Best Things to Do in Shoreditch!
Shoreditch is best known for its literally colorful atmosphere as it’s also home to the best street art and street artists in the city. It’s a rich mix of the new and old generation of London and is definitely one of my favourite spots in the entire city. That being said, here are some of my own picks for what to do and where to go when you’re in the neighborhood!
What makes it Worth it to Explore Shoreditch?
- Street art – Shoreditch has become world famous for its colorful and creative street art murals and graffiti.
- Nightlife – Trendy cocktail bars, pubs, clubs, and music venues give Shoreditch buzzing nightlife.
- Markets – Vintage markets, food markets, and the Columbia Road Flower Market are Shoreditch highlights.
- Fashion – Independent boutiques and vintage shops make Shoreditch a fashionista destination.
- East London hipster vibe – With its gritty-yet-cool atmosphere, Shoreditch epitomizes modern East London
My Picks for the Best Things to do in Shoreditch!
BOXPARK
Overground to Shoreditch High Street station and walked just a few minutes north to reach it. The bright red and blue shipping containers are hard to miss! For those not familiar, Boxpark Shoreditch is a unique shopping and street food concept made out of old shipping containers. It opened in 2011 as the world’s first pop-up mall and has become a hip destination in East London.
With its creative concept and independent shops, I can see why Boxpark has become so popular. Its central location makes it easy to combine with other area attractions like the street art on Brick Lane or the markets at Old Spitalfields. Definitely a fun and convenient spot to experience East London’s dynamic culture!
Great For: Groups of Friends
📍2-10 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E1 6GY, United Kingdom
Street Art on Brick Lane
If you’re visiting London, head on over to one of London’s most underrated spots, Brick Lane, the beating heart of Shoreditch street art. Wandering down the lane, I discovered beautiful stenciled portraits, giant murals spanning building facades, and small paste-ups with quirky characters.
I especially loved a series of wheatpaste posters created by local artists as part of the Sunday UpMarket. Speaking of fashion, shopping on brick lane is also an amazing sidetrack, the brick lane vintage market is filled with clothing stores selling hipster beyond retro vintage clothes to add to your wardrobe!
Great For: Couples, Close Friends
📍85 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom
Columbia Road Flower Market
Shoreditch on a Sunday is where you’ll find elegant orchids, cheerful sunflowers, delicate roses, exotic birds of paradise, and flowers of every shape, size and color imaginable. The air was filled with the sweet floral scents mixing with the lively shouts of Cockney flower sellers hawking their wares. Some of my favorite stalls were overflowing with hydrangeas in shades of pink, purple and blue.
I also loved seeing buckets of bright yellow daffodils, signaling the coming of springtime in London. The tulips on display were incredible as well, available in a rainbow of colors. Every Sunday spot is one of the best things you could do with a loved one, or even impress a first date!
Great For: Couples, Close Friends
📍Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG, United Kingdom
Elder Street
Just steps from the hip boutiques and eateries of Shoreditch High Street, Elder Street transports you back in time with its preserved 18th century Georgian townhouses. Elder Street was originally built in the 1720s to house Huguenot silk weavers and merchants. Thankfully, it still retains its historic charm today.
In the Victorian era, Elder Street fell into disrepair and poverty like much of the surrounding Spitalfields area. Thankfully its Georgian houses were preserved and restored to their former glory. Now flanked by modern developments, the cobblestone lane provides a fascinating look at London’s past.
Great For: Shopping, Groups of Friends, Solo
📍24 Elder St, London E1 6BT, United Kingdom
LaLaLand (formerly Shoreditch Dinerama)
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LaLaLand brings together some of London’s best street food stalls, with cuisines ranging from Taiwanese gua bao to smoky Texas barbecue. I sampled succulent chicken wings from RockIT, juicy lamb burgers from Hip Hop Chip Shop, and pillowy steamed buns stuffed with braised pork belly from GuaBao. With so many tempting options, you’ll want to come with an appetite!
In addition to the food stalls, LaLaLand has multiple bars where you can sip craft beers, wines, and creative cocktails as DJs spin lively beats. This one of the top things to do around Shoreditch if you’re with a bunch of you’re friends. The street food markets and the live music ensured us that we would be having a bunch of fun staying for a few hours!
Great For: Groups of Friends
📍17-19 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3EJ, United Kingdom
Old Spitalfields Market
In the center of the market, unique shops sell handmade clothing, art, and homegoods. I chatted with local designers as I browsed racks of stylish dresses and hand-printed textiles. Nearby stalls displayed colorful pottery, scented candles, and quirky home decor items. With its indie shops and emerging designers, Old Spitalfields is a crafter’s paradise.
I also just love coming here solo and is usually the first place for a visit in Shoreditch. Sipping an iced tea and enjoying a bagel in one of the many cafes in the area, just people-watching and listening to the people busking in the streets, is one of the most serene things you could do in the area.
Great For: Groups of Friends, Solo, Couples
📍16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW, United Kingdom
The Queen of Hoxton
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Housed in a beautifully renovated Victorian railway building, this venue has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2008, making it the perfect place for a night out in East London. Stepping inside, the decor is retro, industrial chic – think exposed brickwork, vintage furniture and quirky art installations. The ground floor bar has a buzzing atmosphere, with hipsters sipping inventive cocktails like the zesty Cheeky Vimto.
No wonder the terrace is packed on sunny weekends. On Sundays, the Queen really comes alive, with DJs and live bands creating an electric atmosphere as Shoreditch locals party the day away. An added bonus is the ever-changing themed decor – this summer it’s been transformed into a beachy Ibiza-style terrace.
Great For: Groups of Friends, Close Friends
📍1 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3JX, United Kingdom
Hoxton Square
Venturing into the center of the square, I found a shady oasis from the city bustle. London plane trees and wooden benches encircle a central garden dotted with contemporary sculptures. On sunny weekends, locals relax on the grass with coffee or picnic lunches.
As evening approached, Hoxton Square came alive. Smartly dressed crowds sipped cocktails on the outdoor terraces of trendy bars like The Griffin. Many were heading to dinner at popular restaurants like Jones Family Project and Foley’s.
Great For: Groups of Friends, Couples
📍2-4 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU, United Kingdom
The Old Truman Brewery
I was excited to explore the iconic Old Truman Brewery in the heart of Shoreditch. This former beer brewery has been transformed into a hub of creative businesses, shops, restaurants and event spaces – making it a must-visit for any first-timer to East London.
In the courtyard, sculptures and installations from renowned artists like Banksy dot the landscape. I especially enjoyed spotting Banksy’s iconic. Flower Thrower stencil high on a brick wall. Throughout the complex, street art murals and graffiti tags cover the brickwork – a reminder of Shoreditch’s vibrant creative scene. Taking a street art tour, I learned more about local artists who have left their mark.
Great For: Groups of Friends, Close Friends, Catching up with Friends
📍95 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, UK
Bounce Old Street
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When friends suggested checking out Bounce’s new ping pong club in Shoreditch, I was immediately excited. Stepping inside Bounce Old Street, I discovered a buzzing basement playground for adults. Neon lights bathed a sprawling space filled with ping pong tables, shuffleboard, ball pits, and other oversized games.
This entertainment bar also have amazing food and drinks thrown in for good measure, to make sure you and your friends have the time of your lives for hours! First time I’ve been here was around last year and I can still confidently say that this place is still the best place to hang out in.
Great For: Groups of Friends
📍241 Old St, London EC1V 9EY, United Kingdom
Smoking Goat
Tucked away on Shoreditch High Street, Smoking Goat has a cool, industrial vibe with exposed brickwork and dangling filament bulbs. We started with the chili fish sauce wings, crispy and saucy with a nice hit of heat. The duck laab salad packed even more punch, mingling tender shredded duck with chili, lime, and herbs. I also loved the smoky eggplant topped with a runny egg – perfect for scooping up with sticky rice.
Smoking Goat is ideal for sharing and getting a bit messy. The menu is affordable, with most dishes under £10, so we were able to order a wide range to pass around. As the night went on, the music got louder and the place filled up with groups of friends.
Great For: Close Friends, Catching up with Friends
📍64 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ, United Kingdom
Junkyard Golf Club | Crazy Golf Shoreditch
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Housed in a renovated warehouse space, the interior is an eclectic mix of exposed brick, graffiti art, and retro furnishings like old cars and tube carriages that have been repurposed into seating areas. The courses are full of creative challenges and instagrammable moments, like cannons that shoot your ball into a magician’s wheel.
The competitive golfer in me wished the holes were a bit longer, but the unique themes and obstacles made it unlike any mini-golf I’ve experienced. With music pumping and laughter all around, Junkyard’s lively atmosphere and playful spirit make it the perfect spot for a fun date night or outing with friends while visiting London. This is Shoreditch entertainment at its best.
Great For: Groups of Friends
📍88 Worship St, London EC2A 2BE, United Kingdom
Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium
In a charming two-story space, this cat haven is home to 13 adorable rescue cats that roam freely for visitors to pet and play with. The staff clearly adore the cats, sharing fun facts and stories about their different personalities. It was amazing to see the cats wandering freely and interacting with customers. Unlike many cat cafes where cats are kept in separate rooms, Lady Dinah’s felt like a welcoming home.
I loved my relaxing afternoon at Lady Dinah’s, chatting with staff and making new feline friends. Shoreditch is known for its lively nightlife and street art scene, but this cat cafe offers a peaceful respite from the neighborhood’s usual bustle.
Great For: Couples
📍152-154, Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 6DG, United Kingdom
The Museum of the Home
The Museum of the Home brings history to life with engaging, thought-provoking exhibits. It’s a must-see for understanding how homes and lifestyles have evolved in Britain, especially with Shoreditch’s own rich past.
It’s also one of the many places in Shoreditch that offer free things to do, which is surprising considering the museum recently undergone a major £18.1 million refurbishment and reopened in 2021 as the Museum of the Home, with fantastic new gallery spaces, event venues, and landscaped gardens.
I particularly enjoyed the section on Victorian homes, with intricate decorative details. But the 20th century displays are equally fascinating, taking you from post-war austerity to the eclectic, creative interiors of the 1960s and 70s.
Great For: Couples, Solo
📍136 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8EA, United Kingdom
Looking For More Guides?
The fun things to do in Shoreditch isn’t limited by this list! Check out some of our guides for the other best things in Shoreditch 2023. Have a pick of the bunch of reviews and lists we’ve gathered.
From speakeasy rooftop bars to chill out at, or dance the night away for club nights, we’ve got you covered! Our lists also aren’t limited to Shoreditch as we have articles that detail what London has to offer!
FAQ
What is Shoreditch known for?
Shoreditch is known for its vibrant street art, nightlife, markets, and hipster culture. Located in East London, it has transformed over the years from a run-down industrial area to one of London’s trendiest and most creative neighborhoods.
How do you get to Shoreditch and get around?
Shoreditch is located in East London. The nearest London Underground stations areLiverpool Street, Old Street, Shoreditch High Street, andAldgate East. It’s also easily accessible by bus, Overground train, taxi, or foot from central London neighborhoods like the City of London.
What is there to do in Shoreditch at night?
At night, you can check out some of the best bars in Shoreditch like: Nightjar, and speakeasy, Happiness Forgets and ever, Callooh Callay Hidden Bar.
