East London is a vibrant and ever-evolving part of the city, brimming with creativity, culture, and delicious food. It is also where I feel most at home in London. Whether you’re a seasoned Londoner or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover. Here’s my ideal weekend itinerary for exploring this exciting part of the city:
Saturday:
Morning:
- Breakfast: Start your day at one of the many cafes or bakeries. My regulars are E5 Bakehouse, The Snapery East, FORNO or The Dusty Knuckle. Be prepared to queue for some of these!
- Take a walk around Victoria Park: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind in the serene beauty of Victoria Park.
Afternoon:
- Discover the street art and vintage shops of Shoreditch and Brick Lane: Wander through the streets of Shoreditch, including Bricklane. There are tonnes of amazing street art and vintage shops.
Evening:
- Wine at Renegde Wine Bar: check out this little unknown wine bar tucked away in the arches of Bethnal Green for a pre-drink before dinner.
- Dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in East London (check out my other post for ideas)
- Cocktails at Satan’s Whiskers: Head to this stylish bar in Bethnal Green for a nightcap. Their expertly crafted cocktails are sure to impress.
Sunday:
Morning:
- Visit the Columbia Road Flower Market: If it’s a Sunday, don’t miss this iconic flower market. Browse through the colorful stalls and pick up some blooms to brighten up your home or hotel room!
Afternoon:
- Stroll along Regent’s Canal: Take a leisurely walk along the Regent’s Canal, admiring the colorful barges and boats.
- Lunch at Towpath: Enjoy lunch along the canal. One of my favourites at the moment is Towpath – the food is super fresh, simple and unique.
Evening:
- Catch some stand up comedy: depending whether you came back to the East or continued along the canal, both in Bethnal Green and Angel there are comedy clubs which have shows on a Sunday night.
This is just a suggestion, of course. You can customize it to your interests and preferences. East London is full of surprises, so be sure to explore and discover your own hidden gems.
London Like a Local 