21 Best Things to Do in Shoreditch (for 2023)

Tasting local street food, admiring street art, exploring markets, and vintage shopping 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 a lot of London’s best activities, 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 best restaurants in the world!

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 the day sampling street food and browsing hand-made goods 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 020 3946 375 | Website | Hours: Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 10am – 6pm, Thursday 8am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm | Entrance: Free

If you’re looking for things to do in Shoreditch and want a little bit of everything in one location, this covered market is a great place to start. Filled with street food stalls, locally crafted products, and a special antique market on Thursdays, you could easily spend an entire morning or afternoon exploring one of the best London markets.

Open 7 days a week, The Old Spitalfields Market is home to 41 food & drink vendors, 59 shops and goods stalls, and it hosts several events. The street food here is some of the best in London, with certain stalls becoming famous on TikTok. 

One of my favorite food stalls in the market is Dumpling Shack, a little spot that makes the freshest and juiciest dumplings. I would highly recommend trying the sheng jian bao and the chili oil dumplings.

Brick Lane 

Enter the vintage heaven of London to snag some of the most unique finds

 📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

Brick Lane is arguably the most iconic street in Shoreditch, equipped with a vintage market, a haven of vintage clothing and accessory shops, and some of the best curry houses London has to offer. If you’re on the hunt for a statement piece to add to your wardrobe, it would be a crime not to check out brick lane.

The brick lane vintage market is located in an old brewery and is open 7 days a week, offering up hidden gems dating as far back as the 1920s. Outside of this, there are also several unique vintage stores, with everything from designer threads to 90s sportswear. 

Even if you’re just window shopping, it is definitely worth visiting. While you’re there, stop at one of several curry houses to satisfy your tastebuds while you shop.

All Points East 

Try out your trendiest outfits at this iconic summer music festival

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Monday – Wednesday & Friday, 8 am – 6 pm Thursday, 10 am – 6 pm Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm Sunday  | Entrance: Ticket prices vary

If you want to partake in festival season and appreciate live music, without having to rough it in tents, All Points East is the perfect happy medium when it comes to music festivals. Located in East London’s Victoria Park, artists vary from indie to electronic to grime, and much more, catering to a wide range of music tastes. 

In addition to the great selection of artists and bands, ticket prices for the festival are reasonable and more affordable than the likes of Lollapalooza or Coachella. There is also an entire section of the festival grounds dedicated to food trucks and pop-ups where you can enjoy some tasty local eats while soaking in the music with your friends.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Come for the good vibes, and stay for the gorgeous array of florals

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 2 pm Sunday  | Entrance: Free

A Sunday ritual for many Shoreditch locals, if you’re looking for more wholesome things to do in Shoreditch, look no further than the Columbia Road Flower Market. Exclusively open on Sundays, this local street market radiates good vibes, from its continuous stalls of flower and plant vendors to the quirky boutiques that line the street.

The Columbia Road Flower Market makes for a great excuse to have an early start on your Sunday, grab your pals, and head down for some plants and brunch. If you’re a fan of artisan cafes, there are plenty to choose from in this area, so you can sip your drink as you wander and admire the beautiful flowers.

👉 Pro Tip: Get there early for the best selection of flowers and plants!

Bar Crawl along Shoreditch High Street

Enjoy some live music and creative cocktails in the heart of East London’s nightlife

📍 Google Maps 

Shoreditch is one of the highest-rated areas in London for nightlife, and my personal favorite area to go out in London. One of the reasons why Shoreditch has such great nightlife is the variety of types of venues it offers. Whether you enjoy something more low-key like a jazz bar or want to dance the night away in a club, you will certainly be able to find a venue that strikes your fancy. 

Shoreditch High Street and Old Street are two of the most popular streets in the area to go 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.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Citizen M is a great option for a nice stay, located a short 3-minute walk from Shoreditch High Street Station 

Spa Day at the Montcalm Royal London House

Relax and unwind at this luxurious spa

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2038 734000 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Varies based on the package chosen

London has a great selection of luxury hotels, many of which contain gorgeous spas equipped with pools and luxurious treatments. One of the nicest spas is the 5-star Montcalm Royal London House, located 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 in London’s Shoreditch.

BOXPARK

Eat, drink, and shop your way through this market made 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 – 10:30 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free

When it comes to food markets in London, there are not many areas that stack up to Shoreditch in terms of their offerings. Shoreditch has a number of top food markets in London, a few of which are the Old Spitalfields Market (mentioned above), Broadway Market, and BOXPARK. 

BOXPARK is a pop-up mall and marketplace in Bethnal Green that is made out of shipping containers containing stores, cafes, and food stalls. This is a great place to go with a group of friends to watch a sporting match or do a self-guided tour of different food vendors. This spot is particularly fun in the summer, as it has a large terrace and there are often events taking place.

Street Art

Grab a coffee and take a stroll, admiring the work of local artists

👉 Check out this Shoreditch street art tour

Street art is something that East London does very well, and better yet, viewing Shoreditch street art is an activity that doesn’t have to cost you a penny! With a plethora of local artists who have painted murals all across Shoreditch, it’s like an outdoor art gallery that you have at your fingertips to explore.

Some of the best streets to view Shoreditch’s street art include Redchurch Street, Brick Lane, Great Eastern Street, and Rivington Street, to name a few. If you want to learn a thing or two about the history of London’s street art, I would suggest taking a guided tour.

Victoria Park

Take a stroll, enjoy the green space, and dabble in the Sunday farmer’s market

📍 Google Maps | Website

London is a city that’s not shy of a good park, 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 vast greenspace is enjoyed by roller skaters, runners, walkers, and those who prefer to enjoy the outdoors laying in the sun. There is space for everyone in this 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 visiting the park on a Sunday, be sure to check out the local farmer’s market.

👉 Pro Tip: Take the scenic walk along the Regent’s Canal to the park 

The Old Truman Brewery

Immerse yourself in arts and culture at this Brick Lane institution

📍 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 dedicated to 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 well worth a visit.

In addition to its other offerings, The Old Truman Brewery is known for hosting awesome events including sample sales, The London Coffee Festival, Craft Distilling Expo, and London Design Fair, just to name a few.

Beigel Bake

Visit this 24-hour bakery after a night out in Shoreditch

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2077 290616 | Website | Hours: 24 hours daily

Paying a visit to Beigel Bake, the famous 24-hour Jewish bakery on Brick Lane, is one of the best things to do in Shoreditch after a night out, especially with many other food stops closing before midnight. This popular bakery normally has a long lineup of customers waiting to try their mouth-watering salt beef and smoked salmon-filled bagels.

Beigel Bake is nestled within one of the most famous streets in Shoreditch, Brick Lane, making it a must-visit spot to hit up for a bite while you enjoy the many great vintage shops in the area.   

📚 Related Reading: Check out my guide to the best restaurants in London for other 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

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2079 233398 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 11 pm Sunday – Thursday, 12 pm – 12 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. 

Located within London fields park, you could start your day by enjoying Broadway Market in Hackney, sampling local street food, and browsing through the crafted goods. The market will then lead you to London fields, where you can enjoy nature either by foot or bike, where you will then stumble across this lovely pub. 

The pub has a great back patio overlooking the park, so make sure you visit especially if you’re in London during the summertime.

Hijingo Bingo

Get a group of friends together for a night of food, drinks, and fun

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2081 382982 | Website | Hours: 12:30 pm – 8:30 pm Sunday, Closed Monday, 5 pm – 9 pm Tuesday, 5 pm – 11 pm Wednesday, 4 pm – 11 pm Thursday, 3 pm – 12 am Friday, 11:30 am – 12 am Saturday | Entrance: $13.50 – $56 (a selection of packages are available 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 offers a number of events and packages, so be sure to check out their website and book in advance to plan your evening. Alongside the game, you’ll have a chance to win some awesome prizes. This is a unique alternative to a traditional night out at the bar.

Eataly

Enter an emporium of Italian goodness, right in the heart of Shoreditch

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2045 380271 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 11 pm Monday – Friday, 9 am – 11 pm Saturday, 9 am – 10 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free

Located just steps away from Liverpool Street Station, Eataly is an emporium of delicacies for Italian food lovers. What’s not to love when it comes to 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 vibe. Another great feature of this marketplace is its cooking and wine-tasting classes, a great activity for date night.

Netil House

Explore some of Hackney’s finest offerings at the rooftop bar, cafes, and restaurants

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2030 959718 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Looking to impress a date in London? Take them to Netil House, one of the coolest things to do in Shoreditch. This 60s building has a choose-your-own-adventure feel to it, offering a market that is a great spot for a day date, or the Netil 360 rooftop which is fantastic during the day or at night time.

This location provides some incredible rooftop views over the East London skyline, along with a plethora of food and drink 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 the day before basking in the sunset.

Broadway Market

Enjoy street food, local goods, and good vibes at this market in Hackney

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Of all the things to do in Shoreditch, the markets are one of the top attractions. East Londoners will agree that when it comes to markets, the ones in Shoreditch don’t shy away from offering some of the most uniquely crafted goods in town.

Broadway market sells everything under the sun, from fresh produce to vintage clothing, to baked goods. The market is home to over 70 shops, cafes, and restaurants open daily, and it hosts a special Saturday market with 120 street stalls to peruse. 

Regent’s Canal

Take the scenic route from Hackney to Victoria Park with a locally brewed coffee

📍 Google Maps | Website 

The 9-mile Regent’s Canal is a defining feature of Hackney, where runners, bikers, walkers, and boaters enjoy a little oasis within the city. The canal stretches further out than Shoreditch but is a spot many East Londoners love to visit, especially because it links to Victoria Park.

As you’re walking along the Hackney portion of the canal, you are bound to stumble across a cute little cafe and restaurant called Towpath, which serves quite possibly 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

Enjoy an afternoon of tasty food, entertainment, and games

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (+44) 2076 848618 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 12 am Tuesday and Wednesday, 5 pm – 2 am Thursday, 4 pm – 3 am Friday, 12 pm – 3 am Saturday, Closed Sunday and Monday | Entrance: $43 – $56 (prices range based on one hour or two hours bottomless)

Another amped-up 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. 

On arrival, you are greeted with a welcome cocktail and can enjoy a 2-course lunch while you fill out your bingo card and sip on free-flowing prosecco with your friends. The bingo is hosted by a drag queen who makes the experience very interactive and enjoyable. I would highly recommend this for birthdays or celebrations. 

Brick Lane Jazz Festival

Immerse yourself in London’s vibrant jazz scene 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: $48 – $122 (daily and weekend passes are both available)

If you’re a jazz fan like myself, then perhaps you’ve already scoped out the selection of jazz bars that London has to offer 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 lovers will not want to miss out on this opportunity to partake in some of the world’s best jazz music during this 3-day event. 

Only have one day during your trip to spare? The festival that takes place at the end of April sells day passes in addition to a weekend pass, showcasing a long list of artists influencing London’s continuously growing jazz scene. 

Museum Of the Home

Check out this free hidden gem in Hoxton with decor from the 1600s to present

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Sunday, Closed Monday | Entrance: Free 

Located within 300-year-old almshouses in Hoxton, East London, Museum of the Home is a free museum comprised of galleries and exhibitions with an aim to make visitors rethink the ways in which we live and think about the home. There is also a library this is accessible to anyone and requires an advanced booking. The museum itself is open for drop-in between Tuesday and Sunday and doesn’t require a booking.

The museum holds a number of interactive exhibitions both temporary and permanent exploring various facets and perspectives about the home. This museum is definitely unique and worth paying a visit to if you’re on the hunt for things to do in Shoreditch.

Hackney City Farm

Spend the day at this family-friendly farm in the middle of the city

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday – Sunday, Closed Monday | Entrance: Free 

It is not often that you find a farm in the middle of 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 been around for over 35 years and is a small community charity. Entrance to the farm is free, but donations are encouraged in order to allow for the continuation of being able to enjoy this space. Volunteers are committed to helping visitors learn about food, nature, and the environment, and they even offer workshops. 

FAQs About Things to Do in Shoreditch

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One of London’s most vibrant and artistic neighborhoods, you will never be short of finding things to do in Shoreditch. When planning your greater trip to London, check out my article on where to stay in London for tips on other great neighborhoods in the city. 

I hope you have an amazing time in Shoreditch!