19 Best Things to do in Shoreditch 2026 (+ Maps!)
Looking for the best things to do in Shoreditch? Here’s my personalised guide to the ‘coolest’ part of London — from a Londoner.
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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.
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!
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
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Why Visit Shoreditch
A usual favourite 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).
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.
Read More: 13 Best Things to Do on Brick Lane
2. Go Vintage Shopping
It’s simply 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’s 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.
Read More: Shoreditch Street Art: Top Streets to See
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 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 favourite.
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-to-5ers in a rowdy game of pong with a cosy cocktail in hand.
Even if ping-pongs not your thing the atmosphere is super cool, so well worth the visit.
9. Spitalfields Market
A short walk from Shoreditch High Street, and you’ll find East London’s #1 market — Spitalfields Market.
You’ve got rows of food stalls serving everything from Ethiopian stews to freshly steamed dumplings, alongside independent fashion brands, vintage finds, and weekend art pop-ups. It’s buzzy but not overwhelming, and you can easily lose a couple of hours weaving between the food court and the covered market. I usually grab something to eat (the pad Thai stall never misses) before browsing the second-hand rails and local makers.
P.S. – I highly recommend this food tour I did in Shoreditch — with a stop at Spitalfields Market!
10. Shoreditch Grind
It’s hard to miss Shoreditch Grind from its boisterous clear windows and 1950s 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.
11. Stuff Yourself at Beigel Bake
Beigel Bake is everything glory and goodness housed under one fabulous bagel shop.
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 favourite) is their Salt Beef Beigel. Also, don’t be confused by it’s name twin to the left, The Bagel Shop.
12. 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!
13 – 16. Try all the Shoreditch Street Food
Petticoat Lane Market from Whitechapel, London
For local and foodie tourists alike, Shoreditch is a street food haven.
From traditional British eats to spicy Moroccan finds, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Shoreditch’s bustling street markets. Have a peek (and bite) at these ones when you’re in the neighbourhood:
17. Get a Taste of India in Shoreditch
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 Aladin Brick Lane, Brick Lane Brasserie, City Spice, and Meraz Cafe.
But if you’re feeling a bit trendy, the famed Dishroom is a London go-to.
18. Watch a film at Rich Mix
Even if you’re not a movie buff, Rich Mix will easily turn you into one.
There’s comedy shows, artist exhibitions and an independent cinema to kick back London style and wind down your day in Shoreditch.
19. 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.
Thanks for reading my Things to Do in Shoreditch Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
CHECK OUT MORE LONDON GUIDES:
- 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Shoreditch
- The Best Shoreditch Cafes: Coffee Shop Guide to Shoreditch
- Shoreditch Street Art: Top 10 Unique Streets to See (+Map!)
- 13 Best Things to Do in Brick Lane — from a Londoner
- 14 Best Things to Do in Whitechapel – from a Londoner
- The Best Things to Do in Hackney, London
- 7 Best Brick Lane Cafes: A Local’s Guide
- The Best Hotels in East London
- Discover the Best Charity Shops in East London — from a Londoner
- 7 Best Brick Lane Brunch & Breakfast Spots: A Local’s Guide
- Shoreditch to Barbican Walk (Episode #14)
Happy Londoning,
