Where to Stay in Aldgate
Aldgate doesn’t cover a large area, which means those who have business engagements locally will never be far from their place of work. In terms of sightseeing, the south side of Aldgate offers a great place from which to explore London’s most famous landmarks - with the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral being within easy walking distance. Alternatively, those looking for a more relaxed pace of life will find that beyond Aldgate East tube station, there are more residential areas.
Anyone looking to stay in Aldgate would certainly need to prioritise their requirements. For example, those looking for easy access to the main commercial estates, as well as fast transport to the wider city will be well placed anywhere along Fenchurch Street, whilst those looking to step back from the busiest areas will find St Mary Avenue or Gravel Lane are considerably quieter than the main thoroughfare. Generally, the north end of Aldgate, before Spitalfields is the more relaxed area, whilst still offering plenty of bars and eateries.
Facts About Aldgate
Aldgate is an ancient part of London and gets its name from a gate through the original London Wall - a defensive structure that was initially built during the Roman era. The ward continued to be of significance to the city throughout the medieval period. Today, it is no less prominent, though these days it is mostly known for its high concentration of insurance brokers than anything else. Below are a few fascinating facts about Aldgate:
- 65% of Aldgate’s population is educated to degree level or above
- Aldgate station was built atop a giant plague pit where victims of the black death were buried in medieval times
- The first poetry book by an African American, Phillis Wheatley, was published in Aldgate
- Geoffrey Chaucer once lived above Aldgate’s eponymous entry point
- The Bevis Marks Synagogue - the UK’s oldest - is located in the ward
Aldgate is found within the borough of Tower Hamlets - an area covering some 7.6 square miles and with a population of 317,000. Tower Hamlets has the 3rd highest economic output of any local authority area in the UK, at some £29 billion it is outperformed only by Westminster and the City of London. Most of the business in the borough centres around the financial services sector.
Things to Do in Aldgate
Aldgate’s location among several of London’s most diverse and exciting districts means there is never a shortage of things to do and landmarks to see. There are plenty of transport links, meaning anyone staying in Aldgate can quickly get to the West End, Greenwich or Canary Wharf - all of which offer incredible activities and attractions, day or night. Whilst Aldgate itself is largely orientated towards commerce, there are still plenty of fashionable cafes and bars, open spaces and local points of interest to keep visitors entertained locally.
Q. Is Aldgate close to any tourist attractions?
Aldgate benefits from being within walking distance of some of London’s most notorious landmarks and attractions. Just a few blocks from one of the most picturesque parts of the Thames, anyone staying in Aldgate will find they can easily reach all the attractions of Tower Hill, or alternatively make a short trip over to Canary Wharf to enjoy some high-end dining and attractions. It’s also a great place from which to take river taxis to some of London’s most popular tourist attractions.
Q. What is Aldgate like for business travellers
Aldgate is a key location for London’s insurance industry, as well as being within the same borough as Canary Wharf. This means that Aldgate is inevitably well practised in welcoming large numbers of business travellers on a weekly basis, which is reflected in the neighbourhood's abundance of cafes, bars and eateries - many of which cater specifically towards a business clientele.
Q. What are the best things to do in Aldgate?
Aldgate is particularly noteworthy for its abundance of historic sites. Those with an interest in London’s past will find they are able to explore Roman and medieval relics charting the development of the city from ancient stronghold to modern metropolis. Aldgate was also the location of some of the crimes of the infamous Jack the Ripper - which still draw fascination with 21st-century visitors to the neighbourhood, looking to retrace the footsteps of the notorious killer. Aldgate’s multiculturalism also makes it a fantastic place to dine out and enjoy different flavours.
Q. Does Aldgate have a good nightlife scene?
Aldgate has a great selection of traditional London pubs and the whole area comes alive with city workers following the close of business. There’s also a fantastic selection of restaurants, for those looking to enjoy a romantic night out, as well as plenty of music venues and even a local theatre.
Q. Are there many popular excursions from Aldgate?
Aldgate is ideally situated for visitors to the area to explore other locations in London. For example, a short journey on the Docklands Light Railway is Greenwich - with its myriad museums and maritime attractions. Alternatively, there are plenty of locations further afield, such as Richmond, boasting royal palaces, stately homes and botanical gardens which offer the perfect day out of the city.
Places to Visit in Aldgate
There are numerous places to visit in Aldgate as well as a great selection of landmarks and attractions within easy reach of the neighbourhood. Visitors will find they are spoilt for choice when it comes to historical sites, modern attractions and places of cultural significance. Below is a selection of some of the highlights:
- Whitechapel Galleries - art gallery showcasing local and international talent, with frequent exhibits throughout the year.
- The Ten Bells - an essential stop on any Ripper walk, the Ten Bells is an iconic pub that is now popular with a more palatable clientele.
- Spitalfields - an exciting high street north of Aldgate with an abundance of pop-up bars, international cuisine and great drinking spots - all of which boast a fantastic atmosphere.
- The Tower of London - a true London icon, Tower Bridge is just a short walk from Aldgate.
- Greenwich - Famously the home of GMT, the Cutty Sark and the Greenwich Observatory, visitors can easily spend a day in this exciting London borough.
- Saint Botolph Without Aldgate - a historic, neo-Gothic church in the centre of Aldgate.
- Sky Garden - London's highest public garden offering breathtaking views across the city. Within easy walking distance of Aldgate station.
- The Royal London Hospital Museum - located in neighbouring Whitechapel, the museum explores medicines history in the area as well as showcasing material related to famous cases - including the Elephant Man.
- London Wall - ancient remains of London’s fortress wall, dating back to the 3rd century AD and revealing how Aldgate got its name.
Places to Eat in Aldgate
If there is one area in which Aldgate really shines, it is in its huge selection of places to eat. Nestled between several famous gastronomy locations, those staying in Aldgate have the option of authentic ethnic and international cuisines, high-class fine-dining and plenty of avant-garde eateries. Those looking for fine dining can choose from esteemed venues including Treves & Hyde, Satyrio- Italian Restaurant & Wine Shop and VQ Aldgate - as well as the famous Culpeper gastro pub.
However, Aldgate and its neighbouring areas are particularly noteworthy for their offerings of international cuisine. Brick Lane is notorious for its huge array of Indian and Asian cuisine, with Aladin Indian Restaurant, Cinnamon Bricklane and Eastern Eye Balti House being amongst the best on offer. Alternatively, there’s also plenty of no-frills ‘pub grub’ on offer, with The Hoop and Grapes and Leman Street Tavern being very popular with locals and visitors alike.
Street Food in Aldgate
Aside from its huge amount of restaurants, grills and takeaways, Aldgate also hides a surprising number of street food vendors, which are ideal for those looking to grab a quick bite to eat on their lunch break. The aforementioned Brick Lane is also home to a food court, which offers a huge variety of street foods, covering most international cuisines. Closer to Aldgate station is TifinBox, offering a great selection of Indian takeaways to eat on the go, MuMu street food, with its exciting range of Thai dishes, or Hotbox London - a barbeque joint with both seating and takeaway service.
Shopping in Aldgate
Aldgate and its neighbouring areas offer an incredibly diverse experience when it comes to shopping. Visitors will find numerous independent shops dotted around the streets, as well as several global brands along the main high street. However, the selection of nearby markets is where Aldgate really comes into its own as a shopping location. Petticoat Lane Market is a genuine piece of London history as well as a great place to find quirky, independent fashions. There’s also Brick Lane market, which has everything from bespoke furniture to arts and crafts, or the lively Whitechapel market.
Alternatively, those seeking a more traditional shopping experience will find that there are several city malls within easy reach of Aldgate. These include:
- The Arcada
- Boxpark Shoreditch
- City Point
- Broadgate Circle
- One New Exchange
Transportation in Aldgate
Aldgate is close to the centre of London - so getting around is never going to be an issue. Those seeking to travel around the city have the option of taking the tube, as well as a comprehensive selection of bus routes. Aldgate is particularly well connected for the London Underground, with Aldgate East offering District and Hammersmith & City lines, whilst nearby Aldgate connects to the circle and metropolitan lines. Overground trains can be taken from neighbouring Whitechapel Station and the Docklands Light Railway is accessible via Shadwell station. Of course, there is also the option of Uber and taxi hire. Other well-connected stations within walking distance of Aldgate include:
- London Fenchurch Street
- Tower Hill
- Shoreditch High Street
- Liverpool Street
- Bethnal Green
Weather in Aldgate
Being part of Central London, Aldgate is subject to the UK’s famously unpredictable weather patterns. Winters tend to be cold, with the temperature often dropping below freezing in late December and January. However, by contrast, the summer months of July and August are usually warm and dry, with temperatures reaching average highs of 24 degrees. Temperatures rarely climb higher than a comfortable 30 degrees. However, there is often the occasional shower - even in the height of summer - so wet-weather clothing is essential packing at any time of year. Typically, September is a good time to visit the East End, as the temperature is usually still warm, whilst being a little cooler than August in the evenings, making for a more comfortable stay.
