Shoreditch: Shakespeare's First Stage
Before the West End, Shoreditch was London's original theatreland. In the 16th century, it was home to 'The Theatre' and 'The Curtain Theatre', where some of Shakespeare's earliest plays were performed.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Shoreditch with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Make your stay in London complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We went on a tour with Chris and we simply loved it! He showed us Shoreditch, Spitalfields, and also the City of London square mile. Chris is a real storyteller. He knows so much about the history of London and how to present it to his audience. You hang on his every word. He can adapt his tour easily to the needs and wishes of the group. Very flexible. We had an absolute fun time with him. Highly recommendable!"
"Thank you Anthony for being such an amazing, funny, interesting guide. We had a wonderful time with Anthony who took us from Shoreditch to the Tower of London. Anthony knows London and its history very well, he goes out of the crowded paths to show you less touristy but very interesting corners. He is passionate about being a great guide and making sure that everyone is having a fantastic time."
"We spent a great few hours with Chris discovering parts of London we didn't know existed. His historical knowledge was fascinating but he also tuned the tour to our interests by showing us multiple places to eat, markets and generally places of interest. He was easy company and had many interesting stories to tell. We have already discussed returning for a tour of another part of London."
"Kemal took my friends and I on fabulous tour today to celebrate a special birthday - it was so interesting and his local knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and genuine love of the Brick Lane area meant that we learnt a lot and had a wonderful time. It was a perfect way to celebrate a birthday!"
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore London with locals
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Dive into Shoreditch, London's creative heart! This neighborhood is a vibrant mix of history, world-class street art, and culinary innovation. Experience the real Shoreditch on a private tour with a local guide!
Before the West End, Shoreditch was London's original theatreland. In the 16th century, it was home to 'The Theatre' and 'The Curtain Theatre', where some of Shakespeare's earliest plays were performed.
Shoreditch is a world-famous canvas for street artists. You might spot works by Banksy, Stik, or ROA. The art here is constantly changing, so every Shoreditch street art tour offers a fresh experience.
From the famous curry houses of Brick Lane to the pop-up food stalls at Boxpark, Shoreditch is a foodie's dream. Discover global cuisines and trendy bites that define the taste of East London.
Shoreditch's creative energy attracts trendsetters from all over. The area is known for its unique fashion, independent boutiques, and vintage markets. It's the perfect place to see and be seen.
The name 'Shoreditch' is thought to have originated from 'Sewer's Ditch', referring to a drain that ran through the marshy area. Over centuries, it transformed from a rural outpost into a vibrant urban hub.
Don't just visit Shoreditch, experience it! A private tour with a passionate local guide is the best way to uncover the secrets behind the street art and find the hidden gems only locals know. Your personalized Shoreditch adventure is just a click away. Book now to secure your spot!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"Anthony is a cheerful, outgoing, and full-of-life person. He loves sharing knowledge, tips, and great stories about the city. It’s easy to feel comfortable around him, and the tour was light and fun. I highly recommend it"
"Tom was an excellent guide and story teller, Blending history with context, and adjusting the tour to be engaging for two adults with two teenagers. I learned a ton, ate some tasty bites and feel I could navigate Shoreditch nicely the next time I’m in London. "
"Sorcha was extremely fun, helpful, and kind. She was a wealth of knowledge on things in the area, and we had a great time with her. "
"Wir waren mit Gregory auf einer privaten Tour unterwegs. Es hat uns sehr gut gefallen. Es war nicht die typische Tour mit zig historischen Jahreszahlen sondern ein Blick auf einen Teil Londons, den man als Tourist sonst nicht bekommt. Wir waren auf einem tollen Trödelmarkt, haben den Brokkoliman besucht, waren im Second Home, einem Bürocenter mit einem völlig neuen Konzept, haben Kellerräume mit einem großen Vintage Markt gesehen und sind in die Welt der Spraykunst eingetreten. Graffiti über hunderte von Metern in allen denkbaren Qualitäten. Wir waren fast 3 Stunden unterwegs und haben einen Blick auf ein anderes London genossen. Gregory spricht sehr gut deutsch und führt Dich zielsicher zu den interessanten Orten."
" If you're looking to experience Shoreditch beyond the guidebooks and Instagram hotspots, Anthony’s walking tour is an absolute must. From the moment we began, it was clear that this wasn't just a job for him—it was a passion project. With an infectious enthusiasm for the quirky, the forgotten, and the fleeting, Anthony brought the streets of East London to life in a way few others could. What sets this tour apart is Anthony’s eye for the hidden details most would miss. He led us down quiet alleys and past unassuming buildings, revealing layers of history, culture, and creativity. His knowledge of Shoreditch’s ever-evolving street art scene was incredible—not just the big names like Banksy, but the emerging artists, political messages, and even the pieces that might disappear by next week. It felt like we were seeing a living, breathing gallery. Anthony also has a knack for storytelling, weaving in anecdotes about the area’s rebellious past, eccentric residents, and how Shoreditch continues to reinvent itself. His deep respect for the neighborhood’s character, both old and new, shone through in every stop and story. If you're curious, creative, or just tired of cookie-cutter tours, this is the one to book. "
"Great intro to street art and local culture! Gregory is very personable, and knowledgeable about the history of Shoreditch and pointed out so many interesting things we would have never noticed on our own. He made sure to tailor the tour around our interests, not a preset itinerary. "
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.