Things to do in Shoreditch: Guide to East London's Trendiest Neighborhood

Your trip to London will only be complete if you visit Shoreditch. Shoreditch is located on the eastern side of London and is known for its vibrant, charming, and creative energy. There are numerous things to do in Shoreditch. The place has amazing culture, history, cafes, bars, shops, and museums. It's such a nice, fun, Instagram-able place in London. 

In this blog, you will learn about the various things to do in Shoreditch. 

Top things to do in Shoreditch.

1. Explore the Street Art

One of the most exciting things to do in Shoreditch is exploring the street arts. The quirky murals on the walls, graffiti, etc, make the place more vibrant. Different artists from all over the world have painted the streets of Shoreditch. The art street starts from Old Street Station and ends at Liverpool Street Station. 

The Famous Art Streets of Shoreditch
The art street is one of the main Shoreditch attractions, and people find it very hard to resist.  

Some of the most famous wall art that you should not miss are: 

• Jim Vision and Si Mitchell’s artwork at Cowper Street. 
• The stencil artwork was created by Cartooneros, a Bueno Aires-born artist, at Blackall Alley. His ‘Van Gogh’ and ‘Surviving England on Ten Pounds’ are breathtakingly beautiful. 
• The artworks at Rivington Street like Banksy’s ‘The Guard Dog’ and ‘His Master’s Voice’ and Ben Eine’s ‘Scary.’ Art adaptation of Marina Lewycka’s novel ‘A Short History of Tractors in Ukraine’ and the famous French artist Thierry Noir’s work here.  
• A large mural by Mister Trist of a man reaching for paper doves at Dereham Street and Lupa’s Hope on Bateman’s Row.

Apart from these, the artworks that deserve special mention are located at:

• American Car Wash 
• New Inn Yard and King John Court
• Hollywell Lane and Great Eastern Street
• Ebor Street
• Redchurch Street
• Chance Street and Whitby Street
• Brick Lane and the New Basky
• Allen Gardens and Pedley Street
• Fashion Street
• Hanbury Street

Thus, exploring the street arts should be at the top of your list of things to do in Shoreditch. 

Also, read about top art galleries in Shoreditch if you are an art lover.

2. Visit the Old Spitalfields Markets

Among the various things to do in Shoreditch, visiting the Old Spitalfields market is a must. This place has a rich history. It is a place where the amalgamation of East and West took place. Immigrants from countries like France and Ireland and Jews from the Netherlands flocked here and set up their markets in the 17th century. 

In the present time, one can find various makers and designers, homewares and accessories, treasure troves of vintage clothing, and pieces of furniture in this market. You can get rare records at the Vinyl market here. Every Thursday, an antique market called Thursday Antiques Market is set up. One can buy a wide range of antique items from here. People buy expensive gifts, trinkets, and souvenirs. 

Timings: 
The Old Spitalfields Market is open seven days a week 
Monday to Friday- 8 am-11 pm
Saturday & Sunday- 9 am-11 pm

The restaurant timings: 
Monday to Friday: 10 am-9:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10 am-4 pm 

How to reach: 
The Old Spitalfields Market is well connected. People can take buses, cars or tubes. Liverpool Street is the nearest station. 

Also, read about top Shoreditch markets to shop and explore.

3. Shop at Brick Lane’s Vintage Stores

The Brick Lane Vintage Market is the most famous Shoreditch attraction for people who love shopping. This market has over forty independent traders and is London's biggest vintage clothing market. The boutiques here have been selling clothes since the 1920s. They have clothes and styles from each decade up to the 1990s. You can buy anything vintage, unique, or rustic from here. 

One can find vintage bridal dresses, accessories, men’s suits, vinyl records and fur clothes. 

Some of the shops that you can explore are: 

• Brick Lane Vintage
• Serotonin Vintage
• Rockit Edits 
• House of Vintage 
• Shop from Crisis
• Here After
• Blitz
• Kin 

Tips:
Shopping for any vintage item from this market is one of the best things to do in Shoreditch. Here are some tips that you may find helpful before shopping here: 

• Measurements- As the clothes are vintage and old, you may need help finding the right size. Make sure you know your measurements well.
• Ask for information- The staff can provide great information about what you buy. Since these things are vintage they can have a rich history connected to them. So do not hesitate to ask about the pieces that you buy. 
• Reach early- Reach early before the shops get crowded so that you can get the best things that those stores have to offer. 

Opening Times 
Monday- Friday: 11 am-6:30 pm 
Saturday: 11 am- 6 pm 
Sunday: 10 am- 6 pm

4. Indulge in Shoreditch’s Food Scene

The food in Shoreditch is one of the best that one can get in London. Among the various things to do in Shoreditch London, trying out their street food should be at the top of the list. From fried chicken to vegan foods, doughnuts to burgers, Michelin Star restaurants to street-food joints, the food here tastes out of the world.

Best Shoreditch Restaurants 

• The restaurants in Shoreditch are major Shoreditch attractions for the tourists. A list of the best restaurants in Shoreditch are:  
• Rochelle Canteen 
• The Clove Club
• Nest 
• Smoking Goat 
• Dishoom 

 
Apart from these restaurants, there are numerous Italian and European places that you can try. Among the various things to do in Shoreditch, you should add food tasting in Shoreditch to your itinerary. 

Read about our blog on the best cafes in Shoreditch to indulge in all the top places.

5. Catch a show at Shoreditch House

Among so many things to do in Shoreditch watching a show at the Shoreditch House is one of the best things that you can do. 

It is a private member’s club. People from the local creative industries come and showcase their work. Here you will find restaurants, a pool, many games that one can play, a bar, a spa etc. They hold many events like charity, parties, many musical events, and Christmas parties. It's a very new place at the Heart of East London in Shoreditch. You can find the upcoming shows online and buy the tickets. 

Among the various activities watching a show at the Shoreditch House is the best thing to do in Shoreditch.

6. Discover the Boxpark Shoreditch

Shoreditch is such a vibrant place full of so many activities that the list of things to do in Shoreditch is never-ending. Among the various Shoreditch attractions, Boxpark deserves a special mention. 

This place opened up in the year 2011. It is the world’s first pop-up dining and shopping destination. It is one of the biggest food, culture and social hubs in the U.K. The main philosophy of this place is to eat, drink, and play.  At the Boxpark you can try street foods from all over the world. Various independent street food traders from all over the world serve their best dishes. Thus you can enjoy a global cuisine under one roof. 

This place is ideal for socialising. Party lovers can enjoy the music and various drinks, wines, beers and cocktails here.  Throughout the year this place has different events and programmes scheduled. One can indulge in various fun activities at this place like virtual reality, mini golf, axe throwing, table tennis, pool, table football etc. 

People can also shop for various things like jewellery, homeware, menswear, cosmetics, skincare, accessories etc from here. 

Boxpark is a very happening place in Shoreditch. If you are planning to go to Shoreditch with your friends keep this place in your plan of various things to do in Shoreditch.

 

7. Relax in Hoxton Square

There are various activities in Shoreditch, that people can indulge in. However, sometimes people want to stay away from loud crowds. Among the different things to do in Shoreditch,  if you want a quiet, tranquil space to relax then Hoxton Square is the ideal place. 

It's a beautiful garden where you can sit relax and enjoy the fresh air, read a book, chit chat with your favourite person or spend some time in tranquility. It is considered one of the oldest gardens in London. Hoxton Square is awarded the Green Flag award for maintaining greenery in the area. 

8.  Nightlife at Shoreditch

Though there are various things to do in Shoreditch. The nightlife here is worth experiencing. The place has some of London’s best bars, gastropubs and clubs where you can spend a dazzling evening. It's an ideal place for party lovers.

Here’s a list of places where you can go and experience the Shoreditch nightlife: 

• Sports Bar and Grill at Old Street
• Apples and Pears
• Simmons Shoreditch
• Casa Blue
• The Star in Shoreditch 
• Blues Kitchen Shoreditch
• Juju’s Bar and Stage
• Marlowe Cafe, Bar and Restaurant

Read our blog on the best clubs in Shoreditch to have a perfect night out and complete your trip.

 

9. A Visit to the Museum of the Home

Among the various things to do in Shoreditch, try and visit the Geffrye Museum of Home. Presently the museum is called the Museum of Home. It showcases how the interior decorations and the homes of London have changed over 400 years. They also showcase how gardens have evolved over the period. 

Entry to the museum is free. There is a shop from where you can buy small gifts or souvenirs. They also hold many events. You can visit their online website and get information about them. There is also a cafe called Molly’s Cafe which serves very tasty food. 

A visit to this museum should be on your list of things to do in Shoreditch. 

Timings
Tuesday- Sunday: 10 am- 5 pm 
The Museum remain closed on Mondays.

10. Attend a Workshop

If you are looking to try something new and have a very different kind of experience, then attend any workshop or class at Shoreditch. There are many places in Shoreditch where you can get a chance to learn about pottery, painting, theatre, cooking, perfume making, candle making etc. It is one of the most exciting things to do in Shoreditch. 

Famous workshops or classes in Shoreditch 
Pinot and Picasso- It is one of the places in Shoreditch where you can bring out the artist inside you and enjoy a fun time with your friends and family. Here you can sip your favourite drink while you paint. Every week they organise multiple events. You can book those events online from their website. 

Yougi- Learn to make natural soaps from the workshops held at Yougi. They make use of eco-friendly, cruelty-free ingredients. This place has also been featured in Vanity Fair, The Times, Timeout and is highly recommended. You can book a session here online through their website. 

Like these, there are many other places where you can indulge in such workshops in Shoreditch. You can add this to your list of things to do in Shoreditch. 

 

11. Enjoy the flower market

Shoreditch has a very famous flower market situated at Columbia Road. There are about sixty independent flower shops that remain open on Sundays from 8 am to 3 pm. Some shops are also open on weekdays. Among the many things to do in Shoreditch a small visit to the flower market is sure to lift your mood. 

12. Browse Redchurch Street

There are so many things to do in Shoreditch. But if you want to just relax a stroll down the streets of Shoreditch you should go to Redchurch Street. It is one of the most famous streets in not only Shoreditch but also London. 

Filled with shops, restaurants, and bars, this place also has a history of how it turned from a slum to the most sought-after streets of London. Exploring the Redchurch Street is one of the most exciting things to do in Shoreditch. 

Things to do in Shoreditch: Shop at Redchurch Street
Some of the iconic shops situated on Redchurch Street that are worth visiting are: 

• APC
• Tracy Neuls
• Kite
• Lucky Fret Music Co
• Labour and Wait
• Monologue

Apart from these shops, there is a salon called Radio. There are many famous restaurants, cafes and bars like Smoking Goat, Brat, The Redchurch Bar, and Allpress Espresso Bar.

Final Thoughts

Shoreditch is a very happening place in London. There are so many things to do in Shoreditch. Whether indulging in fun workshops or the food. From shopping to museums and flower markets, your time will fly by. You can stay for two days to explore the place to the fullest. You can explore accommodation options from serviced apartments in Shoreditch to have a comfortable stay.

So which activity from the list has excited you the most? Let us know in the comment!!