Whitechapel - Things to do in London

Just to the east of the City is Whitechapel, an area rich with history, home to a mix of cultures, traditions and people. Perhaps Whitechapel's most famous inhabitant was Jack the Ripper, who went on his infamous crime spree in the cobbled alleys and dark streets of Victorian London. Nowadays though, Whitechapel is a busy urban hub with residents taking advantage of its close proximity to central London.

Central to the area's regeneration over the past few decades is Brick Lane, a mile long stretch of lively bars, clubs, boutiques and of course the famous curry houses, which you can access from the top end at Whitechapel. Shop for vintage clothes while appreciating the omnipresent street art, before settling down for a cocktail or a spot of bowling at All Star Lanes.

In the first part of the 21st Century, Whitechapel played a leading role in London's underground music scene, with bands like The Libertines, The Rakes and Razorlight all making use of the area's pubs and music venues.

Places to go in Whitechapel 

Rhythm Factory
The area's leading music venue and still one of the must-visit places to check out up and coming talent, especially in urban music. The Rhythm Factory is also home to various club nights on a weekend, usually playing music across the bassier end of the spectrum.  

Whitechapel Art Gallery
The Whitechapel Gallery is one of London's leading independent art spaces, with exhibitions from the likes of Gillian Wearing, JMW Turner and Barbara Hepworth over the  years. 

Blind Beggar
The pub where, in the 1960s, the infamous East End gangster Reggie Kray shot George Cornell. Thankfully you're unlikely to get gunned down these days, as the venue has become a meeting place for young people in the area and a stop for tourists on the Monopoly pub crawl.