Looking for the best things to do in Shoreditch? Here’s my personalized guide to the coolest part of London. Enjoy!
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At the heart of East London lies the land of vintage shops, hipster facades, and deliciously overly priced oat milk, or should I say, Shoreditch. There’s no shortage of cool things to do in Shoreditch, but here are some of the best.
And so, if you ever find yourself on the East end use this guide to make the most of your time on the hip side of London with the 19 Best Things to do in Shoreditch, plus, maps.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Shoreditch
A usual favorite for everything “Hipster London” Shoreditch didn’t always have the best reputation. It’s less than romantic name accounts for the sewer waters that ran through the area back in the day. Yeah, let’s skip ahead.
Today Shoreditch boasts as the creative hub of the Big Smoke. Art splat on every corner, classic London street food and eccentric coffee shops the area drips of muse, art, and creativity.
In my opinion, Shoreditch is the best mix of tourist and local experience. Despite having undergone some gentrification, there are still tons of local gems to be found (if you look in the right corners).
So, if you find yourself on the East End here are 17 Best Things to do in Shoreditch, plus maps!
Exploring Shoreditch
Here’s a map for every place I’ve listed in the best things to do in Shoreditch. Feel free to refer back after the post 🙂
1. Walk Along Brick Lane
Shoreditch’s definite claim to fame Brick Lane is a popular walking street stretched through the heart of the East End.
Lined with independent shops, boutique markets, galleries, street art (and the best curries in London) you could easily get lost for hours popping into everything Brick Lane has to offer.
2. Go Vintage Shopping
It’s not Shoreditch without vintage. Shop til you drop or have a friendly browse at the dozens of vintage outlets dotted around the area.
I suggest wasting a weekend day away roaming in and out of all the shops, trying on clothes, and finding amazing vintage gems
For endless options, you’ll want to head to Atika. Budget finds, Beyond Retro. And for a Hunky Dory Vintage.
3. Check out the Street Art
It goes without saying, Shoreditch is street art. The East End claim to fame it’s impossible to walk Shoreditch without seeing the modern works of Banksy, Zabou, Stik and Lewis Campbell to name a few.
With that said for a full street art tour, you’ll want to check Rivington, Great Eastern, Cremer, Princelet, Toynbee, Heneage, Fashion, Brick Lane, Bell Lane, and Shoreditch High Street off your list.
4. Hang out at Allen Gardens
Tucked nicely in Brick Lane it’s easy to miss Allen Gardens but trust me, you’ll want to make the effort. In addition to the street art leading up to the entrance, the whole area is a public display and often an active gallery for street artists to make their mark.
I always pick up a bite and sneak in to lay by the grass. Lazily watching the artists paint the mural of the week, and feeling very Londoner while I’m at it.
Read More: 19 Best Secret Things to do in London
5. Junkyard Golf Club
If you’re looking to spice up your outings, head to Junkyard Golf Culb. It’s weird, dark, and admittedly, pretty epic.
A 9-hole golf course Junkyard Golf Club is packed with neon lights, intricate themed mazes and all your cocktail needs met.
In other words, a very satisfying night out.
6. Go Record Shopping
There’s something about Shoreditch that makes you feel a bit old school, and a record shop is the perfect antidote.
Across from Junkyard Golf you’ll find Rough Trade East. A music emporium with independent record shops sprawled across the UK and the US, their London location is filled with fresh vinyl, coffee, and a cheeky photo booth.
My good friend Felipe is a DJ and I took him here on his trip to London last year. He loved every minute of it, DJ approved.
7. Ballie Ballerson
If you spend any night’s in Shoreditch, you’ll want to add Ballie Ballerson to your itinerary. A sleek cocktail ball pit in the heart of Shoreditch the rooms are filled with neon lights and the kind of fun that makes you feel like a kid again.
With pizza, RnB, disco, and house beats to accompany your lost inhibitions it’s an East End crowd favorite.
8. Bounce
Home of everything Ping-Pong, Pizza and quirk, Bounce is Europe’s largest Social Ping Pong Club. Nights spent here often include joining the post 9-5’ers in a rowdy game of pong with a cozy cocktail in hand.
Even if ping-pongs not your thing the atmosphere is super cool, so well worth the visit.
9. Test the Nightlife (& Cocktails)
Shoreditch comes to life in the nighttime. And trust me, you’ll want to see it for yourself.
For a taste of iconic Shoreditch, find Cargo just off High Street. If you’re looking for variety, waste the night away at XOYO. For hip night-time musings, Book Club is calling your name. And for iconically yummy cocktails, London Cocktail Club.
Coffee
10. Look Mum no Hands!
Because nothing says Shoreditch like a quirky independent coffee shop. A bit of a walk from central Shoreditch you’ll want to make the trip to Old Street to check out the restored bike shop, Look Mum no Hands!
Need a coffee? Check. Need your bike fixed? Check. Live music? Check, check, and check.
P.S If you’re looking to get some work done be sure to come early as seats tend to fill fast.
11. Shoreditch Grind
It’s hard to miss Shoreditch Grind from it’s boisterous clear windows and 1950’s facade that just screams come in. A quaint little spot on Old street it’s the perfect spot to grind some work out or simply chat over a brew.
My final year in uni I built sweet memories of writing my dissertation over a glass of red wine here. But nowadays I take advantage of the front window seats (you should too) and gorge over their amazing all-day menu. With ample breaks for people watching of course.
Food
12. Stuff Yourself at Beigel Bake
Everything glory and goodness housed under one roof Beigel Bake is baked good heaven. Filled with cheap doughy bagels, crisp apple strudels, gooey cinnamon rolls, and everything in between, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find your treat-of-choice.
But their claim to fame (and my favorite) is their Salt Beef Beigel. Also, don’t be confused by it’s name twin to the left, The Bagel Shop.
13. Get Your Chocolate Fix at Dark Sugars
The queen of Shoreditch chocolate, Dark Sugars needs to make your bucket list. Arrayed with handmade truffles, chocolates, and vegan treats, Dark Sugars is every bit as delicious as it sounds.
Passionately founded by Fatou Mendy she’s sourced all the ingredients from Ghana and her travels. It’s always an added bonus to support a local business and the story behind Dark Sugars makes me love it even more.
P.S Don’t forget to try their Hot Chocolate, it’s the best in London!
14. Try all the Street Food
For local and foodie tourists alike, Shoreditch is a street food haven. From traditional British eats to spicy Morrocan finds you’ll be spoilt for choices at Shoreditch’s bustling street markets.
Be sure to try the Korean Yum Bun at Dinerama’s Open Market or get your hands on some yummy Spanish Paella at Bricklane’s Sunday Market.
15. Get a Taste of India
Like all of London, it’s the people that truly bring an area to life. Sprinkled with rich Indian heritage if you’re going to Shoreditch, you need to get your hands on some Indian cuisine.
For the best unpretentious curry head to the likes of Brick Lane Brasserie, City Spice, and Meraz Cafe. But if you’re feeling a bit trendy, the famed Dishroom is a London go-to.
16. Try the Vegan Finds
For vegetarians and vegans alike, Shoreditch is the perfect place to satisfy your tastebuds. Essential Vegan Cafe on Calvert offers decadent Brazilian-inspired buns. Mooshies on Brick Lane is great for a casual bite. And Crosstown Doughnuts has the best fresh-baked donuts. Vegan flavored of course.
17. Watch a film at Rich Mix
Okay, I’ll admit. I’m not the biggest movie buff. But Rich Mix will easily turn you into one, and everything else. There’s comedy shows, artist exhibitions and an independent cinema to kick back London style, and wind down your day in Shoreditch.
18. Columbia Road Flower Market
Okay, this definitely should’ve been mentioned sooner. But if you’re meandering through Shoreditch, Columbia Road Flower Market is a very worthy pit shop. Strictly open on Sundays you can spend your morning in Shoreditch roaming the best weekend flower finds. And snapping a pic or two while you’re at it.
19. Visit Box Park
A restored warehouse right outside Shoreditch High Street station Box Park is a London staple. The perfect meeting spot for a food-related rendezvous, they’ve got every innovative street food you could imagine.
Nosteagia will have your bubble waffle craving sorted. Biff’s Jack Shack serves the best filfy vegan junk food (in a good way). And four words. Voodoo Red’s Green Velvet Pizza. Thank me later.
Don’t forget to read up on the best Shoreditch Street art!
