Shoreditch, London

London's urban playground and artistic hub.

TravelCurious Tip

Shoreditch is a great place to experience authentic independent cinema, and Richmix is one of the best venues.

There can be no doubting that Shoreditch is preceded by its reputation. The area’s transformation from the late 1990s onwards has been so dramatic that when other city districts around the country are similarly gentrified, the process is sometimes referred to as “Shoreditchification”. More recently, the second dot-com boom has seen the swift influx of tech companies establishing their headquarters here, often around Old Street Roundabout, which as a result is rather self-deprecatingly referred to as “Silicon Roundabout”.


Crowded at the Edge

But it’s not all about tech in Shoreditch. There’s a distinctive feel to the area, which you can see in the many old-school record shops, weathered cafes, vintage clothes stores and rampant profusion of beards of all shapes and sizes. Shoreditch isn’t quite as culturally cutting-edge as it used to be – but don’t tell that to the hipsters.


Delights for the Senses

Street food is a thriving industry in Shoreditch. You’ll find Food Village on Shoreditch High Street, a covered area selling everything from soup to curry to pulled pork sandwiches. Have a wander inside and see what takes your fancy. Burrito in hand, strike out for some of the smaller streets in the area – Shoreditch is renowned for its street art, and you’ll find a colourful kaleidoscope of pieces by Banksy, Stik, Sweet Toof and others. Rivington Street and Great Eastern Street are particularly good places to look. If you’re after an unusual night out afterwards, head to The Book Club, a quirky, inaccurately named restaurant-café which turns into a bar in the evenings – whose interior is full of ping-pong tables.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in London
Brick Lane
Brick Lane is famous for its rich Bangladeshi heritage, and recent hip regeneration.
The Ten Bells Pub
A handsome, Victorian pub in the heart of Spitalfields. Mysteriously frequented by several of Jack The Ripper's victims.
Spitalfields
Housed in a beautiful old building, this market is an eclectic mix of shopping stands and restaurants.
Beigel Bake
Iconic 24-hour bakery known for traditional Jewish-style filled bagels such as salt beef and smoked salmon.
The Boiler House Food Hall
Housed in The Old Truman Brewery’s 1830 Boiler House, are over thirty stalls of international culinary delights.
Banglatown Curry Houses
London's iconic strip of South Asian emporiums and restaurants

Related Tours

Brick Lane, Shoreditch & Spitalfields: Private Walking Tour

Explore the highlights and hidden gems of London’s East End, once an impoverished working-class district of Victorian London, today a trendy digital hub and a melting pot of different cultures, street art, music, and food.

On your private tour you will: 

  • Explore the highlights of London’s vibrant East End, including Brick Lane, Shoreditch, and Spitalfields Market;
  • See the amazing graffiti and street art around the area, including work by Banksy, Britain’s famous anonymous street artist whose first works appeared here in the East End;
  • Visit Spitalfields and Old Spitalfields Market – famous for its fierce loyalty to independent traders showcasing unique, hand-made, hard-to-find pieces of art, craft and fashion;
  • Absorb the atmosphere of the East End and its incredible diversity, from old traditional pubs to trendsetting fashion, music and street art;
  • Enjoy the amazing smells from all the many food stalls as you stroll along the vibrant Brick Lane, famous for its large Bengali community, and incredible street food;
  • Discover the undercover Brick Lane market and food halls with vintage shops and taste a wicked Hot Chocolate in Bricklane;
  • Visit the Nomadic Community Garden, a real hidden gem of the East End, stop outside Gucci Circolo for a snap and visit Black Bird Yards lovely courtyard and antique shops;
  • Walk down the buzzing Shoreditch High Street with its boutique shops;
  • End your tour at the Hackney City Farm Yard a surprising and fabulous little city farm in the middle of the East End! 


Once a working-class Victorian slum, London’s East End has transformed into the thriving epicentre of London’s art, fashion, and entrepreneurship.

From the startup hubs leading the digital economy to the art galleries, pubs, and restaurants of a vibrant social world, this truly is a remarkable part of the world’s most international city.

Explore the hidden alleys, famous markets, antique shops, boutique florists, and fashion stalls, and sample the delicious cuisine in the many food markets.

London is famously an international city, and the East End is truly a melting pot of diversity - famed for waves of Huguenot, Irish, and Jewish immigration - we now see the influence of Bangladeshi migrants, whose cuisine defines and enlivens the world-renowned Brick Lane. 

East London Graffiti & Street Art: Private Walking Tour in Shoreditch

Explore East London, recognised worldwide for its iconic street art scene, with talented local and international artists such as Banksy, Camille Walala, Mr Cenz, and Roa who have brought their art to the streets of Shoreditch.

On this private street art tour, you will:

  • Experience the dynamism and creative edge of East London’s street art and graffiti;
  • Explore the hidden Banksy Street Artworks in Shoreditch;
  • Learn about the history of the area and the rise of the artistic subculture;
  • Explore the differences between street art and graffiti;
  • Discover the diversity of fashion, art and food along the famous Brick Lane;
  • Find the best gourmet coffee, vintage clothing, and local curry houses;
  • Soak up the creative atmosphere of East London.

London’s street art is beautifully ephemeral and transforming constantly. For every fresh new work that appears, a masterpiece from yesterday may be gone, but there’s no better way for you to discover this dynamic, on-the-pulse scene than by taking a guided tour through East London, the street art mecca of the city.

With your expert tour guide, you will explore the ever-changing walls of the Shoreditch area – where shipping containers become shopping malls and train carriages are transformed into artist studios. The favourite haunt of hipsters, Shoreditch is also a veritable treasure trove of street art.

From scrawled tags to stunning murals, stencilled stick men to giant intricate animals, immerse yourself in this vibrant sea of creativity. Sometimes political, often humorous, and always imaginative, your time on this art tour will transform the way you view scribbles along walls in every city.

East London – especially Brick Lane – is synonymous with the subculture, street art and graffiti. It is also amazing for foodies, fashionistas, and bargain hunters.

As you walk along Brick Lane and its off-shoot streets with your private guide, you’ll learn all about the history of Spitalfields Market, Whitechapel and Shoreditch. 

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