The east end of London reminds me of Williamsburg, New York. It is filled with interesting bars, coffee shops and a diverse food scene. It is where the young and artistic flock to live and to hang out. I knew I had to dive in and explore this area.
Lucky for me the friend I was staying with lives in Shoreditch, making it easy to explore on my own. But first my friends over at Undiscovered London invited me out for the day to show me what there is to see in the East End.
I decided to do a walking tour with a company that no longer exists. I have now been to London quite a few times and my love for the city grows each time I go. I couldn’t wait to get a little off the beaten path and dive into different areas.
The East End of London is less royalty and more common folk. The people who built this city into what it is today and who colored it with their lives. It is ever changing and being influenced by the people who live here. What it looked like pre pandemic is not what it looks like now.
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The alternative tour takes us back to desperate times. Where people had little money and times were tough. Tougher for some when Jack the Ripper came to town. You probably know who Jack the Ripper is but if you don’t he was a serial killer in the Whitehall area of London in 1888. His murders were so procedural that he was thought to have been a doctor or someone with medical training. To this day his identity is speculated upon. Having never been caught he remains a mystery and shrouds the east end in a ghostly mist.
If you are a fan of true crime like me there are lots of tours geared specifically towards Jack the Ripper. Personally I don’t like to focus on the fanfare of true crime but there are tours that focus on the victims stories and historical context like this one.
On a lighter note this area is also filled with art. Every where you look it is covered in street art. Some good, some bad. Even Banksy left his mark. If you love street art then this is the place for you. It is so easy to wander around the tiny alley ways that are off shoots of Brick Lane and see art every where. The tour took us to see the famous Banksy piece and to hidden car parks where each wall is covered by a different artist.
Brick Lane is great not just for art but for food! Especially Indian food. If you know me then you know I love Indian food.
Fun Fact: Brick Lane has more Indian restaurants per square foot then any other place in the world aside from India itself. Coffee shops for days, book stores and an entire area dedicated to food trucks. It is, in my humble opinion, perfect. I love the hipster vibe. I know its trendy but I like all of those things.
Window fronts proudly displayed samosas, veggie pakora and naan. Tempting you to purchase everything.
One night we walked around and listened to the different restaurant owners calling us into their stores. Each offering a different discount, hoping to lure you in. We choose one who offered a free bottle of wine.
This was my third time in London in a year and I got to explore so much more then ever before. Of course you should see Big Ben, parliment and Buckingham Palace but be sure to get out off the tourist trail too.
I always enjoy hearing everyone’s experience as they travel. I have never been to London, however, my husband and me are going next year so I am soaking up all the information I can. I appreciate your insights and can’t wait for the delicious food!