East London on a Shoestring
This section of our website is dedicated to those visitors and students who are looking for alternative and unusual activities but without breaking the bank. Below you will find ideas that will give you an insight to the ‘real’ London, cheap eats and fantastic evening entertainment as well as information about travel, visa requirements and youth accommodation.
East London for £5 and Under
A visit to east London is the perfect destination with many attractions costing under £5 and even more are free. For a complete list of east London attractions, museums and galleries, please request an East London Visitor Map here.
There are over 27 museums and galleries in east London so TourEast London gives you the highlights and some suggested “Off the Beaten Track” itineraries.
Maritime Greenwich
The area of the town centre and Greenwich Park is a World Heritage Site, including many beautiful buildings. It is the home of the world’s Prime Meridian – Longitude 0 ° - and of Greenwich Mean Time and today its many museums 
celebrate its maritime history. The National Maritime Museum takes a new view of Britain's proud association with the sea and seafarers, taking visitors from the times of Viking explorers to visions of the future. Take time out in Greenwich Park, London’s oldest royal park, to enjoy great views and stand on the Greenwich Meridian Line, Longitude 0 °, which divides East and West at the Royal Observatory. And then shop around for quirky gifts at Greenwich Market. There is much to discover in Greenwich and most of the attractions are free. www.greenwichwhs.org.uk
Spitalfields and Brick Lane
Spitalfields lies at the heart of the East End of London and is famous for its bustling street markets. At weekends crowds pack 
the area to buy an interesting mix of fashions and household items, toys and games, fruit and vegetables. Many people are drawn to Spitalfields for the wide variety of eateries found around the markets. Brick Lane is known for its curry restaurants with its predominantly Bangladeshi community and its trendy bars and clubs. For more information on the bustling street markets, click here and for more information about the restaurants in Brick Lane, click here.
Pool of London
The Pool of London has a fantastic variety of attractions that includes everything from the world-famous Tower of London and Tower Bridge, to those with 
historical interest like Southwark Cathedral, to the very modern at the Design Museum. Inside the Tower Bridge Exhibition you will learn all about how the World’s most famous bridge works and the history behind its creation. Enjoy the stunning, panoramic views from the walkways situated 45 metres above the Thames and visit the original Victorian Engines. www.pooloflondon.co.uk
Canary Wharf & Museum in Docklands
This area of Docklands was in heavy decline during the ‘60s and ‘70s due to the closure of the Docks. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, a new strategy was formed for the area and One Canada Square, the tallest office building in Europe of its time was built. Since then 
the Docklands has never looked back. Canary Wharf has become one of the most cosmopolitan areas of London with
over 200 shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. The new Museum in Docklands unlocks the story of London's river, port and people in a spectacular early 19th century warehouse at West India Quay. Encounter a wide array of people that have come and gone from the docks over the last 2000 years, from its Roman founders to Viking invaders and from gentleman pirates to today's city workers.
www.mycanarywharf.com
You can wander round Britain's last surviving 19th century operating theatre and learn about medical history at the Old Operating Theatre and Garret Museum.
Just south of Greenwich hide some of London’s most beautiful buildings - Eltham Palace and the Courthauld House.
Within the Horniman Museum and Gardens , there are five permanent exhibitions – African Worlds, Natural History, the Aquarium, the Centenary Gallery and the brand new Music gallery, with interactive displays. Beyond are the gardens, the perfect setting for a picturesque stroll or picnic.
Featuring the Green Dock sunken garden, a 32 jet fountain plaza, Coffee Shop, excellent Children's Play Area and spectacular views across the Thames and the Flood Barrier, Thames Barrier Park 
is a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon.
Geffrye Museum showcases the changing style of the English domestic interior in a series of period rooms from 1600 to the present day.
The Whitechapel Gallery is London ’s most prestigious independent gallery and has been presenting cutting edge exhibitions for almost 100 years.
The hidden-away and quirky Fan Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to the history of fans and to the art and craft of fan making.
For fashion lovers, the Fashion & Textile Museum is a must as it showcases the talent of local and international fashion & textile designers.
For more information about east London heritage and museums, please click here and for the 'Insider's Guide, click here.
