Charming things to do in East London

Beautiful shops, independent bakeries and historic sites to keep you busy in East London.

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East London is the ‘coolest’ area of London, and seems to be a concentration point of the city’s best independent shops and vibrant street markets. From the flower-filled streets of Columbia Road to artisan bakeries, this area is brimming with places that seem tailor-made for those with a love for the aesthetic and artsy.

However, I feel a bit reticent to share my favourite spots in East London because several areas have been plagued by crowds sent from viral online content. Last year, Columbia Road had to cancel its longstanding tradition of Christmas carols because so many Londoners had flocked to the street that it became unsafe. Now the local area goes without a beloved tradition. I don’t hesitate to share wonderful places in the area because I want to gatekeep them — this guide most certainly won’t go viral — but because I am conscious of the effect that gentrification and online sensationalism have had on East London as a whole. I think it is imperative to be aware of this as a Londoner.

In this guide, I’ll share my favourite spots in East London, focusing on the artsy and historic. I hope that some of these spots will take you to the quieter side of East London, and enjoy the charm of its shops, markets and bakeries.

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Visit the historic interiors of the Museum of the Home

My first recommendation in East London is the Museum of the Home, a historic museum in Hoxton which preserves and interprets East London homes throughout time. This museum does a wonderful job at showcasing the communities of East London and their definitions of home, making it a wonderful place to start learning about the area.

The Museum of the Home is a hidden gem for lovers of interior design, offering a fascinating look at how homes and domestic life have evolved over the centuries. Housed in 18th-century almshouses, the museum originally opened in 1914 to showcase period interiors and furniture.

After a major redevelopment, it reopened in 2021 with a broader focus on the meaning of "home." The museum now combines its iconic period rooms with modern exhibitions exploring diverse perspectives on domestic life, alongside beautiful herb and period gardens. It’s a must-visit for anyone curious about the history and cultural significance of home.

It’s also a welcoming and engaging place to take small children and has one of the best museum shops in London.

Everything gets even lovelier at Christmas, when each room is decorated according to the holiday traditions in each era.

Enjoy a pastry at Jolene Bakery on Redchurch Street

Jolene bakery is one of the most popular bakeries in East London, with four brilliant bakeries across the area, some of which also serve as restaurants. There will definitely be a queue, but it will be worth it. The shop at Redchurch Street is tiny, and the staff closes the doors while they restock the pastries in the windows.

Everything looks wonderful, and I was very happy with my choices of a tomato tart and cinnamon swirl pastry on my most recent visit.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road is famous for its Sunday flower markets. It is a joy, and it is one of the best places to get a good price on flowers and plants. On the flipside, it’s extremely busy, and often unpleasantly so. I’ve been before where I’ve just been shuttled through rows of people and not had much of a glimpse of the flower stalls—and then the crowds block the lovely shops as well.

If you’re desperate to see the flower market I’d suggest going in the afternoon (around 2pm) or on a Sunday in the off-season when there will be fewer crowds. That said, Columbia Road is arguably even better without the market on, as it is filled with gorgeous shops and cafes — more about that below.

Shopping on Columbia Road

Outside of the Saturday flower market, Columbia Road is still a fantastic place to visit because it is lined with gorgeous independent shops selling all sorts of jewels.

Straw London is one of my favourite shops with its traditional gingham fabrics and woven home decor.

Lili Vanilli is a wonderful bakery if purely for the unbearably cute cake designs.

In Habit and In Bloom sell colourful candlesticks, vases, plant pots, cards, and notebooks.

There are many more vintage shops, homewares, clothing and bakeries on the road as well.

I really like visiting Columbia Road at Christmas time. The shops are decorated beautifully and are great places to buy gifts, and there are other markets nearby with excellent stalls run by artists and artisans. I have a day itinerary for Christmas in East London if you want to read more.

Vintage shopping at Mason and Painter

My favourite shop of all those on Columbia Road was the antiques homewares shop Mason and Painter. The vintage shop was voted one of the best in the world for several years and the curation of the pieces is impeccable. The shop has closed on Columbia Road, but the owner hosts Sunday pop-ups and appointment-only visits to her new site. Find out more here.

You can also shop online!

Eat lunch at Towpath Cafe

The iconic Towpath Cafe sits on the canalside near Haggerston Station. Towpath serves simple, seasonal dishes with a changing menu everyday. They are open only for the season roughly between April-October and serve breakfast and lunch, dinner on the weekends.

Towpath is very popular and there will be a queue. When I visited I happened to time it perfectly. Breakfast serves until 12, after which there is a one hour break in service until lunch begins at 1pm. I arrived at 12:15, waited in the queue for about half an hour and then was seated with a nice cup of mint tea to wait for the lunch service. As I was one of the first to be seated for lunch, I was able to order first, and I noticed that they ran out of popular dishes quite quickly after I ordered. I also noticed that those seated later had to wait a fair bit longer for their food, whereas mine came out within ten minutes.

It was one of the best lunches I’ve ever had. We started with a cornbread topped with piquillo peppers and creme fraiche and a dish of figs, goats curd and honey. We shared a main of pork meatballs with polenta which was sublime yet simple.

For dessert we had the vanilla soft serve, which was easily the best vanilla ice cream I’ve had in my life. Likewise with the peach pannacotta. If I could I would eat at Towpath everyday.

Stroll Through Victoria Park

Victoria Park is one of London’s most beloved green spaces, and it’s easy to see why. Known as the "People's Park," it’s a sprawling oasis in East London with something for everyone.

For those into history, the park has some fascinating features like its restored Victorian fountains and the charming Chinese pagoda by the canal. There’s also a bustling Sunday market on the east side, where you can pick up artisanal food, crafts, and vintage finds.

If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the playgrounds and open spaces to run around. And if you’re into coffee or a bite to eat, there are plenty of cafés nearby—try Pavilion Café by the lake for its unbeatable view and delicious baked goods.

If you’re a reader like me, I suggest the book Victoria Park by Gemma Reeves for an escape into the lives of locals.

Explore the magical Dennis Severs House

The Dennis Severs house is located near Spitalfields Market and is one of the most mysteriously magical places in London.

The house is a historic Georgian house built in the late 18th century. In 1979, the American artist Dennis Severs purchased the house and began transforming it into a quirky living museum.

Dennis Severs House is the home of a fictional Huguenot family of silk weavers, and visitors can explore the rooms of their home and learn their stories. Severs created an atmospheric experience by incorporating soundtracks of church bells, horses walking, and fires roaring.

Visits to the house are silent, and add to the feeling that one is stepping into a a lived-in home.

Severs created an astounding immersive experience with this museum, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed.

Stop for a historic tea and cake at Townhouse Spitalfields

Townhouse is a gorgeous antique and bookshop in Spitalfields, housed in a Georgian building across from Christ Church. The shop sells beautiful handmade pottery, vintage homewares, and curated books about London and its history.

Downstairs, a historic kitchen sells tea and cake with traditional recipes. It feels like a hidden gem in London, with it’s old-school London atmosphere and quiet space away from the bustle of Spitalfields Market.

It’s such a charming location well worth stopping to take a break through a busy day and pairs very well with the Dennis Severs House.

Explore contemporary art at Whitechapel Gallery

Whitechapel Gallery is a cornerstone of East London’s vibrant art scene. Open since 1901, this gallery has a legacy of showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art and emerging artists alongside historical retrospectives. It’s free to enter, making it an ideal stop for art lovers or anyone curious to explore East London’s creative culture.

I love visiting the Whitechapel Gallery, and have up-to-date recommendations about the art exhibitions on here and at other London art galleries on my London art exhibition guides.

There’s also an excellent bookshop filled with art books and unique gifts, plus a stylish café where you can refuel after taking in the exhibits.

Go on an East London bakery crawl

East London is a pastry lover's paradise, and a bakery crawl here is an irresistible way to spend a morning. Start at Yeast Bakery near Broadway Market for their beautifully crafted croissants in vibrant flavors. Just down the street, stop at Lily Vanilli behind Columbia Road for charming cakes and delicious sausage rolls.

If you’re not as much into the sweet treats, make your way to Dusty Knuckle Bakery in Dalston for a sandwich on their legendary focaccia. Or, head to E5 Bakehouse, a short walk near London Fields station, to pick up organic sourdough and indulgent pastries. Finally, finish at Pophams on Richmond Road for their sought-after marmite scrolls and pain au chocolat.

There are so many fantastic bakeries in East London, so check out my full guide for more information.

Step back in time at Sutton House

Sutton House, tucked away in Hackney, is a hidden gem managed by the National Trust and one of the oldest surviving buildings in East London. Built in 1535 during the Tudor era, it’s a rare chance to see what life might have looked like centuries ago, right in the heart of the city.

The house has had a fascinating history, serving as a home for merchants, a school, and even a squat in the 1980s. This layered past is reflected in the way the rooms are presented, blending Tudor wood-paneling with more modern, quirky touches from later occupants.

It’s a little off the beaten path but well worth the journey for a glimpse into East London’s rich history.

Snack and shop at Broadway Market

Broadway Market is one of my favorite spots in East London, perfect for a lazy Saturday spent wandering, snacking, and people-watching. It’s a small but lively market tucked between Regent’s Canal and London Fields, offering street food stalls and artisan goods.

There are lots of artists and makers who have stalls here, and its one of the rare markets where the wares are unique and worth buying. I really enjoy wandering these and being tempted by an art print or candle.

There are some great shops here as well. Donlon Books is a treasure trove of quirky reads, and Climpson & Sons makes a reliably excellent coffee.

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East London is of course a very large area and is filled with endless things to do, especially when it comes to independent shops and restaurants. I have only scratched the surface with these recommendations, and hope to be back for many more visits from the other side of London. Here are some places that are on my list for the future:

• Rochelle Canteen

• Leila’s Shop

• Cafe Cecilia

• Lychee One gallery

If you’re looking for a place to stay in East London, I can recommend Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green, which is a gorgeously restored building that contains apartment/studio style rooms. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a London staycation here.

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