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Verified Writer
London, UK
4.95(2405)
22 Guests Max
2 hrsLast updated February 2025
Situated smack bang in the heart of London’s East End, Whitechapel is one of the UK capital's most vibrant and multicultural districts, offering up a mix of sinister history, cool contemporary culture and delicious international cuisine. Here are our top insider's suggestions for things to do in Whitechapel.
Start the morning with a spring in your step with coffee and pastries from the Exmouth Coffee Company. Located at N.83 Whitechapel High Street, this cosy café offers a delectable range of flaky croissants, hearty quiches, cocoa-rich brownies and more, all baked on-site.
Coffee lovers will be delighted to learn that its baristas roast their coffees in-house on a small 2kg Toper coffee roaster, and use a specially created house blend for all espresso-based drinks.
Whitechapel Gallery has been a staple of the East End’s art scene since soon after its foundation in the early 20th century. The gallery is divided into nine exhibition spaces, a fully equipped auditorium, and a variety of study and studio spaces, as well as a specialist bookshop and – if you’re still hungry – the acclaimed Townsend restaurant.
Entry to Whitechapel Gallery—and all of London’s galleries and museums—is free.
Save time and money getting around London with our simple travel guide
Viewing art can be tiring work, so what better way to decompress than by browsing the brik-a-brak collections of the nearby Spitalfields Market. Established in 1638, this long-standing market is a treasure trove of antiques, vintage and contemporary clothing, and unique crafts. The market is just a 10-minute walk from Whitechapel Gallery.
Do try to resist its food stalls though, since our lunch recommendation is a treat. 😉
And if you want to dive deeper into the area's street art scene, check out the free Street Art & Graffiti tours around Brick Lane and Whitechapel.
Whitechapel enjoys a reputation for fantastic Punjab cuisine and exceptional curry houses, and wherever you go in the area you can’t go wrong. (That said, a quick browse through some reviews on Google or Tripadvisor never hurts, and can avoid disappointment).
Our favourite curry house is Dishoom, a small Bombay-inspired restaurant group with several locations across London. Dishoom Shoreditch is just a 10-minute bus journey (or 20-minute walk) from Whitechapel Gallery, and its menu is truly special.
Whether you choose their famous bacon naan roll or the hearty house black daal, you’re in for a treat.
What better way to walk off your lunch than with a leisurely stroll down Brick Lane!
Famous for its vibrant street art, vintage shops, and diverse culinary offerings, Brick Lane is a cultural hotspot. Keep an eye out for works by famous street artists like Banksy, and explore the eclectic shops that line the street.
Ready to discover the dark side of Whitechapel? Our adults-only Jack the Ripper Tour immerses you in this sinister period of Victorian England, taking you to the real-life locations and giving you a glimpse into the lives of his victims.
This tour has been voted one of the best things to do in Whitechapel. Join for yourself to discover why.
One of the best ways to appreciate London’s unique architectural beauty is to soak in a sweeping panoramic of the city from above. We think the best place to do this is at the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, a public garden situated at a height of 525 feet (160 metres).
Entry is free, but we recommend booking a time slot in advance.
Although situated a little outside Whitechapel, the Prospect of Whitby pub is well worth visiting. At first glance, this seems like any other historic British pub, with 18th-century panelling and a 19th-century façade. Delve further into the history, however, and you'll be shocked to learn that this was a popular site of public executions — and that the hangman's noose remains outside.
The pub overlooks Execution Dock, which, according to John Stow, was "The usual place for hanging of pirates and sea-rovers, at the low-water mark, and there to remain till three tides had overflowed them". For around 400 years, until 1830, pirates, smugglers, and mutineers were executed here in full-view of the merchants and patrons who frequented such public houses as the Prospect of Whitby.
Return to Whitechapel for dinner at Tayyabs, a beloved local restaurant known for its Punjabi cuisine. Indulge in dishes like lamb chops, tandoori grills, and flavorful curries. The vibrant atmosphere and delicious food make it a perfect dining spot.
End your day by exploring the nightlife in nearby Shoreditch. This area is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. Check out the Queen of Hoxton for a rooftop bar experience or visit the Blues Kitchen for live music and a lively atmosphere.
Browse Time Out to see which events coincide with your visit.
Enjoying locally brewed beers on our London Tipsy Tour
You'll also find plenty of nightclubs around central London that go hard until the early hours. Check out our London’s Nightlife Guide to find see what's best for you!
Our London Tours offer the most authentic way to explore the UK capital. Our licensed guides are tested and trusted on TripAdvisor, and we’ve selected them because of their passion for their city.
Looking to meet other travellers on a fun night out? Check out our London Tipsy Tour.
Meet fun like-minded travellers on our Tipsy Tour of London!
Ready to delve into Whitechapel's dark history? Join our immersive Jack the Ripper Tour.
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