As a tour guide in London, I notice that a lot of my guests have heard of Brick Lane, but aren't quite sure what it is, or what to do there. So in this post I am going to share all the information you need for your visit to Brick Lane including how to get there, what to do, and where to eat!
I'll be using my personal experiences from 20 years of living in London, as well as suggestions from other locals and visitors to put together a comprehensive guide to make the most out of your visit.
- How to Get Here
- Things to Do
- Where and What to Eat
- Things to Do Nearby
- Tips From Locals and Travellers
Brick Lane is a road in London's East End, located just outside the boundary of the Square Mile. The neighbourhood has been home to different waves of immigrants throughout the centuries and today is a cultural hotspot for fashion, food, music and art. It's a popular place for visitors and locals owing to the plethora of independent shops, iconic street art, the famous vintage markets, and it's ever increasing culinary reputation. A lot of people consider it "real London" and I think a visit to our city isn't complete without a trip to Brick Lane.
HOW TO GET TO BRICK LANE
Brick Lane is on the edge of East London, near the boarder with the City of London. The street itself runs from Swanfield Street up to Whitechapel Road and is about 3/4 of a mile long (although most of the places I visit, and that I'll talk about below, are located on the upper half of the street).
Nearest Underground Stations:
- Aldgate East - Hammersmith & City line (At the Southern end of Brick Lane)
- Liverpool Street Station - Metropolitan, Circle, and Central, Hammersmith & City and the Elizabeth Lines (Near the middle of Brick Lane) To me, this is the most convenient station to use!
- London Overground to Shoreditch High Street Station (At the Northern end of Brick Lane)
Bus Lines:
- 388, 8
TIP: I have more information on navigating the London Underground here.
TOP THINGS DO, EXPERIENCE AND EAT
Whether you’re hungry, thirsty, looking for something to do, or hoping to find a bargain - this is the place to do it! Honestly, Brick Lane has it all. I love to go there for vintage shopping and for eating but I'll also occasionally just have a stroll along to see the Street Art and check out what's new in the area. It's the kind of place where I feel like you can while away hours just soaking up the atmosphere.
Go on a Street Art Tour
This isn't just the top of my list by happenstance - seeing the graffiti and street art in London's East End is one of my top recommendations of things to do in London as a whole. Brick Lane is absolutely blanketed in street art and it changes all the time, which is one of the reasons I visit the area so often! I never know what new works I am going to see which makes it an exciting visit each time.
In fact, Banksy just did a series of pieces throughout the city and one of the new ones is on Brick Lane. The group on our East End Street Art Tour were some of the first people in the whole country to see it! I've also been lucky enough to go on the tour and stumble across artists creating new work as I watched.
There are a few companies that offer street art tours in the East End but ours is, hands down, the best. Ours runs multiple times a week and is led by artists, locals, and experts ready to share their knowledge and their favourite neighbourhood with you. Our guides will take you to places to show you hidden works that even I could not have found without them so sign up and come join us. You'll even get a chance to make some of your own art, too!
Go Vintage Hunting
I am a big fan of vintage clothing, and finding second-hand treasures, so I often travel to Brick Lane specifically for that. I always encourage my visitors to go for a rummage as I think that souvenirs from gift shops are fine, but finding a cool piece of clothing to take home as a reminder of your time in London is such a better choice.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market is my favourite go-to because it's open 7 days a week and features vintage specialists from all across Europe who only trade at this specific location. It's the largest vintage market in the UK and I have seen everything there: wedding dresses, leather jackets, retro sunglasses, old handbags, etc. I can spend hours there and never get bored and I don't think I've ever left empty-handed.
Aside from the spacious indoor market, there are also a number of vintage shops selling clothing and accessories on Brick Lane that are definitely worth exploring to find yourself a hidden bargain: Rokit (a little pricey, in my opinion, but worth a look), Beyond Retro (they have a few locations throughout the UK and always have a great selection), and Atika London Village (more of a culture hub than a shop, they always have events on with artists and musicians so take a look to see what the schedule is while you're in town).
Enjoy a Food Tour
When I travel, my favourite thing to do is plan out what I'm going to eat as I think the best way to get to know a country is through its' food! Sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed wading through reviews and Instagram trying to decide where to find the best local hot spots in new cities, so for your London visit, I would suggest letting us take the lead and take you to our favourite East London eateries on our East London Food Tour.
The story of London’s East End is played out in the sights, smells, and tastes of Brick Lane. Immigrants from all over the world have called this area home - and they brought their food with them! So this tour is really a way of tasting the history of our city through a number of delicious treats.
We include 4-5 stops on the tour including savoury and sweet options. I have a sweet tooth, so the desserts are always my favourite part of any food tour, but I find our guests get most excited by the traditional salt beef beigels (from London's oldest and best bakery) and, of course, the classic fish & chips (from the best chippy in the city - where the locals always go).
Visit a Market
I've already mentioned my love for vintage shopping on Brick Lane but if vintage and clothes aren't your style, don't worry the Brick Lane Market on Sundays is a treasure trove!
A lot of my guests ask where real locals shop at the Brick Lane Market is one of those places - we love it and you honestly never know what you'll find. There's second-hand goods, handmade crafts, vintage furniture, used books, antiques, art and plenty of tasty food, too.
The last time I visit they had street performers doing magic tricks which gave it a bit of a surreal vibe but it fit in perfectly with the eclectic vibe of the neighbourhood. I've also seen live music at the Sunday Market - it really is a place where people just come to browse and hang out.
Buy a Vinyl or Hear some Music at Rough Trade East
I am one of those people who bought a record player within the last few years (there are loads of us in London) so finding vinyls has become a bit of a hobby of mine. One of the best places to pick up records is Rough Trade East.
Operating since the 1970s, Rough Trade is an independent record shop located in the Old Truman Brewery, which is such a cool venue. They have exclusive releases as well as second-hand records and even a bar (my favourite part).
If you aren't in the market to buy any vinyl, it's worth a visit anyway as they have musical acts performing constantly. I have gone to a couple great DJ sets and also seen some big names take the stage, like The Hives. Sometimes the musical acts will mill around after the performance so it's a great chance to meet some talented and fascinating people!
Grab a Good Book
Once I've put one of my records on, it's time to relax with a good book! I can't walk past a book store without going inside and lucky for me, there is a great one here on Brick Lane.
The Brick Lane Bookshop is an independent bookstore that has been operating here for over 30 years. With dozens of categories of literature in stock, there is bound to be something to pique your interest - and purchases here help to support the local owners and staff (who are always super friendly and helpful).
Much like Rough Trade, they also host events at the shop like talks, Q&A's and signings. They also have a podcast that I enjoy listening to so if you love literature as much as I do, check it out.
Explore the Old Truman Brewery
Previously a London brewery, the Old Truman Brewery is now a cultural hub of London’s East End. This is where places like Rough Trade, that I mentioned above, call home. It's home to dozens of businesses and is an art and media centre.
Honestly, I can spend a full day here! There are shops, markets, bars and also art galleries that showcase art from local artist which I always think is great. Sometimes the artists are there, too, so I get a chance to chat with them.
With live performances, events, and exhibitions all year ‘round, the Old Truman Brewery is a must-see for anybody wanting to get the feeling for the “real” Brick Lane.
Buy Some Crafts
I love handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind pieces so Backyard Market is one of my top places to shop. Also located in the Truman Brewery, they specialise in arts and crafts made by locals.
All the goods sold there are made by independent craftspeople so it's also a fun way for me to support local businesses.
From jewellery to clothing, bric a brac to home goods, and art to crafted snacks (check out the Korean corndogs - my favourite!!) this is a showcase of London's artisanal styles! There is honestly something for every one.
Visit the Brick Lane Tea Rooms
There's always time for tea! If you need a break during your busy day exploring Brick Lane and the surrounding streets, consider a break at the Brick Lane Tea Rooms.
They serve up great coffee, excellent tea and some of the most delicious baked goods I've ever had (the chocolate muffins are to die for). As you'll know by now, I like to shop and explore and the Tea Rooms let me do that, too, as it isn't just a cafe but doubles as a vintage market!
See the Unique Brick Lane Mosque
This is a stop on a few of our London walking tours, just because it has such unique history!
One of London's most unique buildings, the Brick Lane Mosque has been a site of worship for Christians, Jews, and Muslims throughout its varied history.
Originally built in 1743, it began as a Protestant chapel for London's French Huguenots who had fled France to escape persecution by the Catholics. In 1891 it became the Spitalfields Great Synagogue, used by Jewish refugees who had fled Russia and Central Europe.
And in the 1970s it was transformed into a mosque for the Bangladeshi community who flocked here looking for work and a better life. If walls could talk, I think this building would tell me quite the story!
I don't worship here but I have gone inside just to experience the tranquil settings and take in the history of the building. The staff are friendly and it's almost always open so make sure to stop by while you're in the area.
WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT IN BRICK LANE
Have Indian and Bangladeshi Food
Brick Lane is the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community and is sometimes referred to as Banglatown.
In fact, I love to point out to my guests that the street signs here are in English AND Bangladeshi!
This means that there’s no better place to try authentic Bangladeshi cuisine. This isn't just my opinion, though, it's a fact accepted by all Londoners! Known locally as the “Curry Mile” Brick Lane is host to dozens of the most delicious and best curry houses serving up some of the best - and cheapest - south Asian cuisine in the city.
My favourite place to go is Aladin (the stuffed paratha is life changing) but, honestly, you almost can't go wrong with any of the restaurants on the street. One of the things I like about dining here is that all the restaurants are in competition for customers which means the prices are low. I've never paid more than £30.00 for three courses and a drink! Also, a lot of the restaurants are open late so my friends and I like to head here after spending time at the nearby pubs.
Eat a Traditional Jewish Beigel
Founded in 1974, Beigel Bake is a London icon that produces 7,000 beigels every day!
Open 24 hours, this bakery focuses on Jewish-style beigels (bagels) which you can order with fillings such as hot salt beef, chopped herring, and cream cheese and salmon (just to name a few!).
I've mentioned above that I have a sweet tooth and Beigel Bake has me covered on that front too with their fresh made donuts. They only dish up goods to go so I like to grab my food and eat while I stroll along looking at the art on the road. Also it gets VERY busy at lunch time (although I find the queue moves very quickly) and the staff want guests in and out as fast as possible so I always have my order ready and my contactless card out before I Get to the counter to keep things moving as quickly as possible. I'd recommend you do the same!
They don’t have a website (it’s not that kind of place) so head down and check it out for yourself: 159 Brick Lane, London E1 6SB.
Taste the Best Chocolates of Your Life
Dark Sugars isn’t just a chocolate shop, it’s an experience!
Here you can get your fill of handmade chocolates, truffles, and numerous tasty treats. They also have vegan chocolate which my friends tell me is the best in the city.
The friendly staff is always on hand to guide you through the dozens of chocolates on offer and there are usually plenty of samples to be had - last time I went they had three different types on offer to try.
The types of chocolate change depending on the season but the salted caramel is almost always there and is my top recommendation. In the wintertime, their incredible hot chocolate cannot be beaten and looks like the kind of creation made in another world! The only reason I am sad when winter is over is because I know I have to wait 0 months until I can get my hands on it again!
But, in the summertime, unique and delicious ice creams are available to satisfy my sweet tooth and keep me cool!
Visit the Upmarket
I am at the Upmarket constantly because I LOVE to eat and now that they are open 7 days a week, it means I can come here more frequently in my quest to try every stall they have!
The Upmarket has everything you can imagine to eat: street food, artisan creations like fancy cheeses, hand-crafted beers, luxury crepes, hand-made chutneys to take home, food from all over the world...the list goes on!
My favourites are the ice cream sandwiches and the Japanese dumplings but I am always up for something new so who knows what my favourites will be next time I go?
See the Iconic Crane Mural
I mentioned that one of the things I like about the street art in Brick Lane is that it is constantly changing...but that's not completely true for all the work. Some pieces of art are so well received and loved by locals that they stick around for a long time.
One of the most famous artworks near Bricklane is the Crane Mural by an artist named Roa which was painted in 2011! This is the longest-lasting piece of art and it still makes me smile every time I walk past.
To find it, just turn onto Hanbury Street, one of Brick Lane's many side streets.
Christ Church Spitalfields
Christ Church Spitalfields is a 17th-century building designed by noted architect Nicholas Hawksmoor.
Part of an Act of Parliament to build new churches in London's growing neighbourhoods, Christ Church was intended to be an Anglican site of worship targeted at the growing French Huguenot population in the area.
Much as I liked visiting the Brick Lane Mosque to enjoy the architecture of the building and the peaceful atmosphere, I do the same at this church.
The beautiful building is made of stone, with high windows and the inside is light and airy with decorative touches of gold. there's an 18th century organ inside and I have even lucky enough to come during rehearsals for a choir concert where I got to hear the organ and the choir making some of the most etherial music I've ever heard.
Shop for Flowers at Columbia Road Flower Market
I am rubbish at keeping plants alive, so if I want beautiful blooms at home, I need to go out and find them. One of my favourite places to do that is, the Columbia Road Flower Market, is located just a few minutes walk north of Brick Lane.
Open on Sundays from 8:00 am - 3:00-ish pm, this market showcases nothing but beautiful flowers and plants.
From small bouquets to take home, to towering trees fit for a large back garden, Columbia Road explodes with vibrant colours when the market is on and is worth exploring even if you don't have a green thumb (like me)!
Yes, I am putting yet another market onto my list! But I promise that it's worth it.
There has been a market in Spitalfields, on the same site, for over 300 years and the newest version has its origins in the 19th century. Today, it's actually made up of smaller and often temporary markets as well as permanent shops and restaurants.
When it comes to shopping for gifts, this is my go-to. Here I can find antiques, vintage clothes, handmade goods, jewellery and accessories, used books, and stall upon stall of delicious food.
It's also fascinating to watch this market change through the years - new places will pop up in temporary locations but, if they do well enough, they'll be moved into a permanent space int he building. This has just recently happened for one of my favourite food stops: Humble Crumble.
Walk Through Time at Dennis Severs House
I love history (as my degree would attest) and I always think about what it would be like to go back in time. I think Dennis Severs House is the closest I will ever actually get!
This beautiful Georgian Home is located on Folgate Street, just a couple blocks away from Brick Lane.
The house was bought in the 1970s by an artist named Dennis Severs who transformed it back to its' 18th-century glory and carefully laid the building out as though a French Huguenot family is living inside. I have been a couple times and I know I will go again.
My first visit to the House took my breath away! The house is set up to appear as though a member of the family has just left the room so as I walked through I saw half-eaten food in the kitchen, still steaming cups of tea on the tables, and real fires burning in the fireplaces. It's also lit entirely by candlelight - just as it would have been in the past - and I was surprised to note how dark it was even with the various candles all around me. It honestly gave me a deeper understanding of what it was like to live in the East End in the past.
It's a fully immersive experience with sights, sounds AND smells and one that I recommend wholeheartedly!
Geffrye Museum | Museum of the Home
A 15-minute stroll north of Brick Lane will take you to the Museum of the Home.
Much as I said that a visit to the Dennis Severs House took me back to the 18th century, the Museum of the Home takes me back again! Held in a former almshouse, this museum is dedicated to the home and home life from the 1600s to the present day.
Last time I went they even had a Gardens Through Time exhibition, showcasing what people's gardens have been like throughout the years (did you. know there are trends even among flowers and different types of grass? I didn't!).
One of the things I like about this museum is that it changes as time goes on. When I went last I learned they had a refurbishment just earlier this year to showcase how advancements in technology are impacting the way we live and what our homes are like! I felt like it gives such a great perspective on how quickly homes and home life can change.
Tips and Thoughts from Locals and Travellers
I like to have a browse on Reddit sometimes to check out what might be new in the area and see what locals are talking about. I've found a few comments to share with you here!
In a post asking about the best restaurant on Brick Lane, this commentator suggests that all the restaurants are pretty much equal in quality and value:
And the user below agrees with my choice Aladin, and also gives you an idea of the price you can expect to pay:
In another post, somebody had asked if Brick Lane was still a vibrant area worth exploring and the answers were mostly 'yes':
But there were some nos. I do think this user has a point that a lot of business are tailoring things toward a corporate crowd, however I do think the local community of Brick Lane has done a good job on pushing back against that as much as possible to keep independent business afloat:
And in a post where somebody asked about markets, Truman Brewery was recommended for its' sheer amount of products inside. Although, they did suggest they think the prices have raised recently and mentioned asking for a discount. I don't love haggling but I will say that I've had luck with it from some of the vendors there so it never hurts to ask!:
RELATED POSTS
