| East London is a cacophony of sights, sounds, cultures | | | | a fantastic selection of bars and clubs. The area has |
| and attractions. With a vibrant nightlife, renowned curry | | | | great organic restaurants and cafes catering for every |
| houses and an artistic vibe, the area is arguably the | | | | type of diet. The young and creative crowd that live |
| trendiest part of London. | | | | and work in the area are often found lounging in |
| Whitechapel | | | | Hoxton Square in the summer. The White Cube art |
| Once the stomping ground of the infamous | | | | gallery is home to the young British arts movement |
| 19th-century killer Jack the Ripper, Whitechapel is now | | | | and offers free entry. |
| known for its thriving community of artists who live | | | | Markets |
| alongside the culturally dynamic Bangladeshi | | | | East London boasts a range of markets from the |
| community. | | | | bric-a-brac and second-hand gems to be found in |
| Nowhere is this better illustrated than with a walk along | | | | Brick Lane every Sunday morning until 2pm, to the |
| Brick Lane where the tantalizing aroma from the many | | | | splendor of Spitalfields nearby. |
| local restaurants is sure to prove tempting. | | | | Old Spitalfields Market stalls are out in force every day |
| Backpackers staying at any of the London hostels will | | | | except Saturday, but it is on Sunday that the market |
| be able to sample these exotic dishes from a range of | | | | really comes into its own. This is definitely the place to |
| cheap and cheerful eateries in the area. The fierce | | | | go for the fashion-conscious budget traveler, who can |
| competition between rival curry houses on this road | | | | pick up a range of cheap and cool garments and |
| means that those who negotiate with staff are likely to | | | | accessories. |
| be offered free drinks or money off the bill. | | | | The roofed market exists on a site first used for this |
| Further down Brick Lane the tempo changes with | | | | purpose in 1682 and now offers food, clothes, fashion, |
| ultra-cool independent bars and clubs promising an | | | | interiors accessories and other delights. |
| array of alternative sounds. North African cafes are in | | | | Another trendy East London area is Greenwich, which |
| abundance serving the very best mint tea and shisha, | | | | also has a market with great offerings on Wednesday |
| and of course there is an iconic bagel bakery. | | | | and Saturday. A day of browsing could be |
| Hoxton | | | | interspersed with a stroll in stunning Greenwich Park, |
| Hoxton is just round the corner from the very | | | | plus a quick visit to the Maritime Museum, which is free |
| happening Old Street and provides backpackers with | | | | to enter for the public. |