Car Hire Spitalfields

Spitalfields is a richly layered district in the heart of Greater London, where historic charm and artistic vibrancy meet in every alleyway and open courtyard. This area with a population of 10,000, is bordered by main roads like Commercial Street and Bishopsgate. It’s an area best explored on foot, where each turn offers a new glimpse into the city’s evolving identity.

The creative pulse of nearby Hackney has helped shape the area’s modern cultural flavour, complementing its centuries-old history. The weather tends to be mild but often breezy, so packing light layers and a comfortable pair of walking shoes is always a smart idea. From late spring to early autumn, the streets come alive with outdoor art displays, pop-up events and buzzing weekend markets.

Attractions In Spitalfields

Spitalfields invites a slower kind of exploration — where you lose track of time meandering between artisan stalls, gallery doorways and tucked-away historical markers. The area rewards curiosity, with unexpected pockets of creativity and stories waiting just off the main route. Whether you’re after grand architecture, immersive exhibitions or simply a quiet bench to people-watch, there’s a rhythm to Spitalfields that makes every visit feel personal and layered.

Tower Of London

The Tower of London is the most iconic landmark in Spitalfields, steeped in centuries of history and royal drama. Built by William the Conqueror, it has served as a royal residence, prison and military stronghold, with stories of monarchs, betrayals and legendary ravens woven into every corner. Today, one of its biggest draws is the Crown Jewels — an extraordinary collection that captures the grandeur of Britain’s monarchy. History explorers from Shoreditch and beyond are drawn to its mix of spectacle and storytelling. Open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM and weekends until 5:30 PM, it continues to top visitor lists with over 111,000 reviews to its name.

Wentworth Street Arch

At first glance, the Wentworth Street Arch might seem like a simple structure but its history tells a deeper story. This gateway once marked the edge of Spitalfields’ textile trade, guiding merchants and shoppers through one of the city’s busiest market zones. Its modest brickwork and enduring presence offer a tangible link to the commercial past that shaped the area’s character. Even today, walking beneath it feels like stepping through a piece of living history — subtle but undeniably significant.

Jack The Ripper – Body Of Mary Jane Kelly Site

Found along Brushfield Street, this quiet landmark marks the location where Mary Jane Kelly’s body was discovered in 1888 — the final known victim of Jack the Ripper. The former London Fruit & Wool Exchange building now stands in its place but the historical weight remains. Mary Jane’s story often gets reduced to a headline but here, the site invites a more human response. Rather than sensationalising her death, it encourages visitors to reflect on the personal loss and to honour her as more than just a name in a grim chapter of London’s past.

Tomb Of The Unknown Roman Girl

Tucked away near St Mary Axe, the Tomb of the Unknown Roman Girl is one of Spitalfields’ more quietly powerful sites. Discovered during recovery efforts after the 1992 IRA bombing of the Baltic Exchange, this ancient burial unearthed a young Roman girl’s remains beneath the modern cityscape. The tragedy that revealed her — an explosion that killed three people and injured 91 — forms a stark contrast to the serene resting place that followed. Today, the site captures a rare intersection of ancient London and contemporary memory, reminding visitors that the layers of this city run deeper than they appear. It’s often visited by those exploring the area from Whitechapel or seeking quiet reflection just steps from the City’s core.

S. Schwartz

Set along Fournier Street, the weathered gates bearing the name “S. Schwartz” are equal parts curiosity, commentary and accidental installation art. Surrounded by carefully preserved Georgian façades, this crumbling entryway feels like a stubborn holdout from another time — and that’s part of its charm. Overhead, a sundial dated 1743 reads “Umbra Sumus” (“We are shadow”), adding a poetic layer to what already feels like a living street sculpture. Whether you stumble upon it or seek it out, it’s the kind of spot that rewards anyone intrigued by the strange intersections of history and decay.

30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)

Better known as The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe rises above Spitalfields as a beacon of sleek, modern design in London’s financial district. Completed in 2003 and officially opened in 2004, its distinctive spiralling glass form was engineered to reduce wind load and improve sustainability. The building’s eco-conscious design — including natural ventilation systems — has helped it earn a reputation not just for style but innovation. Its reflective façade stands in bold contrast to nearby historical sites and its profile has become a regular feature in films and skyline shots alike. A favourite subject for photographers from Bethnal Green, The Gherkin is visible from many corners of the city and has become an unmistakable symbol of modern London.

Statue Of Malkia

The Statue of Malkia stands quietly yet confidently on Brushfield Street, offering a striking moment of public art in the middle of the neighbourhood’s daily movement. With its bold form and dignified posture, it invites passers-by to pause, not just for a photo but for a moment of reflection. Though there’s no formal signage explaining its meaning, that’s part of its charm – the piece speaks for itself, rooted in presence and resilience. As you wander Spitalfields, this unexpected figure becomes a familiar landmark — simple, symbolic and visually unforgettable.

London Wall

A walk through Spitalfields isn’t complete without tracing the ancient stones of the London Wall, a surviving boundary from the Roman era that once enclosed the city. Originally stretching over three miles, the wall was built from stone and rubble and later fortified during the Saxon and medieval periods. While much of it was demolished in the 18th and 19th centuries, portions remain intact at places like Tower Hill and the Barbican, offering a glimpse into a city shaped by conflict and resilience. Many exploring from Bermondsey find it a rewarding stop for connecting with London’s deepest foundations.

Spitalfields Market

At the heart of the neighbourhood, Spitalfields Market is where food, fashion and community energy come together under one vibrant roof. It’s easy to spend an entire day browsing handmade jewellery, vintage finds and artwork from local creatives — and just as easy to get distracted by the aroma of Ethiopian curries or Neapolitan pizza wafting from the central food court. Events like the Thursday antiques market and monthly Colour Walk add even more personality to the space, keeping things fresh and full of life. Popular with visitors from Islington, the market runs every day from 8 AM to 11 PM, offering a full schedule of discovery for those who like their shopping with a side of culture.

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is one of London’s most visually captivating marketplaces, set beneath a grand Victorian roof that makes it feel part film set, part working bazaar. Though today it’s home to stylish boutiques, cafés and pubs, its roots stretch back to Roman times, evolving over the centuries into a central hub for meat, game and leather goods. Officially established in 1321, the market’s rich trading legacy is echoed in its ornate architecture and cobbled floors, which date from the late 19th century. Alongside its historical value, it’s also known for its pop culture appeal, notably as a Harry Potter filming location. Whether you’re after a pint, a unique gift or simply a stroll through one of the City’s most atmospheric corners, Leadenhall Market delivers.

Van Gogh London Exhibit: The Immersive Experience

This immersive Van Gogh exhibition reimagines the gallery experience, guiding visitors through a sequence of spaces filled with projections, narrative audio and digital artistry. One of its most memorable features is the VR segment, which places you inside a 360-degree rendering of Van Gogh’s world, letting you walk through fields, cafés and painted skies drawn from his most iconic works. The show has wide appeal — especially for those from Southwark seeking something atmospheric and emotionally engaging beyond the typical museum. Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM (except Tuesdays), it’s a standout attraction that merges art, technology and storytelling with great success.

Whitechapel Gallery

For lovers of contemporary art, the Whitechapel Gallery offers a thoughtful and constantly evolving space in the heart of East London. It has long been a launchpad for emerging voices in the art world, while also exhibiting works by some of the most influential artists of the last century. The gallery’s rotating displays cover everything from sculpture and painting to video installations and experimental media, making each visit feel distinct. With over 2,500 reviews behind it and free entry to many of its exhibitions, it remains one of Spitalfields’ most respected and accessible cultural institutions. Open from Tuesday to Sunday between 11 AM and 6 PM, it’s well worth carving out time for.

Raven Row

Raven Row is one of Spitalfields’ quieter treasures — a contemporary art gallery housed in a restored 18th-century building just off Artillery Lane. Its exhibitions focus on critical, often underrepresented voices in modern art, staged in a space that feels intimate and reflective. What makes Raven Row particularly special is its atmosphere, despite being right in the heart of the city, it feels like a retreat. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM, it’s the perfect pause during a day exploring East London.

Dennis Severs’ House

Step into another era at Dennis Severs’ House, a museum that feels more like a stage set frozen in time. Each room is arranged to reflect a different moment in the life of a fictional Huguenot family, complete with dim lighting, period decor and the soft scent of woodsmoke or food left uneaten. The silence-only policy and absence of labels create a deeply immersive experience, unlike any traditional museum. With visits available on Fridays and weekends, this time capsule on Folgate Street offers one of the most atmospheric journeys into the past you’ll find anywhere in the city.

Sky Garden

Rising above the City, the Sky Garden offers panoramic views that are among the most breathtaking in London — and it’s completely free to visit. From its lush indoor greenery to its sweeping 360° vistas, the space provides an open, airy break from the bustling streets below. Midway through the experience, it’s easy to see why many visitors from Bow and beyond consider it a go-to for out-of-town guests. The elevator ride is fast, the staff are welcoming and the garden’s plant displays are both beautiful and well cared for. Open daily with hours stretching into the evening, it’s perfect for a peaceful morning or a twilight drink high above the skyline.