Shoreditch boasts an excellent location in the heart of London’s arty and eclectic districts, and is conveniently located with plenty of public transport options for easy access to the rest of the capital. The area has a rich history, beginning as a rural settlement and developing into a bustling suburb under the Tudors. From there, it became the industrial engine behind London’s economy and the resulting slums of industrialisation went on to inspire the character Oliver Twist. Since the 2012 London Olympics, most of which was held in East London, the area has seen huge economic growth with companies like Google, Amazon and Bloomberg setting up shop, turning Old Street (now recognised as the ‘silicon roundabout’) into the third largest technology cluster after San Francisco and New York.
Shoreditch is also argued by many to be the birthplace of English theatre as the first two theatres in London were built in the area, one of which premiered Shakespeare’s iconic Romeo and Juliet in the late 16th-century. If you’ll be visiting for a while, there are plenty of exciting activities on offer in Shoreditch. Browse Old Spitalfields Market, one of the oldest markets in London, which has everything from vintage clothing and antiques to food trucks flogging falafel wraps and bao buns. Take a stroll down the Columbia Road flower market, or if you’re up for something a bit more out there, partake in a Jack the Ripper walking tour, as he famously used to operate in the area. After a long day, why not settle in for a few drinks at one of the many rooftop bars and restaurants in Shoreditch, and soak up the excellent city skyline views?