If London were a dinner party, East London would be that one guest who shows up in vintage dungarees, brings a homemade cocktail, and knows where the afterparty is. It’s creative, a little chaotic, and always full of surprises.
Whether you’re new to the city, visiting for a weekend, or just tired of the same old spots, East London’s got something for every mood—laid-back Sundays, edgy nights out, or wholesome date ideas you didn’t know you needed. Here’s a handpicked guide to the best things to do in East London.
- Make Your Own Pizza at Gallio in Canary Wharf 🍕
Let’s kick things off with one of the most satisfying, delicious activities around—pizza making at Gallio – in the heart of Canary Wharf. Yes, Canary Wharf might be all shiny towers and suits at first glance, but scratch the surface and you’ll find a lot more going on—especially when it comes to food and fun.
Gallio is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a cosy, modern feel. Their pizza-making experience is ideal whether you’re on a date, a team outing, or just want to learn how not to tear your dough in half (we’ve all been there). You’ll get to knead, stretch, and top your own artisan pizza before it hits their stone oven. And while it bakes? You’re sipping a cocktail, chatting with your group, and probably getting hungry all over again.
If you’re looking for things to do in Canary Wharf that go beyond the basic brunch or after-work pint, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s interactive, relaxed, and a little bit messy—in the best way.
- Get Lost in Hackney Wick’s Warehouse Wonderland
Over in Hackney Wick, things are a little less polished, but 10x cooler. Once an industrial zone, it’s now a buzzing maze of graffiti-covered warehouses, canalside bars, and unexpected art installations. Wander around and you’ll find breweries in old factories, rooftop cinemas, and the kind of impromptu DJ sets that make you cancel your plans for the next day.
Crate Brewery and Howling Hops are local legends—think craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, and waterfront views. If you’re lucky, you might stumble into an open studio or a pop-up vintage market. It’s gritty, vibrant, and still feels like a local secret… just don’t tell too many people.
- Columbia Road Flower Market (Even If You Don’t Know a Peony from a Petunia)
On Sundays, East London puts on its prettiest face. Columbia Road Flower Market is a sensory overload in the best possible way—bright colours, floral scents, and market traders shouting over each other like it’s a sport. Whether you actually need a houseplant or not, you’ll probably walk away with one. Or five.
Surrounding the market are cute independent shops, vintage homeware spots, and cafés serving up everything from cinnamon buns to espresso martinis (no judgement). Arrive early if you want the best pick, or go late for the cheeky end-of-day bargains.
- Discover Fun in the Sky at Skylight Tobacco Dock
If rooftop views are your thing, Skylight at Tobacco Dock is one of East London’s best-kept secrets. It’s the kind of place that transforms with the seasons—summer is all about cocktails, pétanque, and big open skies; in winter, it turns into a cosy haven with igloos, hot toddies, and skyline views dusted with frost.
It’s a proper ‘wow’ spot for first dates or group hangouts, and unlike some rooftops, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. There are games to play, blankets to snuggle under, and enough food trucks to keep your stomach and your Instagram feed happy.
- Brick Lane: Still Cool (and Still Smells Like Bagels)
You can’t talk about the best things to do in East London without a shout-out to Brick Lane. It’s one of those places where every time you visit, you find something new: a different pop-up gallery, a street performer who’s genuinely good, or a vintage jacket that somehow actually fits.
The vintage shops here are legendary—bargain bins, retro treasures, and yes, the occasional “how is this £90?” moment. Stop at Beigel Bake for their salt beef special (open 24/7 for the night owls), or wander into the Truman Brewery for anything from indie markets to photography exhibits.
- Canary Wharf: More Than Just Skyscrapers
Let’s go back to Canary Wharf for a sec, because it deserves more credit than it gets. Once just a concrete jungle of finance bros and chain cafés, it’s now full of surprising gems. From rooftop gardens to open-air art trails and waterside restaurants, it’s quietly become one of London’s more underrated hangout zones.
Events like Gallio’s pizza-making class are a perfect example of how the area’s reinventing itself. You’ve also got the Crossrail Place Roof Garden (yep, a tropical garden on top of a shopping mall), and regular seasonal pop-ups—think ice rinks in winter and big screens for Wimbledon in summer.
So, if someone says there are no fun things to do in Canary Wharf, they’re either not looking hard enough—or they just haven’t been to Gallio yet.
Final Thoughts: East London’s Got Layers
East London isn’t polished. It’s not trying to be. But that’s what makes it one of the best areas in London to explore. Whether you’re crafting the perfect pizza in Canary Wharf, sipping beer in a graffiti-clad brewery, or elbowing your way through a flower market with a coffee in hand, there’s always something happening around the corner.
It’s a part of the city that never really sits still—so go on, get out there, and see what East London’s got lined up for you.
