Things to Do in Shoreditch: 14 Fun and Cool Things to Do

If you’re looking for things to do in Shoreditch you haven’t done before, this is the place to start.

This exciting, clue-filled adventure takes you on a journey through the area's street art, historic spots, and hidden gems using nothing but your brainpower and a mobile phone. But don’t just take my word for it.

Along the way, you’ll discover some of the quirkiest sights and spots in London, including the birthplace of fish and chips, where a 17th-century ghost still haunts (apparently), and a real Banksy mural (among other things).

Ideal for those who want a bit of brain-busting fun while exploring street art, markets, and secret spots.

If you’re looking for things to do in Shoreditch that are anything but ordinary, I’ve got good news for you. 

Shoreditch isn’t short on weird and wonderful museums. In fact, it’s one of the best places in London to see some stuff that might make you wish you hadn’t seen it, in a good way. 

Here are some personal favourites:

📍Museum of the Home: Explore how British homes have evolved from the 1600s to today through immersive room displays and gardens. Perfect for history and anybody interested in interior design.

📍Dennis Severs’ House: A home fit for a Huguenot, literally. A recreated home where each room feels like its 18th-century inhabitants have just left, complete with sights, sounds, and smells.

📍Museum of London Docklands: Discover London’s maritime history, from what sought-after spices were shipped into the docklands to the transatlantic slave trade.

📍The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities: A bizarre and fascinating collection of oddities, from shrunken heads to quirky taxidermy, and anything else weird you can think of. 

Looking for things to do in Shoreditch that stop your tummy growling? Unleash your inner foodie detective with an East End mystery picnic! 

If you’ve never done one before, you might be wondering what Mystery Picnics are. Well, it’s basically a picnic with a plot twist. All you have to do is solve clues sent to your phone that lead you to hidden gems and local vendors where you’ll pick up bits to form a picnic. 

They’re also a great way to explore an area with all your senses–there’s adventure, a bit of teamwork, places you wouldn’t ordinarily visit and, of course, some yummy treats to keep you going.

It’d be remiss of me not to mention visiting markets as one of the best things to do in Shoreditch.

The best thing about Shoreditch’s markets is the variety: you might not even know you need a new vintage treasure, a sumptuous street food supper, a bright new bouquet to brighten up your home or an artisanal soap, but you’ll sure be tempted to indulge once you get there.

Here’s where I recommend checking out: 

• 📍Old Spitalfields Market: Historic covered market offering a mix of trendy fashion, artisanal goods, and delicious street food in a lively atmosphere. Great for a mix of modern and vintage finds.
  
  
• 📍Brick Lane Market: Vintage clothing, antiques, and street food, set against the backdrop of vibrant street art. Sundays are the busiest but best for bargain hunters.
  
  
• 📍Dinerama: One of my favourite places to get street food in Shoreditch. Food from all over the world, and doesn’t break the bank, either.
  
  
• 📍Columbia Road Flower Market: Held every Sunday and a mainstay market. Clue’s in the name, really: perfect for anybody who needs (another) houseplant or some fresh flowers.
  
  
• 📍Broadway Market: One of my favourite places for a Sunday stroll. Great food, fresh produce and handmade crafts, and there’s some quirky vintage stalls too.
  
  
• 📍BoxPark: A modern shipping container pop-up that has independent retailers, street food and prices aren’t extortionate (for London, anyway!). 

I’ll level with you and say that my ping-pong skills are woeful. Like, I’m almost a menace to society with a paddle in hand. But that doesn’t stop me from telling you that this is one of the most fun things to do in Shoreditch.

Why? Because ping pong is easy enough to play casually or competitively, it’s a laugh and you can combine a game with a drink or two. Oh, and they serve frozen margaritas, too.

If you secretly checked your Spotify Wrapped but didn’t post the results because you’re just too cool to share your music tastes with the world (or you’ve got a few guilty pleasures you don’t anybody to see), Shoreditch is the place for you.

Rough Trade East is a renowned independent vinyl store that sells music (obviously) but also books and band merch. It’s worth a browse even if you’re not the kind of person who likes to bang on about how they prefer records (which, y’know, I actually do). 

Fittingly, Shoreditch’s pub scene is as eclectic as the area itself and there are loads of places you can hang out for a few hours (depending on what you’re after). 

Here’s where I’d recommend paying a visit:

• 📍Artillery Arms: A traditional, cosy British pub with a cosy atmosphere with hearty pub grub, perfect for a laid-back pint.
  
  
• 📍Owl & Pussycat: Charming and rustic and one of my favourite pub gardens in Shoreditch.
  
  
• 📍The Fox: Definitely a “trendy” place but also laid-back and the rooftop terrace is incredible on sunny afternoons.
  
  
• 📍Pride of Spitalfields: A no-nonsense, classic East End pub with a warm atmosphere.
  
  
• 📍Bike Shed Moto Co.: A bar, restaurant and custom motorcycle showroom (which, admittedly, isn’t something you see every day). 

Town halls might not be the first place you think of when you look around for things to do in Shoreditch, but let us reassure you: there’s tons going on here.

Apart from being a historically significant place, Shoreditch Town Hall is now a treasured arts and events venue that hosts everything from mimes to concerts. They also allow you to book a (free!) desk so you can get creative under its roof if you’re looking for somewhere to paint or draw in peace. 

Psst: Did you know that the last inquest during the Whitechapel Murders committed by Jack The Ripper was held at Shoreditch Town Hall?

The Shuffleboard craze has hit Shoreditch (again), and it's cooler than ever.

If you’ve never played before, Shuffleboard is a great laugh and easy enough to get the hang of quickly. If you have played before but haven’t played it here, prepare to be awed: the interiors are absolutely stunning, the cocktails are amazing, and the staff are lovely.

Feeling nostalgic? Hit up an arcade bar.

If you’re looking for things to do in Shoreditch that can last anywhere from an hour to several hours, arcade bars are a solid bet. There’s just so much to do in there: play games (obviously), have a drink, go head-to-head with a mate, team up over Guitar Hero, or even win a prize if it’s that kind of place.

Shoreditch’s coffee scene is buzzing, and it’ll come as no surprise to anybody that there’s no shortage of cafés to get your caffeine fix. 

But let’s be honest, quirky, independent coffee shops is what the East End does best these days, and I truly embrace it. 

Whether you’re after a perfect flat white or something more experimental, the area’s indie coffee shops have got you covered. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some people-watching with your brew – because in Shoreditch, the coffee culture is as cool as the art.

Do you even remember when you last played mini golf? If not, it might be time to step up to the tee.

But why play ordinary mini golf when you can play some (actually) crazy crazy golf? At Junkyard Golf Club, that’s exactly what you get.

Navigate through eccentric courses made of old cars, disco lights, and bizarre props, have a laugh, and finish up with a cocktail in hand. Fore-get (sorry, couldn’t resist!) your worries and swing into some Shoreditch fun!

Book lovers, this one’s for you. 

Libreria is a stunning independent bookshop where you can find everything from fiction to philosophy. 

Designed by Spanish architects SelgasCano, the bookshop’s layout has been curated to help visitors find books according to their themes - rather than by title, author’s name, or genre. 

It’s got a cosy, golden-lit interior, plenty of titles waiting to be read and a great place just to get some peace and quiet away from the busy, bustling centre of Shoreditch. They also host literary events, so you might just stumble upon your next favourite author!

Ok, so the clue is in the name here and this idea isn’t strictly Shoreditch-based, but it is just around the corner and if you’re in the mood to relax, I’d really recommend you give it a go.

After a day of exploring Shoreditch, unwind with a sauna session at Hackney’s Community Sauna. 

It’s a Scandinavian-inspired retreat with saunas nestled next to Hackney Marshes, perfect if you’ve had a stressful week and you just need to sweat it out without moving a muscle (especially if you need to refresh and recharge after your urban adventures!).