A local’s guide to the best hidden gems in East London, from secret museums to rooftops, gardens and natural reserves, food spots and historical sites!
East London is full of surprises, with its mix of secret gardens, quirky walks, and cheap eats tucked away in every corner.
When I lived around Mile End and Bethnal Green, I couldn’t get enough of the hot chocolate from Dark Sugars on Brick Lane or the unusual museums scattered around.
So, I’ve rounded up some amazing hidden gems for you to explore – whether it’s your first time in London or you’ve been here forever and just want to switch things up.
From Liverpool Street to Leytonstone, East London has plenty of magic waiting to be uncovered, no matter the weather!
East London: 26 Hidden Gems, Museums, Food Spots and Nature
In this guide, we’re diving into the best hidden gems East London has to offer—not just food and gardens, but the kind of places that feel like personal discoveries.
For someone like me, who thrives on old architecture, lush greenery, and the calming presence of water, East London is a treasure trove.
From the tucked-away Limehouse Basin to the elegant charm of Westferry Circus, and even a serene secret garden in Hackney, these are the spots tourists rarely stumble upon.
While there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in East London, these hidden places belong on every curious explorer’s bucket list.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Hackney
If you’re wandering around Hackney and want to stumble upon something truly weird and wonderful, check out the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities.
Tucked away on Mare Street near the market, this tiny spot is packed with all sorts of strange stuff — from shrunken heads to bizarre taxidermy and quirky art that feels like it’s from another world.
It’s definitely not your usual museum, more like a curious cabinet of oddities where the weird meets the wonderful.
If you’re into the unusual or just want a memorable offbeat experience in East London, this place is a must-see.
Unique Things to Do in East London: Trinity Buoy Wharf
Trinity Buoy Wharf is a cool hidden spot in East London where old maritime history meets arty vibes.
Once a place where buoys were made, it now hosts creative studios made from shipping containers, outdoor art, and even London’s only lighthouse.
You can also check out the SS Robin, a Victorian steamship turned museum; really unique!
It’s easy to get to from East India DLR, and there’s a nice little café nearby if you want to grab a coffee.
If you feel like stretching your legs, Bow Creek Ecology Park is close by for a quiet walk, too!
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Wapping Docklands Market
Wapping Docklands Market runs on weekends near the Thames, offering a great mix of street food, crafts, and local vendors.
I’ve seen some flowers and plants, some vegan goods, and tasted some amazing veggie Italian food there.
Just a short walk away is the Prospect of Whitby, one of London’s oldest riverside pubs, famous for its striking old architecture and rich maritime past.
Nearby, you’ll find Execution Dock, where pirates and smugglers were once hanged — the site is still marked today with a rope hanging, a sobering reminder of East London’s darker history.
Unique Things to Do in East London: Tobacco Dock, Wapping
Tobacco Dock in Wapping is one of those hidden East London spots that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.
Built around 1811, it was a secure warehouse where imported tobacco was stored.
Today, Tobacco Dock’s been brought back to life as a cool event space hosting markets and exhibitions.
The old Georgian architecture right by the Thames gives it real character, making it a great place to explore if you want to see London’s docklands history without the crowds.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Trinity Green Almshouses, Stepney Green
Trinity Green Almshouses, right on Mile End Road in Stepney, are a real hidden gem.
Built in 1695, these small cottages were made to house retired sailors and their widows — a rare bit of 17th-century social housing that still stands today.
What makes them special are the little model ships on the cottage gables. The originals are kept safe elsewhere, but you can still see the replicas up close.
There’s also a restored chapel at the end of the green, used by the local community now.
It’s a quiet spot packed with London’s maritime history — definitely worth a quick visit if you’re exploring East London’s secrets.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Limehouse Basin and Limehouse Area
When I want to be near the water in London, Limehouse Basin is always on my list. It’s a bit of a walk from Mile End and just next to Canary Wharf, tucked away in one of East London’s most charming neighborhoods.
Limehouse itself is packed with history—once a major trading hub, now a peaceful marina.
You’ll find boats moored here, easy access to Regent’s Canal, and a mix of scenic views and quiet spots to sit with a coffee.
It’s one of those places that feels hidden, even in a busy city, and perfect for anyone who enjoys nature with a little history on the side.
Best Things to Do in East London: Broadway Market & London Fields
London Fields is one of those places that’s a little posh, a little artsy, and somehow still feels down-to-earth.
Tucked behind Hackney and just a short stroll from Bethnal Green, it’s perfect for a lazy day out, especially if you’re into the London village vibe.
Broadway Market is the real star of the area.
Whether you’re grabbing a fresh loaf from a cute bakery, treating yourself to fresh Italian mozzarella, or just soaking up the buzz, this place delivers.
And if it’s a sunny day? Take your time wandering from the market to London Fields Lido—it’s a gorgeous walk and a little escape all in one.
Beautiful Hidden Gems in East London: Dennis Severs’ House, Spitalfields
If you ask me, stately homes and historic houses are a cornerstone of any London trip—whether it’s grand palaces or smaller, charming residences, they’re always worth exploring.
One of the best examples is Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields, where you step right into the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Silent Visits are a standout, letting you soak in the atmosphere of crackling fires, ticking clocks, and a rare moment of calm in the city.
This Grade II-listed Georgian house feels like a time capsule, with its decor, furniture, and artifacts transporting you to a bygone era.
While it’s not free to visit, it’s one of East London’s most unusual museums—and a photo-worthy spot, too.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
Tucked away in Dalston, the Eastern Curve Garden feels like a leafy escape from city life.
It’s a community-run haven where events, workshops, and quiet moments come together beneath lush greenery.
Though there’s a lovely cafe on-site, Dalston itself is full of great coffee shops and vintage stores to explore.
Nestled between East and North London, it’s a vibrant area that’s both family-friendly and creatively buzzing, with Stoke Newington just a short distance away.
Best Hidden Gems in East London UK: Wilton’s Music Hall, Whitechapel
Wilton’s Music Hall in Whitechapel is a real East London treasure — it’s the oldest surviving music hall in the world.
The Victorian building is stunning, with ornate balconies and a vintage vibe that takes you straight back in time.
You can still catch live shows there, from plays to dance and concerts. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic night out, especially if you grab dinner first at one of Whitechapel or Brick Lane’s restaurants nearby.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Mark Street Gardens, Hackney
I’m obsessed with old architecture—Roman, medieval, Victorian, Gothic—you name it, I’m happy.
Mark Street Gardens are one of those spots where you’ll find some of London’s most beautiful wisteria, and that’s just the start.
If you’re hunting for real hidden gems in East London, you’ve got to check out Mark Street Gardens on Luke St.
Secret passageways, vibrant greenery, stone buildings with arched windows—it’s like stepping back in time.
Best part? It’s free to visit any time of the year, and a gorgeous spot to see nature in London during the spring/autumn!
Best Things to Do in East London: Junkyard Golf Club, Shoreditch
Junkyard Golf Club in Shoreditch is one of the coolest spots for a fun night out. The mini-golf courses are full of quirky, miniature decorations that make the whole thing feel really unique.
If you’ve ever been to the Timothy Oulton shop on Tottenham Court Road and loved its wild decor, you’ll get the same vibe here.
Think bright colors, graffiti walls, and retro furniture everywhere; definitely worth checking out!
Beautiful Hidden Gems in East London: Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf might be known as a posh spot, but it actually hides some real gems.
Westferry Circus, just behind Canada Square, has these colorful panels that make for great photos, plus nice views of the Thames.
Nearby, Cabot Square surprises you with cool sculptures you wouldn’t expect; a full public art trail!
One of my favorite quiet corners is the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, full of exotic plants and peaceful paths, with skyscrapers towering all around.
Perfect if you want to chill, read, or even have a low-key romantic moment before grabbing a meal at one of the many rooftop restaurants nearby.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Ragged School Museum, Mile End
The Ragged School Museum in Mile End is such a powerful glimpse into Victorian life – it used to be a charity school for kids from poor families nearby.
You’re close to Poplar and Bethnal Green here (about 20–25 minutes on foot).
If you follow Mile End Road toward the city center, you’ll hit Whitechapel, Aldgate East, and then Liverpool Street and Spitalfields.
These East London neighborhoods are full of history, especially textile history – Spitalfields was home to French Huguenots who brought their weaving skills here.
Places like Aldgate, Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, and Stepney Green also have strong Jewish roots, which you can still feel today in spots like Rinkoff’s Bakery, mentioned later in this guide.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Aberfeldy Street, Poplar
Mile End is close to Poplar, near Canary Wharf, where Aberfeldy Street stands out with its colorful buildings and street art.
The patterns you see on the buildings along Aberfeldy Street are inspired by East London’s long history as a textile center, reflecting the area’s past in fabric production and industry.
There are a few murals on the sides of the street as well, if you’re into street art.
It’s a quiet but interesting spot that shows a real, local side of East London — definitely worth a quick visit if you want something off the usual path.
Read my guide to Aberfeldy Street in Poplar to discover its patterns, street art, and learn about this secret spot.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: St Botolph Without Bishopsgate
One of the most secret spots in the City is St Botolph Without Bishopsgate, right near Liverpool Street station and not far from Duck & Waffle (great for a vegetarian Full English if you’re nearby).
If you’ve walked past it, you might’ve noticed its peaceful church garden—one of my go-to places to chill.
At the garden’s end is a real surprise: a Victorian Bath House hidden underground.
It’s a Grade II-listed event space with beautiful Turkish and Arab-inspired designs on the outside—a perfect, unexpected photo spot right among the skyscrapers.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Museum of the Home, Hoxton
Hoxton is a quiet but cool neighborhood with independent bakeries, restaurants, and unusual shops.
One of the best things to do there is visit the Museum of the Home (formerly the Geffrye Museum), which shows how English homes have changed from the 1600s to today.
I’m obsessed with history and love that this museum is free to visit. The building itself is a great photo spot, but the period rooms really bring London’s past to life.
There’s also a nice cafe and a shop where you can rest and find unique souvenirs.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Chinese Pagoda, Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a huge green space in East London, close to the quiet and often overlooked De Beauvoir Town.
It’s easy to get there from Bethnal Green or Mile End and features a beautiful Chinese Pagoda that adds a touch of Asian charm.
Locals come here to jog or just chill, making it a perfect spot to relax. Afterward, head to Quarantacinque nearby for a great Italian breakfast.
While you’re in the area, check out some cool charity shops in Bethnal Green like Lama’s Pyjamas and Jambala Bookshop, with its pretty vintage blue window.
Beautiful Hidden Gems in East London: New Inn Yard, Shoreditch
Some of the best street art in London is right here in East London — think Brick Lane, Bethnal Green, and Shoreditch.
If you head to New Inn Yard, just a short walk from Shoreditch High Street station, you’ll spot some amazing Shakespeare-themed art.
There’s a Shakespeare statue (there’s another one like it near Southwark Cathedral) and a beautiful Romeo & Juliet mural.
These are real hidden gems, especially surrounded by all the other cool murals and street art in the area.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Labour and Wait Shop, Shoreditch
If you’ve spent any time in London with me, you know I’m all about shopping — from secondhand books to unique bits in concept stores.
Lately, I’ve been loving hunting for new homeware spots, and Labour and Wait on Redchurch Street is a must-visit.
They’ve got vintage-style home goods, stationery, and some unique decor pieces.
Plus, Redchurch Street has plenty of cute coffee shops nearby — Jolene is definitely one to check out!
Best Hidden Gems in East London UK: Walthamstow Wetlands
Sometimes, city life gets too much, and I just need to get away. That’s why I love spots like Walthamstow Wetlands.
It’s huge, peaceful, and perfect if you want to be near water without leaving London.
You can walk for hours, watch herons and swans, or just enjoy some of the best nature walks in East London.
There’s even a coffee shop on site if you need a break before heading back out. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a bit of calm away from the hustle.
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants & Street Foods in East London
Best Hidden Food Gems in East London: Rinkoffs Bakery, Stepney Green
I already mentioned Rinkoffs Bakery in Stepney Green earlier, and honestly, it’s one of the cutest bakeries in London.
Opened back in 1911, it’s also one of the oldest around, and close to the Trinity Green Almshouses I showed you at the beginning of this guide.
Whether you’re into Danish pastries, sourdough, or some of the best bagels London has to offer, this spot is a hidden food gem you definitely want to check out.
Best Hidden Food Gems in East London: Cake Box, Bethnal Green
If you find yourself in Bethnal Green, it’s a lively spot with plenty to offer beyond its free museums like the Young V&A Museum and the nearby Museum of the Home in Hoxton.
For anyone who appreciates architecture, the Bethnal Green Library is a quiet gem, and there are a couple of Italian cafes nearby, including the historic E. Pellicci and Quarantacinque by Globe Town.
Whenever I’m strolling down Bethnal Green Road and craving something sweet, Cake Box is my go-to.
They serve some of the best and most affordable cakes in London, whether by the slice or as whole birthday cakes — their fresh cream and fruit make it a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Cafe East, Roman Road
Located on Roman Road, which is also home to one of London’s coolest street food markets, Cafe East has been one of my go-to spots for halal breakfast for a long time.
The first word that comes to mind when I think of Cafe East is trustworthy — their full English breakfast plates are beautifully presented with little edible flowers, making them bright and colorful.
While the decor isn’t over the top, the care they put into every dish really shows.
Open every day except Wednesdays, Cafe East serves up not only great halal brunch and breakfast but also some of the fluffiest pancakes in London — definitely worth trying.
Best Hidden Gems in East London: Kahaila, Brick Lane
One of my favorite study spots in Brick Lane, Kahaila is a charity-run café with a cozy, rustic vibe that any hipster will appreciate.
They serve huge coffee cups, have free WiFi and power outlets, and offer both single and communal wooden tables.
Plus, their rainbow cake and carrot cake are seriously some of the best in London.
Even though Kahaila has been around for years, it still feels super local and remains one of the most secret cafés in the city.
Not a fan of rainbow cake? No worries — their massive, decadent red velvet slices are just as amazing, especially paired with a chai latte.
Find here my full review of Kahaila Brick Lane to discover a wonderful rustic coffee shop with Red Velvet cakes, carrot and rainbow cakes, and delicious chai latte.
Best Hidden Gems in East London UK: Dulce Coffee, Whitechapel
When I first moved to Mile End, Dulce Coffee quickly became one of my go-to spots in East London — even before I moved away to Rome, then North Finchley, and later West Hampstead.
I’ve lived in lots of artsy and posh parts of London, but Dulce Coffee has stuck with me.
They open early, from 7 am, and still offer some of the cheapest Full English breakfasts in the city. It’s also super close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street stations.
After your meal, take a little walk around Liverpool Street and Bishopsgate to spot hidden art like the impressive elephant statues and the medieval Charnel House.
East London: 26 Hidden Gems, Museums, Food Spots and Nature
There you go — all the best hidden gems in East London.
Hopefully, you’ve found some new magical spots to explore, whether you’re on your own, with friends, or with the kids.
Even though I’ve lived in North and North West London for years, East London still holds a special place in my heart, and I make sure to visit whenever I can.
With so much to do in Brick Lane, great cafes in Bethnal Green, and street art corners I haven’t even discovered yet…
How could I ever forget the very first place I called home when I moved to London?
For more unique activities, make sure you read my guides to hidden gems in West London, North London, and South London.
If you’d like to discover other London hidden gems, here are a few guides you might enjoy:
- South London: 25 Hidden Gems, Museums, Nature & Food Spots
- London at Night: 18 Cool Things to Do in the Evening
- Quirky Cafes in London: Where to Get a ‘Different’ Breakfast
And for specific gems and food spots I personally love, here are a few reviews you may want to read to help plan your days out in London: