London’s East End is a microcosm of its own. From the soaring towers of Canary Wharf to the bustling markets of Whitechapel. This part of the city is renowned for its diverse range of architecture, people and cultures.

Brick Lane market offers rich diversity of products, clothes and foods. It’s best-known for the latter and has become London’s most renowned location for Indian food. The range of quality and price varies hugely and there are always plenty of opportunities to barter.

In the 1880s, Victorian east London was struck by perhaps the world’s most famous serial killer – Jack the Ripper. Even today Ripperologists study the possible identity of the person who killed several prostitutes in the Whitechapel area. Those interested in the crimes can take Jack the Ripper tours in the Whitechapel and Spitalfields area.

Shoreditch is one of the most alternative parts of east London. There are plenty of hipsters in their weird and wonderful garb – from chunky glasses to chunky knitwear. Many independent shops and unusual eateries exist in this area. Although this area has become recently gentrified, there are many walls which are still plastered with graffiti, offering a more urban edge to the area.

Whatever your views on the financial district and the bankers who reside in the tall glass towers, the financial districts – both the City and Canary Wharf – offer some stunning cityscapes of skyscrapers, including the Gherkin and the Shard. Close to the latter is also the vibrant Borough Market, full of great food of all different cuisines.