Discover London: 10 Things to Do Around Spitalfields

The Old Spitalfields Market is London’s oldest market. It has adapted over the years to continuously attract crowds of tourists and locals alike looking for genuine vintage clothing, unique handicrafts, jewelry, accessories and home furnishings. The market stands are accompanied by an excellent culinary variety from authentic International cuisine, home-baked cupcakes and delicious healthy take-aways.
Address: Brushfield St, Spitalfields, London E1 6AA
Opening hours: Every day from 10am – 6pm
http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/

Raven Row is a non-profit exhibition centre for contemporary arts. It was founded by Alex Sainsbury (the supermarket giant) in 2009 who bought two adjoining historical properties, both built in the 17th century. This fusion of old and new now exhibits varied modern artists throughout the year.
Address: 56 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LS
Admission: Usually for free
Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday from 11am – 6pm (Monday and Tuesday closed)
http://www.ravenrow.org/

Trendy Brick Lane is known for its arty culture, independent fashion boutiques and second hand shops, a superb selection of Indian restaurants and brilliant street art. The streets are filled with fashion-savvy Hipsters, artists and those who want to be a part of it. No wonder London’s most renowned Art and Fashion Colleges are located nowhere else than here. For the best Brick Lane experience simply keep your eyes open. There are things to see and do on every corner.
Address: Brick Lane, E1 5HA, London
http://www.visitbricklane.org/

Dennis Sever’s House is a Georgian terraced building which has been refurbished to make visitors experience the historical life of Huguenot silk weavers in Spitalfields between 1724 and 1914. It is a recreated snapshot of a former life. The smells, lights and sounds of burning candles, creaking floors and scattered objects will take you back in time.
Address: 18 Folgate St, Spitalfields, London, E1 6BX
Opening hours: Mon, Wed 6pm-9pm; Sun noon-4pm; selected Mon noon-2pm
Admission: £10 daytime visits, £14 evening visits, £7 selected Mondays
www.dennissevershouse.co.uk

The Whitechapel Gallery is a public arts space that is dedicated to education and area-outreach programs.  Displaying local artist’s work, Witechapel Gallery is a great introduction to the life of East London.  It’s remained open since 1901 and is a staple of the Aldgate and Whitechapel areas.
Address: 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11am to 6pm.  Monday – closed
Admission: Free
www.whitechapelgallery.org

East London’s revolutionary events, arts, and media space is home to a ton of creative businesses.  Formerly the brewing plant of Truman’s, now there is a new company called Black Eagle that has taken it over. The surrounding area is a hive of activity with bars, clubs, and delicious curry houses all nearby.

Address: 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 11am – 7pm
Admission: £5
http://www.trumanbrewery.com/

Set up by volunteers in 1978, Spitalfields City Farm still runs on community donations and has volunteering days throughout the year.  The goals of the farm are not only to safely house animals for the public good, but also to education the public and promote general animal care and welfare.

Address: Buxton St, London E1 5AR
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm; Mon closed
Admission: Adults £6.5 Concessions £5.50. Children (2-16 years) £3.50
www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org/

The Heron Tower is a commercial skyscraper in London. It stands 230 metres tall including its 28 metre mast making it the tallest building in the City of London financial district and the third tallest in London after The Shard in London Bridge, and One Canada Square in Canary Wharf.  The Heron Tower is a mixed-use residential and commercial space.  With deluxe living accommodations occupying the top floors, offices (notably Salesforce.com’s London headquarters) throughout, and some of London’s finest restaurants and bars on the upper floors, The Heron Tower is not to be missed!

Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY
Opening hours: All
Admission: Free
www.herontower.com

There’s been a market in and around Spitalfields for at least the past 400 years and Kerb Food is just the latest craze to occupy this iconic space.  With multiple different food styles representing cultures from around the world there’s plenty to experience!  All local traders serve delicious food straight from their trucks with local business men and women rushing to get the latest delicacy along with the artists and media-types that work nearby.  Though finding a spot to sit may be tricky, this is an ideal way to experience some of the best food in the city while on the go.

Address: Lamb Street, London, E1 6EA
Opening hours: Mon – Sun, 12-2:30pm
Admission: Free
www.kerbfood.com/spitalfields

Christ Church Spitalfields, is an Anglican church built between 1714 and 1729 to a design by Nicholas Hawksmoor.  While still holding Sunday church services, it is also Spitalfields’ newest arts and exhibitions venue.  Christ Church offers one main space with two overlooking mezzanine galleries and a separate smaller room.  The main space can hold up to 270 people for seated dining and up to 600 for standing receptions.  Weddings and other events are always welcome, but if you just want to pop in and marvel at the excellent architecture the doors are open.

Address: Commercial St, London E1 6LY
Opening hours: Mon – Sun, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
www.spitalfieldsvenue.org