Today’s Reisereporter report is about East London, more specifically Shoreditch and Spitalfields. Veronika and Dieter have been traveling to London for years and, of course, know the usual sights and highlights, such as Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and so on. Their absolute favorite area, however, is and remains East London with its multicultural food, numerous markets, cool vibe, even cooler street art, trendy shops, and, above all, the inconspicuous, hidden highlights in this area. Today, the two will reveal their absolute highlights in and around East London. Have fun browsing and trying them out!

• Off to East London
• City tours and tours
• Cool markets
• East London sights
• More highlights & Sights
• Our Food & Drink Guide
• Arriving in London
• Hotel Recommendation

Off to East London

It’s around 1 p.m. on a fall or spring day. Clouds are drifting across the sky, occasionally letting in a few rays of sunshine. Luckily, it’s not raining. We’ve just arrived from the airport and are on our way to our favorite Indian restaurant. The suits of the Financial District are rushing past with their obligatory coffee-to-go. We can already see the brick houses with the colorful billboards of the famous Brick Lane – but instead of going to one of the numerous Indian restaurants there, we’re off to Indigo in Shoreditch, where we treat ourselves to a delicious curry after our long journey.

This is usually how our annual trip to London begins, and it almost feels like coming home to us. A few years ago, we discovered our love for the English metropolis on the Thames and, as long as our work allows, take a short trip there every year. After seeing the well-known sights a few times, we chose East London, or more specifically Spitalfields and Shoreditch, as our favorite area. With our travel report, we want to take you to this alternative district, which has blossomed from a troubled area to a hip, trendy neighborhood over the past few decades, and introduce you to our favorite spots there.

City Tours and Walks

Free Walking Tour

To get a good insight into a new city—no matter where in the world—we always take a free walking tour. For those who haven’t done one before, these tours are usually led by young locals. Payment is not made in advance, but only at the end of the tour with a tip. So you can decide for yourself how much the tour was worth.

We think this concept is simply fantastic and have never been disappointed. We can recommend two providers for East London. Two years ago, we took the Jack the Ripper Night Tour with FreeToursbyFoot. It was incredibly exciting and interesting to learn more about the lives of ordinary people in East London in the 19th century and to visit the sites of the Ripper murders. Book your Jack the Rippe tour through East London* here.

Culinary Food Tour

We did the second tour last year with Strawberry Tours – a food tour where we made four stops at various culinary institutions in and around Brick Lane. A few of them absolutely blew us away – but more on that in our food tips. For both tours, we had to register online beforehand and then we could just show up at the meeting point. Strawberry Tours also offers a Street Art/Graffiti Tour, which we haven’t done yet but definitely want to try on our next visit. Book a 3-hour food tour through East London* here.

This brings us to the next point – graffiti. East London is famous for its graffiti; even Banksy has immortalized himself there. Unfortunately, we don’t know much about graffiti, but even as laypeople like us, the huge murals were totally impressive, and we couldn’t stop taking photos. It’s great fun to stroll through the streets and look at the artwork – it feels like you’re in an open-air gallery. Highly recommended. Book your graffiti tour through East London* here.

Cool Markets

Old Spitalfields Market

Another reason we keep coming back to East London is the numerous markets that take place in the area. One permanent market is the Old Spitalfields Market, one of London’s oldest. Here you can find clothing, accessories, jewelry, unusual and curiosities, as well as a not to be underestimated food court with numerous stalls and food trucks, where even the local suit-wearers of the Financial District come to get their tandoori chicken or fish and chips at lunchtime.

The whole thing is partially covered in a Victorian building that was built in 1887. It’s just so much fun to just go with the flow, pick up a souvenir or two from the friendly stall owners, and eat delicious street food in between. For us, Old Spitalfields Market is almost like a second home, and not a day goes by during our short trip without us strolling through the market at least once.

Brick Lane Market

Another market, although only held on weekends, is the enormous Brick Lane Market. On Saturdays and Sundays, part of Brick Lane transforms into a huge promenade, lined with stalls, buskers, artists, food trucks—there’s simply everything you can imagine. Although the market is visited by many tourists, it has managed to retain its alternative flair, and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Furthermore, there aren’t the typical tourist souvenirs you’d find everywhere else in the world these days; you can actually find some truly unique items.

The heart of the Brick Lane Market is a huge vintage market in the basement of a brick house. There you’ll find not only second-hand clothes, but also every other imaginable vintage item, from books and biological specimens to postcards and records. There’s something for everyone, and we often spend hours rummaging through it all. Also located on Brick Lane is the Brick Lane Bookshop, a small, charming bookshop that, in addition to the works found in any bookshop, also has a small, fine selection of non-fiction books and novels about Brick Lane and East London.

Our highlight of the Brick Lane Market, however, is the food hall, where chefs from all over the world offer their dishes. You can often sample the food, and there are so many incredibly delicious items that we always plan in advance which stall we’ll eat and when. The smell of the many different spices alone is dreamy, and as I write this, I’m already mentally back there in that hall in front of the Moroccan stall with the huge portion of “a little bit of everything.”

You often choose a bowl size (small or giant) and can then have it filled with various items. The base is usually rice, pasta, couscous, etc. The food is amazing, and for anyone who enjoys foreign food and trying new things, this market is heaven on earth.

East London Sightseeing

Spitalfields City Farm

If you’ve had enough and want to escape the hustle and bustle of Brick Lane for a while, a visit to the nearby Spitalfields City Farm is worthwhile. We discovered this little oasis by chance two years ago and were immediately thrilled by the urban gardening principle. The farm is a charity project, and locals can volunteer to help plant vegetables, fruit, and flowers, look after the animals, and more.

Tourists can visit the farm, talk to the volunteers, admire the beds and vegetable gardens, and pet the animals. There are also workshops and various events, as well as a small farm shop. On certain days, you can also buy the fruit and vegetables grown there.

Museum of London

One of our favorite museums is the Museum of London. Located near St. Paul’s Cathedral, this museum is easily accessible from East London by tube (stop: Barbican) and offers a very detailed overview of the city’s history and the living conditions of London’s population from Roman times to the present day.

Like many other museums in London, this museum is completely free. Our personal highlights are the exhibition on the Great Fire and the very accurate reconstruction of a Victorian street with shops, pubs, and other buildings. The numerous historical costumes and accessories are also very impressive.

Skygarden

As the name suggests, this is a garden above the rooftops of London. It is located on the 35th floor of a high-rise building in the financial district (20 Fenchurch Street) and was a few minutes’ walk from our accommodation. Alternatively, you can take the subway to the Monument station. If you want to visit the Skygarden, you need a free ticket, which you must print out online in advance.

You have to choose a time period. Since the Skygarden is a relatively new attraction, tickets sell out quickly and you should book early. Although admission is free, the Skygarden was not crowded when we were there. After a security check, you take an elevator to the top and then find yourself in the middle of the Skygarden – an area extending over several floors with many exotic plants and several bars.

From up there, you also have a stunning 360° view of London, including the most important landmarks such as the Tower, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the skyscrapers of the Financial District. The Skygarden is covered and resembles an oversized greenhouse. Weather permitting, you can also admire the view from an outdoor terrace. Order a beer or a glass of wine, sit on one of the fur-covered armchairs, and enjoy the view. Totally relaxing after a day exploring the city.

Dennis Severs House

Directly opposite the Point A Hotel on Folgate Street is an inconspicuous door. At first, we wondered what was behind it, because the windows were always dark and boarded up. After a bit of research, we discovered that there is a very special museum behind it. Unfortunately, we have never actually made it inside, as the tours offered were always inconvenient for us. Yes, you can only enter this museum as part of a tour.

As already mentioned, these tours unfortunately do not run every day. But this house is definitely on our to-do list! Inside, you will find ten rooms that seem to have stepped out of time, so to speak. The atmosphere is said to be simply wonderful. You immerse yourself with all your senses in an originally furnished 18th-century house – complete with music, smells, and sounds. Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed on the tour, you can certainly soak up the atmosphere.

Tower Bridge and Tower of London

Everyone probably knows these two sights, Tower Bridge* and Tower of London*, and there’s already a wealth of information and reports about them, so we don’t want to waste too much time on them. These attractions, also located in East London, are easily accessible by subway (stop: Tower Hill) and are worth seeing for more than just the Crown Jewels. Yes, both attractions are very touristy and no longer insider tips, but we still think they’re worth a visit.

Other Highlights & Sights

There are, of course, many other highlights and sights that aren’t located in East London but are still worth a visit. We’d like to introduce you to a few of these highlights in more detail.

Borough Market

A half-covered, half-open-air market where you can buy food, spices, wine, oil, and other delicacies. The prices are a bit higher, but the quality is top-notch. We always shop at Spice Mountain, a spice shop that stocks literally every spice imaginable. The market also has a few food trucks selling hot and cold dishes and pastries. Book your food tour here: Borough Market and South Bank*.

Camden Market

Probably London’s most famous market, located a little way outside the City in the north. Here, too, you’ll find clothing stores, food stalls, vintage items, etc., but the market has become a bit too touristy for us these days. The Camden district itself is very interesting – you’ll also find alternative pubs and clubs there. Discover Camden with a local host*.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a large square with a kind of mini-shopping mall, spanning several floors in an architecturally impressive hall. Some of the shops are quite unusual, and the prices are unfortunately a bit inflated, but we still go there every time for one reason: the Whittard Tea Shop. We are two absolute tea lovers, and in this shop you can find everything your heart desires.

You can sample most of the teas there, and we’ve already found the most delicious tea blends to bring home with us. (English Rose is our absolute favorite). In the large square surrounding the building, you can listen to street musicians, admire artists, or enjoy a coffee.

Tkts sales booth

When in London, it’s also worth seeing one of the numerous musicals or plays. Tickets are relatively expensive, but you can buy cheap remaining tickets at the Tkts booth in Leicester Square. There are different offers every day, and you have to wait in line for a while, but we were able to get a great deal on School of Rock on our last visit. Seeing a musical is definitely a great experience, and just walking through the West End theater district with its neon signs is absolutely impressive.

National Gallery and British Museum

Other museums worth seeing in London are the National Gallery and the British Museum. Although neither is located in East London, they are worth the detour. The National Gallery houses some of the most famous paintings. These include works by Turner, Monet, van Gogh, Rubens, and Rembrandt. The museum is located right next to Trafalgar Square.

The British Museum is one of the most important museums in the world. The imposing hall in the center of the museum alone is impressive. Other highlights of the museum include the enormous Egyptian exhibition and the world-famous Rosetta Stone. The museum is easily accessible via the Holborn tube station. Both museums are also free! Book your private tour of the National Gallery here*.

Our Food & Drink Guide

As you’ve probably already noticed from what we’ve said so far, we’re total food lovers. For us, trying local delicacies is simply part of traveling. England isn’t known for its good cuisine, but we believe that’s just a myth. East London is home to tons of great restaurants, cafes, snack bars, etc. for every budget. We’ve listed our favorites for you here:

Indigo @ Rich Mix

As mentioned above, Indigo is our absolute favorite Indian restaurant. Brick Lane is teeming with Indian restaurants, and we’ve visited a few of them, but Indigo remains our favorite. The small restaurant is located in a kind of cultural center in Shoreditch, which also houses a cinema, and is about a 20-minute walk from our hotel.

The menu is relatively small, but there’s something for every taste. We love the curries and naan bread there. Indigo recently started serving breakfast, which we’ll definitely try on our next visit. The restaurant also has a stall at Spitalfields Market, where some of the dishes are different from those served in-store. Give it a try – we hope you’re as impressed as we are.

Indian Restaurants in Bricklane

Brick Lane could also be called “Little India.” It’s lined with curry houses. This competition makes it difficult to choose the right restaurant, but this can also have its advantages. To lure passersby to their own curry temple, restaurant employees often approach tourists on the street and offer discounts. Often, with a bit of negotiation, you can actually snag a bargain. The menu is relatively similar, which is why we can’t offer a clear recommendation for one restaurant.

Poppies Fish and Chips

Entering Poppies feels like stepping into another world. The award-winning restaurant is a sort of British diner, with plenty of pictures, signs, and other knick-knacks on the walls. The waitresses are dressed in 1950s style, and the whole atmosphere is something special. There are two ways to eat at Poppies – you can either eat inside or order your fish and chips to go in a box. There are a few seats outside where you can eat your box straight away.

We recommend eating in the restaurant, however, as the atmosphere, as mentioned, is really great. The prices are a bit higher, but we think it’s worth it. Since Poppies is very popular with both locals and tourists, it’s advisable to reserve a table in advance or allow some time to wait until a table becomes available. In addition to various types of fish and chips, they also serve roast chicken and a variety of pies. As a side dish, we recommend mashed peas – a typically British mushy pea. Absolutely delicious, as are the fish and chips.

Crosstown Doughnut

We discovered this gem by chance on our last visit and went there every day of our stay. As the name suggests, they serve doughnuts in various, very unusual variations. The café has a few tables where you can sit comfortably. Crosstown also has a stall at Spitalfields Market and several other branches in various parts of London.

Bricklane Beigel Bake

This shop is a true institution on Brick Lane. It’s been there for what feels like an eternity, and it’s open 24 hours a day. Every day! At first glance, the selection seemed a bit strange. Bagels with salted meat and lots of pickles? YES! Simply a dream! We visited this shop as part of the aforementioned food tour in the morning. Maybe not exactly what you’d imagine a balanced breakfast to be, but the taste is simply amazing.

Dark Sugars Cocoa House

This small chocolate factory not only has a seemingly endless selection of small chocolates, chocolate chips, and other chocolate delights, they also make one of the best hot chocolates ever. For a small surcharge, you can add freshly grated chocolate chips on top. Simply a delight!

Oliver’s Juice Bar

This bar is actually more of a cross between an advertising column and a snack bar, and doesn’t look very inviting at first glance. This impression is deceptive, however; the smoothies and healthy shots on offer are amazing! You’ll find the bar if you walk south along Commercial Street from Spitalfields Market.

Once you arrive, you’ll be almost overwhelmed by the selection of smoothies. They offer almost every combination of fruit and vegetables. At first, we couldn’t decide what we wanted to try. Once you’ve chosen, everything is freshly prepared right in front of your eyes. We were truly impressed!

Ten Bells Pub

Whether we’ve been sightseeing, shopping, or dining, this Spitalfields institution is usually the perfect end to a successful day in London for us. Ten Bells has been around since the 18th century and has lost none of its charm. We love going to this Victorian pub and enjoying an ale at the bar or at one of the tables. The tiles on the walls could certainly tell a story or two. Jack the Ripper supposedly visited this pub and chose his victims there. Creepy!

Despite these horror stories, you shouldn’t let them stop you from visiting the Ten Bells. We could spend the whole evening there, soaking up the atmosphere and observing the various guests. There are the businessmen having a beer with colleagues after work, the tourists who’ve heard about Ten Bells, the students celebrating a birthday there, or simply couples meeting up for a date.

The selection of beer, cocktails, etc. is also not to be sniffed at. It’s also worth mentioning that there’s a second floor with its own bar. A pub quiz is held there every Tuesday. There’s a £2 entry fee to take part, but we’ve never participated.

Arriving in London

The best way to reach London is via one of the numerous airports. And the city has five: London Heathrow in the west, London Stansted in the north, London Gatwick in the south, London Luton in the northwest of the city, and the relatively new London City Airport east of the city. With so much to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice. However, this is usually done for you by the airlines you fly with. Many of the cheaper airlines have their regular airports or their hubs there. You also have to be very careful which airport you fly into and which one you take off from. These can be quite different! We only realized this once at the last moment!

Transferring into the city is actually unproblematic from all airports. Some can be reached by train, subway, or bus. Depending on your budget, this may or may not be a little cheaper. For example, from Stansted Airport, 60 km to the north, you can reach London by train in 45 minutes. However, you can also take the cheaper bus (book seats in advance!), which takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. So, you should allow plenty of time, as some airports are located a bit further outside the city.

Hotel recommendation

We have been staying at the Point A London Liverpool Street* (13-15 Folgate St, Spitalfields) for years. The hotel was recently renovated and reopened under a new name; it was previously part of the Tune chain. The rooms are very small, and some don’t have a window (although you can choose this when booking), but they are extremely clean, comfortable, and modern, and the location is simply top-notch.

The staff is also very friendly, and there is a breakfast buffet. The nearest tube station is Liverpool Street Station, a major transport hub in London, from which not only trains depart, but also four tube lines, including the Central Line, which takes you to the city center in just a few minutes.