Shoreditch and Brick Lane

Street art, vintage shops, curry houses and the bars that keep going until late.

Brick Lane and the streets off it are London's open-air gallery, with new pieces every week. By day it is markets and bagels; by night it is the densest stretch of bars in east London. Sunday brings the markets out, which is the best time for a wander.

When it works

Partly outdoors: better on a dry day, with shelter if it turns. Best afternoon, evening, night.

Good for groups, a date and locals' favourite.

On these lists

• Things to do in London when the sun is out
• Free things to do in London
• Things to do in London tonight
• Date ideas in London
• Things to do in London this weekend
• Plan an afternoon in London around it

Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in London ranked for right now.