Commercial Street, London: The Historic Arterial Road of East End Commerce
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Commercial Street is a vibrant arterial road in East London, running through the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney from Shoreditch High Street to Whitechapel High Street. Known for its rich industrial heritage, it has evolved into a fashionable area blending historic warehouses, residential conversions, and lively markets like Petticoat Lane. Its proximity to iconic sites such as Christ Church Spitalfields and Old Spitalfields Market makes it a dynamic destination for culture, shopping, and dining.
A brief summary to Commercial St
- London, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit Old Spitalfields Market nearby for antiques, street food, and designer goods.
- Explore the architectural highlights like the Exchange Building and Christ Church Spitalfields.
- Try acclaimed local eateries such as Som Saa for authentic Thai cuisine.
- Use Aldgate East or Shoreditch High Street stations for convenient public transport access.
- Check out the vibrant Petticoat Lane Market via Wentworth Street for a lively shopping experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Commercial St location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Commercial St
A Corridor of East London’s Industrial and Commercial Legacy
Commercial Street stretches north to south through the heart of East London, forming part of the London Inner Ring Road and marking the boundary of the congestion charge zone. Originally laid out in the mid-19th century by architect Sir James Pennethorne, the street replaced older, substandard properties and followed the course of historic alleys such as Essex Street and Rose Lane. Its industrial past is evident in the many warehouse buildings from the 1860s and former tobacco factories now repurposed as residential blocks, reflecting the area's evolution from a noisy industrial hub on the City of London’s fringe to a fashionable urban quarter.Architectural and Urban Character
The northern end of Commercial Street is dominated by the Art Deco Exchange Building, a former tobacco works now converted into apartments. Nearby, the former Commercial Street Police Station, built in the late 19th century and later expanded, also serves as residential accommodation today. The southern section features warehouse architecture and social housing estates such as the Holland Estate, which is undergoing regeneration to modernize its 20th-century blocks. This blend of historic and contemporary buildings creates a unique urban fabric that tells the story of East London's industrial and social development.Markets, Culture, and Culinary Delights
Commercial Street is adjacent to some of East London’s most famous markets, including Petticoat Lane Market via Wentworth Street and Old Spitalfields Market nearby. These markets offer everything from antiques and vintage clothing to street food and artisanal goods. The street is also home to notable eateries and pubs such as The Golden Heart, and acclaimed restaurants including Som Saa for Thai cuisine and Gunpowder for Indian dishes. Its location near Nicholas Hawksmoor’s baroque masterpiece, Christ Church Spitalfields, adds a cultural and architectural highlight to the area.Connectivity and Urban Life
The street is well connected by public transport, with Aldgate East Underground station at its southern end and Shoreditch High Street Overground station near the north. Numerous bus routes serve the area, making Commercial Street easily accessible. The street’s position halfway between the financial City and the creative Brick Lane area gives it a unique character, balancing commerce, culture, and residential life. It continues to be a lively urban artery, blending the historic with the contemporary.Ongoing Regeneration and Future Prospects
Recent years have seen significant regeneration efforts, particularly in social housing and residential developments such as the Relay Building. The street is also set to become home to London’s first Time Out Market, promising a new cultural and culinary hub that will further enhance its appeal. These developments underscore Commercial Street’s ongoing transformation while respecting its historic roots.Experiencing Commercial Street Today
Visitors to Commercial Street can enjoy a rich mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences amid a backdrop of historic architecture and vibrant street life. Whether exploring the markets, admiring architectural landmarks, or sampling diverse cuisines, the street offers a compelling snapshot of East London’s dynamic spirit and heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Northumbria University - London
0.3 km
Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
182 Bishopsgate
0.4 km
Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
0.4 km
Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
0.5 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.6 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.7 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
0.7 km
Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
Arnold Circus
0.7 km
Arnold Circus: The historic heart of London's first council estate, born from slum clearance and social reform, now a vibrant community landmark.
Lloyd's of London
0.9 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Shoreditch Church
0.9 km
Explore Shoreditch’s historic Palladian church, a sanctuary of Shakespearean theatre heritage and architectural grandeur in vibrant East London.
Threadneedle St
1.0 km
Historic Threadneedle Street: London’s iconic financial artery, home to the Bank of England and centuries of economic heritage.
Trinity House
1.0 km
Five centuries of maritime heritage and seafarer welfare in a restored Georgian masterpiece.
Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
1.0 km
Explore the vibrant intersection of commerce and culture at Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange in London's financial district.
Trinity Square
1.0 km
Historic formal gardens honouring maritime sacrifice amid London's ancient heart and architectural grandeur.
London Wall
1.0 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Unmissable attractions to see
Christ Church Spitalfields
0.0 km
Discover the architectural marvel and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, a must-visit Anglican church in the heart of London.
Old Spitalfields Market
0.1 km
Discover East London's vibrant blend of history, artisan crafts, and global street food beneath a stunning Victorian glass roof.
Fashion St
0.1 km
Historic Fashion Street in Spitalfields blends East London’s rich past with contemporary creative life and urban renewal.
Spitalfields Market
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant fusion of history, art, and global flavors at Spitalfields Market, East London's iconic cultural and culinary hotspot.
Sclater Street Market
0.1 km
Discover eclectic vintage finds, street food delights, and creative energy at Sclater Street Market in London’s dynamic East End.
Brick Lane Mosque
0.2 km
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid: A historic mosque embodying centuries of faith, migration, and community in East London’s vibrant Spitalfields.
Princelet St
0.2 km
Step back into London’s rich immigrant past on Princelet Street, where Georgian heritage meets vibrant cultural history in Spitalfields.
Spitalfields Charnel House
0.2 km
Discover the haunting medieval charnel house beneath Bishop’s Square, a rare glimpse into London’s past where thousands of souls rest beneath the modern city.
Upmarket Brick Lane Food Hall
0.2 km
Discover a lively indoor market in East London offering diverse global street food and a vibrant cultural atmosphere at Brick Lane.
The Truman Brewery Markets
0.2 km
A vibrant East London cultural and culinary hotspot blending vintage markets, global street food, and creative community spirit in a historic brewery setting.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
0.3 km
Explore the UK's largest vintage market in East London, a vibrant hub for retro fashion, unique collectibles, and cultural energy seven days a week.
Dray Walk
0.3 km
Discover East London’s vibrant art scene at Dray Walk Gallery, a dynamic creative space within the iconic Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.
Dennis Severs' House
0.3 km
Step into a candlelit Georgian townhouse and journey through centuries of Spitalfields’ silk-weaving heritage in a uniquely immersive theatrical museum.
The Truman Brewery
0.3 km
Historic East London brewery turned vibrant creative hub, blending rich heritage with markets, art, and culture on iconic Brick Lane.
Spital Square
0.3 km
Discover Spital Square, a serene Georgian enclave in vibrant Spitalfields, where history and culture weave together in East London's heart.
Essential places to dine
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.3 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.4 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.4 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Lyle's
0.5 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
14 Hills
0.9 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
The Clove Club
0.9 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.0 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
La Dame de Pic London
1.0 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Brawn
1.1 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Madison
1.6 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Da Terra Restaurant
1.8 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
Restaurant Story
1.8 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
St. John
1.9 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.9 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
George
2.0 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
DPUS Designer Outlet
0.2 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Middlesex Textiles
0.3 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
0.4 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Luna & Curious
0.8 km
Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
The Royal Exchange
1.1 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Traders Gate
1.1 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
1.3 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
1 Poultry
1.3 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Barbican Shop
1.3 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
1.4 km
Explore the enchanting Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, a whimsical gift shop in London filled with unique monster-themed treasures and delightful surprises.
One New Change
1.6 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Hay's Galleria
1.6 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.7 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Smithfield Market
1.9 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Borough Yards
1.9 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Discount Suit Company
0.3 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.3 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.3 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
0.4 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Bell
0.4 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.6 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
0.6 km
Inventive cocktails and retro charm blend seamlessly in Shoreditch’s cozy and quirky Cocktail Trading Co.
Aviary
0.8 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Ballie Ballerson London
0.8 km
Dive into London's most playful cocktail bar with glowing ball pits, inventive drinks, and unforgettable nights in Shoreditch.
Flight Club Shoreditch
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.9 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Floripa
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant Brazilian spirit and tropical party vibes of Floripa, Shoreditch’s premier cocktail bar and nightclub.
Shoreditch Balls
1.0 km
Indoor crazy golf, cocktails, and live entertainment combine for a fun-filled night out in Shoreditch’s vibrant heart.
Nikkis Bar - Shoreditch
1.0 km
Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for its bottomless brunch, drag shows, and nostalgic party vibes in a colorful, tropical-inspired setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Trafik
1.0 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
XOYO LONDON
1.0 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.1 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
E1
1.5 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Steel Yard
1.5 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
London Best Night Clubs
2.0 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Ministry of Sound
2.9 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Proud Late
3.2 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
3.2 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Corsica Studios
3.3 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
3.4 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Cirque Du Soul
3.4 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
3.4 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
3.4 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
The Roxy
3.6 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly