My Picks for the Best Things to do in East London

Columbia Road Flower Market

I recently visited the Columbia Road Flower Market in East London, and it was easily one of the best things I’ve done in London. The market is located in the Bethnal Green neighborhood of London’s East End and has been going on since the late 19th century.

With its vibrant colors, aromatic scents, and lively ambiance, the Columbia Road Flower Market is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and memorable experience in the capital city. Definitely one of our favourites for romantic strolls!

📍Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG, United Kingdom

Museum of London Docklands

The museum is located in a historic, Grade II listed warehouse near Canary Wharf, and it tells the story of London’s river, port, and people. Best thing about this spot is that it’s absolutely free and open to the public!

The hay have a bunch of permanent exhibitions to learn about the history and of the area and role of the docks during World War II. We’ve also heard of their upcoming temporary exhibit, that explores the fashion and culture of the area from before, so it’s sure to be impressive.

📍No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL, United Kingdom

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some green space. The park has a range of facilities, including a boating lake, a skatepark, and several playgrounds. 

Not much of an exercise guy, but since this is one of the best places for a jog, I thought I would give it a try. Now, I wouldn’t say jogging through London fields to sweat off the alcohol as one of the top things you can’t miss out on, but Victoria Park offers such a quiet and serene vibe that it’s definitely worth trying out. 

📍Grove Rd., London E3 5TB, United Kingdom

V&A Museum of Childhood

The museum’s mission is “To enable everyone, especially the young, to explore and enjoy the designed world, in particular objects made for and made by children”. Stepping in here you’ll find a bunch of childhood objects in the United Kingdom and all throughout the world.

It’s a blast of nostalgia for some adults and for the children it gives them something to do an learn about as they have several interactive exhibits that allow children to play and learn. The Mini Museum, for example, is a space intended for very young children, which features pebbly and tiled floors and walls, a tunnel covered in fake turf, and pillars wrapped in mirrored mosaic and iridescent leatherette.

📍Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA, United Kingdom

Bethnal Green

Bethnal Green has a massive middle eastern community so you could expect amazing local cuisine in the east end of London and not to mention, the amount of indie shops you can experience and a beautiful flower market.

It’s a relaxing neighborhood in East London if you’re feeling a bit tired from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Curry houses that line the street are absolutely divine. I’d recommend a bowl of salt beef and then washing it down with artisan coffee!

📍301 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 0EL, United Kingdom

IFS Cable Car

I’m not sure if the IFS Cable car is London’s only cable car as it’s the only one I’ve ever tried but the aerial view and relaxing night is a such a good East London experience. You’ll be able to see a bunch of iconic London attractions as the cable car crosses the River Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, just five minutes’ walk from The O2 and North Greenwich Underground station.

I am absolutely terrified of heights, so I avoided the IFS Cloud Cable car like the plague, that was until for some reason I went there at night – so I suggest to visit this spot during nighttime, the city lights will look dazzling making it a fun night and not so daunting.

📍2 Birchwood Ave, Greenwich Peninsula, Whickham, London, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 5QS, United Kingdom

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a sporting complex and was specifically built for the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. As such their facilities were made to accommodate various sports such as the London aquatics centre which is a massive swimming facility or the London stadium, home to West Ham United Football Club.

But it is because of their ArcelorMittal Orbit, a massive sculpture and observation tower, that I consider Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to be a very underrated attraction. Designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond. I mean, it’s got a great view of the city, playful and creative architecture, and if you’re finished at the top, you could, quite literally take a slide back down to the London Olympic park.

📍Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford Walk, London E15 2NG, United Kingdom

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, East London, which is a trendy and vibrant area of the city known for its street art, artishan cafes, and vintage shops.

It’s one of London’s most urbanized areas so there’s a bunch of shopping malls and stalls selling whatever you need to, but I would say there’s not a lot of super fun things to here. It is however, super close to other attractions in London so it’s a good spot to start before moving up to Central London.

📍25 Fishermans Walk, London E14 4DH, United Kingdom

BoxPark

Not exactly a park and not exactly a box either. I would say it’s function is more or less like a mall. It’s a popular east London spot that provides amazing street food, bars and events all under one convenient location. It’s also pretty cool that the joint is designed using old shipping containers.

You could get some shopping done at the numerous fashion boutiques they have all while being surrounded by the rich aroma of their street food market. They also have a bunch of spots including Shoreditch, Croydon, and Wembley so if you’re a foodie, you’ve got a bunch of options!

📍2-10 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E1 6GY, United Kingdom

Royal Docks

The Royal Docks is a great place to try your hand at wakeboarding or paddleboarding, sports that I absolutely suck at. Nonetheless if you’re interested, the docks is London’s best spot to do them. It is home to several attractions, such as the Greenwich Observatory and the Greenwich Maritime Museum.

This is one of my personal favourite spots. I just love chilling and watching the boats go by with a hot coffee on hand. It’s super relaxing and the wind makes you feel like the main character of a movie or the villain, whatever you prefer.

📍Royal Victoria Docks, Rayleigh Rd, London E16 1AX, United Kingdom

Old Truman Brewery

 

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The Old Truman Brewery was once home to London’s largest brewery and has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It’s a huge part of London history and to it’s pub culture. Now it is the primary location of a bunch of independent businesses in East London since the brewery was renovated.

You’d think that since it’s a brewery you’ll probably expect to buy a pint or something but in reality, the area is a great place to shop for unique and cool things, and visitors can find everything from vintage clothing to artisanal home goods

📍91–95 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom

Broadway Market

I’d say that the Broadway Market is one of East London’s best places for food. Walking around here you’ll instantly get a whiff of something delicious, whether you want to buy a cup of coffee or get a plate of fresh seafood. Seriously, you’d never go hungry here and the best part of it all is that it’s all reasonably priced!

📍35 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH, United Kingdom

Spitalfields Market

Spitalfields Market is a traders’ market as well as a food and public art market. The Spitalfields regeneration programme that ended in 2005, resulted in two new public spaces – Bishops Square and Crispin Place, which restored several of the history of the area and resulted in more retailers and restaurants.

Just to highlight, Pink Grapefruit is a stand that serves up some gorgeous cold-pressed juices and also sells seasonal and high-quality produce. Spitalfields Market is full of community and culture events throughout the year, from floral arrangements to photography tips

📍65 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA, United Kingdom

Whitechapel

Whitechapel has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, and it has been home to a diverse range of communities over the years. Another must-visit for pub crawlers as its absolutely filled with amazing pubs and bars. The spot is mainly famous for the Jack the Ripper murders, and you could learn more about that in the Jack the Ripper Museum!

In my opinion the Asian food served here are absolutely divine because of the nearby market that guarantees they would be working with the freshest local ingredients possible.

📍77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX, United Kingdom

Brick Lane Street Art and Shoreditch

Lastly, we move on to the Shoreditch high street station to well, just take a walk. A walk in a street that is filled with the best street art in London. Brick Lane in especially special since it’s a massive street that is filled with amazing works that you could find on every corner.

You could also move on to the nearby Hoxton square to do some shopping or you could wait for nighttime and enjoy the lively nightlife that Shoreditch has to offer! (We’ve got a guide on the best bars in Shoreditch if you’re interested!).

📍113 Brick Ln, London E1 6SE, United Kingdom

Looking for More Guides?

There’s still a bunch more London has to offer and some of them might not be too popular. Don’t worry we’ve got you covered with our guides on how to navigate the city!

From the best cafes to the best bars, from expensive restaurants to cute little brunch spots, we’ve got it all so head on over!