Our Expert List of Things to Do in Shoreditch

Shoreditch is one of London’s trendiest areas with great bars and restaurants, vibrant street art around every corner and an edgy vibe that is sure to impress even the most discerning hipster. Thanks to this expertly curated guide of things to do in Shoreditch, we know you’ll enjoy your time spent in this East End neighbourhood.

Forget the silence and boredom of a museum - your kids will thank you, trust us - and instead soak in your daily visual inspiration with a walk around Shoreditch. The street art in this area is among the best in the city so be prepared to stop frequently to take photos of your annoying creative teenagers. Start on Brick Lane and make your way up to Shoreditch High Street. Highlights include two Banksy pieces in Rivington Street, the Zabou ‘smile’ image in Cremer Street, a pair of Stik’s iconic figures in Princelet Street and London’s own Lewis Campbell’s iconic ‘Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil’ in Heneage Street.

When it comes to things to do in Shoreditch, an absolute must is checking out the Columbia Road Flower Market. This is one of our favourite things to do in East London on a Sunday. Feel like you’re in a scene from My Fair Lady as local vendors call out their prices and latest bargains on some of the most opulent (and affordable) flowers, houseplants, herbs and succulents. Keep your ears peeled and you might even hear some authentic cockney rhyming slang. Plum tip: grabbing a bouquet to display in your home away from home like The Easton Gate will make your stay in London feel even cosier.

Victoria Miro’s East London outpost in Wharf Road is one not to miss if you want to squeeze a little extra culture into your Shoreditch day out. This 8,000-square-foot former furniture factory between Hoxton and Islington in North London, is a short walk away and presents exhibitions by some of the galleries most sought after artists including polkadot queen Yayoi Kusama. For those who insist on visiting historic churches while on holiday - it’s ok, we know you’re out there - try St. Leonard's, the ancient parish church of Shoreditch, known locally as Shoreditch Church. The current building dates to 1740 and features a towering 192 foot tall steeple modeled after Christopher Wren. Another lovely cultural option when considering things to do in Shoreditch is Dennis Severs’ House, which offers a fascinating gateway to London’s history. This historic home boasts five floors of untouched 18th century decor and gives visitors an idea of what it would’ve been like to live in London in days of yore.

Whether you’re after vintage fashion or slick contemporary designer brands, shopping is not something to skip when you’re planning things to do in Shoreditch (you’re welcome for the good news - we know you love to spend your money). Don’t miss second-hand clothing and homeware wonderland Atika boutique, one of the biggest vintage stores in Europe, neighbourhood hangout and indie clothing shop Aida, trendy and chic Parisian label APC’s Shoreditch outpost and fancy scent shop Le Labo where you can design your own perfume. Make sure to take a gander through Spitalfields Market too. This lively covered outdoor market features independent vendors for clothing, jewelry and homeware vendors as well as art and gourmet food products.

Snack to your heart’s content at Brick Lane’s Sunday market which offers tantalizing street food from all around the globe. Grab a famous salt beef bagel at Brick Lane’s iconic Beigel Bake. Dinerama’s Street Feast in the heart of Shoreditch is open Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm - midnight offering ten street food vendors and ten bars to explore across two levels. Or head to Boxpark, the world’s first pop-up mall, where modern street food stalls and exciting retail pop-ups live side-by-side.

If you’re in the mood for a proper sit-down meal, whatever you do don’t leave the area. Fine dining is among the easiest and best things to do in Shoreditch as there are a wealth of fantastic restaurants in the neighbourhood. A few of our favourites include Peruvian spot Andina, swanky Michelin-star seafood eatery Angler, chic and delicious chophouse Brat and lively and fun dolce vita inspired Italian resto, Gloria. When it comes to getting your drink on, the neighbourhood also boasts many charming local pubs and upscale cocktail bars to choose from. If you’re a whisky drinker, don’t miss Black Rock, an exclusive whisky bar with space for just 35 people, and don’t worry if you can’t get in, this spot is so popular that the owners opened a larger whisky pub on the ground floor which serves whisky cocktails and beers on draught. For a lovely beer garden on a hot day try the Crown & Shuttle, which also boasts a ‘90s tribute pub on the first floor that will make even you feel young again. For the best craft beer, ale and cider try Howl at the Moon, or for some killer (and pretty) cocktails check out Nightjar. Just remember you can no longer kick a hangover like you used to, although a luxurious accommodation will certainly help.

Has our guide to our favourite things to do in Shoreditch tempted you to a trip? Take a look at our full collection of homes in London. Our home critics meticulously test each and every award-winning home on our site – checking everything from water pressure to interior design – to make sure that you get those high standards you deserve. Want to keep reading our London guides? Take a look at our list of things to do in Hackney next.