This post covers the top 10 things to do in Brick Lane, a vibrant street in the East End in London.
We include information on how to get here, what to do and where to eat.
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HOW TO GET TO BRICK LANE
Brick Lane runs south from Swanfield Street to Whitechapel. It is 3/4 of a mile long (1207 meters). You can start your visit to Brick Lane at either the north end or south end.
To the Southern end
- Aldgate East - Hammersmith & City line
- Liverpool Street Station - Metropolitan, Circle, and Central, Hammersmith & City Lines
To the Northern End
- London Rail to Shoreditch High Street Station
Bus Lines:
- 388, 8
TIP: We have more information on navigating the London Underground here.
TOP 10 THINGS DO
Whether you love trying new foods, enjoy seeing street art, like shopping for vintage clothes, and browsing all sorts of shops, Brick Lane is a wonderful way to do all these things in one place.
1) Have Indian/Bangladeshi Food
Brick Lane is the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community. You'll notice that many of the street signs along Brick Lane are written in both English and Bengali.
Known locally as the “Curry Mile”, Brick Lane is host to dozens of delicious restaurants and street vendors serving up some of the best - and cheapest - south Asian cuisine in the city.
2) Eat a Traditional Jewish Beigel
Founded in 1974, Beigel Bake is a London icon that produces 7,000 beigels every day! It is located at 159 Brick Lane on the northern end of the street.
This bakery focuses on Jewish-style beigels which you can order with fillings such as hot salt beef, chopped herring, and cream cheese and salmon (just to name a few!).
There’s also something here for those of you with a sweet tooth as this bakery creates mouth-watering pastries and sweets.
They don’t have a website but you can they are open 24 hours, so just pop by when you want.
3) Go on a Food Tour
You may have noticed that our first two items above involve food. The East End of London - and Brick Lane in particular - is a great place to find all kinds of cuisines.
Our East End Food Food Tour you'll sample delicious treats while our guide tells you about the foods and the history of Brick Lane as well.
Think fish & chips, samosas, chocolates, and beigels. Savoury, sweet, traditional, and modern, there’s something for everyone
Our tour runs twice a week on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:30. Book online HERE.
4) Visit a Market
For a unique market experience, Brick Lane is the spot of a fabulous street market every Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, which is popular with visitors and locals alike.
Street performers, food stalls, handmade crafts, and treasure troves of second-hand goods are all available for browsing and for purchase at one of London’s best market experiences.
Find out more here.
5) Go on a Street Art and Grafitti Tour
There's more to Brick Lane than just eating and shopping. Brick Lane is covered in amazing street art and graffiti and it’s a popular location for people to come and admire it.
There’s plenty to see no matter where you look but if you want to see some hidden gems, and learn about street artists then consider taking a street art tour.
Our tour runs 6 days a week (every day but Wednesday) and is led by local street artists who are happy to share their expertise with you!
Our tours depart from the southern end of BrickLane at 83 Whitechapel Street. Book online HERE.
6) Shop for Vintage Clothing
If vintage clothing is your thing, then check out the Brick Lane Vintage Market. It is open 7 days a week and features vintage specialists from all across Europe.
Aside from the spacious indoor market, there are also a number of vintage shops on Brick Lane that are definitely worth exploring: Rokit, Beyond Retro, and Atika.
7) Buy Vinyl or Hear some Music
Operating since the 1970s, Rough Trade is an independent chain of record shops based here in London and they have a location in Brick Lane.
With exclusive releases and routine visits by musicians from all across the world, Rough Trade is a music lovers paradise and a great place to pick up a treat to take back home.
Open daily, Rough Trade East isn’t just a place to buy music. There are performances and events held quite often. Check their website for what is scheduled.
8) Explore the Old Truman Brewery
Previously a London brewery, the Old Truman Brewery is now a cultural hub of London’s East End.
An arts and media centre, it’s home to dozens of creative businesses. Think shops, galleries, markets, restaurants, and bars.
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.
See what’s on during your visit HERE.
9) Grab a Good Book
For literary lovers, there is something for you on Brick Lane as well!
The Brick Lane Bookshop at 166 Brick Lane 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 a purchase here helps to support the local owners and staff!
10) Taste Incredible Chocolates
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 - many of which are vegan-friendly.
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.
In the wintertime, their incredible hot chocolate cannot be beaten and looks like the kind of creation made in another world!
In the summertime, unique and delicious ice creams are on offer to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you cool!
