London Localite contains affiliate and Amazon Associates links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer here. Thank you for the support 💛
Looking for a laid-back East London weekend itinerary full of hidden gems and local favourites?
I lived in East London for years and know it like the back of my hand. It’s where I spent my twenties, browsing weekend markets, experiencing some of the city’s best nightlife, and relaxing in parks with a good book, and it’s a part of London I always recommend to visitors who want something more local. Characterful, lively and constantly evolving, East feels lived-in and off the tourist trail.
An East London weekend getaway is a brilliant choice for anyone who loves great food, independent cafés, coffee spots, independent shops, green spaces and lots of walking. In this guide, I share exactly how I’d spend a weekend in East London, using my local knowledge to help you make the most of your time there.
East London at a Glance: The Areas You’ll Explore
This East London weekend itinerary focuses on two main areas, each offering a slightly different side of the city. Both are places I’ve spent a lot of time in and know well. Together, they give you a really good balance of green spaces, markets, culture and food, as well as a proper feel for local East London life.
- Hackney: Think parks, canals and markets. You’ll explore London Fields, Broadway Market and Hackney Wick, with plenty of time for relaxed browsing and good food!
- Shoreditch: A busier, more energetic area known for street art, independent shops and great places to eat. This part of the itinerary covers Columbia Road, Redchurch Street, Brick Lane and Spitalfields.
East London Weekend Itinerary
This is how I recommend spending a weekend in East London, with a focus on local favourites and a walkable route. I’ve broken the itinerary down into morning, afternoon and evening, with information on how to travel between each place.
Day One: Enjoy Hackney Like a Local
Morning
Start your morning with a coffee and pastry from The Snappery or E5 Bakehouse, both tucked under the Overground arches by London Fields Station. Once you’ve got your morning pick-me-up in hand, wander south through the park. It’s one of East London’s most loved green spaces and a really lovely place to start the day.
You’ll soon reach the north end of Broadway Market, a road lined with independent shops, bookshops and, at the weekend, food stalls. Take your time here browsing and soaking up the East London vibe. Artwords Bookshop, Broadway Bookshop and Dulcie (formerly Haeckels) are my favourite three stops for shopping.
Lunch
Once you’ve finished browsing on Broadway Market, head to the end of the street and join Regent’s Canal. From there, it’s a five-minute walk to Café Cecilia, one of my favourite East London restaurants and a perfect lunch stop. The food is simple, seasonal and genuinely delicious. Plus, sitting canalside is very East London and great for people watching!
Afternoon
After lunch, continue east along Regent’s Canal before exiting near Cambridge Heath. From there, choose one of the following depending on your interests. All three are great for a relaxed East London afternoon. It just depends on how far you want to travel and what you’re most interested in.
- V&A Museum of Childhood – The only walkable option from Cambridge Heath, and a great choice if you’re after something playful, nostalgic and design-led, set inside a beautiful Victorian building. It’s ideal if you’re with kids, but great regardless.
- Whitechapel Gallery – Best reached by a quick bus or Overground ride, this is a brilliant stop for contemporary art lovers, housed in one of East London’s most historic and cultural spaces.
- V&A Storehouse – Also better reached by public transport, this is ideal for design and fashion fans who want a behind-the-scenes look at the V&A’s collections and archive-style displays.
Evening
After your cultural afternoon, head a little further east to Hackney Wick for dinner and drinks. Once an industrial area, Hackney Wick has become one of East London’s most popular spots for a night out, known for its warehouse parties, creative restaurants and lively atmosphere.
For dinner, Crate Brewery is a great choice. Set right on the canal, it’s relaxed and unfussy, serving pizzas alongside beers brewed on site. After eating, you’ll find plenty of nearby bars to move on to. How long you stay is up to you, but you’ll easily find sophisticated cocktails, a late-night rave, or somewhere in between!
Day Two: Explore Shoreditch, Markets & Street Art
Morning
Start your second day in East London at Columbia Road Flower Market, one of my favourite places to venture early… but I really do mean early. Aim to arrive between 8 and 9am if you want to avoid the insane crowds. If that sounds unrealistic (no judgment here if you’re nursing a hangover), you can skip it and head straight to brunch instead.
That said, it is worth the early alarm if you can manage it. Watching the East Enders shouting prices and selling armfuls of flowers is a proper London experience, and the street has a buzz that you don’t really get anywhere else in the city.
Brunch
From Columbia Road, head south towards Shoreditch for brunch. Origin Coffee is a great option for excellent coffee and a relaxed brunch. If you’re happy to stretch your legs a little further, Friends of Ours is my favourite brunch spot in the area and well worth the 15 minute walk.
Late Morning
After brunch, wander along Redchurch Street, one of Shoreditch’s best streets for independent boutiques, homeware shops and small brands. It’s a really lovely area to browse without rushing, and it feels very East London in its mix of fashion, interiors and design. Earl of East is my favourite shop, and Jolene is perfect if you’re tempted by a pastry (which you probably will be).
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring Shoreditch either by joining a guided street art tour or doing a self-guided walk. Start on Brick Lane (a short walk from Redchurch Street), where you’ll see some of East London’s most famous murals alongside ever-changing new pieces, then continue south towards Old Spitalfields Market.
Brick Lane and Spitalfields are perfect for vintage shopping and people-watching, and they make for an easy, interesting route without needing a strict plan. Take your time, explore the side streets, and just see what catches your eye!
Book a Street Art Tour in Shoreditch
To make sure you see all the street art (often tucked away and easy to miss) a guided tour is worth it. You’ll learn about the artists, the stories behind the work, and how East London’s street art scene is constantly evolving.
→ Book your guided Shoreditch street art tour here!
Evening
After a full day of walking, keep Sunday evening low-key. You could go classic and get a roast for dinner. Hawksmoor Spitalfields is a popular choice for meat-eaters, though it doesn’t offer vegetarian options. If a roast isn’t for you, BAO Shoreditch, right at the end of Redchurch Street, is one of my favourite spots in London for delicious Taiwanese bao buns and dan dan noodles, with plenty of veggie and vegan options.
Where to Stay in East London
I’d recommend staying in Shoreditch, as the hotel options there are far better than in many nearby areas – especially if you’re after something stylish! It’s also really well connected, making it easy to get to and from the airport, as well as to the starting points for both day one and day two of this itinerary.
Top Pick: Redchurch Townhouse
If you’re looking for something special, it has to be Redchurch Townhouse. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel set inside a historic townhouse, right on Redchurch Street. It has excellent reviews, beautiful rooms, and Cecconi’s downstairs, which is one of my favourite Italian restaurants in London.
→ Check prices and availability for Redchurch Townhouse here.
Second Pick: One Hundred Shoreditch
If you’re after something more modern and distinctly East London, One Hundred Shoreditch is a great alternative. It has a trendier, more contemporary feel, with stylish rooms, a gym, co-working spaces and social areas that suit longer stays or anyone mixing sightseeing with work.
→ Check prices and availability for One Hundred Shoreditch here.
East London Weekend FAQs
Now that you’ve got your itinerary and accommodation sorted, here are a few of the most commonly asked questions to help you plan your East London weekend.
1. When Is the Best Time to Visit East London?
Early spring through to late autumn is ideal, especially if you want to enjoy all the outdoor markets, canals and outdoor seating. Weekends are great for atmosphere, particularly Saturdays for Broadway Market and Sundays for Columbia Road – as per this itinerary!
2. Is East London Good for First-Time Visitors?
Yes, especially if you’re more interested in local culture than ticking off landmarks. While it’s different from central London, East London is easy to get around, full of character, and a brilliant way to see a more creative, lived-in side of the city – it’s my favourite area of London!
3. Is East London Safe for Visitors and Tourists?
East London is safe, particularly in well-visited areas like Shoreditch, Hackney and Spitalfields. As with anywhere in London, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night, but most visitors have no issues. You can check out my guide to safety in Hackney for more information or to feel extra reassured.
Final Thoughts: Why East London Is Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
East London rewards slowing down. It’s chilled, creative and refreshingly non-touristy, with an endless supply of great food, excellent coffee, brilliant galleries and some of the city’s best parks. Whether you’re market-hopping, following the canal, or just chilling somewhere with a coffee, it’s a lovely area to be in. I know I’m not alone in thinking that East makes for a genuinely great weekend getaway and hopefully this itinerary has helped you plan your visit!
