From posh areas to maritime neighborhoods, East London is filled with a plethora of things to see – looking for historic, secret churches?
You’ve got it.
Would you rather go shopping or have a colorful latte in one of the lively Shoreditch coffee shops?
Or maybe you’d like to find some new hidden gems in East London you might not have come across before…
Well, it’s just your luck!
After years spent living in London, around Mile End and Bethnal Green for the most part, I’ve decided it was high time sharing with you the best neighborhoods and places to visit in East London.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a good few of these magical places will definitely find their way onto your bucket list!
East London’s 19 Best Neighborhoods & Their Hidden Gems
For the purposes of this guide, I’ve decided I wouldn’t stick to the same old ‘best things to do in East London’ format.
Instead, I’ll share with you some of the prettiest neighborhoods and streets in various areas, along with some highlights of each area.
If you’re looking for posh areas, East London isn’t really the way to go as it’s younger and offers more of a hipster slash historic vibe.
West London neighborhoods are what you’re after if you’d like to find really sophisticated buildings and crisp lawns.
North London neighborhoods also offer gorgeous buildings, parks, cemeteries and museums.
For instance, Holly Village in Highgate is another really hidden gem you might want to pop by sometime.
Anyhoo – let’s get started, and you’ll find below all the best neighborhoods and areas to visit in East London!
Best Areas to Visit in East London: Liverpool Street
Liverpool Street station has much to offer; the Für Das Kind sculptures, 24 hour places to study, and lots of shops and restaurants.
What I particularly like about the Liverpool Street area are:
- Old Spitalfields and Bishops Square: not only is there one of Shoreditch’s best markets there, but also Charnel House, one of London’s medieval sites, hidden in plain sight
- Eataly, the most important and biggest Italian food shop in London
- Exchange Square with its secret garden, fountains and statues
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge
Historic Neighborhoods in East London: Limehouse
Those in eternal search of maritime neighborhoods in London should pop by Limehouse at some point.
Indeed, the Limehouse Basin is one of my favorite places to collect my thoughts and remember that yes, you can also find beautiful nature in London.
Located right by the Thames river, Limehouse is one of the oldest neighborhoods in London, and is filled with waterside restaurants and historic warehouses.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in West London
Compared to Canary Wharf, which is easily accessible from Limehouse, this East London area is lesser known as, let’s say it…
There are way fewer things to do in Limehouse than in Canary Wharf.
However, a walk around Limehouse allows you to spot that beautiful nature, modern buildings and historic streets – just the best of all worlds, I’d say.
Read: Unlocking London’s Free Historical Hidden Gems
St Anne’s Church in Limehouse is a beautiful, secret church you can visit without having to pay anything.
What’s interesting about it is also the secret church garden with its pyramid, something you won’t find in other places in London.
The garden exudes a sense of mystery and tranquility, offering a serene escape from the bustling city streets.
Its unique features, like the pyramid, make it a standout among the secret places in London that are steeped in history and intrigue. Visiting such hidden gems allows one to uncover stories and corners of the city that often go unnoticed by the crowds.
Read: The Most Secret Beaches in London
Posh Areas in East London: Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf, ah, Canary Wharf – we have here one of my ultimate favorite neighborhoods in East London.
There’s just nothing you can’t do in Canary Wharf – you’ll find hidden gems there, water, and beautiful free views as soon as the sun sets.
Some things to see in Canary Wharf if you can are:
- Westferry Circus, with its views of the Thames river
- the free outdoor art trail all around Canada Place
- and of course, the Traffic Light Tree, one of the most unusual sights in London
If you’re looking to go shopping in London, the Jubilee Place and Cabot Place shopping centers offer anything you might wish for, from really British shops to mainstream fashion.
For those who are visiting London for the first time, don’t forget to spend some time at the Jubilee Park.
This is one of the most secret gardens in London (provided you’re not a local), and the benches scattered around the fountain-lined path make for a great place to write, read or have a picnic.
Read: London’s Magical Alice in Wonderland Places to Visit
Maritime Places to Visit in East London: Wapping
When it comes to really historic neighborhoods in East London, you also have Wapping, which boasts a few really hidden gems such as The Prospect of Whitby, one of London’s oldest pubs.
This one dates back to 1520, and as you can see from the picture above, there’s something really special, clad with the past, about this beautiful pub.
If you like walking around London, just know you can easily reach St Katharine Docks from Wapping, another beautiful water point with boats and restaurants all around.
Tobacco Dock is a good place to visit in Wapping, but what I would also definitely recommend is popping by The Prospect of Whitby.
Read: London’s Secret Camden Passage, Shops and History
The reason is simple, and instantly makes Wapping one of the creepiest places in London: when you go down Pelican Stairs on the right of the pub, you’ll find a hanging noose.
This hangman’s noose commemorates the former Execution Dock that used to be located close, and was used, well, to execute criminals.
Be very careful as you go down Pelican Stairs – the steps are really slippery!
Read: The Cutest Pink Cafes in London
Best Neighborhoods in East London: Hackney and Hackney Wick
Now, if you’re looking for really beautiful neighborhoods in East London, Hackney is one you should definitely not miss.
Really artsy, with street art, street food and many independent coffee shops dotted around the area, Hackney has since long been elected the perfect place to live for artists.
Hackney is actually a really big neighborhood that covers Dalston, London Fields and Stoke Newington, but if you’d like me to be more specific, let’s go with Mare Street to describe the Hackney I’m trying to share with you.
Mare Street is a long street that goes all the way from Cambridge Heath Road to Hackney Central, close to Lower Clapton.
On this street, you’ll find some of the best cafes in Hackney, as well as restaurants, and even fabric shops.
And if you’re looking for some unusual things to do in East London, don’t forget to check out the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities!
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
Maritime Places to Visit in East London: Shadwell
Another one of my favorite places to visit in East London is Shadwell, one of the lesser-known maritime neighborhoods.
It’s really more of a local area, but still one of the most beautiful neighborhoods if you’re one to enjoy that typical maritime architecture, since Shadwell is dotted with old warehouses.
You have beautiful views of London from Shadwell, and beyond that, there’s a secret street food market held there every Saturday.
When I say you have beautiful views of London, I mean you can spot The Shard in the distance, and Shadwell Basin really is a perfect spot to catch up or have a romantic date.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Secret Cafes in London
Posh Areas in East London: London Fields
London Fields, as we’ve seen, is part of the Hackney neighborhood, and if you’re looking for the best places to live in East London for families, that’s a really posh spot to settle down.
The Broadway Market in London Fields is the main reason I ever go, as it’s a really picturesque place and actually looks like a tiny village inside London, pretty much like Exmouth Market.
The London Fields Lido is another great place to visit in East London, perfect when it’s summer and you’re looking for places to go swimming in London, too!
Read: The Cutest Floral Cafes in London
Best Neighborhoods in East London: Shoreditch
When we think about East London neighborhoods, at least when traveling to London for the first time, one of the first words that comes to mind is Shoreditch.
And indeed, there are so many things to do in Shoreditch that it’s really hard to know even where to begin.
From charity and vintage shops to street food markets, Shoreditch has it all, and its location between Hackney, Bethnal Green and Liverpool Street station makes it easily accessible.
Read: The Best Bookshop Cafes in London
I’ve recently told you about some of Brick Lane’s best hidden gems – Brick Lane being a long street really close to Shoreditch High Street station, and there are many more in the surrounding streets.
For instance, you don’t only have lots of street art on Brick Lane, but also in Shoreditch, in streets like Chance Street and Redchurch Street.
If Shoreditch is famous for its street art, it’s also a lively and colorful place to visit if you’re looking for cute coffee shops and delicious Neapolitan pizza.
Read: The Best Cheap Eats in Central London
Wherever you turn your heard, you’ll find lots of hidden gems in Shoreditch, a few of my favorites being:
- the Jolene coffee shop on Redchurch St
- Pizza East, right in front of Boxpark, for decadent Neapolitan pizza
- and Boxpark itself, with some of the best shops in Shoreditch, indie and all
Read: Where to Have Lunch for £5 in London
Best Places to Visit in East London: Brick Lane
Brick Lane is one of the prettiest streets in London if you would like to see some street art, and beyond the vintage shops, bookshops and other street art pieces, there is lots to do there.
A while back, I told you about the Kahaila coffee shop, a perfectly cute and rustic cafe to visit if you’re looking for either great breakfast or good study cafes in Brick Lane.
Another place to absolutely check out is the Broccoli Factory, formerly located on Broccoli Lane, right off Brick Lane – a crazy colorful place with, well, everything broccoli, from paintings to sculptures.
Read: Deliciously Secret Places to Eat in Central London
While Brick Lane is not a complete East London neighborhood but a simple street, there’s so much to see there that you shouldn’t miss it for the world.
On the walls, from Buxton Street to Fashion Street and Hanbury Street right off Brick Lane, you’ll find lots of tiny street art pieces and stickers – all of which really are worth a second glance, and maybe even a picture.
You also have lots of great places to eat on Brick Lane, and here are a few of my favorites:
- Beigel Bake, with their incredible beigels
- Fiore dell’Amore, perfect for halal Italian food
- Vida Bakery, one of the cutest bakeries in London, with many gluten-free and vegan pastries
- and Sleazy Pizza, one of the most secret pizza spots in London
Best Places to Visit in East London: Hoxton
Hoxton is another one of the East London neighborhoods I thought I’d mention today, especially because it’s quiet, boasts lots of street art, cute cafes and the incredible Museum of the Home.
I would say that compared to Bishopsgate and Liverpool Street, or even Shoreditch, Hoxton is one of the lesser known areas in East London, but don’t let this fool you.
There are many hidden places to eat in Hoxton, for starters, from small bakeries to cafes, and one of London’s most unique shops, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, is also located there.
Again, if you get the chance, do pop by the Museum of the Home, formerly called the Geffrye Museum.
It’s one of London’s free museums, and with its recreations of 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries English interiors, it makes for a very interesting place to visit.
Read: The Best Secondhand Bookshops in London
Best Places to Visit in East London: Stoke Newington
Stoke Newington is a bit particular, as even if it’s an East London area, it’s also part of North London – in any case, since it’s one of cutest villages in London, you really have to visit at some point.
The Stoke Newington Church Street, in particular, is in my opinion one of the prettiest streets in London, and filled with boutiques, tiny coffee shops and restaurants.
The boutiques and charity shops in Stoke Newington already make it a must-visit place, but if you walk down the road towards Dalston, you’ll find another really lively neighborhood with colorful places to discover.
Read: The Best Shops in Covent Garden
Best Places to Visit in East London: Bow
There are a few really cool things to do in Bow and around Bow Church, and if I’m being honest, one of the only reasons I ever hung around the area is because of Roman Road Market.
Roman Road Market is one of London’s secret street food markets, a really local place on Roman Road, which is lined with really cool shops and cafes.
In Bow, you’ll also find Grounded, also called Grounded Coffee Company, a perfect place for a halal Full English breakfast.
There’s another branch in Aldgate East, but Grounded in Bow is much bigger, and I definitely feel more at ease in the Bow cafe.
The pastries at Grounded are absolutely exquisite, and if you’re ever on the lookout for the best chai latte in London, that’s the place to go!
Read: The Prettiest Shopping Arcades in London
Posh Areas in East London: Spitalfields
Spitalfieds, near Liverpool Street, offers some of London’s oldest streets and secret alleyways, but it also feels like a very modern place thanks to the Old Spitalfields Market.
In this area, you’ll find some really famous makeup stores like Benefit and SpaceNK, as well as, again, Eataly, an incredible Italian food shop for fresh produce.
With its typical Georgian architecture, Spitalfields makes for one of the best photo spots in London – whether you’re a photographer or an influencer, it’s a perfect background for all types of pictures.
It only gets more interesting when you know that one of London’s secret medieval sites, Charnel House, is located in the middle of Bishop’s Square, a few seconds away from Old Spitalfields Market.
Read: The Best Stationery Shops in London
This former ossuarium is one of the highlights of the Spitalfields area, as are the endangered elephant statues and, well, Bishop’s Square itself.
If you’re ever looking for new secret gardens to visit in London, Bishop’s Square offers the best of all worlds, with clean ponds, fish, and views of the surrounding skyscrapers.
And all around, circled with old buildings and small passageways, you have some of the most historic places in London – absolute must-visits!
Read: The Best Cheap Clothing Shops in London
Best Neighborhoods in East London: Stepney Green and Stepney
If you walk down Mile End Road from Mile End Station towards Central London, you’ll reach Stepney Green, another really lively place that gives me Whitechapel vibes every time I’m there.
Stepney Green was established in the 19th century, but the East End neighborhood of Stepney is actually much older than that.
You’ll find there plenty of historic buildings, as well as the Stepney City Farm, which is a great place to visit in London with kids.
Read: The Best Shops on Oxford Street
If you’d like to visit Stepney Green, there are a few things I really love about the area, and these include:
- the Trinity Green Almshouses (pictured above and below)
- the Booth Memorial, located right across the historic almshouses
- and of course, Rinkoffs Bakery
Read: The Best Candle Shops in London
Rinkoffs Bakery – let’s stop to talk about this one for a minute.
This right here is one of London’s oldest bakeries, and a delicious place to get doughnuts, beigels, and a mean chai latte.
It’s also one of the most secret coffee shops in London, one to visit absolutely if you’d like to really taste East London’s history!
Read: The Best Budget Shops in London
Best Places to Visit in East London: Aldgate
Aldgate is one of the oldest neighborhoods in East London, and even more so important that it is part of the London Wall walk.
There are many things to see in Aldgate, namely:
- the St Botolph Without Aldgate church, a historic and beautiful church
- the Earthling sculpture by Jocelyn McGregor
- Minories, a beautiful street that leads to Tower Bridge
Read: The Biggest TK Maxx in London
Take some time to hang around Aldgate Square, which is a beautiful garden in which locals gather at the end of the work/school day.
All around, you have those classic coffee shops Londoners are so used to; Pret a Manger, Starbucks and Costa Coffee, which are always my go-to’s when I want to study or work for a bit.
The Art in the City Trail continues behind Aldgate all the way to Liverpool Street station, and some pieces really are worth your time!
Read: The Best Shopping Centers in London
Best Places to Visit in East London: Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green is located right after Liverpool Street Station on the Central Line, and is accessible within about 25 minutes walking.
If you’re looking for affordable places to live in East London, Bethnal Green is quite affordable and so close to Central London that it’s a pleasure to live there.
Since I moved out of London, I have stayed at Hostelle in Bethnal Green, a female-only hostel that helped me rediscover the area.
And boy, did I discover many hidden gems I had never seen before!
Read: The Best Things to Buy in London
Some things to do in Bethnal Green include the following, which I particularly love:
- Visiting the Quarantacinque coffee shop on Roman Road
- Going charity shopping on Bethnal Green Road
- Popping by Fcukoffee to work or just enjoy the politically incorrect vibe
- Eating a delicious cake at Cake Box, egg-free and still absolutely incredible
- Seeing all the street art in Bethnal Green off the main road, including Voss Street
Read: The Cutest Pink Places in London
Best Areas in East London: Globe Town
Globe Town isn’t a ‘neighborhood’ per se, but rather, a small part of Tower Hamlets located between Mile End and Bethnal Green.
This is a rather quiet area I love because it houses some of Bethnal Green’s best charity shops, the Jambala Bookshop and Lama’s Pyjamas.
You will find some street art and really picturesque houses around Globe Town, as well as some well-hidden coffee shops seemingly known by locals only.
Read: How to Budget in London for Students
Franzè & Evans, for instance, is a great East London cafe to start the day.
However, if there’s another place I can recommend – since it’s one of my favorite Italian cafes in London, I would tell you to try Quarantacinque, on Roman Road.
I’ve been a regular at the Quarantacinque coffee shop ever since I moved to Bethnal Green in the first place, and from strong Italian coffee to focaccia and pistachio croissant, you just have it all there.
Just around the corner from Quarantacinque, do pay a visit to the Globe Primary School.
On the walls are many mosaics created by Maud Milton, representing all kinds of animals, birds, and the world.
This right here is probably one of the best hidden gems in East London, and the mosaics definitely call for pictures!
Read: Where to See Autumn Colors in London?
Best Places to Visit in East London: Poplar and Aberfeldy Street
I’ve chosen a few pictures of Aberfeldy Road to illustrate Poplar, but the truth is there are many more things to do in Poplar than just seeing this ultra-colorful street.
However, if you’re ever looking for London’s most colorful places, I do have to recommend you pop by Aberfeldy Street.
The murals are exquisite, and I’ve always found that it was one of the most secret colorful streets in London, of the kind that echoes Notting Hill perfectly, but with an East London vibe.
The Poplar neighborhood is located really close to Canary Wharf, and the Poplar Marina is one to visit if you’re looking for places to see water in London.
Another good place to visit, since you’re going to be in Poplar, would be Mudchute.
Mudchute is more of a local area, but I’ve stayed there recently and found that it was calm, picturesque, and even houses a beautiful hidden gem: The Space, an arts space located in a gorgeous converted church.
Read my guide to Aberfeldy Street in Poplar to discover its patterns, street art, and learn about this secret spot.
Best Places to Visit in East London: Whitechapel
Whitechapel is located between Stepney Green and Aldgate, and makes for one of the liveliest neighborhoods in East London.
Whitechapel is namely the place where you’ll find one of the most famous pubs in London, The Blind Beggar, which is associated with the Jack the Ripper murders in the 19th century.
Since I used to live in Mile End and Bethnal Green, Whitechapel saw me a lot, and if you’re a student or a digital nomad, you might want to know there’s a really good library to study located there, the Idea Store Whitechapel.
In terms of art and things to do in Whitechapel, don’t miss the Whitechapel Gallery, which offers mixed media exhibitions, often on very contemporary topics.
A walk down Mile End Road will allow you to see the East London Mosque, a beautiful building.
Since we’re in East London, there are many halal restaurants around the Whitechapel area, and if you’d like to go shopping, you’ll find quite a few good charity shops there.
The Islamic Relief shop is a good one for both books and clothes, and if you’d like to treat yourself to some new makeup, Superdrug on Whitechapel Road is always pretty well stocked.
Read: The Most Colorful Streets in Camden
East London’s 19 Best Neighborhoods & Their Hidden Gems
There you have them, some of my favorite things to do, places to eat and beautiful areas to visit in East London!
Hopefully, you’ll have found here lots of new streets, neighborhoods and tiny villages inside London you’ll want to visit soon.
And if you’d like to discover more hidden gems in East London, there are many, many more you shouldn’t miss!