East End Street Art Tour

This 2.5-hour tour covers Shoreditch and Brick Lane's street art scene, led by guides who are themselves local artists. Tours include constantly evolving murals, wheat-pasted installations, and hidden pieces in less-visited alleys. The guide's insider perspective offers context on artists, techniques, and the East End's evolution as a creative hub. Best for art lovers and Instagram enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: 8-18. You meet at Liverpool Street Station Bishopsgate exit. Key highlights: Expert guides who are themselves active street artists, Access to hidden alley pieces beyond main tourist routes, Constantly changing art - murals updated weekly.

Price: £18

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 8-18

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: art lovers and Instagram enthusiasts

Best time: Afternoon tours (2:00pm-3:00pm) offer superior natural lighting for photographing artwork and viewing murals clearly. Weekday tours see fewer crowds than weekends. Spring through early autumn provide consistent good light; winter afternoon tours conclude in darkness.

Meeting point: Liverpool Street Station Bishopsgate exit

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

2:00pm (Start at Liverpool Street Station) Meet artist-guide and receive introduction to Shoreditch street art history and local creative community - Guides explain how the area transitioned from post-industrial space to contemporary art destination.

First 35 min Walk through main Shoreditch art corridors and Brick Lane murals - Stop at well-known, large-scale installations and learn about featured artists and their techniques.

35-70 min Venture into side streets and alleys for hidden and experimental pieces - Visit locations not highlighted in guidebooks; guides explain what makes specific pieces significant and discuss artist communities.

70-105 min Hands-on discussion of styles, techniques, and artistic movements - Guides compare different approaches (stencil work, spray technique, wheat paste) and explain influences from international street art scenes.

105-150 min Final pieces and discussion of commercial versus artistic evolution - Tour concludes with discussion of how street art commercializes and transforms neighborhoods, featuring recent additions and removals.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Liverpool Street Station Bishopsgate exit.

• Expert guides who are themselves active street artists
• Access to hidden alley pieces beyond main tourist routes
• Constantly changing art - murals updated weekly
• Hands-on discussion of techniques and artistic movements
• Shoreditch and Brick Lane creative community insights
• Accessibility: Easy terrain. Tour covers 1.5-2 miles on paved streets and sidewalks with minimal curbs. Some alleys are narrow but navigable. Wheelchair users should confirm with operator; most routes are accessible with minimal obstructions.

What is included: 2.5-hour guided walking tour, Artist-led commentary and insider perspective, Access to public art installations, Context on artist communities and techniques.

Not included: Gallery entry or studio visits, Meals or refreshments, Art supplies or materials, Photography permissions (street art is public). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Camera or phone with good photo quality for artwork documentation, Comfortable walking shoes, Layers (urban areas lack shelter from wind), Water bottle, Sunglasses (afternoon light can be bright on reflective surfaces). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Afternoon tours (2:00pm-3:00pm) offer superior natural lighting for photographing artwork and viewing murals clearly. Weekday tours see fewer crowds than weekends. Spring through early autumn provide consistent good light; winter afternoon tours conclude in darkness..

Tip: Afternoon tours have better lighting

Tip: Art changes weekly

Accessibility: Easy terrain. Tour covers 1.5-2 miles on paved streets and sidewalks with minimal curbs. Some alleys are narrow but navigable. Wheelchair users should confirm with operator; most routes are accessible with minimal obstructions..

Operator: Alternative London | Book directly (opens in new tab)

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Dennis Severs' House (3 min walk)
• Tower of London (12 min walk)

This activity is run by Alternative London.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Easy terrain. Tour covers 1.5-2 miles on paved streets and sidewalks with minimal curbs. Some alleys are narrow but navigable. Wheelchair users should confirm with operator; most routes are accessible with minimal obstructions..

Best time to go: Afternoon tours (2:00pm-3:00pm) offer superior natural lighting for photographing artwork and viewing murals clearly. Weekday tours see fewer crowds than weekends. Spring through early autumn provide consistent good light; winter afternoon tours conclude in darkness..

Does the street art change, and will I see the same murals on repeat tours?

Yes, Shoreditch and Brick Lane art changes weekly as artists paint over older pieces and new murals emerge. Regular visitors will see different work each time. The core locations remain similar, but featured artists and specific pieces vary significantly across seasons.

Why is afternoon the best time for the street art walking tour?

Afternoon tours (2pm-3pm) benefit from optimal natural light that highlights colors and details of murals. Morning backlight and late afternoon shadows can reduce visibility. Afternoon light provides the clearest photography conditions and shows the work as artists intended.

Can I take photos during the tour and use them on social media?

Yes. Street art is public art and photography is permitted. Most artists expect and appreciate documentation on social media. Guides will point out pieces where artists have posted contact information if you wish to credit them. Commercial use or reproduction may require artist permission.