Tasting local street cuisine, admiring street art, exploring markets, and antique buying are just a few of the many exciting things to do in Shoreditch, one of London’s liveliest neighborhoods. You’ll often find this area buzzing with people, and for good reason, as there are tons to explore and discover.
Home to many of the top activities in London, you could easily spend multiple days of your trip to London in Shoreditch alone. And you may want to, especially once you experience the arts and culture the area has to offer. Shoreditch is also home to some of the world`s best restaurants!
As a London local, I can tell you everything you need to know about the neighborhood. With that, let’s dive into my list of the best things to do in Shoreditch!
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21 Best Things to Do in Shoreditch
Old Spitalfields Market
Spend your day sampling street foods and browsing handcrafted goods .
📍 The Old Spitalfields Market can be located on Google Maps. Their phone number is (+44) 020 3946 375 and their website is here. Hours are 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 8 am to 6 pm on Thursday, and 10 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.
Open seven days per week, The Old Spitalfields Market is home to forty-one food and beverage vendors, fifty-nine stores, and goods stalls, and it hosts multiple events. The street foods available here are among the best in London, with certain stalls gaining fame on TikTok.
One of my favorite food stalls at the market is Dumpling Shack, a small spot that makes the freshest and most juicy dumplings. I would highly recommend trying the sheng jian bao and the chili oil dumplings.
Brick Lane
Step into the vintage heaven of London to find some truly unique treasures.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free
Brick Lane is arguably the most iconic street in Shoreditch, home to a vintage market, an abundance of vintage clothing and accessory boutiques, and some of London`s finest curry houses. For those seeking a statement piece to add to their wardrobe, it would be remiss not to browse the options along Brick Lane.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market, situated in an old brewery, is accessible 7 days per week and offers hidden gems dating back to even the 1920s. Additionally, there are numerous distinctive vintage stores containing everything from designer clothing to 90s sportswear.
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All Points East
Try out your trendy outfits at this iconic summer musical event.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm Monday – Friday, Closed Saturday – Sunday | Entrance: Ticket prices vary
If you want to take part in festival season and appreciate live music without camping in tents, All Points East is the perfect moderate option when it comes to music festivals. Situated in East London’s Victoria Park, artists vary across genres like indie, electronic, and grime, catering to a wide range of tastes in music.
In addition to the wide variety of performers and musical acts, ticket prices for the festival are reasonable and more affordable than large events like Lollapalooza or Coachella. There is also a whole section of the festival grounds dedicated to food trucks and pop-ups where you can savor some tasty local snacks while enjoying the music with friends.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Come for the good vibes, and stay to admire the beautiful flowers.
📍 Mapping Service | Site | Hours: 8 am – 2 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free
A Sunday custom for numerous Shoreditch locals, on the off chance that you’re searching for more beneficial things to do in Shoreditch, take a gander at the Columbia Road Flower Market. Selectively open on Sundays, this nearby road market emanates great vibes, from its consistent stalls of blossom and plant dealers to the eccentric specialties that line the road.
The Columbia Road Flower Market makes for a good reason to start your Sunday early, gather friends, and head down for plants and brunch. If you enjoy handcrafted cafes, there are plenty of options in this area, so you can sip your drink as you wander and admire the beautiful flowers.
👉 Pro Tip: Arrive early for the best selection of blossoms and plants!
Bar Crawl along Shoreditch High Street
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Shoreditch is one of the highest-rated regions in London for nightlife, and is personally a favorite area of mine to go out. One reason Shoreditch has such excellent nightlife is the variety of venue types it offers.
Whether you enjoy something more relaxed like a jazz bar or want to dance the night away in a club, you will certainly be able to find a venue that suits your taste.
Shoreditch High Street and Old Street are two of the most popular streets in the area to go to and are both filled with a great selection of London bars. A few of my top picks of bars in the East London region include Old Street Records, Ninety One Living Room, Mare Street Market, and Night Tales.
🛎️ In Need of Hotel Accommodations? Citizen M is a suitable option for lodging located a brief 3-minute foot journey from Shoreditch High Street Station.
Spa Day at the Montcalm Royal London House
Unwind and relax at this luxurious facility for restoring and reinvigorating the body.
The location details were restructured while keeping the Google Maps and website hyperlinks intact:
📍 Location on Google Maps | Contact: (+44) 2038 734000 | Company website | Hours of operation: 7 am – 10 pm daily | Entry fees: Vary depending on option selected
London has a great selection of high-end hotels, many of which contain gorgeous spas outfitted with pools and luxurious treatments. One of the nicest spas is the 5-star Montcalm Royal London House, situated in Shoreditch.
Pamper yourself and choose from a selection of spa treatments, followed by time spent in the sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and swimming pool. This is a great spot for a romantic day date with a partner or a fun day out with a friend.
In addition to its offerings, the spa is within walking distance of other fantastic London attractions including Spitalfields market and the British Museum, allowing you to make the most of your day spent exploring London’s Shoreditch area.
BOXPARK
Eat, drink, and shop your way through this market constructed of shipping containers.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2071 868800 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Monday – Wednesday, 11 am – 11:45 pm Thursday – Saturday, 11 am – 10:45 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free
When it comes to food markets in London, few areas compare to Shoreditch in terms of offerings. Shoreditch has several top food markets in London, including Old Spitalfields Market (mentioned above), Broadway Market, and BOXPARK.
BOXPARK is a temporary marketplace located in Bethnal Green that is made out of shipping containers converted into stores, cafes, and food stalls. This is a great place to go with friends to watch a sporting event or do a self-guided tour of various food vendors.
This spot is particularly enjoyable in the summer months, as it has a spacious outdoor area and live events are often scheduled.
Street Art
Grab a coffee and take a walk, viewing creations by community artists.
👉 Check out this Shoreditch street art tour
Street art is something that East London excels at, and better yet, taking in Shoreditch`s street art doesn`t require spending money! With numerous local artists who have painted murals across Shoreditch, it`s like an outdoor gallery readily available to explore free of charge.
Some of the best streets in Shoreditch to view diverse street artwork include Redchurch Street, Brick Lane, Great Eastern Street, and Rivington Street. If interested in learning about the history of London`s street art, a guided tour is suggested.
Victoria Park
Take a stroll, appreciate the green space, and dabble in the Sunday farmer’s market.
Pike Place Market is Seattle’s foremost attraction. When you arrive early, you can watch it come alive around you as vendors set up and businesses open their doors. There is a lot to take in at the market, so be sure to bookmark my guide to Pike Place Market before your visit. Reading it in advance will help you understand what to expect upon arrival.
London is a city that doesn’t shy away from quality parks, and no neighborhood would be complete without one. There are a few awesome parks in East London, but Victoria Park is arguably the most famous and popular one.
Victoria Park’s extensive green space is enjoyed by roller skaters, runners, walkers, and those who prefer to enjoy the outdoors lying in the sun. There is area for everyone in this naturally beautiful park, and depending on which direction you come from, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the Regent’s canal on the way there.
If you’re touring the park on a Sunday, be certain to check out the local farmer’s market.
👉 Pro Tip: Take the scenic walk along the Regent’s Canal toward the park
The Old Truman Brewery
Immerse yourself in arts and culture at this London institution.
location icon> Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2077 706100 | Website | Hours: 24 hours daily | Entrance: Free
Previously known as London’s largest brewery, The Old Truman Brewery is now home to a space focused on arts and media. Filled with a collection of creative businesses, independent shops, galleries, markets, bars, and restaurants, this arts and media quarter in East London is certainly worth a visit.
In addition to its other offerings, The Old Truman Brewery is renowned for hosting fantastic events like The London Coffee Festival, Craft Distilling Expo, and London Design Fair, among others.
Beigel Bake
Visit this 24-hour bakery after a night out in Shoreditch.
However, if you’re visiting for winter sports, March is considered the best month to visit Telluride. In fact, March is one of the finest dining in London for additional recommendations on places to eat around the city.
Pub On the Park
Go for a stroll in London Fields and stop for a pint along the way, without leaving the park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2079 233398 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 11 pm Sunday – Thursday, 12 pm – 1 am Friday – Saturday
Pub on the Park brings together two of the UK’s favorite things, making for a fun afternoon activity. Open year-round, this great spot is accessible from three main overground stations: Hackney Central, London Fields, and Haggerston, and by bus.
Found within London Fields Park, you could commence your day by appreciating Broadway Market in Hackney, sampling local street cuisine, and browsing through the handcrafted goods. The market will then guide you to London Fields, where you can relish nature either on foot or by bicycle, where you will then accidentally come across this charming pub.
The establishment has a wonderful back patio overlooking the park, so make an effort to go particularly if you’re in London during the warmer months.
Hijingo Bingo
Gather a group of friends together for an evening of food, drinks, and fun.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2081 382982 | Website | Hours: 5 – 10 pm Tue-Wed, 4 – 11 pm Thu, 3 pm – 12 am Fri, 11:30 am – 12 am Sat, 12: 30 – 6 pm Sun | Cost: £12 – £49 (Various packages are offered to choose from)
Step inside this immersive Japanese bingo hall for an evening of live entertainment, special effects, food and drink, and of course, bingo! This is a great spot for a night out with a group of friends and a little healthy competition.
Hijingo Bingo provides a range of events and packages, so be sure to check their website in advance to plan your evening. In addition to the games, you`ll have opportunities to win fantastic prizes. It offers an entertaining alternative to a regular night out at the bar.
Eataly
Explore an emporium packed with Italian delights in the heart of Shoreditch.
Top Hotels on Map: Clarks Shiraz • ITC Mughal • Oberoi Amarvilas
Situated just steps away from Liverpool Street Station, Eataly is an emporium of delicacies for Italian food lovers. What isn’t to love regarding Italian food, Eataly is a one-stop shop for groceries, dining, drinking, and events.
After taking a tour of the food market, there are four great restaurants to choose from within Eataly, each offering a different atmosphere. Another great feature of this marketplace is its cooking and wine-tasting classes, an enjoyable activity for spending time together in the evening.
Netil House
Explore some of Hackney’s finest offerings at the rooftop bar, cafes, and dining establishments.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2030 959718 | Website | Hours: Open continuously | Entrance: Free admission
Looking to make a great impression on a date in London? Take them to Netil House, one of the coolest things to do in Shoreditch. This ’60s building offers a unique experience, with a market that is perfect for a day outing, or the Netil 360 rooftop which is excellent during the day or at night.
This location provides some incredible rooftop views over the East London skyline, along with ample food and beverage options in a relaxing environment. The prices are less expensive than many other rooftops in London, so this hidden gem is definitely worth visiting. Not to mention, they even have their own Finnish sauna experience.
👉 Pro Tip: Make a day out of your visit to Netil House and use the sauna during daylight hours before relaxing amid the sunset.
Broadway Market
Enjoy street food, local goods, and good vibes at this market in the Hackney district.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open perpetually daily | Entrance: Free
Among the top attractions in Shoreditch are the markets held in the area. Locals in East London would agree that the markets of Shoreditch stand out for offering some uniquely handcrafted goods unlike others nearby.
Broadway Market offers everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing to baked goods. The market is home to over 70 shops, cafes, and restaurants open daily and hosts a special Saturday market with 120 street stalls to explore.
Regent’s Canal
Take the scenic route from Hackney to Victoria Park along with a locally brewed coffee in hand.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The 9-mile Regent’s Canal is a defining feature of Hackney, where joggers, cyclists, walkers, and boaters enjoy a tranquil oasis within the city. The canal extends further out than Shoreditch but is a place many East Londoners love to visit, especially because it connects to Victoria Park.
As you’re walking along the Hackney portion of the canal, you are bound to unintentionally discover a cute little cafe and restaurant called Towpath, which serves conceivably the best sweet and savory grilled cheese you’ll taste in your entire life. The path along the canal is a fun option for a scenic walk in Shoreditch, especially on a sunny day.
Bottomless Drag Bingo Brunch at The Book Club
Spend an afternoon enjoying tasty foods, entertainment, and activities.
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Another heightened version of bingo that’s perfect for a weekend morning is the bottomless drag bingo at The Book Club in Shoreditch. I attended this event for my friend’s hen party, and it certainly did not disappoint.
Upon arrival, you are welcomed with a cocktail and can savor a 2-course lunch while completing your bingo card and drinks freely-flowing prosecco with friends. The bingo is led by an entertaining drag queen making for an interactive and enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend this for birthdays or celebrations.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival
Immerse yourself in London’s vibrant jazz scene.
Website | Entrance: £48 – £122 (daily and weekend passes are both available)
For those who enjoy jazz music like myself, you may have already explored the selection of jazz bars that London offers prior to your visit. In addition to the jazz bars in Shoreditch, Brick Lane even holds its own annual jazz festival.
Spanning 7 different venues in Shoreditch, jazz aficionados will not want to miss this chance to participate in some of the world’s best jazz music during this 3-day event.
Only having one day to spare during your trip? The festival happening at the end of April sells single day passes in addition to weekend passes, showcasing a long list of artists influencing London’s continuously developing jazz scene.
Museum Of the Home
Check out this free hidden gem in Hoxton with decor dating from the 1600s to present.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours of operation: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Sunday, Closed Monday | Entrance: Free
Nestled within centuries-old almshouses in Hoxton, the Museum of the Home envisions making visitors reconsider how we live and view home through its galleries and exhibits. A library accessible to all within its walls can be experienced through advance scheduling as well.
Guided tours are not obligatory as visitors can explore the gallery independently during opening hours without a reservation.
The museum holds a number of participatory presentations both momentary and lasting exploring various facets and viewpoints about the home. This museum is undoubtedly extraordinary and worthy of paying a visit to if you’re exploring things to do in Shoreditch.
Hackney City Farm
Spend your day experiencing farm life and activities at this location within the city that welcomes families.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday – Sunday, Closed Monday | Entrance: Free
It is not often that you find a farm inside a city, and Hackney City Farm aims to bring you a taste of both! A family-friendly spot, you will have the chance to see a range of different farm animals, vegetables, and other food plants up close.
Hackney City Farm has existed for over 35 years as a small community charity. Access to the farm is complimentary, though donations are encouraged to sustain allowing visitors to continue enjoying this space. Volunteers are committed to helping guests learn about nourishment, nature, and the environment, plus they provide workshops.
FAQs About Things to Do in Shoreditch
What’s special about Shoreditch?
Shoreditch and East London in general are renowned as one of the edgier parts of London, where you can feel liberated to express yourself, try out new styles, and appreciate the goods that several neighborhood businesses have to provide.
A few things Shoreditch is famously recognized for are its street snacks, street art, a huge selection of markets, and Brick Lane, a vintage haven.
Why is Brick Lane famous?
Two things Brick Lane is renowned for are its incredible selection of vintage stores and markets and its abundance of Indian restaurants. Both of these provide enough reason to add Shoreditch to your travel itinerary when visiting London.
Is Shoreditch a good night out?
Shoreditch offers one of the best nights out in all of London. It’s a neighborhood where many young people reside and congregate, and there is something for everyone in terms of the assortment of bars and clubs. It is personally my favorite area to go out in London.
Is Shoreditch a good area to stay in London?
This neighborhood in London offers several small lodging establishments with distinctive characteristics and services for visitors exploring the various attractions and events in the area. While certain parts of many urban regions can feel less protected at times, be sure to check my London Safety Guide before finalizing lodging plans there.
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Among London`s most lively and creative districts, you will never lack things to do in Shoreditch. When organizing your broader journey to London, refer to my article on where to remain in London for recommendations on other wonderful neighborhoods in the city.
I hope you have an amazing time in Shoreditch!
