Lady’s 7 Things to Do in Whitechapel

Today I want to bring you my guide to things to do in Whitechapel, London. This part of the East End is packed with hidden gems, and it’s worth spending time to get to know the neighborhood.

Things to Do in Whitechapel

I’m not sure I’m in the right place. The building looks abandoned and the giant green doors are covered in graffiti.

But when I peer around the corner, I find myself looking into the achingly hip interior of the Chicken Shop in Whitechapel.

And the restaurant isn’t the only thing in the neighborhood that’s hidden behind a less-than-obvious exterior. In fact, the best things to do in Whitechapel feel like secrets waiting to be discovered.

I’m here for the afternoon with a friend that recently moved to the area. She took me on an amazing walking tour of Wapping a few months ago, and today I’ve convinced her to do the same with Whitechapel.

Whitechapel, London

This neighborhood in east London lies just beyond the City and close to Spitalfields. Centered around Whitechapel Road, it’s an architectural mishmash of historic brick buildings, modern constructions, and sleek new skyscrapers.

And that’s to say nothing of the cultural and socioeconomic diversity that makes the neighborhood unique.

1. Whitechapel Gallery

At the start of our tour of things to do in Whitechapel, I meet my friend by the Aldgate East tube station, which is at the west end of the area.

The Whitechapel Gallery is our first stop, not least because it’s one of the most famous landmarks in the neighborhood. The gallery, which is on the corner of Brick Lane, is known for its great contemporary art exhibitions.

2. Whitechapel Restaurants, Cafes, and Hotels

Down Whitechapel Road, new cafes and restaurants have popped up everywhere. Exmouth Coffee Company, a trendy cafe with no sign, lures in passers-by with a mouth-watering window display of pretty cakes and pastries.

On Leman Street, Leman Locke draws visitors in with its stunning pink spiral staircase. It’s one of the most unique hotels in London, and a photographer’s dream.

Off the main roads, Whitechapel has a number of other restaurants tucked away for locals and those in the know.

One of them is one of Whitechapel’s most famous restaurants, Tayyabs. Along with nearby Lahore Kebab House, it’s one of London’s most famous no-frills curry houses.

Both restaurants draw people from all over the city, and I’m sure I’m not the only one that first ventured out to the area for dinner at one of the two. It’s one of the most delicious things to do in Whitechapel.

3. Cultural Highlights

Back on Whitechapel Road, my friend shows me some of the non-culinary highlights of the neighborhood.

The area is rich in history and culture, as evidenced by the 18th-century Royal London Hospital and the East London Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre.

The hospital reopened a number of years ago in a gleaming skyscraper set behind the original building. Next door in a pretty red brick church is the Royal London Hospital Museum.

It’s a small but well-curated space dedicated to the history of the hospital and famous figures like Florence Nightingale and the Elephant Man. Exploring it is one of the most unique things to do in Whitechapel.

4. Whitechapel Bell Foundry

But perhaps the most beloved piece of the area’s history is the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. Opened in 1570 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the foundry is where both London’s Big Ben and America’s Liberty Bell were made.

A working church bell foundry until recent years, it had a small museum inside with information on the famous bells that were created there.

Out back, one could even catch a glimpse of the action through an open door where you could see new bells being made in the foundry. The future of the building is now uncertain, but many hope it will be saved.

5. Whitechapel Market

Farther along Whitechapel Road, we walk through the daily street market. Whitechapel Market takes over the sidewalk near Whitechapel station in a whirlwind of colorful fabrics and fragrant foods.

Despite being in close proximity to the hip markets on Brick Lane, it’s managed to retain a traditional atmosphere. Exploring it is one of the best things to do in Whitechapel for market lovers and those wanting to live like a local.

6. Whitechapel Pubs

As we make our way down the road, we pass by beautiful historic almshouses and the famous Blind Beggar pub. It’s notorious for being the place where 1960s gangster Ronnie Kray shot and killed a rival.

Beyond its infamous history, the pub has a great decked pergola for outdoor drinking in the warmer months and a fireplace for indoor entertainment in the cooler ones. Coming here is one of the best things to do in Whitechapel for pub lovers.

After our visit, we make our way along the neighborhood’s other main street, Commercial Road.

It’s home to the George Tavern, one of London’s oldest pubs. It has 700 years of history and is famous for being a favorite of literary figures. Some famous bands got their start here, too.

7. Stepney City Farm

Eventually we head down Stepney Green to Stepney City Farm. The little space is packed with everything from goats and donkeys to vegetable gardens and cafes. It provides a welcome respite from the urban environment around it.

Best Things to Do in Whitechapel

Back at Chicken Shop, we settle in for a well-earned lunch. A half chicken with sides of fries and corn go down a treat, and the cool ambiance in such an unexpected place is the perfect way to end our day of discovering things to do in Whitechapel.

If the restaurant and everything else we’ve seen today are any indication, there’s a lot more to discover in this east London neighborhood.

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