Things to do in Shoreditch, one of London’s coolest destinations

The Shoreditch area is beloved for its cool vibe, with clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants aplenty, art galleries, independent shops and markets, all filled with young trendsetters and creatives from the rest of London and beyond. Centrally located in the east of the city, next to equally buzzing Hoxton, there are a multitude of activities in Shoreditch, and this is the place to come if you want to get off the beaten tourist track and stuck into some of the incredible cultural delights London has to offer.

Table of contents:

Top Things to Do in Shoreditch, London

Markets are a huge part of the appeal of Shoreditch, with an eclectic mix of art, food, clothes, jewellery and much more. The legendary Colombia Road Flower Market is the place to head on a Sunday morning, whether you just want to browse and grab a coffee or do some flower shopping. If you want to bag a bargain, it’s best to arrive just before closing time at 2pm.

The equally legendary Spitalfields Market is London’s oldest and is open 7 days a week, with an eclectic, avant garde range of clothing, jewellery, artwork, interiors, food and tonnes more. The market also boasts an incredible range of dining options, with renowned restaurants like Canteen or Spitalfields Ottolenghi, as well as family-friendly favourites such as Giraffe. A must-visit.

Bustling Brick Lane in nearby Bethnall Green is full of bric-a-brac, antiques and fabrics, the perfect market to while away the hours. The market also has loads of mouth-watering options to keep the most discerning of foodies happy, whether at one of the eclectic stalls or nearby eateries. The Old Truman Brewery market here is also the perfect stop for eats, vinyl treasures and vintage finds.

The Art & Culture of Explosive Murals & Sly Stencils

One of the must-do activities in Shoreditch is a tour of its incredible Street Art. The area is packed with stunning murals and graffiti gems, including beloved pieces like the Crane by ROA and even a couple by Banksy himself. Perfect for heading off on a solo journey of street art discovery or joining one of the excellent art tours available.

Lovers of Contemporary Art should head to the Whitechapel Gallery for its thought-provoking and fascinating installations, events and exhibitions. With spaces for young people to meet other like-minded creatives and interactive workshops, activities and exhibitions for young children and families, this is somewhere that the whole family can be inspired.

For history lovers looking for things to do in Shoreditch, Dennis Severs' House is an absolute must. The 4-storey Grade II listed Georgian home is an incredible time-capsule, where the American artist, Severs, who lived in the house until his death in 1999, created an atmospheric replica of the home of the fictional 18th century Jervis family, Huguenot silk weavers. One of London’s most fascinating and unique museums.

Food and Drink:

If food is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. Shoreditch is packed with Indian delights, and one of the buzziest right now is Dishoom, on Boundary Street, which serves incredible Indian street-style food in an atmospheric, cosy venue. Open for breakfast, lunch, drinks and dinner.

If you’re looking for a great night out with friends in a traditional pub setting, with that extra dimension, then Flight Club is the place for you. The birthplace of social darts is packed with atmosphere and the perfect venue for brunch, sharing plates, old-fashioned pints or great cocktails.

If you only visit one pub while you’re in Shoreditch, you should probably join the arty crowd and head to the Golden Heart on Commercial Street. Located in a Grade II listed building, this gem of a pub is also a two star on the CAMRA Campaign for Real Ale inventory. Beloved by artists, musicians and locals, the pub also boasts artwork by Tracey Emin and more than a few celebrity locals.

Entertainment

With so many things to do in Shoreditch, the entertainment never ends and there are some great options to explore. Try Junkyard Golf for a fun-packed round of crazy golf with a group of mates, accompanied by drinks, cocktails and snacks.  More of a nightclub than a golf course, this is a whole lot of fun. 

Alternatively, why not play a game of bingo as you’ve never known it before with Hijingo Bingo, a ‘dystopian bingo adventure’ with bright lights and high-energy music. There’s also a great menu for drinks, brunch, dinner and more.

If you’re in the mood for karaoke, combined with some of the best noodles in town, the Taiwan-inspired Bao London on Redchurch Street is tremendous fun. The private Pixel Room has capacity for up to 12 singers, with a service button to call for supplies, so you don’t have to break up the party to order food and drinks.

Get all the fun of the circus at Trapeze, right in the heart of Shoreditch, a circus-themed party bar set over three levels. With some of London’s best club nights and DJs, the venue has creative cocktails, bottomless brunches, and a whole lot of Big-Top-inspired entertainment. Roll up, roll up!

Getting to Shoreditch

Take advantage of London’s incredible transport network and get to Shoreditch from wherever you happen to be. 

Hop on the train to Old Street, just an 8-minute walk away, or get on the Tube – the closest station is Aldgate East, just a 4-minute walk away, but there are a number of other options within easy walking distance. There are also plenty of buses you can hop on for that authentic London experience.

Where to Stay in Shoreditch

If you’re planning on spending time in Shoreditch, knowing the right place to stay is essential. Make sure you absorb the buzz and choose nhow London, conveniently located just minutes from the Old Street ‘Silicon Roundabout’. With 190 stylish rooms to choose from, the hotel also has a gym, excellent buffet breakfasts, an on-site restaurant, Guilty, and a bar and terrace where you can wind down and enjoy a drink. 

Practical Tips for Visitors

This is a great place to visit all year round, never gets too packed with tourists or visitors -there are just so many things to do in Shoreditch. It’s best to wear comfy shoes when you’re out and about, as you’re probably going to do a lot of walking! And as London can have four seasons in one day, weather wise, it’s a good idea to come prepared. 

Almost everywhere takes cards or phone payments, so no need to bring cash, even for the market and food stalls. Downloading the TFL app is a great way to navigate the transport system, which also takes card payments everywhere.

You’re spoilt for choice food and drink-wise here, but if you’re around on a Sunday, pop by the nearest pub to see if they do a traditional Sunday Roast - magnificent!

FAQs

What's Shoreditch famous for?

Shoreditch is famous for its arty vibe, cool atmosphere and great nightlife. Loved by trendsetters from far and wide, this is reflected in its eclectic shops, markets, street art and many incredible eateries.

Is Shoreditch an affluent area?

Shoreditch was traditionally one of London’s cheaper neighbourhoods, but its boom in popularity has seen a boom in prices too. That said, it's still easy to grab a bargain at the markets and food stalls, you just have to look a little harder, which is all part of the fun!

What is a fun fact about Shoreditch?

The UK’s first ever theatre was built in Shoreditch in 1576, and plays were performed here before the Globe was even built.

What celebrities were in Shoreditch?

Celebs are a frequent sight in Shoreditch, especially those of the cooler variety. Amy Winehouse was a regular on the scene here and Idris Elba is known to DJ here. If you enjoy a bit of celeb-spotting in the wild, the pubs and clubs of Shoreditch are the perfect location.