Old Spitalfields Market

It's hard to say exactly where the line between Old Spitalfields Market and its younger neighbour lies, but you certainly feel the history of the former when you walk into the Victorian market hall and queue up at one of the many street food stalls beneath the iron latticework of its roof.

The architectural atmosphere might be one of historic eminence, but the street food on offer is very much here-and-now. Well, not so much here as all-over-the-world, if we're being fair. As far as street cuisine goes, the vendors here are regularly considered among the top in the city both from a tastiness and a trendiness perspective. Many of the traders use their market stalls as a springboard for opening more permanent locations, such as the famed Dumpling Shack, and lines for the most popular ones can get quite lengthy during peak hours. Other highlights include the Instagram-ready decadent desserts of Humble Crumble, the titillating Dirty Bagels, masterful chai concoctions from the Chai Guys and fluffy Taiwanese pancakes from Wheelcake Island, but whatever your culinary preference, you're sure to find something to your liking here.

There are also numerous other shops and other stalls around the central food court area, offering a variety of clothing and lifestyle goods from both established brands such as Dr. Martens and lululemon to indie boutiques and handmade crafts. With good transport connections and proximity to Brick Lane and Liverpool Street, getting here and spending a day here is easy.