East London Walking Tour ~ 3 Markets 1 day
Spend the day living like a Londoner
Take a walk through some of the trendiest neighbourhoods in East London stopping at the some amazing spots along the way
~ You’ll get a detailed guide through East London walking through 3 markets (4 if you go on a Sunday!), historic neighbourhoods and pitstops for little ones.
There is a train station at the end of the walk to take you back to London Liverpool Street.
A little bit about East London
East London starts East of the City of London (London Liverpool Street area). From Shoreditch to beyond, east London is historically a working class area of London. Whilst walking, you will see the the contrast of the modern skyscrapers against the historic streets of Shoreditch, Brick Lane and Whitechapel.
The Market Walking Tour
London Liverpool Street is on the fringes of East London and the City of London (The Financial District) Where old meets new - you see the historic streets on East London against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers, Liverpool Street has a plethora of over ground trains, tubes and buses in its hub, making it a great place to start no matter which corner you are coming from
This walk will take you from London Liverpool Street in the City to Mare Street in Hackney.
This walk will take you approximately 60 minutes door to door but of course you are going to want to stop along the way! I have noted great places to stop for a bite, browse or tipple en route.
So grab you comfy shoes, grab a tote bag and head out on an empty stomach because there is a lot to eat, see and do along the way!
Lets Go!
Liverpool Street Station
~ Head out of the station from the Bishopsgate exit turn left onto Bishopsgate.
~ Photography Tip ~ Take a moment to look behind you at the skyscraper backdrop. This still takes my breath away!
~ Continue to walk down Bishopsgate then take a right on Brushfield Street.
TIP ~ Grab a coffee from MR. COFFEE a coffee stand on the corner of Brushfield Street - opposite Pizza Express.
Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields is a large, covered market open 7 days a week. Spread over two areas, the new Spitalfields market and the old building, this charming place is buzzing and a great place to stop for a wonder.
Along with the market you will find trendy bars. Restaurants and food trucks. I highly recommended sitting in the communal area on the corner of Lamb St and Commercial Street in the old part of the market, where you will find independent food stalls and my favourite - Donovan’s bakehouse (try the biscoff doughnut!)
~ Cross over Commercial Road towards Hambury Street.
You are now entering the area of….
Brick Lane
Brick Lane is a diverse area of London with lots to offer. From street art to vintage markets, independent cafes to curry houses and the world famous 24 hour bagel shop, Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery!
There is a street market here every Sunday on Brick Lane but additionally, there is a market at The Truman Brewery 7 days a week with different markets everyday from Vintage clothes to food trucks.
~ Photography Tip ~ This is a great area to capture some amazing street art. The Truman Brewery is also a stunning building.
~ After your delicious bagel, take some time to wander up and down brick lane. Take in the sights and sounds before heading to the top again to continue our walk.
~ Walk to the very top of Brick Lane to Bethnal Green Road where you will continue along Brick Lane.
~ TIP ~ take a little detour here to see Boundary Garden. A park and bandstand set in the middle Boundary Estate. This is steeped in history and can be seen in many films. If you are looking for a pit stop head to JOLENE on the corner.
~ Head back to the top of Brick Lane and turn right on to Ducal Street. You’ll enter a residential area but not for too long! Continue along Ducal Street baring left until it brings you to Chambord Street.
~ Continue to the top of Chambord Street until you get to Colombia Road and the location of your next market (if visiting on a Sunday)
Colombia Road Flower Market
Colombia Road is a a great visit anytime of the week with it’s independent shops, bars and pubs. BUT, Sundays are when it comes alive with the Flower Market.
It does what it says on the tin. A flower market selling fresh flowers, plants, pots and more. It can get very busy to be prepared for crowds!
~ Photography Tip ~ Campania is a popular photography hotspot.
~ With an arm full of flowers and a belly full of cake, head east along Colombia Road towards Hackney Road.
~ Cross over Hackney Road to Hackney City Farm. This is a great place to stop off if you have little ones, or if you just love animals! It’s rare to find a farm in the middle of a city! It’s free to enter just give a little donation.
~ If farms aren’t you thing then continue up Goldsmiths Row passing the farm on your left. This will take you on a 10 minute walk across Regents Canal to Broadway Market.
~ Photography Tip ~ There are great view down the river of industrial London and Canal Boats.
Broadway Market
This historic, neighbourhood market runs 7 days a week selling everything from food, jewellery, clothes and home wear. Get a feel for east London with this local market loved by Londoners.
~ Walk to the top of Broadway Market to Westgate Street. Here you will see London Fields, a park loved by Londoners ans a great place to stop. Check out the wildflower Meadow in the middle!
