London is chock-full of history and culture, with different neighborhoods catering to different tastes. And while there are many hip corners of the capital, East London is arguably the trendiest part of the city. Here’s our list of some of the coolest things to do in East London.
What neighborhoods make up East London?
While the comparison isn’t perfect, if you’re new to the city, London’s East End could be considered the U.K.’s equivalent to Brooklyn, NY – a hip and exciting urban paradise. Some of the key neighborhoods to know are Shoreditch, Hackney Wick, Stoke Newington, Dalston, Bethnal Green, and Stratford.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Richard Bailey. Image Location: Hackney Cut, London
Have a drink along the Hackney Cut
The Hackney Cut is a canal system snaking through East London. A breezy two-to-three-minute walk from Hackney Wick station, the long and winding canal is dotted with graffiti, house boats, pubs, bars, clubs – you name it. Perfect for brunch, dinner, an evening drink, or a night out, the canal is quintessential urban “cool”.
Buy something green at East London’s Columbia Road Flower Market
For anyone into flowers and greenery, you can get totally lost at the Columbia Road Flower Market. This Sundays-only market features florists from all over southern England hawking their finest plants, bringing some incredible color to the neighborhood.
Local tip: if you head to the market towards the end of the afternoon, say 3:30, you can bag a bargain on your blooms.
Image Credit: Getty Images, blue sky in my pocket. Image Location: Columbia Road Flower Market
Pick a side on the East London bagel rivalry
East London is home to some of the oldest Jewish communities in the city, which means that it’s also home to some of the best Jewish food in the city. This includes two competing bagel joints: Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery and Beigel Shop, both on Brick Lane. The former is the most famous bagel spot in London, but you shouldn’t sleep on the latter, either. Our advice: try out both and make up your own mind. Two bagels in one day can only be good for the soul.
Catch a drag show at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
Don’t let the title throw you off – the Working Men’s Club is a campy and inclusive East London staple. Part dance club, part live event venue, BGWMC packs its programming with drag, burlesque, comedy, and musical acts, all in a deliciously understated venue that looks identical to your old high school assembly hall.
Get weird at the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History
For those who really like to get a little freaky, the Museum of Curiosities is truly a unique experience. Housed below an absinthe bar, the artifacts that curator Viktor Wynd has collected include things gross, disturbing, and occult-adjacent. Amy Winehouse superfans, do go have a peek at what the museum has in store.
Image Credit: Getty Images, ViewApart. Image Location: Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London
How do you spend a day in Shoreditch?
Wait for a table at the Shoreditch Dishoom
England is home to some of the best South Asian food in Europe. You can get tasty curries on almost any block. But for those looking for something a bit more elevated, do check out Dishoom Shoreditch. The restaurant’s cuisine lands somewhere between fine dining and local Indian food, which means patrons can expect expertly crafted takes on classic Indian dishes and at prices that won’t destroy your travel allowance. Just don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Check out Shoreditch House
One of several Soho House-branded members’ clubs scattered throughout London, Shoreditch House lives up to its reputation, with great food and drink, an incredible swimming pool, and some of the cooler, more exclusive parties in East London.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alex Segre. Image Location: Hoxton Square, Shoreditch, London
Is Shoreditch fun at night?
Simply put, any type of night out can be found in Shoreditch, from low-key drinking and dancing to full-on raves. Some favorites include XOYO, Queen of Hoxton, and Q Shoreditch.
And the best way to get from Heathrow to Central London...
Download the Trainline App today to book your tickets from Heathrow to London. Plus, check out our other articles on what to do in London's West End and the best day trips out of London.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Busà Photography. Image Location: Shoreditch, London