Top 10 Things to do in Brixton

Brixton is one of the hippest and trendiest neighborhoods to move to – or visit – in London. London, the capital city of England, is a bustling and busy metropolis that is home to Brits and ex-pats alike. Since the price of rent and the accommodation is being filled in the city center, young professionals and couples are looking to move to other locations in the city that are just as fun without spending a fortune – cue, Brixton.

With trendy shops, antique stores, outdoor markets, food stalls, and cultural attractions, Brixton is one of the best spots to live. Let’s see the top 10 things to do in Brixton as a local or a tourist!

Brockwell Park

A view in Brockwell Park – By By Tommy20000 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20373368

Looking to go outside on the rare sunny London day? If so, consider getting a few laps in at the local Brockwell Park in Brixton. The perfect spot for a lunch picnic, afternoon drink with friends, morning run before work, or simply taking a stroll with your dog, Brockwell Park has extensive views of the sprawling London skyline. 

With what used to be a luxurious and high-end manor, Brockwell Hall is now home to the cute cafe at the highest point in the park. Head here for a cup of coffee or a slice of cake as a post-walk reward. 

Brixton Market

Hot Peppers in Brixton Market – By By Secretlondon – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=361160

Arguably the best-known attraction in Brixton, the Brixton Market is one of the most popular and widely-known outdoor markets in all of London. Although compared to Camden Market and Brick Lane, Brixton Market has its own unique vibe that makes it a well-known stop and Sunday destination for locals. 

Brixton Market is open every day from 8 am until 7 pm – making it the perfect pit stop for a pre-work cup of joe or a post-work drink. Head here for unique products, such as West Indian food, Afro-Caribbean decor, and trinkets from around 150 independent stalls and traders.

Electric Avenue

Brixton Market in Electric Avenue – By By Matus Benza (Norway.today) – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2009838

The third stop to head to when visiting Brixton is Electric Avenue, the first market street lit up at all hours of the day with electricity. Need to go shopping at night (or after 4 pm in the wintertime)? No problem!

With an extensive renovation in recent years, those who haven’t visited London before 2016 should head here to see the modern changes.

Brixton Academy

The exterior of Brixton Academy – By By Drew de F Fawkes – https://www.flickr.com/photos/guynamedfawkes/50687021746/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107407975

Into live music? Do you love the local community? Look no further! Head to this near-5,000 capacity venue to see musical talent after a long day of work. Hundreds of popular artists worldwide have visited the Brixton Academy to headline the nightly show or make their way up through the ranks by being the opening act.

Starting your career at the Brixton is a milestone – if you enjoy seeing local acts and you pride yourself on being from London, head to the Brixton Academy to check out local city talent opening the show for a world-famous headliner. 

Windrush Square

Windrush Square – By By No machine-readable author provided. Felix-felix~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). – No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1453565

This open-airspace might have a different name than you originally thought. This public area was renamed to align with the Afro-Caribbean community that is strong across the entirety of the United Kingdom – and especially London.

So how did Windrush come into play? Windrush was the name of the ship that brought the first emigrants from the Caribbean in the mid-20th century. Since Those of African descent have been repressed and treated poorly for so long, this small gesture is a great way to facilitate diversity and integration in London. 

Have a bite to eat!

Brixton Market – By By Secretlondon – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=359057

You can’t go to Brixton without getting a bite to eat – and a non-traditional bite to eat at that. Instead of the old fish and chips, consider trying more ethnic food that will surely make your hunger pangs go away. Head to Brixton Village or Pop Brixton to check out some trendy and tasty dining destinations. 

However, you can choose any cuisine from all over the world. We recommend trying Donostia Social Club or Bamboula! If it is a rare hot day in London, consider choosing a cool meal, like a cold gazpacho soup or fresh fruit smoothie. During the harsh winter days, enjoy some jerk chicken or curry from a Middle Eastern restaurant or stall. 

Ritzy Cinema

Ritzy Cinema Brixton – By By The original uploader was Secretlondon at English Wikipedia. – Transferred from en.Wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1651338

The next cultural attraction that is a must-do when you visit Brixton is the Ritzy Cinema, previously known as the “Electric Pavilion” among its opening in the early 20th century. Since this is one of the rare English cinemas from this old-time period still in operation, you will feel like you stepped back in time with the opulent and luxurious decorations inside this expansive theatre. Head here to view live music, comedy, and have a drink on the outdoor terrace after a fantastic show. 

Brixton Village

Brixton Market – By Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1453579

As we already mentioned, food is key – so it is no reason that Brixton Village is the epicenter of this neighborhood. Head here to check out some of the best international food in the city, such as cheese, jerk chicken, curry, tapas, ramen, and charcuterie.