Brick Lane

The Basics

With its rich multicultural heritage and history, Brick Lane is one of east London’s must-sees. The fast pace of change and development here makes it a place worth returning to, even for those who have already explored on prior trips.

Many London walking tours hone in on Brick Lane, with food tours incorporating tastings of curries, bagels, fish-and-chips, and other local specialties. Brick Lane pub tours frequent the area’s historical Victorian watering holes as well as newer craft beer–focused bars. Other tours focus on the area’s thriving street-art scene and the more unsavory aspects of east London’s past, such as the Jack the Ripper murders. Some walking tours venture into the nearby neighborhoods of Spitalfields and Shoreditch.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Brick Lane is a must for street-art fans, foodies, vintage lovers, and urban-culture enthusiasts.

• Come hungry as Brick Lane has tons of restaurants, food stalls, and cafés you’re going to want to try.

• Brick Lane is wheelchair accessible, and some—though not all—restaurants and bars here offer step-free access.

How to Get There

Brick Lane is situated in Whitechapel in east London. To get there, take the Tube (District or Hammersmith & City line) to Aldgate East; the south end of Brick Lane is two minutes’ walk away. Alternatively, ride the Overground train to Shoreditch High Street station, which is a 5-minute walk from the north end of Brick Lane.

When to Get There

The best day to visit Brick Lane is on a Sunday, as many of the local markets are hosted on this day. Sundays are typically the busiest day, so if you don’t want to deal with crowds, go midweek instead.

The Markets of Brick Lane

Street vendors are an integral part of life on Brick Lane, and you can’t go far without stumbling across a stall. Browse clothing, crafts, and food at the Sunday Upmarket at the Old Truman Brewery. Petticoat Lane Market, one of London’s oldest markets, takes place every day except Saturday on Middlesex and Wentworth streets, which branch off from Brick Lane. The daily Old Spitalfields Market, housed in a restored Victorian market hall, and the open-air Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays only) are within walking distance of Brick Lane.

Ways to explore

With its rich multicultural heritage and history, Brick Lane is one of East London’s must-visit neighborhoods. The fast pace of change and development here makes it a place worth returning to, even if you’ve been before.

Many London food tours hone in on Brick Lane, incorporating tastings of curries, bagels, fish and chips, and other local specialties. Brick Lane pub tours frequent the area’s historical Victorian watering holes as well as newer craft beer–focused bars. Other tours focus on the thriving street-art scene or darker aspects of East London’s past, such as the Jack the Ripper murders.

Accessibility

Brick Lane can be very crowded, which may make accessibility challenging for travelers using wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Umbrella, reusable shopping bags, water bottle, reusable coffee cup

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, small bag (navigating crowds with a large backpack isn’t fun)

Not allowed

Driving at certain times, drinking alcohol in public

Amenities

There are public restrooms at Whitechapel station and within The Truman Brewery.

Address

Brick Lane is situated in Whitechapel, East London. It’s not within comfortable walking distance of most central London attractions, so take public transportation instead.

Driving

Driving in central London isn’t recommended due to congestion and difficulty (and expense) of parking. If you must, aim to park at a parking lot or garage in the area and walk to Brick Lane, rather than drive to the lane itself—parts of it are pedestrianized at certain times.

Public transportation

To get to Brick Lane by tube, take the District or Hammersmith & City lines to Aldgate East; the south end is a 2-minute walk away. Alternatively, ride the Windrush overground line to Shoreditch High Street station, which is a 5-minute walk from the north end.

Best times to visit

Brick Lane is pedestrianized from 5.30pm to 11pm on Thursday and Friday evenings, and between 11am and 1pm on weekends and public holidays.

Best days to visit

Sundays are typically busiest, thanks to the markets. If you don’t want to deal with crowds, go midweek instead.

Best months to visit

London is a year-round destination, but strolling down Brick Lane is generally most pleasant in the warmer months of May to September. London is generally busier in this season, though.

Special events

The Brick Lane Jazz Festival is held in April, and the Brick Lane Carnival is in July.