Shoreditch is an area which oozes cool. Its lively and buzzing streets are lined with unusual and unique shops and the walls are adorned with striking, expressive street art, which adds to the carefree vibe this distinctive area undoubtedly gives off. There are of course many things to do in Shoreditch, it is never quiet and there is almost always something going on. But these are a few things that I think are vital to include in any first time trip to Shoreditch.

If you are looking for something to eat or possible an opportunity to do some shopping, Old Spitalfields market can not be missed. At the weekend the market is abundant with food stalls, serving food from all around the world including Italian, Ethiopian and Mexican. Alongside the numerous food stalls and chain restaurants such as Leon and Wagamama, there are countless stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to graphic sweatshirts and paintings.

One stall that I would particularly recommend is Sud Italia, it’s a tiny powder blue van complete with a pizza oven near the entrance to the market. There are about six pizzas to chose from and they are absolutely delicious. Since the pizza are made from scratch and come fresh from the oven and are therefore extremely popular, you may have to wait a bit. However, the wait is definitely worth it.

Brick lane is famous for its curry houses and vintage shops and there is always plenty to do and see, so is definitely worth a visit. For a late breakfast there are many options including the renowned cereal killer cafe, which as its name suggests, is a cafe specialising cereal; two bagel shops and lots of coffee shops. Aside from food there are plenty of opportunities to shop, vintage shops in particular. Rokit London is a vintage clothes shops with two stores situated on Brick lane and is one of the best vintage stores around. They sell a huge variety of clothes including up cycled pieces, which have been given a breath of new life by the team in their North London studio. Many of the brands they sell are instantly recognisable, usually rather expensive brands like Levi’s, Nike and adidas: however in Rokit, brands like this are considerably cheaper. Shoreditch itself is the heart of vintage shops and you will find at least one on most streets and even if you do not plan to buy anything, it’s worth exploring the vintage shops to find unique, one of a kind pieces which aren’t sold anywhere else.

The final place I would recommend is a visit to Christ church in Spitiafields. It may seem odd to recommend visiting a church while in the vibrant, lively and exciting area of Shoreditch, however, it is a relax break and calm contrast from the noise and buzz of the streets. The cafe inside the church serves beautifully decorated cakes and biscuits as well as tea and coffee and is a quiet place to rest after exploring all Shoreditch has to offer. One of the best things to do when in Shoreditch is, simply to explore; where ever you end up walking you will always find something to excite and engage you; it is the type of place that can be visited multiple times and it is never repetitive. Shoreditch is one of London’s most diverse areas and culturally rich areas, a place which is never boring.