London: street art in Shoreditch

Shoreditch is an alternative, relaxed and creative neighborhood in East London. The area is famous for its street art, eclectic markets and many vintage shops.

Stretching over 1.2 km, Brick Lane is Shoreditch’s vibrant main artery. This street owes its name to the brick kilns that once stood here, built by Flemish settlers in the 1500s. Brick Lane is lined with scores of curry houses, street food places, bars, and the Truman Brewery, which now houses a popular market and is recognizable by its towering brick chimney.

Walking around Shoreditch can quite quickly turn into a street art safari or treasure hunt. You can find pieces all around the neighborhood. From one street to the next, the distinctive styles of certain street artists, such as Scrapyard Spec, Mr Cenz or WRDSMTH, are clearly recognizable.

Our recommendation: consider Brick Lane as the backbone of your itinerary through the area. Take your time exploring the side streets, before returning to Brick Lane and continuing on your way. In addition to the buildings on Brick Lane, make sure you check out Fashion Street, Hanbury Street, Quaker Street, Pedley Street and King John Court further on, as well as Ebor Street.

Many of the murals and pieces were arresting, surprising, or just plain funny. Others, we found memorable or touching. Here is a selection of our favorites (photos taken in the summer of 2024): 

One of the most interesting aspects of street art is its fleeting nature. This becomes all the more noticeable around Brick Lane. The murals that are visible today, may well be replaced by new ones a few months from now. Current pieces serve as a basis, a starting point for the next, a driving force for the creative dynamic that follows. It’s an ever-evolving cycle that draws you in, creating an open-air gallery that keeps reinventing itself.

Don’t miss the full article about our best tips on what to see and do in London