artists and their work. You’ll have the opportunity to see works by world-renowned artists such as Banksy and Stik, as well as discover emerging talents. The tour also offers a chance to learn about the history and culture of the neighborhood, and how graffiti has played a role in shaping it. It’s an unforgettable experience that allows you to see London from a different perspective, and appreciate the beauty and creativity of graffiti art.
7. Regent’s Canal
The Regent’s Canal is a 14-mile (23km) long canal in London that connects the River Thames at Limehouse to the Grand Union canal at Brentford. It was built between 1812 and 1820 to provide a direct water route between the City of London and the Midlands, and was an important trade route for many years. Today, the canal is used primarily for leisure purposes, and is a popular area for boating, fishing, and walking.
The Regent’s Canal passes trhough Shoreditch where you’ll see 18th century Georgian houses lined with colourful houseboats. You’ll be able to stroll along the canal if you prefer a peaceful atmosphere and get away from the hustle and bustle of the Shoreditch crowds.
My experiece in Shoreditch, London
Upon stepping out of Shoreditch Overground Station, my attention was immediately drawn to the vibrant graffiti adorning the quiet, fenced area beneath the bridge. While it was evident that the space was primarily used for transportation purposes, the atmosphere felt somewhat eerie. Upon turning left, I couldn’t help but notice the numerous locks fastened to the steel fence, a detail that went largely unnoticed by passersby. As I made my way towards the main road, I observed the colourful graffiti on the opposite side of the wall and marveled at the artistic nature of the area. Along the way, I noticed various sights, such as the red Boris bikes available for rent, a poster featuring Lourdes Leon, and a garage covered in multicoloured graffiti. As I entered the former car park, I was greeted by a cluster of working-class vendors selling various items, including used shoes and inexpensive household essentials. The entire experience felt more like a flea market than a traditional shopping area. Despite the somewhat rundown feel of the side road leading to Brick Lane Market, I appreciated the vintage atmosphere and the hint of 19th Century charm.
Conclusion
Shoreditch, London is a unique and vibrant area with a rich history and culture. It is well known for its street art and graffiti, which can be explored through a graffiti tour. The tour takes you through the streets of Shoreditch, showcasing some of the most iconic and impressive pieces of art. Aside from the graffiti, the area is also home to Box Park, an innovative retail and dining concept made up of recycled shipping containers. Brick Lane is another must-see attraction, filled with a diverse range of vintage shops, street food, and markets. The Spitalfields Market is also located nearby, offering visitors a variety of food, drinks, and handmade crafts. For those interested in history, the Jack the Ripper tour takes you through the area where the infamous serial killer committed his gruesome crimes. Overall, Shoreditch is an exciting and eclectic neighborhood that offers something for everyone.
While the crowds have returned since the pandemic, the overall vibe of the area is different than it was pre-COVID. The open-spaced area where people used to eat and drink on a summer day is now empty, and the red double-decker bus that used to serve fast food has vanished. Despite this, the market is still bustling with activity and is a young, vibrant, and multicultural destination that is not to be missed.
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