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.
RELATED POSTS
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
Located in London’s vibrant East End, Brick Lane is a single street with loads to do. Whether you’re hungry, thirsty, looking for something to do or hoping to find a bargain - this is the place to do it! Check out our top 10 things to do on Brick Lane below.
1) Have Indian/Bangladeshi Food
Brick Lane is the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community and is sometimes referred to as Banglatown. In fact, any of the street signs are written in English AND Bengali.
This means that there’s no better place to try authentic Bangladeshi cuisine. Known locally as the “Curry Mile” Brick Lane is host to dozens of delicious restaurants 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!
Open 24 hours, 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 (it’s not that kind of place) so head down and check it out for yourself: 159 Brick Lane, London E1 6SB.
3) Go on a Street Art Tour
Brick Lane is absolutely covered in amazing street art and graffiti and people come from all around the world to explore it.
There’s plenty to see no matter where you look but if you want to find some truly hidden gems, and leran about the people who create this incredible art then your best bet is to come along on a Street Art Tour.
Ours runs 6 days a week (every day but Wednesday) and is run by artists, locals and experts ready to share their knowledge and their favourite neighbourhood with you!
Book online HERE.
4) Go Vintage Hunting
If vintage clothing is your thing, then Brick Lane is where you need to be!
The Brick Lane Vintage Market is open 7 days a week and features vintage specialists from all across Europe who travel here to trade in this popular spot.
Aside from the spacious indoor market there are also a number of vintage shops on Brick Lane that are definitely worth exploring to find yourself a hidden bargain: Rokit, Beyond Retro, and Atika (formerly Blitz).
5) 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 - many of which are vegan friendly.
The friendly staff are 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 winter time, their incredible hot chocolate cannot be beat 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!
6) Go on a Food Tour
The best way to get to know a city is to eat its’ food, and Brick Lane is one of the best places to do it.
The story of London’s East End is played out in the sights, smells and tastes of Brick Lane.
To get to grips with some of the best food (and drink!) in town, come along with us on our East End Food Tour and learn about the history of this vibrant neighbourhood as told through the delicious treats your guide will share with you.
Think fish & chips, samosas, chocolates and beigels. Savoury, sweet, traditional and modern, there’s something for every one and our tour runs twice a week on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:30.
Book online HERE.
7) Visit a Market
For a unique market experience, Brick Lane hosts a fabulous market every Sunday that is popular with visitors and locals alike (although note that the shops and galleries along the road are open 7 days a week).
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.
8) Buy a Vinyl or Hear some Music at Rough Trade East
Operating since the 1970’s, Rough Trade as an independent record shop based here in London.
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, their Brick Lane branch, Rough Trade East isn’t just a place to buy music.
There are constantly performances and events taking place here.
9) Grab a Good Book
For literary lovers, there is something for you on Brick Lane as well! 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 a purchase here helps to support the local owners and staff!
10) 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.
