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Street art in brick lane, london: a self-guided walking tour.

Discover London’s alternative art scene with this guide to street art in Brick Lane

Perhaps you are visiting London and have been dazzled by the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London , wowed by the British Museum’s vast collection and have paid your respects to the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Where next?

Why not venture east to  Brick Lane  and see a very different side of the city and one of  London’s highlights ?

But Brick Lane wasn’t always the visitor magnet it is nowadays.

An ex-colleague who lived in the area when he first moved to London tells of evading muggers on its rubbish-strewn, rodent-riddled streets. Twenty-odd years later, it is booming with chic cafes, curry houses, vintage clothes shops and cutting-edge art galleries.

Brick Lane is also the epicentre of street art in London.

Building walls, hoardings, doors and shop shutters form the canvas for frequently changing artworks .  These creations assume many forms, from massive murals to small paintings to stickers and posters.

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Exploring Street Art in Brick Lane: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

As East London is so rich in street art, it can be difficult to know where to start.

This Brick Lane walking tour, which focuses on streets that are artistic hotspots, should take you around  two hours . Exactly how much time you spend depends on how much exploring you decide to do and if you stop in one of the area’s many cafes.

It starts at  Old Street station  and finishes at  Aldgate East station . For help with getting around London, head to the  Transport for London  website.

Where is the Best Street Art in Brick Lane? A Walking Tour Map

As the artworks are ever-changing, don’t expect to find all of the art featured here when you visit. Hoardings are torn down, artists come and artists go.

But part of the fun is making exciting new finds.

Rivington Street

From  Old Street station , take exit 2 and walk a few minutes along Old Street, towards Shoreditch. Then turn left into  Rivington Street .

Although there is plenty of street art to admire along Rivington Street, the star turn is a  Banksy  just inside the Cargo beer garden.

Sclater Street

When you reach the end of Rivington Street, turn right onto  Shoreditch High Street  and continue along this main road until you reach  Bethnal Green Road . Here you turn left and then bear right into  Sclater Street .

Pass by the cool Rebel Alliance Motorcycle Company, and take in the artwork until you reach  Brick Lane .

Take a slight detour by turning left into Brick Lane to reach the  24-hour bagel shops  at this end of the street. These are a testament to the once-thriving Jewish community who arrived here in the late 19th Century.

Make sure you pick up a freshly made filled bagel.  At £2 for a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, it is likely to be the cheapest lunch you will have in London.

Grimsby Street

Munching on your fresh bagel, walk back along Brick Lane for three or four minutes and then turn left into  Grimsby Street . Continue along this street, admiring the art as you walk, until it you reach  Cheshire Street . Then turn left to head back to Brick Lane.

Hanbury Street

Continue along Brick Lane until you reach  Hanbury Street  on your left. Once associated with the murders of Jack the Ripper, this is now one of the top spots for street art in Brick Lane.

The well-known large Pelican mural by ROA has been there since 2010. If you are ready for a cup of coffee by this stage, I recommend  The Canvas Cafe  on this street

Princelet Street

Heading back onto Brick Lane,  Princelet Street  is your next street on the left. Take a look down here for further artwork.

Seven Stars Car Park

When you are finished in Princelet Street, continue along Brick Lane and you will reach an alleyway on your right-hand side that will take you into the  Star Yard car park . This is one of the top locations for street art in Brick Lane, attracting the very best artists and with a high turnover of content.

Fashion Street

Retracing your steps, continue along Brick Lane until you reach  Fashion Street  on your right-hand side.

Once home to some of London’s worst slums, this road connects Brick Lane and Commercial Street. Nowadays, it is home to vibrant street art.

You have now reached the end of your Brick Lane street art walking tour. At the end of Fashion Street, turn left and continue along Commercial Street until you reach Aldgate East station.

Guided Brick Lane Street Art Tours

Although I did my own thing, guided Brick Lane street art tours are available and are, reportedly, excellent.

The advantage of going on an organised Brick Lane street art walking tour is the insight that the guide can provide. This can make the difference between viewing a vibrant piece of art and learning more about what the artwork means.

>>> BOOK YOUR LONDON EAST END STREET ART TOUR HERE

Discover Your Own Brick Lane Street Art

Finally, don’t be afraid to go off-piste.

These places and pieces of art that I have mentioned aren’t the only kids on the block. Dive down some of the surrounding streets and keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems.

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman is a Londoner who has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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Free Street Art Tour of Shoreditch

Overview of the tour in London

Street Art has been described as the most important artistic movement of the 21st Century, but it dates back thousands of years ago. If you're a lover of art and culture then, yes, go to the National Gallery, go to the Tate Modern, and see the masterpieces created by the most famous artists over the last 400 years, but then join us on a Street Art tour and see what is happening at the grassroots level today. The work is beautiful, ever-changing, and thought-provoking. But Street Art is not just pretty pictures, it is challenging and political and tells the story of the struggles of the working classes in Britain over the last hundred years. You'll step back in time, and see how immigration into Brick Lane and the surrounding area has transformed Shoreditch from the poorest part of London, home to Jack the Ripper’s victims, to becoming one of the must-see boroughs of the capital, home to pop up bars and shops, and more vintage clothing stores than you’ll believe.

This activity includes:

• Shoreditch Park
• Shoreditch High Street
• Whitechapel Gallery
• Otto Schade
• Shepherd Fairey
• David Speed
• Adrian Boswell

Meeting point

Shoreditch High Street Overground Station, Braithwaite Street, E1 6GJ

The tour begins in front of Shoreditch High Street Overground Station on Braithwaite Street, E1 6GJ. The guide will be holding a red umbrella.

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Free Street Art of Shoreditch Tour *

Free street art of shoreditch tour*.

Schedule - See Calendar

Language - English

Meeting Point - Shoreditch High Street Overground Station

Start Time - 11am & 3pm

Duration - 2 Hours

Price - Free

Street Art has been described as the most important artistic movement of the 21st Century, but it actually dates back thousands of years. If you're a lover of art and culture then, yes, go to the National Gallery, go to the Tate Modern, and see the masterpieces created by the most famous artists over the last 400 years, but then join us on our Free Street Art Tour and see what is happening at the grassroots level by talented street artists today. The work is beautiful, ever-changing and thought provoking.

But Street Art is not just pretty pictures, these pieces of art are challenging and political, and they tell the story of the struggles of the working classes in Britain over the last hundred years.

On our Street Art walking tour, you’ll step back in time, and see how immigration into Brick Lane and the surrounding area has transformed Shoreditch from the poorest part of London, home to Jack the Ripper’s victims, to becoming one of the must-see boroughs of the capital, home to pop up bars and shops, and more vintage clothes stores than you’ll believe.

Our Street Art & Graffiti tour of Shoreditch is a fascinating insight into one of the fastest-growing art movements of our time, exploring a part of London that is less visited but constantly changing and huge on the street art scene. Our Street Art Tour Guides are not only knowledgeable about the art you’ll see, with an understanding of the techniques used to create the work, but, most importantly, they love it, so why not join them for a jaunt through the streets of the East End, where creativity and self expression is on every corner.

The art we see during the Street Art & Graffiti Tour is constantly changing, sometimes before our very eyes, so we cannot promise which pieces we will see each time we set off, but we can assure you that our expert guides will ensure you see a collection of the most established and exciting artists currently on show.

Or if you fancy something a bit more Rock n Roll, why not try our Soho tour ?

Tour Highlights include: ​

Street Art (Obviously!)

A mix of spray paint, sculptures, stickers and stencils

Otto Schade

Shepherd Fairey

Dale Grimshaw

History of Brick Lane

Spitalfields Market

Old Truman Brewery

Battle of Cable Street

Gentrification of Shoreditch

& much more!

         Meeting Point - S horeditch High Street Overground Station

We begin outside Shoreditch High Street station on Braithwaite Street. The station is on the Overground, and around a 10 minute walk from Old Street Underground Station and Liverpool Street Underground Station.

We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the tour starts, it gives you plenty of time to meet the guide and grab a coffee or ice cream!

• How do I find the Guide? Head to Tower Hill Underground Station, next to the Tram Coffee stop, and look for the guide holding up a bright red umbrella.
• Where does the tour start and end? The tour starts outside M&M World in Leicester Square and the guide should be nearby holding a red umbrella. The tour will finish near Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, in Westminster. The exact location will vary depending on the guide and the day, but the guide will always let you know at the beginning of the tour.
• How long is the tour? The tour is roughly 6 long, but will vary on the guide. There's a lunch break in the middle, lasting approximately an hour.
• Do I need to make a booking? Or cancel if my plans change? Yes please. The number of bookings we receive dictates how many guides we send to run the tour. If we have 100 extra people turn up, it's not going to be a good experience for anyone. Please be aware, we do not accept groups of 8 people or more. Even if you book separately, if you attend the tour as a big group, you will be turned away. If you are a group of 8 or more please contact us to enquire about booking a private tour. We'd be very grateful if you could cancel if you can no longer attend, as it could allow us to give your spot to someone else.
• What if its raining? If its raining, we will get wet! We always recommend you carry an umbrella in London, the weather really is that temperamental, but if we didn't run tours in bad weather, we wouldn't get to do many. Rain or shine we will be there waiting. Of course, if you don’t fancy standing in the rain with us we understand.
• What should I wear? Our tours are all walking, so we always recommend comfy shoes. Check the weather on the day of the tour, but we recommend bring a raincoat and some SPF just incase.
• How is it free?* We run all our tours on a pay what you think it’s worth basis. There is no booking fee for our free tours, and no payment is required before the tour begins. This means they are accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers and don't get paid to do the tour, if you have fun then you can decide if you would like to tip your guide. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with your budget and your level of enjoyment. This also incentivises our guides to never stop trying to improve, as the system rewards the guides who provide the best quality tours. Tipping is always voluntary and our guides will never pressure you into it, but this is their job so if you have had fun, we ask that you take a moment to consider what it was worth to you.

Prefer to join us on a Private Tour ?

If you are booking for a group of 8 or more, or just want a more personal experience away from the crowds, then you can book this as a Private Tour . You can dictate the content, the route and the time or sit back and let your guide lead you.

For more information on Private Tours   click here .

Please note, ALL schools and educational groups should book a Private Tour.

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London Life & Inspiration , Shoreditch

Shoreditch street art – discover the coolest street art in shoreditch, london (with map).

If you’re a fan of street art and want to discover some of the coolest street art in London, you’ve come to the right place. Shoreditch , one of the quirky and edgy neighbourhoods in East London, is famous for its amazing street art.

In this guide I’ve outlined the ultimate Shoreditch street art walking tour . I mapped out some of the most famous and striking street art in Shoreditch, so that you can plan your own street art tour.

The photos you see in this post are from June 2020. Street art is constantly changing so some of the pieces you see in this post have been painted over by the time you visit.

Don’t let that discourage you! I’m sure they’ll have been painted over with something even more epic. If anything, I hope that pushes you to get out there and explore the epic street art of Shoreditch now, don’t wait another day!

In this guide:

• 1 Map of the best street art in Shoreditch
• 2 Should you do a Shoreditch street art tour?
• 3.1 Doughnut Time
• 3.2 Rivington Street
• 3.3 Bateman Row
• 3.4 New Inn Yard
• 3.5 King John Court
• 3.6 New Inn Broadway
• 3.7 Tattoo parlour on Curtain Road
• 3.8 Let’s adore & endure each other
• 3.9 Fairchild Street
• 3.10 Bull in a China Shop
• 3.11 Ebor Street
• 3.12 Chance Street
• 3.13 Whitby Street
• 3.14 Sclater Street
• 3.15 Brick Lane (under the bridge)
• 3.16 Bacon Street
• 3.17 Code Street
• 3.18 Buxton Street
• 3.19 Hanbury Street
• 3.20 Fashion Street

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Map of the best street art in Shoreditch

I’ve mapped out below all the epic street art you will see in this guide. You can simply open the map to your phone and of your own Shoreditch street art walking tour.

Should you do a Shoreditch street art tour?

One of the beauties of street art is that it’s entirely free. You can just walk around and see if for yourself. Using this post and map as your guide you can easily get around Shoreditch and see all the best spots, that’s what I did.

That said, I’m by no means a street art expert and besides outlining the route and telling you a bit about the piece and surroundings, I can’t tell you much about the art or artist itself.

There are a few companies that offer tours of Shoreditch street art .

These will take you to all the main spots, as well as some hidden gems that I might have missed, and tell you all about the artists and the story behind the pieces you see. If you have a big interest in street art doing a tour might be a better option.

I’ve listed below some Shoreditch street art tours that have good reviews.

• Shoreditch street art bike tour
• Bricklane & Shoreditch street art tour
• Alternative London 2-hour street art walking tour

My Shoreditch Street Art Walking Tour (DIY & Free!)

Doughnut time.

Start off your Shoreditch street art walking tour at Doughnut Time, an awesome donut shop right on the corner of Old Street tube station. They have a very bright green shop front, with a fun rose graffiti.

They also have a sign above their donut display that says “it’s always a good time”, which I fully agree with.

I also absolutely love their donuts, which makes it a great starting point! It’s one of my favourite places to eat in Shoreditch . Grab a donut and fuel up before your street art adventure around Shoreditch!

Rivington Street

From Doughnut Time walk straight ahead for around 5 minutes and you will arrive in Rivington Street. Here you will find lots of cool graffiti waiting for you.

The first one are colourful faces on a turquoise background, on the right wall as you start walking down the street. These are similar to another piece further down the road next to the club Cargo.

Cargo is a cool club with reggaeton nights (maybe you can go for a cheeky dance after your street art tour?). The whole wall in front of Cargo is covered with a huge “SCARY” tag, painted to raise awareness about male mental health issues.

It’s a prime example of how street art isn’t just about looking pretty, but also conveying wider messages.

Bateman Row

From Cargo walk ahead to Shoreditch High Street and then turn right. On the corner with Bateman’s Row you will find some cool street art dedicated to the NHS.

The colourful NHS heart and Heroes tag are a beautiful reminder of the amazing work the NHS did (and is currently still doing) during the lockdowns. These were painted over what looked like a construction site so they might be gone soon.

New Inn Yard

From Bateman Row go straight and then down to New Inn Yard, and be ready to be amazed. In just this one short street there are so many incredible pieces that you could spend the whole day here just admiring them.

At the start of the street, just outside FRAME Ambition (a gym with some cool colourful signs out) and under the overground rail bridge, you will find some very cool and colourful graffiti tags.

They might not seem as fancy as some of the more elaborate street art pieces but I personally loved the pop of colour.

At the time I was visiting there was also a sign in the Ad space saying “I’M HAPPY VERY VERY HAPPY” in bold colours, which I loved the look of and think it’s always a fun message.

King John Court

Just after the bridge New Inn Yard meets King John Court, and this huge building that sits on the corner is one of the biggest street art canvases in Shoreditch.

Every inch of this building has been painted in a different style by different artists, but they actually blend in very well together to create a breath-taking piece.

Some of the artists involved in the creation of this piece are Hicks, Dr Zadok, Busk, Mr Cenz, and Oliver Switch.

Take your time walking around this building and admiring this piece because it’s worth it. Try to finish on the side on New Inn Yard, as there’s another piece worthy of mention here.

New Inn Broadway

This piece might not seem as grand when compared to King John Court, but it’s actually one of my favourites thanks to the great amount of detail. The entire façade of this two-story building is taken over by a Romeo & Juliet artwork.

We have Juliet looking out from a window, Romeo looking up to her, elaborate roses all throughout including also some famous quotes from the Shakespeare play.

Tattoo parlour on Curtain Road

Continue walking along New Inn Yard until you emerge on Curtain Road. About 10-20 metres on the right you will find a tattoo parlour with a huge red cat painted outside.

It might not be as fancy as others but I love cats so it’s going on this compilation of amazing Shoreditch street art.

Let’s adore & endure each other

From the tattoo parlour go onto Great Eastern Street and east towards Shoreditch High Street. You will soon see “Let’s Adore And Endure Each Other” on the left.

This piece by Stephen Powers is one of the most famous, although personally it’s not one of my favourites. I prefer the more colourful and bolder pieces.

But this one has a nice message and it’s been there for a long time (for street art anyway) so it’s considered a must-see on any Shoreditch street art tour.

Fairchild Street

This little side street that connects Great Eastern Street to Shoreditch High Street has some of the most ever changing street art in Shoreditch. Every time I walk down this street I see different pieces.

Whatever graffiti are on there when you’re visiting, you can rest assured that they’ll be colourful, bold and interesting.

Bull in a China Shop

Continue along Fairchild Street and onto Shoreditch High Street. On the left you will find a bar and restaurant called “Bull in a China Shop”. On the wall outside they have a very fitting graffiti of a bull.

It’s also a very cool Shoreditch bar if you want to pop in for a quirky cocktail! Day drinking is fairly well accepted in London anyway, it’s not so different from bottomless brunch !

Ebor Street

As you walk from Bull in a China Shop to Ebor Street you will walk past BOXPARK Shoreditch. This is a really cool place if you’re looking for quirky Shoreditch cafes , tasty brunches and unique stores.

After snapping some fun shots of the bull cross the street and go over to Ebor Street. All along the left wall you will find three “LOVE” graffiti. They’re all done in different fonts and styles but similar genres.

They’re al bold, colourful and stand out against the black wall. If you’re looking to capture some cool London Instagram shots , this is a great place to do so!

Chance Street

After the LOVE signs of Ebor streets just turn the corner onto the parallel Chance Street. This is another of those spots with a high concentration of beautiful street art all in one spot.

You’ll have colourful walls on both sides, with a bold red, blue and white piece spanning over the corner of the building on the corner with Whitby Street,

Whitby Street

Whitby Street is at an intersection with Chance Street and there area a lot of cool pieces on this short street.

The first one is the one building on the corner with Chance Street, of which you’d gotten a first glimpse while walking down Chance Street. I love the contrasting colours of this piece.

Just keep walking along Whitby Street and you will find three more awesome pieces within a few metres of each other. The girl just under the Whitby Street sign tagged Roxanne was one of my favourites.

It’s composed of different colours of sprayed dots, something that resembles a bit Pointillism, but which I had never seen in graffiti. It’s a must-see on any Shoreditch street art tour!

Sclater Street

After snapping a few shots of Roxanne on Whitby Street just turn the corner and walk down Sclater Street. Just after BOXPARK (another very cool spot for food and drinks if you fancy a stop) the rest of Sclater Street is covered with graffitis on both sides.

Some are tags and some are more elaborate pieces, but you can rest assured that none of them are boring. They’re the perfect line up to Brick Lane.

Brick Lane (under the bridge)

If you thought Shoreditch was quirky, just wait until you see Brick Lane. This is the edgy area of an already edgy neighbourhood.

On this street you will find not only some pretty awesome street art, but also great curries, popular vintage markets, tasty street food and fun bars.

Most of the street art is concentrated at the start under and around the train bridge, but you will find plenty as you walk southward.

If you visit early in the morning or late in evenings when the shops are closed you will see even more pieces, since many are painted over the shop railings.

All along Brick Lane and the streets perpendicular to it you will find cool street art. You could easily go wandering without an aim and find some incredible street art not listed in this article.

In the rest of this guide I’ve outlined some of the most famous or that I thought were particularly stunning.

Bacon Street

Before you make your way down Brick Lane, turn quickly left onto Bacon Street. This street has two beautiful pieces one in front of the other.

I prefer the rainbow girl because of the colours, but the King of Bacon Street is incredibly elaborate and detailed.

Code Street

While walking along Brick Lane we noticed some cool artwork at the start of Code Street. We didn’t venture too far along the railway but even just at the start we were simply amazed.

Right at the start of Code Street there is a private block of apartments with huge street art pieces that cover the whole building façade. They are bold, colourful and pretty awesome additions to buildings.

You don’t have to be an expert to recognise the mastery of these pieces.

Buxton Street

After Buxton Street we got back on Brick Lane and continued southward. We soon came to the crossing with Buxton Street. The street art you will find here isn’t in the grand artworks style, but more in the provocative style.

Most of them are posters or stickers, with messages about current events or issues. It was pretty cool to see something so different from other pieces we had seen until then.

Hanbury Street

When you reach the crossing with Hanbury Street just walk 10-15 metres along it and you will soon find a bright pink wall on your left. This funky London writing was one of my favourites.

Right next door to it is also a cool restaurant with wooden décor and colourful faces painted over the entrance. When you put them next to each other they make for a very interesting combination.

Fashion Street

Fashion Street is another of those streets with lots of awesome pieces one right after the other.

Just walk half way down Fashion Street and you will find the first, an incredibly skilful piece that resembles the style of one of the ones on King John Court.

There are two more just a few metres ahead of this one. We ended our Shoreditch street art walking tour here, but if you wander around Brick Lane and Shoreditch you will probably find more pieces that we haven’t touched on here.

Final thoughts on Shoreditch street art

There you have it, the ultimate guide to doing your own Shoreditch street art walking tour !

This is by no means a comprehensive guide to all the epic street art in London, I’m sure there are many more that I might have missed, but it’s a good introduction for those searching for the most famous or eye-catching murals in Shoreditch.

You can easily do your own walking tour following this guide and map, that’s what we did too, but there are also lots of guided tours.

If you have a keen interest in street art doing it with a guide might be better, as they’ll be able to tell you about the story and artist behind every piece.

Whether you decide to do a guided tour or do follow this map and do it yourself, I hope you find this guide useful in planning your Shoreditch street art adventures!

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Greta Omoboni is a full time blogger based in London. After 3.5 years of blogging about destinations all over the world on her main site, Greta's Travels, she decided to start a new site, dedicated to her second home and favourite city; London!

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Free Graffiti & Street Art Tour

If you are an art lover, particularly of street art, this is the right Tour for you. First, because you will discover the charms of the East End of London, a place that has become a mecca for artists and art lovers like you.

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As we told you before, the price is up to you! After the tour you can reward the guide, according to your possibilities and your decision, if you feel it’s fair because you had a wonderful time. Part of your tip will be used for marketing and some other operational costs.

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Within the East End you will visit the Shoreditch neighbourhood, where wonderful examples of graffiti will appear before your eyes and NO, you will not stop photographing, mark our words.

One thing is clear: London hosts pure gems of urban art throughout the streets of the city, some of them almost hidden, so the best way to enjoy the most emblematic without missing any, is putting yourself in the hand of one of our experts. With this purpose we organized this Tour, because is definitely worthy!

In the route of the Tour you will walk along Hanbury Street, where you will admire the “Crane” of Roa and a famous portrait of C215. It is contemplated to transit by Grimsby Street, where you will definitely take a selfie in front of the mural of Dscreet, or also on Fashion Street, where you will discover a part of JimmyC’s work.

London is full of good urban art. Works by Banksy -yes, lots of them-, Stick, Space Invader, The Mac or Phlegm, just to mention some, will emerge everywhere.

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YES. It’s necessary. Please, do NOT forget of booking online before joining the tour.

• Booking it’s free
• It takes one minute
• We accept Mobile Voucher, so you don’t need to print the reservation.
• Discover the trendy Brick Lane, this incredible street in London full of urban art that will definitely impress you.
• Find this street art outdoor museum’s hidden gems.
• Explore the Truman Brewery, the perfect hub for Street Art where you will find pieces by Banksy, Space Invader, Shepard Fairey, and Ronzo!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, we know it’s hard to believe, but all our tours are free. If there is a price, is totally up to you! After the tour you can reward the guide, according to your possibilities and your decision, if you feel it’s fair because you had a wonderful time. Part of your tip will be used for marketing and some other operational costs. This is a risky but effective system. We make sure our tours are highly qualified and the client is duly satisfied. Also, we are proud to welcome everybody to our tours, no matter their budget.

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Free Street Art Tour London

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• Duration : 2 hours

You can’t say you have fully experienced London without having seen its fantastic graffiti works, large-scale drawings , prints , kaleidoscopic stickers and more! Join the Free Street Art Tour to navigate from Brick Lane  to Spitalfields in an open-air museum alongside a guide that will show you incredible pieces you probably wouldn’t find on your own.

• Pick your favourite design in the trendiest, most photogenic neighbourhood.
• Learn about the mysterious artists that make the East End a hidden gem.
• See the layers of paint that local and international artists have left overtime in the canvas-like murals of London.

Is it really Free

Yes, you can book your spot and join the tour for free. Guides make a living from tips that tour guests voluntarily provide based on their budget and how much they enjoyed the experience.

マドリード旧市街の無料ウォーキングツアーは、月曜から日曜の11:00にプレタデルソルから出発します-カルロスの病気で馬の像に乗っています。 25/12と04/10にはツアーはありません。

The Free Walking Tour Madrid Old City runs Monday to Sunday at 11.00 from Pureta del Sol – By Carlos ill on his horse statue. No tours on the 25/12 and 04/10.

Posted on Published: 4th March 2023  - Last updated: 6th March 2023 Categories Arts + Culture

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

The Ultimate Shoreditch Street Art Guide: 18 Unmissable Spots + Map

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Shoreditch is home to a thriving street art scene that’s ever-changing and never boring. The ever-cool hub of London’s urban art, don’t miss these Shoreditch street art spots – complete with a Shoreditch street art map for you to do your own free tour.

You can’t write a series about street art in London without talking about Shoreditch. It’s arguably the place that everyone thinks of when they think of the capital’s street art scene.

From giant murals that take up the facades of whole buildings, to smaller pieces by up and coming street artists, it’s all there. Tracking it down never makes for a boring day which is why we’ve put together this guide to all the best spots in Shoreditch to see street art. 

We’ve written this by location, along with information about the current pieces you can spot in them – and a few past faves for old time’s sake. 

It’s highly likely that by the time you get to these locations the pieces will have changed, but you can still visit those locations and use the handy Shoreditch street art map at the end of the article to create your own Shoreditch street art trail.

Ultimate Shoreditch Street Art Guide

1. new inn yard.

Breeze your way down Great Eastern Street and turn left onto New Inn Yard, the next stop on our Shoreditch street art trail.

Now, we know that it’s wrong to have favourites but we just love Mr Cenz’s work. He’s one of Shoreditch’s most prolific and visible artists – no doubt thanks to his striking, attention-grabbing pieces 

Mr Cenz has been a seminal figure in the London street art scene since the 80s. No street art tour of London or piece on street art in Shoreditch would be complete without seeing some of his work (we’re not sure you could manage it anyway, he’s pretty prolific).

His surrealist take on large-scale murals, complete with bold lettering and technicolored strokes, has established him as one of London’s most exciting urban artists.

See what we mean? This mural, created by Mr Cenz and Lovepusher is one of our favourites.

In the interest of full disclosure, we actually met Mr Cenz one morning last year while mooching around and checking out some of the quieter Shoreditch graffiti spots (in this case, the wall at the 5th Base Gallery – we’ll head there later).

We can show you the video of the man at work – but only if you promise not to mock our editor’s blatant fangirling. “ Wow, you like made that, wow. I mean, LOOK AT IT. Wow ” to which he’s like “err OK, chill, I’m just doing what I do”. 

Look, playing it cool is not her thing. Do we have a deal?

Away from Mr Cenz, there are plenty of other cool pieces of street art on New Inn Yard.

2. King John Court

The small triangle formed by New Inn Yard, King John Court and Holywell Lane is packed, absolutely packed with some of Shoreditch’s most creative street art murals.

Want to see for yourself?

This building on the corner of King John’s Court is covered in pieces by Busk, Oliver Switch, Hicks, Dr Zadok, Ninth Seal, Hunto, Thoms, Captain Kris, Tizer and Best Ever.  The pieces we mentioned above for New Inn Street actually form part of the same series of murals – all of which revolve around the theme of connectivity.

The shape of connectivity in the past, present and future is taken from a theoretical concept and brought to life in these jaw-dropping murals. Don’t miss it.

3. Holywell Lane

There’s a sense of urgency lent by street art as it’s almost always temporary. If you walk the same route from one month to another, you’ll never find quite the same pieces.

Walls are painted, sprayed, whitewashed and sprayed again. Hoardings are taken down. Pieces are vandalised or hidden under posters.

The temporary nature of street art is part of its appeal, but it’s also sad when a favourite piece disappears forever.

Over the years, Village Underground’s mural space across from CitizenM has proudly displayed the work of a roster of talented artists.

Prior to that, it was an absolute gobsmacker by London street art genius Dale Grimshaw. In other words, whatever’s there is going to be worth a look, so make sure you do.

4. Railway Hoardings Underneath Shoreditch Overground Line

Duck left next to CitizenM to the railway hoardings. Running underneath the overground line that leads to nearby Shoreditch High Street station, it’s another cool little spot filled with Shoreditch graffiti.

Just on the other side of Hanbury Street you can also pop into the car park where murals crop up quite frequently.

5. Ebor Street

Ebor Street regularly becomes home to some larger, longer works thanks to its well, large and long wall. At the moment you’ll be able to see this piece by Dotmasters.

As well as this bizarre advert for Louboutin shoes.

6. Wheeler Street

Duck past Boxpark and the entrance to Shoreditch High Street Overground station to Wheeler Street. The arches underneath the station normally have a couple of smaller pieces – sometimes you need to pass right under the bridge to find them.

7. Chance Street 

Now double back on yourself and head towards Chance Street where you’ll find some of the biggest murals on our Shoreditch street art tour. You’ll pass by these  – if you can rely on corporations for one thing, it’s monetising a subculture. 

But you’re now on Chance Street. Your arrival will be welcomed by the Mandalorian.

8. Whitby Street

Whitby Street might be tiny but it punches well above its weight in terms of London street art in Shoreditch. The wall space here is currently taken up by a piece reminding you where dreams are made.

9. Sclater Street  

Back that a** up and make your way down Sclater Street – Brick Lane’s graffiti beckons, but first there are always a few works on Sclater Street to check out.

10. Brick Lane

From there, it’s onto Brick Lane. So much has been written about Brick Lane’s street art that it almost feels a shame to add more words to the count… But we shall.

If you want to get a glimpse of east London’s street art scene but don’t have much time, Brick Lane and its immediate surroundings is the place to go. It feels like there’s a new piece waiting to be discovered around every corner. Not even the bins have escaped Brick Lane’s graffiti craze untouched.

Keep an eye out for one of our long-time favourites from Zabou.

Zabou is one of the most prolific names on the London street art scene (It’s easy to find her pieces dotted around London). The French artist has been living in London since 2012 and has been bringing the capital’s walls to life ever since.

sPray in London sits proud on Brick Lane (just across from Grimsby Street). The piece is rich with bright hues, capturing the viewer’s eye with its unmasked political and religious connotations. Even though it’s been partially covered, it’s still hanging in there… for now.

As are these murals by Benzi Brofman

11. Pedley Street

Escape the madness of Brick Lane to much quieter Pedley Street.

Brace yourself for a barrage of audacious Shoreditch art walls – the names and the pieces might change but the overall effect is the same.

It’s amazing how one small spot consistently hosts such diverse and sensational pieces. One not to miss.

12. Allen Gardens

London is full of green spaces – and many of those are no stranger to a spot of graffiti – but Allen Gardens is different. This small park, at the end of Pedley Street, is one of the most dynamic spots for street art in Shoreditch.

We counted no fewer than ten new pieces going up on yesterday’s visit.

13. Hanbury Street

Turning into Hanbury Street you’ll see another work. This one is unsigned of two people that are clearly very into mushrooms. We’ll plead ignorance as to who these people are, but if you have some idea please let us know.

14. Shoreditch Graffiti Wall at Seven Stars Yard

Further along Brick Lane, you’ll find one of Shoreditch’s most talked about street art hubs, the Seven Stars Yard (otherwise known as the Shoreditch graffiti wall).

The pub’s car park has established itself as one of the most exciting places to see street art in London. Check out the location on my comprehensive Shoreditch graffiti map. The line up is always changing, but this is what’s currently up at the start of March 2023.

We’re not going to lie, it’s not as epic as some of the work that’s been up there. The walls have featured the creme de la creme of international street art talent. Check out some of these golden oldies.

15. Fashion Street

As soon as we walked around the corner to Fashion Street, we gatecrashed one of Shoreditch Street Art Tours weekend outings.  

Sure enough, the guide pointed to one of Mr Cenz’s pieces and proclaimed “ Now this is beautiful. Even people who don’t really get the idea of street art can appreciate the beauty and skill of this piece ”.

Now, isn’t that the truth.

16. 5th Base Gallery – Heneage Street

Innovative 5th Base Gallery is well worth a visit at any time. The gallery hosts a series of exhibitions, film screenings and workshops in the heart of Shoreditch.

It also just so happens to have one of the biggest piece of Shoreditch street art tucked away on its side wall.

The wall changes frequently – at the moment it’s a 3D work by reputed artist Fanakapan (who’s exhibition inside the gallery has now sadly finished). Up next? Who knows…

17. Old Truman Brewery

Best-known as a drinking den (and quite rightly too), there are a couple of street art pieces dotted around the Old Truman Brewery if you know where to look. Hint: look up.

18. Great Eastern Street

We’re almost back where we started on our free Shoreditch street art tour. Feeling sad?

No worries, there are a couple of pieces to see on Great Eastern Street as we trudge our way back up to Old Street to where it all began.

Practical Information for Your Shoreditch Street Art Tour

Start and finish point for the shoreditch street art trail.

We started and finished this tour at Old Street Station, which is on the Northern Line and also a National Rail Station.

You can also use Shoreditch High Street Overground station. If you do this, start with Ebor Street and add those you’ve missed to the end of the tour.

Alternatively, finish at Liverpool Street Station and squeeze the last stop in as number 1.

Taking a Guided Shoreditch Street Art Tour

There are plenty of guided tours of the graffiti in Shoreditch. Obviously you get a lot more background and information on a guided tour – particularly if you book onto a private tour. Check these ones out for starters.

How Long Does it Take to Follow This Shoreditch Street Art Trail?

About two hours. I’d allow three so you can take your time and don’t have to hurry. All of the spots are close together, so it’s not too bad distance-wise.

Shoreditch Street Art Map

Ready to set off? Don’t miss this Shoreditch street art map (which doubles up as a Brick Lane graffiti map if you just focus on Brick Lane and its immediate surrounds).

Of course, the street art mentioned in this piece will continue to change over the coming months and years, but the places featured are long-standing canvasses for artists, so there should always be something to see in those spots.

Don’t forget to come back for the rest of the series on the best street art in London (hint, Camden , Walthamstow, Croydon and Peckham will be making an appearance).

Read More London Guides and Tips

• Visiting Leake Street – The Cool Graffiti Tunnel in London
• Self-Guided walking tours of London
• The Battle of Cable Street – The Legacy & Mural of London’s Anti-Fascist Fight
• Croydon is The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture for 2023: Here’s What That Means

Frank Alphonse

Sunday 19th of May 2019

Hi Julianna, I just started street art hunting and it is because of resources such as your guide that I am able to celebrate masterpieces.

Have you heard of streetartcities. com? It's both a website and an app that documents murals in cities domestically and internationally.

If you have already, that's great. However, if you haven't I highly encourage you to visit regularly as I'm finding many interesting and visually pleasing commissions/non commissions that haven't been documented elsewhere. Please keep sharing your discoveries and enjoy your travels!

Kind regards, Frank Alphonse

Julianna Barnaby

Tuesday 21st of May 2019

Thanks for your kind words - really glad to hear that you are street art hunting and finding cool pieces - there's so much to see and it's only getting better. I had heard of streetartcities but haven't used in a while, thanks for the reminder. Will check it out for my trip to Athens tomorrow!

All the best,

Sunday 25th of November 2018

I stayed near Shoreditch last time I was in the UK and saw a few murals—but I had no idea there were so many! I love hunting down street art when I travel, but I'm finding it's become more commercial in some places. Not here by the looks of it! I love the grungy style and the colours of these murals, very London!

Friday 30th of November 2018

It's one of my favourite things to do too Emily - I love how it varies so much from country to country and destination to destination, but at the same time you see familiar names and styles popping up in different places. really glad you enjoyed and hope you get to go back and explore more!

Saturday 24th of November 2018

This is by far the best self guided post on street art in London that I've seen! We were just in Shoreditch last month and it's amazing how even since then some of these pieces have changed! (Although I also recognised a lot of them!) Can't wait to check out your other street art articles - in London and elsewhere! You should also consider a piece on Brixton street art, there is TONS, including, of course the akajimmyc's David Bowie, as well as several of Dreph's.

By the way, dunno if you know this (we didn't!) but that painting you have on Princelet Street by BKFoxx is of a guy called Dean, who runs the 'Not Banksy Forum' and does a lot of work with street artists around the world. Once we found this out, we literally started seeing Dean everywhere, which we thought was kind of cool.

Hey Dagney,

Thank you very much - totally appreciated. It is incredible how quickly pieces change. Good point on Brixton - I love hanging out there and it's another hub of street art in London and with its own unique vibe. Added to the list! I did not know that - I am going to start keeping my eyes open now. Bet I'll see Dean pop up in a couple of places!

Oh wow I had no idea there was so much street art in Shoreditch! I especially love the portraits, great photos! I’ll add this to the list for my next London’s trip.

Its absolutely brimming with it! Thanks - definitely add Shoreditch to your next London trip!

I love Shoreditch and this guide will be perfect for my upcoming trip to London. Thanks for sharing and your photos are lovely!

Thanks so much Sarah - Shoreditch is full of so much creativity. I really hope you have a brilliant trip. Wrap up warm ?

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All cities > London Walking Tours > Free Tour of Shoreditch Street Art

Free Tour of Shoreditch Street Art

Art that is beautiful, ever-changing & thought provoking.

London, United Kingdom

From 2 hours, about this tour.

This tour is your shortcut to finding hidden murals, stencils, and artwork that you might not uncover alone.

Step back in time, and see how immigration into Brick Lane and the surrounding area has transformed Shoreditch from the poorest part of London, to becoming one of the must see boroughs of the capital.

This art tells the story of the struggles of the working classes in Britain over the last hundred years.

Tour Highlights

• Seeing exceptional pieces of art
• Learning more about the history of Shoreditch
• Find out insider stories about local artists and the meaning behind murals
• Save time searching for street art, get a guide’s shortlist instead

Practical information

What’s include

• Professional guide
• The tour is pet-friendly

What’s not included

• The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses
• Large group bookings are not accepted

Additional information

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Free street art walking tour.

Enter a world of possibility where the walls are blank canvases and the flick of a spray can inspire rebellion and revolution.

Select date and time

• Saturday April 6 11:00 AM
• Saturday April 6 3:00 PM
• Sunday April 7 11:00 AM
• Sunday April 7 3:00 PM
• Monday April 8 11:00 AM
• More options

Shoreditch High Street Station

About this event

Street Art has been described as the most important artistic movement of the 21st Century, but it actually dates back to thousands of years ago. If you're a lover of art and culture then, yes, go to the National Gallery, go to the Tate Modern, and see the masterpieces created by the most famous artists over the last 400 years, but then join us on a Street Art tour and see what is happening at the grassroots level today. The work is beautiful, ever-changing and thought provoking.

But Street Art is not just pretty pictures, it is challenging and political and tells the story of the struggles of the working classes in Britain over the last hundred years.

You'll step back in time, and see how immigration into Brick Lane and the surrounding area has transformed Shoreditch from the poorest part of London, home to Jack the Ripper’s victims, to becoming one of the must see boroughs of the capital, home to pop up bars and shops, and more vintage clothes stores than you’ll believe.

The tour begins from directly outside Shoreditch High Street Overground Station on Braithwaite Street, E1 6JU. https://goo.gl/maps/KeQMndMrfW1bpKQV9

Look for the guide holding a red umbrella!

The tour operates on a ‘pay what you think it’s worth’ basis. There is no booking fee and no payment is required to join, so that it is accessible to every budget. However our guides are all freelancers who work for tips, so if you enjoy the tour, you are welcome to make a donation at the end. The value is up to you, whatever fits in with you budget and your levels of enjoyment.

We do not accept groups larger than 6, or any educational groups, on our public tours. If you would like to join we can organise a private tour for your group.

You can contact us on +447709703141 or email [email protected].

For more information, visit www.londonwithalocal.com

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Brick Lane Street Art – Self-Guided Walking Tour (with Map)

• Last Updated 3 April 2024

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This self-guided Brick Lane street art walking tour is the perfect way to discover this vibrant corner of East London. Delve into the neighbourhood’s rich and ever-changing art scene, where it seems that every free surface is coated in graffiti, paste-ups and even sculptures. 

This route focuses specifically on the street art around Brick Lane and Bethnal Green Road, as well as the surrounding side streets. Brick Lane is one of the most famous streets in London , known for its amazing street art, rich history, and vibrant culture. So a street art walk is the perfect way to start exploring the area! If you want to explore further, don’t miss my Slums and Street Art East London Walking Tour route . You could even combine the two and fill a whole day exploring the area. 

Update 2024: I originally wrote this post a couple of years ago, when I was living around the corner from Brick Lane. As you can imagine, a lot of stuff has changed since then. The great thing about street art is that it is constantly evolving. However, the good news is that even if some of the works of art have changed, the street art hotspots mentioned in this guide remain the same. You just might not see exactly what I did! 

Brick Lane Street Art Tour Map

Brick Lane and East London Street Art Tour

Getting there.

The best tube stations to start from are Aldgate or Aldgate East. Both of these come out onto Whitechapel High Street, on either side of Osbourne Street.

Best Time to Explore the Brick Lane Street Art

The best time for the walk is a Sunday or a weekday evening. This is because many shops have artworks painted onto their shutters, and these can only be seen when the shops are shut.

Also, Brick Lane is closed to traffic for a street market on a Sunday . This provides a fantastic diversion – as well as a great soundtrack – for a street art walk! However, it does get very crowded. The good news is that most of the best art is found on side streets, so you can escape from the Brick Lane crowds as you follow my walking tour route.

1 – Start of Brick Lane 

Start at the bottom of Brick Lane, at the corner of Wentworth Street. This is where Osbourne Street ends (A) and turns into Brick Lane.

Brick Lane is sometimes known as “Banglatown” thanks to its historic Bangladeshi-Sylheti community. These days, the street is a legendary London curry spot as the lower half is lined with a huge array of curry houses.

You’ll start to see traces of the area’s strong artistic heritage immediately. Head straight up Brick Lane until you reach Fashion Street, keeping an eye out for murals decorating shops and coffee houses to the multitude of peeling paste-ups, as well as numerous paste-ups.

2 – Fashion Street

Take a left onto Fashion Street (B). Here, you’ll find a quiet lane of narrow, red-brick townhouses facing the stately exterior of the GCU University building.

A few pieces of street art can be found along Fashion Street. But what really stands out are the bright, primary colours of the shop shutters, making a great backdrop for photography. Towards the far end, near Commercial Street, you will also find a brightly coloured mural by Irish artist Conor Harrington.

Head back onto Brick Lane. On the left-hand side just after Fashion Street, you’ll spot a little alleyway leading to an off-road car parking area behind some shops. This nondescript, rubble-strewn yard is a hidden treasure trove bursting with colourful art. The yard was still there last time I visited the area, but as Brick Lane is constantly being redeveloped it may not be around forever. 

Walk back out onto Brick Lane and keep heading up to Hanbury Street.

3 – Hanbury Street

Turn left onto Hanbury Street (C), home to several vintage shops, cafes, and bars – as well as plenty of street art. You’ll also find  Hanbury Hall – a historic community centre with a popular cafe. 

Cross back over Brick Lane to the eastern side of Hanbury Street (D) to find a road bursting with lively, eclectic street art and artist’s studios. Here you will find Roa’s crane, a long-standing piece the street is known for, as well as several of the unmistakable Malarky animals. The street is also home to fab vintage store Atika (formerly Blitz). 

4 – Continue Up Brick Lane to the Railway Bridge

Back on Brick Lane, keep heading up until you reach the junction with Buxton Street and Quaker Street. On the left, you will see one of Christiaan Nagel’s mushrooms. These are brightly coloured sculptures made from polyurethane (aka “surfboard foam”), fibreglass and stainless steel. This one is bright red and sits atop the lean-to furniture market at 115B Brick Lane.

On your right, you will find the small alleyway leading to Code Street. This is usually home to some great large-scale graffiti – I’ve spotted a mural by Spanish artist El Pez there before. 

5 – Cheshire Street and Grimsby Street

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, under the railway bridge is where the Brick Lane Street Market really kicks off. So check out the stalls and buy yourself a fresh fruit salad or some falafel. Past the bridge, turn left into Cheshire Street (F) – jam-packed with fascinating shops – and take the first left into Grimsby Street.

This is another hot-spot for street art. At the time of writing, you could find two of Dscreet’s owls, as well as a couple of Stik’s stickmen. Grimsby Street will lead you right back around to Brick Lane, so turn right and start heading back up the way you came.

6 – End of Brick Lane

Carry on to the top of Brick Lane. On the other side of Bethnal Green Road (G) you can see a few more fantastic pieces, including another Stik, as well as a “legal wall” used for commissioned street art, usually advertising.

If you’re in need of refreshments at this stage, there are plenty of great bars and cafes along this section of Brick Lane. I like the shabby-chic Casa Blue for its fab cocktails. 

Don’t miss the chance to visit the justifiably famous Beigel Bake . Considered by many to be the best bagels in London, they’re particularly famous for their salt beef bagels. These are served up with huge chunks of salt beef and mustard. Open 24 hours, this incredible bakery also makes a great post-club pit-stop!

7 – Bacon Street

Head a short way back down Brick Lane and turn right at Bacon Street. There’s always plenty of street art around here – including top names like Jimmy C and Malarky.

The real treasure here, though, is a gorgeous black and white portrait of Charlie Burns, the “oldest man on Brick Lane”. Charlie was a ninety-six-year-old resident known as the King of Brick Lane, known for watching the world pass by from the passenger seat of his daughter’s car seven days a week outside the family’s second-hand furniture store. You can read a fascinating interview with him at Spitalfields Life .

8 – Sclater Street

Turn right into Sclater Street (H) and walk right to the end. Sclater Street used to be a good spot for street art, but recent renovations had left it fairly bare last time I visited. However, you might spot one or two pieces. At the end of Sclater Street, cross over Bethnal Green Road (the crossing is around the corner to the right).

9 – Club Row

Take a left into Club Row (I), where you will see another Jimmy C portrait outside Lounge Lover on Whitby Street. There’s also a squirrel by Roa.

10 – Redchurch Street and Ebor Street

Turn left into Redchurch Street – where there’s always plenty of street art to discover – and then left again onto Ebor Street (J), where you will find Eine’s Anti and Pro walls.

This is the end of the Brick Lane street art tour – although there is still loads left to discover! From here, it’s a short walk to Shoreditch High Street overground station or about a twenty-minute walk to Liverpool Street.

Did you find this Brick Lane street art walking tour useful? Let me know in the comments – and if anything has changed then please help me keep the guide up to date! 

Slums and Street Art Self Guided East London Walking Tour

East London Street Art – Guide to Popular Artists

A Local’s Guide to Bermondsey and South East London

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10 thoughts on “Brick Lane Street Art – Self-Guided Walking Tour (with Map)”

Your blog earned a Bean’s Pat for being the Wondering Wanderer’s blog pick of the day. Check it out at: http://patbean.wordpress.com

Wow, thank you! So glad you liked the post:)

Fantabulous! Thanks for this, it’s great – you told me to check back, and of course it was well worth the return visit (as always). I hope I can pop round one day after work before the clocks go haywire and winter descends upon us once more! :-)

Thank you! There’s so much out there at the moment, especially with all the Olympic themed stuff – it’s well worth a visit :)

Very Interesting stuff! Will check it out next time I make it to London.

Thanks so much for this! You saved my day! Today I was supposed to join one of those ‘street art guided tours’ in Brick lane, but I arrived late and I missed them. Thx to your tips I still managed to make a great day out of it on my own and took great pictures.Looking fwd to try your 1st itinerary

Thank you So glad this helped! Looks like my research paid off :)

Such a great area to find street-art. I was there a few weeks ago too.

Thanks a lot for creating the Brick Lane graffiti map! I struggled to find a high quality one and you made it happen, simple and beautiful!! Amazing blog.

Thanks Philippe, I’m happy it helped :)

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s Shoreditch Walks with Maps

Today I want to share A Lady in London’s free self-guided Shoreditch walks with you. This part of east London is packed with everything from street art to cool cafes, and these walking routes and maps will help you discover the best of the area.

Shoreditch Walks

From Shoreditch High Street to Great Eastern Street, Old Street to Rivington Street, Shoreditch is one of the best east London neighborhoods .

One of the coolest areas in the UK capital, Shoreditch is a great place to soak up the colorful murals and hip scene the East End is known for.

Whether you’re looking for a London walking tour entirely in the neighborhood or a street-art themed one that will take you through Spitalfields as well, I have self-guided Shoreditch walks that will cater to your preferences and let you explore the best of this east London neighborhood.

You can see more walks in the book London’s Hidden Walks , too. It’s perfect if you enjoy exploring the UK capital’s off-the-beaten-path areas. You can get it here .

Shoreditch Walk Route

My first Shoreditch walking tour starts at Old Street station. It has great transport links, so you can arrive by tube, train, bus, bike, or on foot from other parts of the city.

When you exit the station, walk east down Old Street towards Shoreditch High Street. On the way you’ll start to get a taste of the street art and hip bars and restaurants the area is known for.

When you reach Rufus Street, turn left and walk into Hoxton Square. This green space is surrounded by some of the most popular bars in the neighborhood.

When you’re done taking in the square, continue your Shoreditch walk by exiting east onto Old Street and continuing until you reach Shoreditch High Street.

If it’s a Sunday, you can take a detour up to the Columbia Road Flower Market , one of the best London markets (here’s a map of where you can find it).

If not, continue this most exciting of Shoreditch walks by turning right on Shoreditch High Street. Don’t miss the facade of George Dance the Elder’s 18th-century Shoreditch Church on your left as you go.

When you reach Rivington Street, turn right and walk all the way down it until you reach Great Eastern Street. Along the way you’ll pass famous street art, great bars, shops, galleries, and more.

Once at Great Eastern Street, cross over where it’s safe and walk southwest down Tabernacle Street. Continue on it until you reach Leonard Street. When you do, turn right.

Follow Leonard Street down to City Road. As you go, you’ll pass by one of the best coffee shops in London .

When you reach City Road, cross the street where it’s safe and turn left. You’ll soon find yourself at two local landmarks that are across the street from one another.

The first is Wesley’s Chapel. It’s a Georgian Methodist chapel and museum that was also once the home of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley.

Across from it is Bunhill Fields, a former burial ground. Now a public park, it’s the final resting place of notables like William Blake, Daniel Defoe, John Bunyan, and Susanna Wesley.

You can visit one or both, or continue this loveliest of Shoreditch walks by heading south down City Road and taking in the Honourable Artillery Company, a castle-like building next to Bunhill Fields.

When you reach Worship Street, turn left and walk east down it until you reach Curtain Road. You’ll see more of the area’s famous bars as you go.

Once you reach Curtain Road, turn left and walk up to Great Eastern Street. When you arrive, cross over and turn right on New Inn Yard. It has great street art, and you’ll see the best of it as you walk down to Shoreditch High Street.

When you get there, continue this most colorful of Shoreditch walks by turning left. Walk up Shoreditch High Street and take in the scene before turning right on Calvert Avenue.

Calvert Avenue will take you past great shops and cafes until you get to Arnold Circus. Surrounded by historic buildings, it has a small green space called Boundary Gardens in the middle.

Once you’ve explored the gardens, continue your Shoreditch walking tour by heading south down Club Row until you get to Redchurch Street, one of the neighborhood’s famous shopping streets.

Turn right on Redchurch Street, taking in the hip stores and cafes as you make your way back to Shoreditch High Street.

When you get there, turn left, then cross over Bethnal Green Road where it’s safe and turn left to walk down it. Passing Boxpark Shoreditch on your right, make your way to Shoreditch High Street station.

Your Shoreditch walk ends here, but you can spend more time exploring the area if you want to.

In fact, the station is a short distance from Liverpool Street station, where my self-guided Spitalfields walk starts. You can head down there and combine the two if you want to explore more.

Walk Details

Map of the first half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/Z3uCNeesGMdLQRGV8

Map of the second half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/Gd7E63347oFAyE5AA

Further afield: Hoxton, Clerkenwell , Dalston, Angel , Bethnal Green, Hackney , Spitalfields

Shoreditch Street Art Tour

The second of my self-guided Shoreditch walks will take you around to see some of the best street art in the East End.

My Spitalfields and Shoreditch street art tour features some of London’s most famous murals. It’s a great one to do if you like a colorful surprise around every corner.

You can see my street art tour of London blog post for the full route, video, and map.

I hope reading about my Shoreditch walks has gotten you excited to see more of London’s East End. They’re good excuses to go outside, exercise, and soak up the hip east London scene.

If you’re interested in doing more walks, head over to my blog post about east London walks or take a look at all my self-guided London walking tours and maps. Happy walking!

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2 Comments on Lady’s Shoreditch Walks with Maps

I walked these streets back in the mid 80s as a Metropolitan Police officer stationed at City Road Police Station. Thanks for the memories, your lovely photos and information.

That’s great! You’re welcome.

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Brixton Street Art and Culture Tour

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• World Famous Markets
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Brixton to many is a place they know for the wrong reasons, such as the riots of the 1980’s.

Will Smith recently visited saying he wanted to see London's version of Harlem. Brixton, once closed off to locals and visitors, now welcomes everyone to the neighbourhood to live in.

Resting a mere 15 minutes from central London, Brixton is worlds apart from the imperial grandeur of the Royal City.

A buzzing neighbourhood and one of the most ethnically diverse communities in London, (Brixton is) famous for its food, covered markets, graffiti, street art, mural art, music and a strong sense of community.

From a Victorian middle-class neighbourhood past the mass Afro-Caribbean immigration of the 40s, the turbulent 80s to being London’s culture capital, Brixton has seen it all.

On this walk, you’ll get to see its most exciting and iconic landmarks, learn about some famous locals, as well as experience its bustling multiculturalism.

As Nelson Mandela put it in 1995 when he visited Brixton: “ I want to put you all in my pocket and take you back to Africa with me ”.

Experience Brixton with locals and take home a slice of London’s greatest and most diverse neighbourhood with you.

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Where:  The tour begins from the David Bowie Memorial, opposite Brixton Underground Station. ( MAP )

The tour ends near Windrush Square. ( MAP )

Duration:  Approximately 2 hours.

When:     View our calendar of all walking tours .

Cost:  This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

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Welcome To Alternative London

The Original off-the-beaten-track Tour Provider – East London Culture, Creativity & Community

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Discover the London you won’t find in the guidebooks with Alternative London Tours, the original East London and London Street Art Tour & Workshop provider! Our multi award-winning experiences take visitors and local’s into the heart of the vibrant East End, to explore its unique culture, creativity and community.

Now in our fourtteenth year, we offer a variety of immersive tours and unrivalled graffiti and street art workshops for visitors and locals alike – all with the same authentic, highly informative, yet relaxed and informal approach.

Together our collective of well-known artists and local creatives are considered some of the foremost experts on East London and the London street art scene. We are immersed in our community and produce many of the legal murals you will see on our tours, exhibit the artists’ works at our gallery and hang out at the independent pubs, bars and restaurants on our food and drink tours.

Our reputation and high acclaim precede us and we’ve firmly established ourselves as the benchmark for cultural tourism in London.

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London Bike Tours, Food & Drinks Tours, Street Art Tours, Graffiti Workshops and more!

Alternative London Street Art Walking Tour

Experience our unique, vibrant and multicultural community and hear the stories and inspirations behind a huge array of  fascinating artworks; from huge murals, to tiny hidden sculptures that are almost impossible to find alone. Learn the intricate history and evolution of the artform and its place in our community.

Featuring local and world renowned artists such as; Roa, Shepard Fairey, Invader, Vhils, Connor Harrington, and Stik. All our guides have their own unique perspective and our routes change as often as the art itself, meaning a tour with us always feels fresh.

*This tour is also available with a Street Art Workshop afterwards seven days a week – see our Street Art Tour and Workshops. Alternatively if some of your group wish to do the workshop and others the tour, just add both to the basket separately for the same day and time.

Street Art Tour & Workshop (4 hours – Weekends)

Join London’s original Street Art Tour where you will learn the history of the art form and get inspired by the huge array of styles. Then we head back to our purpose-built street art workshop studio where after a short break we’ll guide you through the Stencil making process. Master single or multi-layer stencilling techniques, to make your own unique design with help from our expert tutors.

Then it’s time to learn the spray-can techniques to create your very own Stencil masterpiece! This is London’s most in depth and best value Street art experience and a must for anyone looking to try spray painting in a relaxed, safe and fun environment.

You’ll paint directly onto our walls with indoor paint in a fully ventilated environment. For a small additional fee you can paint your own canvas or canvas bag to take away with you.*

*can be purchased upon booking or on the day

Street Art Tour & Workshop (2.5 hours – Daily) 

After being inspired by London’s best graffiti and Street art, on the Alternative London Street Art Tour, its back to our workshop to try it for yourself!

We are the U.K’s number one Street Art Workshop provider with London’s only purpose built street art studio. Using a large selection of pre-prepared stencils, we provide a safe and fun environment for a unique hands on experience. All welcome regardless of artistic ability, as your expert guide will show you all the skills to create your own spray paint masterpiece!

You will spray directly onto our walls using indoor paints in a fully ventilated environment. F or a small additional fee, you can paint your own canvas or canvas bag to take away with you*.

*can be purchased upon booking or on the day.

Alternative Londres: Visite Guidee en Francais 

Alternative London vous propose une visite guidée unique au coeur du quartier Est de Londres réputé pour son dynamisme et son incroyable créativité. Vous aurez aussi un aperçu historique de cette région au travers des événements culturels marquants qui ont fait de “East London” ce qu’il est devenu aujourd’hui.

Street Art Bike Tour 

Join London’s original street art tour provider to see some of the world’s finest street art around Brick Lane, Shoreditch, Hoxton and Hackney as well as some hidden away pieces exclusive to Alternative London Tours. On bikes you will get to see much more in two hours than you can see on any other London Street Art Tour and for a fraction of the cost.

East London Food Tour

Shoreditch, former slum, shaped by centuries of immigration into a cultural melting pot and culinary hot spot. This is not a typical touristy food tour. This is a journey into the heart of the East End to experience the best flavours in town.

You’ll experience dishes from award winning chefs hailing from all four corners of the globe. From centuries old East End staples to cutting edge modern delicacies, experience the real taste of modern Shoreditch. The tour includes at least 5 food / drink stops, about the equivalent of a hearty 3 course meal – come hungry!

Alternative London Bike Tour

We will take you where no other London tour has gone before! On bikes we are able to take you much further into London’s amazing East End for the most comprehensive insight yet into it’s interesting past, it’s cultural present and a huge amount of street art that can’t be seen on any other tours.

East End Jogging Tour   from £12 –

Currently unavailable.

Join our East End jogging tour where you’ll cover much more ground than any walking tour can! We run through quiet city streets, vibrant markets and showcase the best street art, including Banksy’s newest works which can’t be seen on any other London tours! We jog at a very relaxed pace for around 5km.

For other distances, and promo events just get in touch.

Pubs & Craft Beer Tour from £30 –

A trip to the capital is not complete without a visit to a traditional London pub and London’s East End is home to some of the best around! Let us take you off the beaten track for an insider’s view of our vibrant and unique area whilst stopping off in some of our local pubs.

From historic pubs with original Victorian decor to modern re-established and recently reopened, independently owned pubs and some of the best craft beer pubs in London!

Our Customer Reviews

Feedback from some of our recent tour guests

A fabulous day with Emily at Alternative London. Great street art tour followed by the workshop. Highly recommend if you want to know more about the area and styles of street art. Just remember to look up!

Really loved it, not just the standard graffiti art but some amazing hidden gems along the tour, great insight into how street art is progressing in today’s world, keep up the good work guys!!

Had a wonderful and eye opening alternative tour with the lovely Yasmin. Learned so much about the history of Brick Lane and mesmerized by the stories about the neighborhood and every street art i saw. Loved this tour.

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Alternative London are experts in providing bespoke activities for those wishing to experience a different side of the capital or plan a unique and memorable event.

We understand that every client is different and we love to get creative and design the perfect activity for you. Whether it’s a corporate day out, a team building exercise, hen party or group of friends – we can offer one of our unique tours or workshop and add a personal twist to make your experience with us an unforgettable one.

Unique and original walking tours, bike tours and food & drink tours of London’s cultural and creative hub

Personalised bespoke street art and graffiti workshops designed to get the most out of your team, additional stops during tours if required ie: pub stops for craft beer tasting or quizzes, much, much more, school & educational tours.

Our Alternative London tours and workshops are perfect for educational organisations looking for something fun, engaging and interesting for students of all ages.

We have organised bespoke activities for hundreds of schools, colleges and universities from all four corners of the globe.

London’s original street art tour provider and the only street art tour with active street artists as guides

All encompassing east end tours taking students off the beaten track for an insight into the history, culture and community of london’s creative hub, our own, safe and fun workshop space with professional and experienced spray paint workshop tutors.

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