Shoreditch might be the Marmite of London suburbs but love it or hate it, there’s no denying one thing: there’s plenty of stuff to see and things to do in Shoreditch.
If you know where to go, Shoreditch really does have it all: incredible history, marvellous markets, street art and much, much more. Read on to find out our favourite things to do in Shoreditch!
Just so you know, nobody pays us to be featured on this list. They’re just our recommendations to you so you can find the best things to do in London!
Things To Do in Shoreditch Daytime
While Shoreditch is renowned for its nightlife scene - it's not for everybody. And that’s ok! Whether you’re an early bird, got a few daytime hours spare or you’re just looking for things to do in Shoreditch during the day, here are our go-to options!
1 Play The Search For Shoreditch - A Walking Tour With a Twist
Whether you’re a Shoreditch local or just visiting - you can’t go wrong with this outdoor escape room style walking tour.
This puzzle-filled scavenger hunt guides explorers like you through the painted streets of Shoreditch, revealing its transformation from an Elizabethan theatre hub to a modern artistic and culinary hotspot.
Along the way, you’ll encounter colourful murals, uncover historical sites and landmarks and find hidden secrets that even the most local of locals haven’t ever noticed (and that’s always a fun humble brag, isn’t it?).
Visit Ye Olde Shoreditch at Dennis Severs’ House
Dennis Severs’ House is a unique living museum that offers its visitors a journey through time in an 18th and 19th-century home. Meticulously arranged to evoke the era’s spirit, Dennis Severs’ House is a reminder of how far London tastes have evolved and also how much has stayed the same.
Anybody who loves art, history and examining social history up close will find this a great (and fascinating) activity in Shoreditch.
Live La Libro Loca at Libreria Bookshop
Embrace the more ‘alternative’ things to do in Shoreditch by hunting down some top quality books in an unconventional way.
One of the best things to do in Shoreditch for booklovers, a visit to Libreria Bookshop is a one of its kind experience. 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.
While this place isn’t ideal if you’re on the search for a specific title and you’ve no idea what its themes could be, it is one of the best places to pick up books that match your mood or picks up on your *vibes*.
Play a Game of Ping Pong at Bounce
If you’re stumped for things to do in Shoreditch and you fancy bringing the fun inside, head to Bounce.
Combining the energy of a ping pong club with the comfort of a local pub, Bounce is the ideal Shoreditch destination for whiling away a few hours in the name of fun. Best of all, it’s fairly cheap, casual and gives you a chance to get competitive!
Spruce Up Your Meal Deals at Taco Taco
Looking for things to do in Shoreditch that involve tucking into some sweet, South American cuisine? Give Taco Taco a try.
While they’re a new kid on the block, Taco Taco have already garnered a cult following in Shoreditch for offering some out of this world tacos. The menu is a riff on traditional Mexican flavours but with a dash of creative flair that only Shoreditch could rustle up (ever heard of a red cabbage or prawn taco? Well you have now!).
PSST: From Monday to Friday, you can grab yourself two (massive!) tacos, one side and a drink for just a tenner as your lunchtime deal. Bargains never tasted so good!
Explore 400 Years’ Worth of East End Home History at Museum of The Home
If you’re a Londoner who is passionate about the gentrification of the East End, this museum might just be for you.
The Museum of The Home, formerly known as the Geffrye Museum, offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of home living in England. See how tastes, designs, hobbies and furniture changed over the years by exploring the period rooms each meticulously designed to reflect the many eras under its roof.
Highlights include the recreated 1970s front room that shows a brief snapshot of the lives of African-Caribbean British migrants, complete with a jukebox, doilies and shaggy carpets - but the 19th-century parlour rooms, ‘90s loft-style apartment and 17th-century hallway are just as fascinating.
Cool Things to do in Shoreditch
Shoreditch doesn’t exactly try to hide the fact that it’s one of London’s coolest suburbs, and why should it? Embrace the East End’s hipster vibes and do some of these cool things to do in Shoreditch that might just get you some bragging rights…
Go Record Shopping at Rough Trade East
Haven’t you heard? Streaming is so 2023!
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.
Find like-minded music lovers by heading over to Rough Trade East and treating yourself to a classic Shoreditch pastime: vinyl shopping. Explore their extensive collection of vinyl records and be sure to tell everyone you meet that you prefer records - it’s the Shoreditch way!
Drink and Play at Ballie Ballerson
If the world is your oyster then Shoreditch is your playground - facts.
Proving that fun things to do in Shoreditch aren’t reserved for kids, Ballie Ballerson is the humorously named adult playground that offers everything from cocktails and karaoke to blundering around in a ball pit - yes, a real ball pit.
Ideal for party lovers and playful souls alike, Ballie Ballerson is the perfect place to let loose and get just a snippet of your youth back (if only for one night).
Pick up Some Fresh Blooms at Columbia Road Flower Market
So you’ve probably already heard of this one, but we couldn’t leave it off our list of cool things to do in Shoreditch for one, very special reason: it’s a city defining destination that is actually totally worth trying out.
The Columbia Road Flower Market runs every Sunday and it’s a staple in Shoreditch’s weekly calendar. Head on over to get some fresh flowers, houseplants, and every other kind of plant besides.
Visit One of The Coolest Pubs in Shoreditch - The Artillery Arms
Before you scroll away, this pub isn’t the coolest in Shoreditch because of its clientele (though, your presence would only improve it) or its selection of drinks (although they’re pretty fantastic too) - it’s its history.
Before it became a part of Shoreditch’s trendy nightlife scene, Artillery Arms went by a different name: The Blue Anchor. Patrons back in the 18th and 19th centuries came for everything from rat-baiting (exactly what it sounds like) to boxing matches, but these days, it’s a great place to share a pint and imagine London’s seedier side.
Pull up a chair on one of the barstools or gaze out the window at nearby Bunhill Fields Cemetery - it’s all there for the taking.
PSST: We love the Artillery Arms so much that we featured it on our treasure and scavenger hunt through Shoreditch.
Play a ‘Proper’ Game of Shuffleboard
Did you know that during the Tudor period, shuffleboard was one of the most popular recreational games in England?
Originally called “shove a penny”, shuffleboard has had a rebirth and reclaimed its place as one of the best things to do in Shoreditch.
As the only venue in the UK to offer lane and table shuffleboard under one roof, the London Shuffle Club in Shoreditch is the ideal place to get to grips with the game - and you can even grab brunch and drinks there at the same time, too.
Watch a Performance or Attend a Workshop at Shoreditch Town Hall
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: this is a building you don’t want to miss.
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?
Find More Things to Do in London with CityDays
So there you have it! 12+ things to do in Shoreditch. Want to find more things to do in London? Of course you do!
Discover London’s secret sights and noteworthy nooks by playing one of our London treasure and scavenger hunts, urban adventures, escape room games or walking tours.
You’ll find curated trails and hunts all over London, including Central London, Mayfair, Shoreditch, Kensington and Southwark.
All you have to do is team up with your partner, friends, family or whoever to solve riddles, complete challenges and answer trivia to lead you on an unforgettable journey around London’s most intriguing streets.
The best part? We’ll recommend top-rated pubs, cafés and restaurants and give your team the chance to earn rewards by competing on our leaderboard.
CityDays gives you total freedom to start and finish whenever you like, take extra breaks if you want or need them, and it’s suitable for people of all ages.
You’re also guaranteed your money back if you don’t have an amazing time - although our previous reviews speak for themselves: we’re rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor and 4.95/5 on Google Reviews!