Brixton is arguably one of London’s most vibrant, culturally diverse districts. In 1945, the SS Windrush ship brought an estimated 492 Jamaicans to London, these passengers settled in the small working-class district of Brixton, and from then on Brixton has remained the centre of British Caribbean culture, with the area renowned for it’s huge Caribbean population and Jamaican influence. Today, with so many varied walks of life and so much on offer, there really is something for everyone and every type of taste in this tiny town on the southern end of the Victoria line.

Keen shoppers come from far and wide to browse the vintage gems, top of the range designers and handcrafted goods which can all be found in the shops of Brixton and its infamous market.Brixton Village is a shopping centre just behind the tube station. Here you will find some of the coolest second-hand shops in London, selling everything from fabulous hand-me-downs to obscure vinyl records from days gone by. The  historic market offers the chance to really experience the cultural mix that Brixton is so famous for, as well as bag some serious bargains on one of a kind Caribbean clothing, jewellery, gadgets and music. As if all of this wasn’t enough, the main high street is home to Morleys, the Victorian department store, as well as the 100 year-old Ritzy Cinema.

 

A photo posted by Dayanara Piedra (@dayanara_valeria) on Aug 23, 2016 at 2:42pm PDT

 

Foodies flock to Brixton to sample the unbeatable worldly cuisine on offer, and this is certainly the best place for a taste of Jamaica; the old school Caribbean eatery Bamboula offers quite possibly the best Jerk Chicken in London, and the popular Turtle Bay recently opened it’s newest restaurant right in the heart of Brixton highstreet.

 

The spirit of old London is alive and well in local gastropubs such as The Abbeville and The Black Dog. If it’s nightlife you’re looking for, then you’ve definitely come to the right place. If you’d like casual drinks at Market House or a wild night out at Brixton Jamm, there is no shortage of options for a night out in the area. There are also plenty of places which offer hip hop, RnB, reggae and garage fueled all-nighters, such as DogStar and Hootananny – and being south of the river means that a night out in Brixton often won’t break the bank as much as it’s central London counterparts.

 

A photo posted by Sarah Jae Jefferson (@jaejeffersonmusic) on Sep 25, 2016 at 8:40am PDT

Thanks to all these amazing options, incredibly efficient transport links and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Brixton really is a number one option when it comes to planning your stay in London.