East London is one of the most interesting parts of thecapital to explore, combining historic neighbourhoods with independentrestaurants, markets, street art, green spaces and cultural attractions.
From Bethnal Green and Victoria Park to Brick Lane and Columbia Road, there’s plenty to discover. With Town Hall Hotel in the heart of Bethnal Green, it’s an ideal base for exploring East London on foot.
Here are some of the best things to do in East London.
Explore Bethnal Green
Start in Bethnal Green and discover one of East London’s most characterful neighbourhoods.
You’ll find independent cafés, restaurants, pubs and shops alongside Victorian streets and historic buildings. Town Hall Hotel itself is housed in the former Bethnal Green Town Hall, making the hotel part of the area’s history.
For a quieter side of East London, spend some time walking the streets around the hotel and discovering the local cafés, shops and restaurants.
Visit Victoria Park
Victoria Park is one of East London’s largest and mostpopular green spaces, stretching across more than 200 acres.
Known locally as “Vicky Park”, it’s a great place for a morning walk, picnic or afternoon away from the busy streets. There are lakes, gardens, cafés and plenty of open space to explore.
It’s particularly worth visiting during spring and summer, although the park is enjoyable throughout the year.
Visit Columbia Road Flower Market
Every Sunday, Columbia Road comes alive with flowers, plants and independent shops.
Columbia Road Flower Market is one of the area’s most distinctive experiences and is particularly good for a Sunday morning. Take a stroll along the market, explore the surrounding shops and then continue towards Shoreditch or Brick Lane.
Top tip: Go early for a quieter visit, or later in the morning for the full market atmosphere.
Eat at Broadway Market
Broadway Market is a great place to experience East London’s food scene.
The Saturday market runs along Broadway between London Fields and the Regent’s Canal, with food stalls, independent shops, cafés and restaurants.
Pick up lunch from the market, explore the surrounding streets and then walk along the canal or through London Fields.
Discover Brick Lane and Shoreditch
Brick Lane and nearby Shoreditch are synonymous with East London’s creative culture.
Explore street art, vintage shops, independent businesses, galleries, restaurants and bars. Brick Lane is particularly lively at weekends, while the surrounding streets are worth exploring at a slower pace.
It’s one of the best areas in East London for an afternoon of wandering without a fixed itinerary.
Visit Spitalfields Market
A short walk from Brick Lane, Old Spitalfields Market combines historic architecture with independent shops, restaurants and market stalls.
It’s easy to combine Spitalfields with Brick Lane and Shoreditch, making all three a good choice for a day exploring East London.From here, you can also continue towards the City of London or Liverpool Street.
Visit the V&A Museum of Childhood
Located in Bethnal Green, the V&A Museum of Childhood is home to one of the world’s largest collections of childhood-related objects, including toys, dolls and games.
It’s a particularly good East London attraction for families, but the collection and historic building are worth visiting whether you’re travelling with children or not.
Walk Along the Regent’s Canal
The Regent’s Canal offers a quieter way to explore East London.
Walk along the water from Broadway Market towards Victoria Park, or simply follow the canal for part of the route and stop at one of the cafés or neighbourhoods along the way.
It’s an easy way to see a different side of London, away from the main roads.
Where to Stay in East London
From historic markets and green spaces to independent restaurants, creative neighbourhoods and cultural attractions, East London offers plenty to explore.
With Town Hall Hotel as your base in Bethnal Green, many of the area’s highlights are within easy reach, making it simple to experience the best of East London at your own pace.