Spitalfields plays an important role on most east London, which focus on everything from food and culture to contemporary street art. Walking tours offer a more intimate glimpse of the area and usually also cover areas such as hipster-capital Shoreditch, culturally-diverse Brick Lane, and Whitechapel, the former hunting ground of Jack the Ripper. Keen shoppers can take advantage of tours that offer round-trip transfers between Spitalfields and other popular London markets.
Spitalfields is the name of the area, and is also used to refer to the trader’s market.
While most vendors accept card, it’s a good idea to carry some cash if you’re exploring London’s markets.
First-time visitors sometimes confuse Spitalfields market
Don’t forget warm clothes in winter, as even the indoor markets get chilly.
Liverpool Street station lies just east of the area, and is a short walk away from the main attractions. Aldgate East and Shoreditch High Street are also within easy walking distance. The main thoroughfares of Bishopsgate and Commercial Street are both served by several city buses.
There’s always something to see in Spitalfields, though if you’re after any particular wares it’s worth checking which markets are running ahead of time. For instance, Saturday’s style market is a top draw for fashionistas.
Spitalfields is known for its links to Jack the Ripper, but a historical tour can reveal more about the social tragedy behind the sensationalised crimes. Look out for Victorian landmarks such as the Providence Row Night Refuge for insight into the extreme poverty that permeated 19th-century London and led to the horrifying acts of violence against the city’s most vulnerable people.
