East London is a part of the city where creativity thrives, cultures collide, and something exciting is always just around the corner. Located just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station, Brick Lane Market is the perfect first stop for weekend explorers diving into East London’s vibrant heart. Unlike the polished streets of West London, East London offers a more eclectic, creative spirit—full of hidden gems and local flavour.
From colourful flower markets and buzzing food spots to world-class street art and hidden gardens, this dynamic area offers endless things to see and do. Whether you're visiting for the day or settling into the neighbourhood, East London is ready to surprise and inspire you.
Table of Contents
Markets and shopping
- Brick Lane Market
- Columbia Road Flower Market
- Broadway Market (Hackney)
- Old Spitalfields Market
- Petticoat Lane Market
- Vintage Stores on Cheshire Street
- Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place & Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Culture and art
- Street Art Tour of Brick Lane
- Whitechapel Gallery
- Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
- Rich Mix (Shoreditch)
Parks and nature
- Victoria Park
- Walthamstow Wetlands
- Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
- Mile End Ecology Pavilion
- Regent’s Canal Walk
Entertainment and activities
- Emirates Air Line Cable Car
- Wilton’s Music Hall
- Climbing The O2
- Cycling Along the Lea Valley Walk
- Mile End Park Sports Facilities
- Ziplining at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Food and drink
- Boxpark Shoreditch
- Brick Lane Curry Houses (e.g. Dosa World)
- Dalston Eastern Curve Garden Workshops
- Cocktail Bars in Bethnal Green
Unique experiences
- ArcelorMittal Orbit (Olympic Park)
- Sutton House (Hackney)
- God’s Own Junkyard (Walthamstow)
- Hackney City Farm
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Playgrounds
- All Points East Festival
- Street Art on Bacon Street
- Museum of London Docklands
- Limehouse Basin Boat Rides
- XOYO Nightclub
- Dalston Eastern Curve Garden Hammocks
- Seasonal Activities at Olympic Park
- Museum of London Docklands (Family-Focused)
- Greenwich Foot Tunnel
Markets and shopping
East London is a treasure trove for vintage clothes lovers, with markets and independent boutiques offering everything from retro denim to designer gems.
1. Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane Market is the beating heart of East London’s eclectic style.
Held on Sundays, the market spills across multiple streets and warehouses, filled with traders selling everything from vintage leather jackets and vinyl records to handmade crafts and street food from around the globe.
It’s best known for its alternative fashion, bargain antiques, and multicultural atmosphere. Whether you're browsing retro finds or queuing for a famous salt beef bagel, the buzz here is unforgettable.
2. Columbia Road Flower Market
Every Sunday morning, Columbia Road bursts into bloom.
This iconic market is lined with independent flower sellers offering everything from fresh-cut tulips and eucalyptus to exotic plants and garden herbs.
It's best known for its vivid colours, vocal traders shouting deals, and charming backdrop of Victorian buildings.
The market is also surrounded by lovely cafés, art galleries, and design shops, making it a perfect Sunday destination for plant lovers and casual wanderers alike.
3. Broadway Market (Hackney)
Broadway Market is a vibrant Saturday street market running between London Fields and Regent’s Canal.
It’s best known for its blend of artisanal produce, world street food, vintage clothing, and handcrafted goods.
The highlight here is the community feel—you'll find Hackney locals shopping for sourdough, sipping on barista-made coffee, or enjoying lunch on a canal-side bench.
With live music often playing and the scent of fresh pastries in the air, it’s a warm and creative hub in the heart of East London.
4. Old Spitalfields Market
Housed in a stunning Victorian-era hall with a modern glass roof, Old Spitalfields Market is a stylish indoor destination perfect for all-weather exploring.
Best known for its mix of independent fashion stalls, design-led gifts, and gourmet food vendors, it offers something for every type of visitor.
Pop-up shops from emerging brands add freshness, while permanent boutiques and restaurants ensure a consistently premium experience.
Its central location just off Liverpool Street makes it incredibly accessible.
5. Petticoat Lane Market
A true East End tradition, Petticoat Lane Market is famous for clothing, accessories, and unbeatable deals.
Operating since the 18th century, it remains one of London’s most enduring street markets.
It's best known for affordable fashion, bustling energy, and diverse traders offering everything from leather jackets to luggage.
The market gives a raw, authentic feel of East London’s trading roots and is a must-visit for anyone seeking the old-school street market charm.
6. Vintage Stores on Cheshire Street
Cheshire Street runs parallel to Brick Lane and is a vintage fashion lover’s dream.
Lined with independent shops like Beyond Retro and House of Vintage, it's best known for its curated collections of second-hand clothing, designer rarities, and 90s streetwear.
Each shop has its own personality, offering everything from antique jewellery and denim jackets to retro sportswear and fashion-forward accessories.
It’s an essential stop for anyone seeking statement pieces or nostalgic styles.
7. Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place & Crossrail Place Roof Garden
In the heart of East London’s business district, Canary Wharf surprises visitors with sleek shopping centres and a tropical rooftop garden.
Jubilee Place Mall offers high street brands and luxury retailers, while above it sits the Crossrail Place Roof Garden—a peaceful space filled with exotic plants, wooden walkways, and glass structures.
It’s best known for its serene environment and impressive landscaping, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding skyscrapers.
A hidden gem for shoppers and lunch-break explorers alike.
Culture and art
8. Street Art Tour of Brick Lane
Brick Lane is not just famous for its food and markets—it’s one of the world’s leading destinations for urban street art.
A street art tour reveals everything from massive, politically charged murals to tiny, witty stencils tucked away in corners.
Best known for showcasing works by Banksy, ROA, and local talents like Stik, the area is a constantly evolving open-air gallery.
Highlights include the alleyways around Bacon Street, where art changes weekly, often responding to global events.
9. Whitechapel Gallery
This esteemed gallery has been a champion of contemporary art since 1901.
Whitechapel Gallery is best known for premiering influential artists like Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo in the UK, and continues to feature exciting exhibitions from global and local artists.
Its highlights include free public exhibitions, artist-led talks, and installations that push creative boundaries.
Whitechapel Gallery is one of several independent galleries that showcase cutting-edge work from both emerging and world-renowned artists.
The architecture blends historic charm with modern design, and the on-site bookshop and café make it a welcoming space to linger.
10. Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
Tucked away in Hackney, the Viktor Wynd Museum is not your typical museum experience.
Best known for its eccentric and macabre collection, it features everything from taxidermy and shrunken heads to occult artefacts and erotic art.
The space is intentionally dark and theatrical, like stepping into a Victorian curiosity cabinet.
The museum also hosts regular storytelling nights and absinthe tastings, adding to its surreal, immersive atmosphere. This neon-lit dreamland offers a totally unique experience, combining pop culture with psychedelic art in a way that only East London can.
A must-visit for lovers of the bizarre and unconventional.
11. Dennis Severs’ House
Step inside a living time capsule at Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields.
Best known for its immersive storytelling through preserved historical rooms, the house offers a totally unique sensory experience of East London’s Georgian past.
Parks and nature
12. Victoria Park
Often called the “People’s Park,” Victoria Park is one of the oldest and most beloved green spaces in East London.
It’s best known for its wide lawns, ornamental lakes, and gothic-style bridges, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life.
The park also features sports facilities, two excellent cafés, and regular community events.
Its annual highlight is All Points East, a major music festival that brings big-name artists, food trucks, and creative installations to the heart of Hackney.
13. Walthamstow Wetlands
Covering more than 200 hectares, Walthamstow Wetlands is Europe’s largest urban wetland and one of the capital’s best-kept secrets.
Best known for its tranquil walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and panoramic views of vast reservoirs, it’s a haven for nature lovers and photographers.
The Victorian Engine House visitor centre adds historical interest, and the peaceful, open environment makes it ideal for families, solo explorers, or anyone seeking a nature escape in the city.
14. Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
This lush, community-run garden is one of Dalston’s most cherished green spaces.
Built on a former railway line, it’s best known for its informal atmosphere, herbaceous borders, and seasonal events.
Visitors come to relax in hammocks, attend craft workshops, or enjoy wood-fired pizza evenings under twinkling fairy lights.
The garden also supports local education and sustainability projects, making it not only beautiful but deeply rooted in community values.
15. Mile End Ecology Pavilion
Located within the larger Mile End Park, this eco-conscious venue offers a peaceful oasis among ponds, reeds, and wildflowers.
It's best known for its unique architecture—an earth-sheltered building that blends into the landscape—and for hosting green events, exhibitions, and yoga sessions.
The surrounding Ecology Park is ideal for a meditative stroll or a quiet lunch break by the water.
16. Regent’s Canal Walk (Hackney stretch)
This scenic canal path is a favourite with locals who enjoy cycling, walking, or simply soaking in the view.
Best known for its peaceful waterway running through Hackney and Haggerston, the walk features colourful houseboats, leafy parks, waterside cafés, and public art.
It’s a perfect way to explore East London at a slower pace, connecting you to attractions like Broadway Market and Victoria Park along the way.
Entertainment and activities
17. Emirates Air Line Cable Car
Soaring across the River Thames, the Emirates Air Line is a unique way to see East London from above.
Best known for offering panoramic views of Canary Wharf, the O2, and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the ride lasts just under 10 minutes but offers breathtaking perspectives—especially at sunset.
It’s a family-friendly experience that adds a sense of adventure to your day.
18. Wilton’s Music Hall
Tucked away in Whitechapel, Wilton’s is the oldest surviving music hall in the world and one of the city’s most atmospheric venues.
Best known for its faded elegance, candlelit ambience, and eclectic performance schedule, it hosts everything from classical concerts and comedy to opera and cabaret.
Its restoration has preserved its Victorian charm, making every show a truly immersive experience.
19. Climbing The O2
For those craving adrenaline and jaw-dropping views, climbing The O2 is a bucket-list experience.
You’ll don a harness and scale the domed roof of this iconic arena with the help of a guide. Best known for its 360-degree views over the Thames, Canary Wharf, and Olympic Park, the climb is available in daylight, twilight, or after dark—each offering a different but equally stunning perspective.
20. Cycling Along the Lea Valley Walk
This peaceful riverside cycle path stretches from East London into the scenic countryside beyond.
Best known for its blend of urban and natural landscapes, the route passes wildlife reserves, weirs, and heritage sites.
It’s perfect for both casual cyclists and seasoned riders wanting to discover East London’s greener side, especially around Hackney Marshes and the Olympic Park.
21. Mile End Park Sports Facilities
Mile End Park offers some of East London’s best public sports facilities.
Best known for its variety, it includes a climbing wall, all-weather pitches, basketball courts, and a skate park.
There's also a public swimming pool and a sports centre for fitness classes and training. It's a go-to spot for active locals and students from nearby universities.
22. Ziplining at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
During select events and summer seasons, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park transforms into an adventure playground.
The zipline experience here is best known for its high-speed thrills and views over the stadiums and waterways.
It’s a fun and safe activity for big kids, families, or anyone up for a bit of outdoor excitement.
Food and drink
23. Boxpark Shoreditch
Boxpark Shoreditch is East London’s original pop-up mall made from converted shipping containers.
Best known for its mix of trendy street food, bars, and retail units, it’s a social hotspot for food lovers and creatives.
Whether you’re grabbing Korean fried chicken or sipping craft cocktails, the casual vibe and regular DJ nights make it a lively day-to-night venue.
24. Brick Lane Curry Houses (e.g. Dosa World)
Brick Lane’s curry houses are iconic, serving up everything from Bangladeshi biryanis to Indian dosas.
Dosa World is best known for its authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes, like crispy dosas, tangy chutneys, and aromatic sambars.
The street is a culinary destination in itself, with neon signs and friendly competition between restaurants luring hungry visitors every night.
25. Dalston Eastern Curve Garden Workshops
In addition to its green beauty, the Eastern Curve Garden is known for its hands-on workshops and events.
From pizza-making and community feasts to eco-gardening classes and storytelling nights, the garden’s programming brings locals together around creativity and sustainability.
It's a wonderful way to connect with the community while learning something new.
26. Cocktail Bars in Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green has quietly become a cocktail lover’s dream.
Best known for its variety of hidden speakeasies, rooftop lounges, and chic hotel bars, it’s a place where you’ll find world-class mixology without the West End crowds.
Look for unmarked doors, vintage décor, and imaginative drink menus that reflect the area’s playful, underground spirit.
Unique experience
27. ArcelorMittal Orbit (Olympic Park)
Standing 114.5 metres tall, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the UK’s tallest sculpture and one of East London’s most striking landmarks.
Best known for its twisting red steel design and jaw-dropping views from the observation deck, it also features the world’s longest tunnel slide.
A trip here blends public art, architecture, and adrenaline in one unforgettable package.
28. Sutton House (Hackney)
Built in 1535, Sutton House is East London’s oldest residential building.
Best known for its Tudor architecture, oak-panelled rooms, and quirky exhibitions, the house offers a window into Hackney’s history.
Managed by the National Trust, its programme includes interactive family days, LGBTQ+ heritage tours, and seasonal fairs that bring its legacy to life.
29. God’s Own Junkyard (Walthamstow)
A kaleidoscope of colour and creativity, God’s Own Junkyard is a neon light wonderland like no other.
Best known for its retro signage, movie props (including pieces from Captain America), and vibrant art pieces, it’s a visual spectacle that feels part gallery, part café, and part dream world.
Every corner is Insta-worthy and packed with surprises.
30. Hackney City Farm
Hackney City Farm has been bringing the countryside to the middle of the city since 1984.
Best known for its family-friendly environment, it’s home to pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens—all of which you can meet up close.
The farm also runs environmental education programmes and includes a vegetarian café with a sustainable focus.
31. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Playgrounds
Within the park’s expansive grounds, you’ll find some of London’s best public play areas. The Tumbling Bay playground is best known for its nature-inspired design, featuring treehouses, climbing frames, rock pools, and sandpits.
It’s an imaginative and active space for children of all ages.
32. All Points East Festival (Victoria Park)
Held over two weekends each summer, All Points East is one of the UK’s most exciting music festivals.
Best known for its top-tier live music acts across pop, rock, and electronic genres, it also features immersive art, local street food, and family-friendly events.
The vibe is lively but inclusive, drawing a wide range of festival-goers to Victoria Park.
Find in maps
33. Street Art on Bacon Street
Bacon Street, just off Brick Lane, is a hotspot for dynamic and provocative street art.
Best known for its raw, ever-changing murals, the street is where local and international artists make bold statements on social issues and culture.
It’s a must-see stretch for anyone passionate about urban art.
34. Museum of London Docklands
Located in a Grade I-listed Georgian warehouse at West India Quay, the Museum of London Docklands explores the area’s maritime history.
Best known for its engaging exhibits on the River Thames, slavery, trade, and the Docklands’ transformation, it's interactive, educational, and suitable for visitors of all ages.
35. Limehouse Basin Boat Rides
At the junction of Regent’s Canal and the Thames, Limehouse Basin is best known for its scenic narrowboat rides and peaceful marina setting.
Boat tours offer a relaxing way to explore hidden parts of East London and see how the city’s waterways were once its lifeline.
36. XOYO Nightclub (Shoreditch)
XOYO is an underground club is a cornerstone of Shoreditch nightlife.
Best known for its top-tier DJ line-ups, hip hop nights, and themed events, XOYO offers two floors of energetic dancing and immersive lighting.
It’s a rite of passage for clubbers in East London.
37. Dalston Eastern Curve Garden Hammocks
One of the most beloved features of the garden is its hanging hammocks.
Best known as a quiet escape from Dalston’s urban buzz, they offer the perfect spot to unwind beneath shady trees with a book or a drink from the garden bar.
38. Seasonal Activities at Olympic Park
Throughout the year, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park hosts a rotating calendar of seasonal events.
From winter ice rinks and open-air cinemas to spring food festivals and family fun runs, it’s best known for its ability to constantly offer something new.
39. Museum of London Docklands (Canary Wharf area)
Though already mentioned, it deserves a second nod for its immersive kids’ gallery, pirate play areas, and storytelling corners.
It's best known for being both educational and entertaining—ideal for families visiting Canary Wharf.
40. Greenwich Foot Tunnel
This atmospheric pedestrian tunnel runs beneath the River Thames, linking Island Gardens in the north with Greenwich in the south.
Built in 1902, it’s best known for its historic charm and unique walking experience.
The tunnel is free to use and offers a quirky route to the Cutty Sark and Greenwich attractions.
Conclusion
From the street food stalls of Brick Lane to the tranquil paths of Walthamstow Wetlands, East London is packed with personality, creativity, and endless inspiration. While Big Ben and Buckingham Palace draw visitors to central London, East London rewards curious wanderers with community-led art, food, and culture.
Whether you're exploring historic markets, admiring world-class street art, relaxing in urban gardens, or uncovering hidden museums, this part of the capital offers something for every kind of adventurer.
Make space for your East London adventures
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions in East London?
Yes—Hackney City Farm, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park playgrounds, and Walthamstow Wetlands are perfect for kids and families.
Where can I get great views in East London?
Try the ArcelorMittal Orbit, Emirates Air Line cable car, or even the roof of The O2 for panoramic city views.
Is East London walkable and bike-friendly?
Absolutely—Regent’s Canal, the Lea Valley Walk, and many park paths make East London ideal for walking and cycling.
What makes HOLD Self Storage a great choice for East London residents?
HOLD offers secure, 24/7-access storage units in easily accessible locations, including near King's Cross Station—ideal for anyone living in or moving to East London. Whether you're a student, creative, or business owner, HOLD’s flexible options help you make space for the things that matter.
Can I buy packing supplies through HOLD?
Yes! HOLD’s Box Shop offers everything you need—from sturdy moving boxes to tape, bubble wrap, and wardrobe storage kits. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for stress-free packing.
