Shoreditch, London: 8 Ways to Spend a Perfect Day in the East End

One of London’s many charms is the way you can walk for just a short distance and feel like you’ve stumbled into a completely different world. That’s especially true when you stroll north from the Square Mile financial district along the A10 road. Within minutes, the City’s glitzy skyscrapers yield to a distinctly hipster vibe, with buzzing markets and indie boutiques lining streets adorned in vibrant graffiti. Throw in eclectic nightlife and some of the best curry houses in the capital, and you’ve got the makings of a fantastic day out. Welcome to Shoreditch.

It wasn’t always an edgy cultural hub. During the Victorian era, Shoreditch was a heavily industrialised area known for trades such as weaving and furniture-making. By the mid-19th century, it was notorious as a hotbed of crime, a reputation it carried well into the 20th century. Creatives and young professionals led the way in its regeneration in the 1990s, drawn by its affordable rents and large industrial spaces. Today, Shoreditch is one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, mixing cosmopolitan creativity and rich history with a distinctly alternative vibe.

What better canvas for street art than the soaring brick walls of former industrial buildings? Shoreditch has long been one of the best places in London to spot street art, and given the transient nature of this medium, no two walks around the area are ever the same. If you’ve got a few hours to spare, put on your favourite walking shoes and just go for a wander – you’ll find murals by famous urban artists like Fink 22 and Thierry Noir, Fanakapan and more, plus plenty of al fresco cafes and vintage boutiques along the way. Just don’t miss these highlights:

• Rivington Street: This is where you’ll find The Guard Dog and His Master’s Voice by the reclusive yet world-famous Banksy, as well as plenty of other eye-catching, thought-provoking pieces.
• Brick Lane: You’re likely to find the highest concentration of urban art hunters here, and no wonder. There’s art everywhere, even on the bins. The latest draw? A Banksy, added in August 2024, depicting three monkeys swinging on a railway bridge.

Rivington Street, London. Transport: Old Street station (Northern Line).

Street art aside, Shoreditch is also packed with independent cinemas and art spaces that proudly support emerging artists and musicians. For a glimpse of what’s happening in London’s contemporary cultural scene, head to Rich Mix, a creative venue that offers live music, indie films and everything in between. Feeling peckish? Grab a spicy samosa or crunchy pakora from their Cinema Bar to fuel your explorations. If it’s the tranquil calm of a gallery that you seek, Kate MacGarry on Old Nichol Street is one of the most established in Shoreditch, showcasing new talent in a variety of media.

Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA. Open Mon–Fri 9am to late, Sat–Sun 10am to late. Transport: Shoreditch High Street station (Overground).

A sprawling covered market housed in a Victorian-era building, this iconic Shoreditch shopping destination is open daily and has just about anything you could want while in London. Delight in the beautifully curated racks and shelves of vintage finds, from sportswear to designer threads, watches to eyewear. Sniff your way through enticingly scented and packaged beauty products, handcrafted soaps and perfumes. Stock up on artisan chocolates, limited-edition books and handmade greeting cards, to take home or gift. Don’t forget to bring an appetite – at the heart of the market are dozens of street food stalls, drawing you in with fragrant bowls of pho, loaded dogs, spicy burritos and plenty of sweet treats too.

Good to know: For a more traditional, higgledy-piggledy market vibe, explore the Brick Lane Sunday Market, open from 10am to 6pm. You might just find a treasure at one of the antiques stalls.

Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW. Open Mon–Wed and Fri 10am to 8pm, Thur 8am to 6pm, Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 5pm. Individual stalls may have different opening times. Transport: Liverpool Street station (Elizabeth Line, Overground), Aldgate East station (Circle Line, District Line, Hammersmith & City Line).

Every Sunday, the season’s best picks are on sale at the numerous stalls lining Columbia Road. Think vibrant tulips carrying the promise of spring, showy summer hydrangeas, fragrant long-stemmed roses, dainty foxgloves and more. Get there early, as the crowds start to build up by noon. When you’re done, check out the vintage boutiques and quirky antiques shops on the same road, and stop for al fresco refreshments at one of pavement cafes.

Columbia Road Flower Market, Columbia Road, London E2 7RG. Open Sun 8am to 3pm. Transport: Hoxton station (Overground).

If you’ve got children in tow, this lovely little farm is just a short walk from Columbia Road Flower Market. Free to enter (make a donation if you can), it’s home to a variety of farm animals, including donkeys, sheep, pigs and goats. Some of them love to be petted, and the friendly staff will tell you all about their charges with bubbly enthusiasm. If you come in the right season, you might even see piglets, lambs or kids. Take some time to stroll around the adjoining green space, then drop into the on-site Italian restaurant and cafe for some down-to-earth classics celebrating seasonal and locally grown ingredients. You could also get some coffee and homemade cake to go for an impromptu park picnic.

Top tip: Love the laid-back feel of this part of Shoreditch and want to make it your London base? This quirky, family-friendly hotel is a few minutes’ walk from the farm and transport links.

Hackney City Farm, 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA. Open daily 10 am to 4:30 pm (closed on Wednesdays). Transport: Cambridge Heath station (Overground).

Right next to Hoxton station is this thoughtful museum that explores the concept of home, from creating a homely space to living in it. Here you'll find rooms recreated with faithful detail down to the wallpaper, vases and crockery, going as far back as the 17th century. Personal perspectives, from Victorian servants to people living in London today, bring the stories to life, allowing you to connect with the exhibits rather than just walking past them. Outside, their gardens – with herbs, cottage blooms and formal layouts – are also worth exploring.

Good to know: When you’re done investigating this delightful museum, add these London hidden gems to your must-see list too.

Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA. Open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Mondays). Transport: Hoxton station (Overground).

Brick Lane has, for decades, been the go-to spot for an authentic curry, so don’t miss this opportunity to sample some. Which eatery to pick? Ask ten people and they’ll give you ten different answers – everyone’s got their favourites, and the competition keeps the standards at these establishments consistently high, so you won’t go wrong choosing one you simply like the look of. Many restaurants will offer crowd-pleasers like butter chicken and lamb korma, but also keep a look out for signature dishes that will offer you a unique dining experience.

Good to know: Not in the mood for a curry? You won't find any newfangled gastropubs here, but Brick Lane does have plenty of snacking options, including bagels, tacos and pop-up stalls at Upmarket Brick Lane Food Hall.

Brick Lane, London. Transport: Aldgate East station (Circle Line, District Line, Hammersmith & City Line).

Swap the bustle of Shoreditch for a couple of relaxing hours with a refreshing drink and spectacular views over London. The ever-popular Queen of Hoxton serves cocktails on its roof terrace, creating a cosy, speakeasy vibe with high bar stools and whimsical string lights. For a more loungey evening, plus DJ beats and pretty-as-a-picture cocktails, head to Golden Bee near Old Street Station. If you’re drinking, enjoy your time in Shoreditch responsibly and plan the way back to your London hotel ahead of time.

Queen of Hoxton, 1 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3JX. Rooftop open Tue–Wed 5pm to 9:30pm, Thur–Fri 4pm to 9:30pm, Sat–Sun 2pm to 9:30pm. Closed Mondays and in bad weather. Transport: Liverpool Street station (Elizabeth Line, Overground), Old Street station (Northern Line).

Whether you're a first-time traveller to London or a seasoned visitor, Shoreditch is an irresistible fusion of edgy cultural attractions, delicious global cuisine and inspirational hidden gems. What else should you put on your London itinerary? Check out our list of 12 best things to do in this iconic city.