East End

The Basics

For many visitors, the East End offers not only a glimpse into the city’s past, but also a chance to experience the “real” London. Walking tours offer insight into East London history, from Victorian slums to 20th-century gangsters; a chance to sample delicious street food; or a look at the area’s famous street art.

Alternatively, brave an after-hours ghost tour to follow in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper; discover hip bars and live music in Shoreditch; enjoy Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine along London’s “Curry Mile,”; or bargain-hunt at renowned Spitalfields Market.

Things to Know Before You Go

• London’s East End is much bigger than it seems; don’t plan to see it all in one day, and consider taking a tour to help you get your bearings.

• The East End is generally no more dangerous than other areas of London; if you visit at night, stick to busy areas and take a taxi.

• Wheelchair-accessible stations include Shoreditch High Street Overground and Stratford Overground and Underground.

How to Get to There

The sprawling neighborhoods of the East End stretch north and east of the City of London, but there are no official boundaries to the district. Shoreditch, Bethnal Green, and Whitechapel lie just east of central London, with Dalston and Hackney to the north and Stratford farther east. All the main East End neighborhoods are linked by underground trains and buses to the West End. The closest airport is London City Airport.

When to Get There

There’s something to do in the East End every day of the week. Head there during the day to sightsee, visit after sundown to sample the nightlife, or join locals on market day (Sunday) to explore Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane Market, or Columbia Road Flower Market.

Exploring Stratford in London’s East End

Another popular spot is Stratford, which underwent a makeover after the Olympic Games took over the city in 2012. The vast Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the main draw, with walking trails, boat cruises, public art displays, and the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower. Right next door is Westfield Stratford City shopping mall, one of the largest in the UK with more than 250 shops, a huge food court, movie theaters, a bowling alley, and a casino.

Ways to explore

For many visitors, the East End offers not only a glimpse into the city’s past but also a chance to experience the “real” London. East London tours range from food-themed itineraries that sample delicious local delicacies, walking tours that visit the area’s street art, and history excursions that explore its past, from Victorian slums to 20th-century gangsters.

Alternatively, brave an after-hours ghost tour to follow in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper, discover hip bars and live music in Shoreditch, enjoy Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine along London’s “Curry Mile,” or bargain-hunt at Spitalfields Market. Welcome to London beyond the postcards.

Accessibility

Most main attractions and streets are wheelchair accessible, though some historic buildings may have limited accessibility. Shoreditch High Street and Whitechapel stations have step-free access.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, camera, water bottle, contactless payment card for public transport

What to wear

Comfortable clothing in layers

Not allowed

Photography restrictions in some galleries and museums, no smoking in public areas

Amenities

Public toilets in shopping areas and museums, free Wi-Fi in many public spaces, shops, restaurants, cafés

Address

London’s East End starts east of the Tower of London and east of the historic city walls. It’s accessible in several ways, though public transportation is the most popular.

Driving

While you could drive to London’s East End, navigating through central London isn’t recommended due to congestion charges, limited parking, and heavy traffic. If necessary, use the A13 or A11 from the M25, and look for public car parks near Brick Lane or Spitalfields Market.

Public transportation

The East End is best reached via the tube. Take the District or Hammersmith & City lines to Whitechapel or Aldgate East stations, or the Windrush overground line to Shoreditch High Street. Numerous bus routes serve the area, including 8, 15, 25, 205, and 254.

Best times to visit

Weekday mornings are best for quiet exploration. Alternatively, head out in the evening for dining and to experience the area’s buzzy nightlife.

Best days to visit

Thursday to Sunday are the best days to visit, as that’s when most markets are open. Come Thursday for late-night gallery openings in Shoreditch or Sunday for Brick Lane Market and Columbia Road Flower Market.

Best months to visit

May through September offer pleasant weather and outdoor events; December boasts festive markets and light displays.

Special events

Brick Lane Festival (September), Whitechapel Gallery exhibitions (year-round), Spitalfields Music Festival (June), London Coffee Festival (April), Shoreditch Design Triangle (September), and Bethnal Green’s Winter Lights (December).