Only in London Itinerary: East

A Morning of East End Art and History

Start your day with a visit to the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. Britain's oldest manufacturing company, the foundry was established in 1570 and has been working ever since. Big Ben and The Liberty Bell are just a couple of its famous creations.

Art lovers will be spoilt for choice in East London, but the Whitechapel Gallery is the East End's oldest and most famous gallery. Internationally acclaimed for its pioneering exhibitions, the gallery has premiered international artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Frida Kahlo. Wander round this Grade II-listed building and you may stumble across the next big thing!

Explore London's East End art scene further with The Art Insider Walking Tour by Urban Gentry. Alternatively, head to the nearby Old Truman Brewery where you'll find more than 200 art, design, photography and fashion studios under one roof.

Lunch on Brick Lane

Coming out onto Brick Lane, you can't miss the aroma of herbs and spices from the 50-odd Indian restaurants that line the street. This is an ideal time to stop for lunch, but if you don't fancy curry, there are plenty of interesting alternatives!

Look out for the Rootmaster Bustaurant parked in Elys Yard, just off Brick Lane. Board the old fashioned double-decker bus, one of London's original iconic Routemasters, to sample a delicious Asian-inspired vegetarian menu.

An Afternoon of Shopping and Sightseeing in East London

Next stop is Old Spitalfields Market where, if you haven't already eaten, you'll find plenty to choose from in the international food court. This indoor market – one of the most impressive Victorian market halls in London – has a long and colourful history. Built in 1837, stalls and shops include cutting-edge fashion, beautiful hand-crafted items and unique boutiques.

Download a copy of the Quirky Shopping Guide to discover more of East London's unusual and independent shops.

Take a break from modern-day shopping, and step back in time at Dennis Severs' House, an authentically decorated 18th-century family home. Wander around the candlelit chambers, taking in the unique atmosphere of this house and its collection of curios from the past. Opening times vary so call ahead for details.

Continuing the historical houses theme, make your way to the Geffrye Museum; the world's only museum dedicated to British middle-class homes and gardens from 1600 to present day. And it's free. Stroll through a series of period rooms, each filled with furniture, paintings, gadgets and ornaments that reflect changing tastes and styles.

Dinner in London's East End

Round off your day with a pre-dinner cocktail in one of London's hippest bars. Loungelover is lavishly decorated with a seriously sophisticated drinks menu to match.

Next door you'll find the equally flamboyant Les Trois Garçons. Here you can dine amid diamanté-encrusted animal sculptures and sparkling chandeliers on an extravagant French-inspired menu. A genuine one-off, this restaurant attracts big names like Liz Hurley and Madonna, so check who's sitting at the next table!

Alternatively, you can try the Boundary, the latest offering from Terence Conran. Located in a converted Victorian warehouse, Boundary has three restaurants to choose from, including a stunning rooftop bar and grill with 360-degree views over the spires of East London.

Download the Only in London: East London Itinerary

Download the Only in London: East London Itinerary [PDF 3MB] and take it with you on your unique day out!