East London Attractions and Areas to Visit

Through regeneration, East London is now one of the most desirable areas to live in the capital. Nowadays, neighbourhoods like Hackney have Sunday markets, street art and quirky independent shops for locals to visit. East London also has excellent transport links, so your city commute is a breeze. 

Whether you’re a young professional moving to the area or looking for family-friendly days out, here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in East London. 

Places to Visit and Things to Do in East London 

Shoreditch

In the London Borough of Hackney, you’ll find Shoreditch, expressive, unfiltered and full of street art-lined industrial buildings. You can even see a Banksy masterpiece or two. If you love independent food, drink and retail, then it’s the place to visit. Here are a few local spots to try:

• Brick Lane

Known for its vintage stores, street art and award-winning Bangladeshi curry houses like Aladin or Sheba Restaurant. 

• Boxpark Shoreditch

Built from repurposed shipping containers, there are pop-up drink vendors, street food stalls and weekly events from karaoke to trainer festivals. 

• Redchurch Street

Looking for statement raw denim wardrobe pieces? Head to A.P.C. Follow up your shopping trip with a Thai BBQ from Smoking Goat or a pint and pub grub from the Owl and Pussycat. 

Hackney Wick & Victoria Park

When it comes to art and culture, Hackney Wick is the place to be. Once heavily industrial and warehouse-heavy, the area has transformed into one of the most vibrant artistic hubs in London. 

• Victoria Park

Victoria Park is the largest park in Tower Hamlets. You can boat on the lakes during summer, enjoy lunch at the park café or shop at the Sunday food markets.

• The White Building

The White Building is the centre for creative support within the local art community. It’s a multi-use space serving as a base for art projects in Hackney Wick. 

Bethnal Green

A favourite spot to settle for young professionals looking to escape the central London bustle, Bethnal Green offers a quieter, slower pace with a strong community. There are plenty of green spaces, markets and museums to enjoy. 

• Museum of the Home

Formerly the Geffrye Museum, this free museum explores how homes and domestic life have changed over generations.

• Weavers Fields and Bethnal Green Gardens

Weavers Fields and Bethnal Green Gardens are two dog-friendly local parks that offer a tranquil haven from city life. 

• Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays)

 A vibrant and colourful market full of flowers, live music, and small shops.

Canary Wharf

Instantly recognisable by the sleek skyscrapers that look out over the Thames, Canary Wharf is one of the most high-end places to live in London and one of the best-known business quarters in the world. In the area, you’ll find public art, retail, and green spaces.

• Museum of London Docklands

The Museum of London Docklands explores 2,000 years of London’s history, from the creation of the docks through to slavery and immigration.

• Crossrail Roof Garden

This covered walkway is a tranquil garden of exotic plants above Canary Wharf station, which regularly hosts free events.

• Jubilee Park

With a bronze sculpture, stunning water features and tree-lined pathways, Jubilee Park is a hidden gem among the Canary Wharf office towers, ideal for lunch breaks or a coffee.

Walthamstow

Just on the edge of Epping Forest, Walthamstow is best known for its picturesque green spaces. There are also plenty of galleries and entertainment in the local area. 

• William Morris Gallery

In a Grade II-listed Georgian home, the William Morris Gallery celebrates the life and work of the famed designer and activist William Morris. It has the biggest collection of his work in the world. 

• Walthamstow Wetlands

 This massive 211-hectare nature reserve is free to enter and open until 5 pm between April and September. Enjoy birdwatching and the calming waterside views.

• Wood Street Market

Wood Street Market is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. It has a collection of 30 shops selling everything from vinyl to craft materials and antiques.

Stratford

In Stratford, you’ll find the East Bank, one of London’s best-known cultural districts due to hosting the 2012 Olympics. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has an incredible sports offering. You’ll find everything there, from the London Aquatics Centre to Copper Box Arena and the ArcelorMittal Orbit: London’s tallest sculpture (and the world’s longest tunnel slide).

Westfield Stratford City is also in the area. As one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, you’ll find all your high street staples like John Lewis and New Balance, to designer classics like Calvin Klein. 

Enjoy East London Living, from Stratford to Walthamstow and Canary Wharf

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