• Tube stations: Old Street
  
• Rail stations: Old Street
  
• Location: south of Hoxton, north of the City, east of Finsbury and northwest of Spitalfields
  
• Borough: Hackney (www.hackney.gov.uk)
  
• Postcode: N1, EC1, EC2, E1, E2

Landmarks:
Shoreditch Town Hall is one of the more impressive buildings in the district, although there’s no longer too much bureaucracy going on. It’s been recently redeveloped to host parties, award shows and fundraisers.

Known for:
Being a stereotypically scenester neighbourhood home to approximately four million art galleries, fashion boutiques and hairdressers specializing in silly haircuts.

Who’s there?
Hoxton art-punk overspill, a few suited City workers and bar-hopping Londoners who haven’t managed to make it home after a night of heavy drinking.

Making history:
Shoreditch was the site of a nunnery from the 12th to the 16th centuries, and afterwards it became a wealthy neighbourhood home to traders and factory owners. By the late eighteen hundreds, Shoreditch was a slum ruled by criminals and prostitutes. The area didn’t manage to clean up until an influx of artists moved in during the ‘90s, but there are still some dodgy areas.

Pub quiz facts:
St. Leonard’s Church was frequented by Shakespearean actors, and one of the most famous, Richard Burbage, is buried in the church’s graveyard.

Famous faces:
Once-Young British Artist Tracey Emin and Jarvis Cocker have lived in Shoreditch, and suited performance artists Gilbert and George can often be seen wandering around together.

When it’s hot:
There’s not many summer activities in Shoreditch, so take advantage of the nice weather and stop by some cafés to people watch.

When it’s not:
We don’t know what this says about a typical Shoreditch resident, but the sheer amount of art galleries is practically eclipsed by the number of strip clubs. Take your pick of either, ‘cause there are loads.