Things to do in East London

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Canary Wharf showing a city, a high rise building and modern architecture
Canary Wharf which includes modern architecture and a city
London featuring skyline, a skyscraper and a city
Tower Bridge which includes a monument, street scenes and signage
Tower Bridge which includes a monument, a bridge and heritage architecture

East London Attractions

Find out what makes East London tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Browse through our top {671 fun activities in East London fun activities in East London}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.


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East London must see attractions

1. Tower Bridge

For London locals, Tower Bridge is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, ushering 40,000 vehicles safely across the Thames daily. However, for many visitors, the sight of the dual Gothic towers rising above the skyline is a must-see.
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Tower Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a bridge and a bay or harbor

2. London Bridge

London Bridge is easily one of the most famously named bridges in the world, and the site of the oldest recorded crossing of the River Thames. Walk across the landmark structure, enjoy gorgeous river views and pick up insights into the bridge’s history in its underground vaults.
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The view across London Bridge showing the walkie talkie (voted the ugliest building in the UK) the gherkin and the razor.

3. O2 Arena

The O2 Arena is an award-winning complex that hosts many types of events, such as sports and music. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000 and has held the title as the busiest arena in the world with more than 2 million ticket sales in a calendar year. It was designed with excellent acoustics to prevent echoing.
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O2 Arena which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

4. Tower of London

The Tower of London is among Britain’s top tourist attractions. Although it’s mainly known as a place of imprisonment and execution, this remarkable building has also served as palace, mint, archive, armory, barracks and royal menagerie over the years. See the legendary crown jewels and learn about the tower’s often brutal history.
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Tower of London which includes heritage elements and a castle

5. The Shard

The Shard is a 95-story pyramidal tower with upscale restaurants, a luxury hotel, offices and a viewing gallery. Admire the futuristic design of this glassy skyscraper and its distinctive splintered summit.
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The Shard featuring a sunset, a river or creek and modern architecture

What to do in East London

Free Things to Do in East London

Touring on a tight budget in East London? Spend time, not your paycheck, on fantastic experiences.

Vestry House Museum - Check if there are any special exhibits, displays or guided tours on at this fascinating museum.

The View Tube - Satiate your passion for arts and culture here and see creativity at work.

Mudchute Park and Farm - Animals are extraordinary, and you'll be able to keep company with some cool ones here.

Hainault Forest Country Park - Give the kids a good time or let your own inner child run free — this attraction simply screams fun.

University of East London, Docklands Campus - Be wowed by the design and ingenuity of this fantastic example of modern architecture.

Three Mills - If you enjoy delving into the past, this is one attraction you really should visit.

Surrey Quays - Spend a while in this bustling location and imagine what life would be like as a local.

Goodmayes Hospital - If you want to see a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, this place is worth a visit.

The Hospital Chapel of St Mary & St Thomas - Work on your spiritual side or simply soak up the tranquil ambiance at this site of worship.

Greenwich Park - Contemplate the stark contrast between the urban jungle and nature's rugged beauty at this special place.

Plashet Park - If you take pleasure in digging about the garden, this place will excite your green thumb.

Things to Do in East London with Kids

East London is an excellent destination for a family vacation. Bring the little ones along and enjoy these fun family friendly experiences together:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in East London? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in East London

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in East London

Canary Wharf featuring city views, a bridge and a river or creek

Canary Wharf

4/5(168 area reviews)

Wander around London’s financial district in the scenic docklands with the tallest skyscrapers in the city. They are home to some of the world’s biggest companies.

Canary Wharf
London featuring markets and street scenes as well as a family

Shoreditch

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

Colorful murals decorate the streets, restaurants serve up delicious global cuisine and markets offer antiques and vintage fashion in this buzzing neighborhood.

Shoreditch
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Stratford

Westfield Stratford City and London Stadium are top sights in Stratford, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Pudding Mill Lane Station or Leyton Underground Station to see more sights in the area.

Stratford
Tower Hamlets

Tower Hill

From a storied castle, ancient churches and historical marketplace to contemporary skyscrapers, this district is a showcase of both old and new London.

Tower Hill
Tower Bridge showing a bridge, street scenes and heritage architecture

Tower Hamlets

4.5/5(598 area reviews)

Markets for flowers, fashion and food provide a sense of local culture, while the Crown Jewels and futuristic skyscrapers showcase the district’s glitzy glimmer.

Tower Hamlets
London featuring markets and street scenes as well as a family

Hackney

4/5(260 area reviews)

Enjoy the fantastic nightlife in Hackney. Hackney Empire is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at London Fields Overground Station or Manor House Underground Station to see more of London.

Hackney

 

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Popular day trips from East London

Frequently asked questions

What to do in East London on a sunny day?
What to do in East London on a rainy day?
There's no need to splish and splash your way through a rainy day when there are awesome indoor activities to enjoy:


What is East London famous for?
No stay in East London is truly complete without dropping by Tower of London and London Stadium.
What should I not miss in East London?
Don't venture home without ticking off the following inspiring sights:

  • O2 Arena
  • Tower Bridge
  • Excel Exhibition Centre
  • The Gherkin

Are there cheap things to do in East London?
What can you do in East London for free?
Your vacation in East London won't cost a fortune with free things like these on offer:

  • Borough Market
  • Greenwich Park
  • Royal Exchange
  • The Shard

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