13 Things to do in Shoreditch- East London

Normally categorized as the hipster or eclectic part of East London, Shoreditch can sometimes get forgotten by travelers coming into the city from abroad. But this neighborhood is filled with hidden gems off the beaten trail. So let’s jump right in!

See below some of my top suggestions of things to do during a day in Shoreditch.

Café hop and try all the good local coffee

Ozone has a great workspace as well.

Shoreditch knows artisan coffee. I love how each coffee shop is locally owned and the people working there have a passion for coffee. Drip, pour over, french press, you name it. For Shoreditch, coffee shops are about the community, not just the coffee. Need to get in some work before you start adventuring? Ozone has two stories of seating plus free wifi. Not a coffee drinker? Their peppermint hot chocolate is also chefs kiss. Some other great cafés in the area are Attendant, Shoreditch grind and Kahaila.

Visit a ball pen bar: Ballie Ballerson

via https://www.damzelinthisdress.com/ballie-ballerson-mariah-carey-ballpit-london/

Although I haven’t been able to get out here yet (thanks Covid), they are back open again and it looks like a blast!

Go on a street art tour

You can find a variety of options for street art tours in Shoreditch, so check to see if it’s discussing the varieties or focusing on a specific niche like graffiti. I took my tour with The original London street art & graffiti tour. It was about 2 hours and covered some history about the Shoreditch neighborhood as well as some current famous street artists work showcased around brick lane. $25

Vintage shop

via https://www.rokit.co.uk/blog/2020/06/26/rokit-originals-has-officially-landed-in-brick-lane/

There are dozens of vintage shops with a variety of specialties including sports gear, t-shirts, or vinyl discs. Although the most known is a basement called Brick Lane Vintage Market due to it’s variety and size, I suggest walking all of brick lane and side streets including Cheshire street. My favorite shops have been Onimos, Brick Lane Vintage, Kin, and Rokit Originals. Just be careful to know what’s truly classic vintage, and whats just being overpriced that you could get online. Avoid 194 local unless you want to pay 64 pounds ($88 dollars!!) for a used t-shirt.

Instagrammable asian ice cream at Soft Serve Society

My favorite stop in Shoreditch: Soft serve society!

When I lived in Tampa, there was a place called Sweet Soul that had the most amazing matcha soft serve bowls where you could throw all these healthy sweet toppings on it. I think it’s the only place I really miss in Tampa 😅 so of course when I moved to London I had to find the equivalent. And voilà! Insert Soft Serve Society.

Columbia flower market

My sweet friend Cass after a flower haul @sobeylikethedrink

What better way to have an easy Sunday morning than to stroll along the streets of the Columbia flower market and maybe pick up something for yourself to brighten your week? Insider Tip: the flower market runs from 8am-2pm but sellers will give you discounts on the leftover flowers towards the last hour. You may not have your top picks, but saves a penny.

Be the judge between two rival Bagel shops

via https://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/business/brick-lane-bagel-launch-across-london-7899220

Did you know that Shoreditch was actually a largely jewish populated area at one point? During the 19th century, the church at the corner of Brick Lane became a synagogue, as thousands of Jews moved into Spitalfields in the Huguenots's wake. The reminants of that history left two bagel shops, the yellow one (Beigel Shop) and the white one (Beigel Bake). So which one is better? You be the judge and let me know 😉.

Feast on good food

Via https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/26513241-boxpark-shoreditch

If you couldn’t already tell, Shoreditch is home to some of the best food in London. Most popular places to sitdown and eat are Boxpark, Blues Kitchen, Dishroom, Genesis, and Smoking Goat. Personally, Boxpark is the best during the summer! It’s downstairs is small specialty shops like Soft Serve society I mentioned earlier, but then upstairs you scan a QR code and can order from numerous restaurants which they bring to your picnic table on the terrace. Now that summer is ending though, it leads me to my next suggested item…

Dine in a an igloo at Aviary

https://thenudge.com/london-restaurants/rooftop-igloos-at-aviary/

It’s quickly getting darker earlier here in London, and with that brings the gloomy winter season. What better way to snuggle up during the cold nights and get an amazing view of the city. Also anyone who knows me knows I dying over that emerald green velvet sofa. Be sure to book reservations well in advance during the holiday season!

Eat cereal from your childhood

Although the store is no more, you can still grab your childhood favorite cereals online! https://www.cerealkillercafe.co.uk/

What was your favorite cereal growing up? Mine was always Reese’s Puffs but my mom would only let us have that cereal on Fridays since she said ti was too sugary. Cereal killer cafe has Reeses Puff’s and all my childhood favorites. It’s like the black market of vintage cereal. Although this isn’t technically in Shoreditch though, they closed their doors to the store in March 2020 but have locations in Dubai and will still send you coveted cereals which you can order online.

Nerd out in the bookstores.

There are two great options in Shoreditch: Libreria which has a cute quirky vibe and the classic Brick Lane Bookstore. I appreciated the feminist section at Brick Lane bookstore, but Libreria has the cutest nooks and crannies designed to let you disappear in a book for a bit while you wait out the rain.

Drink Crazy cool cocktails

Via https://madeinshoreditch.co.uk/2019/05/10/the-alchemist-opens-immersive-cocktail-and-dining-experience-in-shoreditch-techcity/

Looking for a Halloween inspired cocktail? Look no further than the Alchemist. Their cocktails are like magical potions that look like they could cast a spell on you. Drink at your own risk. Book your potions tasting HERE.

Taste the best Hot chocolate at Dark Sugars

Check my instagram reel for a video of how they make their hot chocolate!

Dark chocolate lovers unite. Or if you love chocolate at all, you will love their decadent hot chocolates and flavorful chocolates. It’s literally an extravaganza of chocolate, even chopping up chocolate spheres to go on top of your already rich chocolate milk. No complaints here.

Like I said, there is so much to do in this edgy neighborhood of Shoreditch! From my list it’s basically eat, see, do and repeat haha. Although I’m located in the South West part of London (which has it’s own awesome things to do), there’s something about Shoreditch that keeps me coming back to explore. Whether you are visiting London for only a few days, or live here like me, it’s worth it to get outside the city limits and explore what Shoreditch has to offer.

Until next week! x

Sincerely,

Sarah

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