10 Things to do in Shoreditch

10 Things to do in Shoreditch

The east of London is where you’ll find Shoreditch; the trendiest, most artistic neighborhood in the city.

You won’t find high tea and crumpets here. This district is a place for odd museums, concept stores, collaborative work spaces, happy hours and street art as far as you can see. A day in Shoreditch is a must for anyone traveling to London; these are some things you should do.

1. Enjoy the Street Art in Shoreditch

As mentioned, London’s east is prime real estate for street artists. Banksy is one of the most notorious names to have created works in these parts, and hunting down his pieces is something a lot of travelers dedicate time to.

If you opt for a guided walking tour of the district, you’ll pass the art along the way. You can also self guide your way through the streets, leaving little to plan and seeing what comes up. The choice is yours.

Shoreditch – by Ambitious Creative Co. – Rick Barrett – Unsplash

2. Visit the Columbia Road Flower Market in Shoreditch

The Columbia Road Flower Market takes place on Sundays only in Shoreditch. It’s one of the most famous flower markets in the world, with hundreds of vendors selling thousands of floral creations and house plants.

Because of how competitive the stalls are, you can get bunches for next to nothing. Orchids go for just £5!

Go early; the market gets unfathomably crowded about thirty minutes before closing when everyone is franticly trying to get their hands on a deal.

Columbia Road Flower Market – by JasonParis – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Sunday  — 8am to 3pm

Address: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG, UK

Metro Station: Bethnal Green

3. Followed by the Brick Lane Street Market in Shoreditch

Another reason to go early to the flower market is so that you can make it to Brick Lane Market right after.

This one is open on both Saturdays and Sundays through until 5pm. The vendors include cuisines from all over the world, vintage clothing, records, furniture, jewelry, books and antiques.

It is widely regarded as the best market in all of London.

Brick Lane Street Market – by Aqwis – Wikimedia Commons

4. Shop at Boxpark in Shoreditch

The Boxpark in Shoreditch was the world’s first container-based shopping mall and it calls Shoreditch home. Instead of being constructed out of brick, this mall us housed in shipping containers that would usually carry cargo across the sea.

There is great local and international fashion, concept stores, health and wellness attractions and cafes.

Note that on Sundays they open an hour later (midday) and close an hour earlier than the rest of the week.

Boxpark in London – by Fred Romero – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 11am to 11pm

Address: 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, Hackney, London E1 6GY, UK

Metro Station: Shoreditch High Street

5. Try Street Food on Brick Lane in Shoreditch

When Brick Lane isn’t being London’s best strip of vintage stores or trendy markets, it’s a prime spot for street food from all over the world.

Street food vendors get very creative in the ways in which they market themselves thought this neighborhood. They’ll serve out of their cars, trolleys and even set up barbecues right there on the street.

My recommendation? Try a bunch! Get small things from different stalls as you make your way down the street. This way you get to try everything.

6. Pet Some Animals at Spitalfields City Farm in Shoreditch

Not far east from Brick Lane is a small community farm called Spitalfields.

This is probably the most family friendly attraction in Shoreditch, aimed at creating a safe, outdoor space for children to run while adults dine in the cafe. There are goats, pigs, cows and other farm animals all begging to be cuddled.

They are all rescues, and have not been bought to create this attraction.

Spitalfields City Farm – by ceridwen – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday — 10am to 4:30pm

Address: Buxton St, London E1 5AR, UK

Metro Station: Bethnal Green

7. Pub Crawl in Shoreditch

Ninety percent of people come to Shoreditch to drink. The nightlife here is unmatched; be it bars, pubs, cafes, nightclubs or live music venues. It’s on par with neighborhoods like Soho, or Brixton; but just a bit edgier.

No one in Shoreditch sits in one place for the entire evening: they hop. Start at the first bar that calls you, and move on when you’re ready. You’ll find hoards of people doing the same thing, and the streets as full as the venues with foot traffic.

8. Dennis Severs’ House in Shoreditch

It wouldn’t be Shoreditch without at least one very bizarre museum. Dennis Sever’s House might be the most odd experience in all of London.

Dennis Severs was an interesting character who lived in this house years ago. He designed each room to reflect different periods of history, namely between 1724 to 1914. He never had electricity installed nor did he have plumbing.

As you make your way through the space you become roped into a “still life drama”. You are a character in the life occurring in the home; a lurker.

There are conversations to overhear, actual food on the tables, strange smells as though someone was just in the room before you. It’s absolutely wild and so, very Shoreditch.

Dennis Severs’ House – by Unknown – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Various

Address: 18 Folgate St, Spitalfields, London E1 6BX, UK

Metro Station: Shoreditch High Street

9. Take a Guided Walking Tour in Shoreditch

Shoreditch is a neighborhood best understood from the street, even in the dead of winter.

A guided walking tour can give you an informative perceptive of the area, and take you past all of the best things to see and do. Afterward you’re free to roam back to any of them at your own leisure.

10. Sunday Roast at The Owl & Pussycat in Shoreditch

There are few things as British as a good old Sunday roast. You won’t have to go very far to find one in Shoreditch, but the Owl and Pussycat is my favorite.

Book in advance (it’s other people’s favorite as well). It’s a great spot for the whole family, or even an intimate lunch between two.

Portions are generous, the food is traditionally British and the ambiance in the restaurant is that perfect wholesome Sunday vibe.

The Owl & Pussycat in Shoreditch – by The Owl & Pussycat – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 12am

Address: 34 Redchurch St, Shoreditch, London E2 7DP, UK

Metro Station: Liverpool Street Station