For years, East London was an industrial wasteland, known for its run-down warehouses, gritty streets, poverty and crime.
But ever since London won the bid to host the 2012 Olympics in 2005—and even before then—this neighborhood has changed beyond recognition, becoming one of the coolest areas in town.
This formerly gritty area is now home to hipsters, artists, and techies. It's also one of the most culturally diverse areas in London, serving as a gateway hub to immigrants looking to make London their home.
Some might equate it to New York's Lower East Side or Paris's 19th arrondissement. Like those hipster havens, East London attracts the young and hip. Besides the sparkling new Olympic Park, the area is home to cutting-edge art galleries, affordable restaurants that push the envelope, unique shops, organic food markets, ethnic restaurants, and a rich cultural scene.
East London is also quickly becoming London's version of Silicon Alley, home to internet startups, bloggers, and more. Old Street Roundabout, a roundabout located on the border of Hackney in East London, has even been nicknamed "Silicon Roundabout" since it's home to so many startups. These tech-savvy folks often conduct business in the cafes and coffeeshops around the area.
Keep an eye out for the incredible street art in the area: the walls of most buildings are adorned with priceless graffiti and murals, including some by famously elusive street artist Banksy.
In honor of London hosting the 2012 Olympics, here are some photos of London's hip East End.
Once a gritty, downtrodden neighborhood, Shoreditch has become one of the hottest neighborhoods in London.
There's tons of great and irreverent street art, much of which was inspired by street artist Banksy.
Few Banksy originals still exist in Shoreditch—they're too valuable to be exposed on the street—but a few of his works survive.
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