a citizen's guide to Shoreditch London

a bartender in London pouring drinks in front of the customers

say hello to Shoreditch

Urban explorers, meet Shoreditch, one of London's coolest neighbourhoods. Imagine an offbeat playground where creativity is the currency and eclectic is the norm. With its blend of art, fashion, food and nightlife, Shoreditch knows how to make a statement – and boy, does it do it with style! Want to explore more of London? Read through our ultimate guide about the best neighbourhoods in London and get ready to travel like a local.

where is Shoreditch?

Let’s start with the basics: where is it? Shoreditch is in the middle of East End of London, flanked by Clerkenwell, Islington, the City and Bethnal Green. Its heart? Old Street – the lifeline connecting you to the rest of the city.

how to get there

Getting to Shoreditch is a piece of cake. Head to The Tube, aka the Underground Metro, and hop onto the Northern Line. If being above ground is more your style, then hobble on over to Shoreditch High Street station and catch an Overground Metro. And if you’re coming straight from London Heathrow airport, call over the cab and you’ll be in town within the hour!

things to do

pink and black mural on building wall alongside a yellow bicycle

street art

Art enthusiasts, Shoreditch is a living canvas! The area is famous for its vibrant and ever-changing street art, with murals, stencils, and installations adorning its walls and lanes. We're about to take you on a graffiti-filled joyride through the colourful chaos and creative spirit of Shoreditch. These are our best places to see Shoreditch's street art:

  1. Fashion Street: This isn't your run-of-the-mill art museum. Get your Instagram ready for murals that make the walls sashay like a runway model. Now, that's fashion!
  2. Chance Street: Take a chance on Chance Street – where every square foot screams creativity, with a mashup of styles and techniques.
  3. Redchurch Street: Shoreditch’s edgy street art meets independent flair, with bold murals and urban masterpieces. It’s the perfect place to soak in the vibrant creative pulse of East London.
  4. Ebor Street & Sclater Street: Uncover secret masterpieces at every turn. It's like an Easter egg hunt, but for street art lovers.
  5. Hanbury Street: Say hello to the street that serves as a canvas of striking street art, where iconic works like ROA’s crane leave a lasting impression.
  6. Great Eastern Street, Whitby Street & New Inn Yard: Welcome to the neighbourhood of artistic metamorphosis. Blink and you might miss a fresh splash of genius on these ever-changing streets.
  7. Brick Lane: Not just a curry hub! Be ready to be swept away in a colour whirlwind. Forget the yellow brick road, this lane's all about the technicolour dream murals.
  8. Shoreditch High Street: Feel the pulse of Shoreditch's creative heart in this bustling street, where the concrete canvas tells a thousand tales.

events in Shoreditch 2025

Craftworks Trade Show: If you’re looking to enjoy a 3-day bender of arts and crafts from around the world, the Craftworks Trade Show is a must visit. Located in the Shoreditch Town Hall from the 15th to 17th of May, exciting events like exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and insightful talks fill the Town Hall.

Darkfield at the Ditch: Immerse yourself in a sensory experience from the 1st to 12th of April. Blending cutting-edge technology with theatrical storytelling, this unique event transports audiences into a world where space, sound, and sensation collide. Prepare for this perception challenging, boundary pushing journey (only if you dare).

SXSW London: For the business citizens that are looking for a hub filled with innovation and creativity, SXSW London is for you. From the 2nd to 7th of June, 2025, this festival will feature engaging keynotes, music showcases, and tech, gaming, and screen exhibitions all over Shoreditch! Make sure to stay at one of our citizenM London locations to be in the center of it all.

markets in Shoreditch

A busy day inside the Borough Market in London with customers sitting and enjoying food and drinks

From the flower-strewn streets and mouthwatering street food to hidden vintage gems and sustainable treasures, there's something to tickle every kind of fancy. Interested in all the popping London markets? Head to our London’s best markets guide to get the inside scoop.

  1. Old Spitalfields Market: Dive into this diverse market bursting with vintage clothing, intriguing trinkets, and global cuisine. It's an eclectic mix that will undoubtedly have you charmed at first glance.
  2. Broadway Market: Visit this food lover’s paradise for a perfect weekend wander and a bite from some of the artisanal street food, fresh produce, and quirky stalls. 
  3. Columbia Road Flower Market: A Sunday staple for every flower lover. The street turns into a floral oasis, perfuming the air with a fresh, natural scent that's truly intoxicating.
  4. Sunday UpMarket at The Old Truman Brewery: With a fusion of street food, indie fashion, and cool art, the Sunday UpMarket is for you. It’s where East London’s creative energy comes to life, making it a must-visit. 
  5. Brick Lane Market: Your go-to for a lively mélange of antique goods, irresistible street food, and avant-garde designer pieces. It's a treasure hunt with an urban twist.
  6. Backyard Market: Take a detour into this hidden gem teeming with handcrafted jewelry, unique art, and vintage fashion. A discovery to make every visit feel special.
  7. Boxpark: This shipping container turned retail park offers a mix of lip-smacking street food, indie shops, and a buzz that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Shoreditch. Modernity meets marketplace - it's a can't-miss end to your market adventure. And the best part is that it is a 3 minute walk to our lovely citizenM Shoreditch hotel, score!

a customer shuffling through paintings at an outside shop surrounded by beautiful plants

shops and boutiques in Shoreditch

Fashionistas, rejoice! Shoreditch is a treasure trove of boutique clothing stores, high-end fashion outlets, and vintage shops. Visit the likes of Goodhood, A.P.C, and Labour and Wait for unique finds. For thrift shoppers, Beyond Retro and Brick Lane Market offer a cornucopia of vintage and second-hand items. Don't forget to check out Flat Iron Square, a haven for artisan crafts and homeware. Can’t get enough? Explore the best markets to visit in London.

bottomless brunch

What’s a better way to start your day off than a bottomless brunch? Head to ‘Serata Hall, where you have two hours of free-flowing drinks paired with delicious wood-fired pizzas. The opportunity to mix and match your drinks for a personalised experience is endless. 

Hungry for some island vibes? 'Ma Petite Jamaica' is calling. Get ready to experience Camden's Caribbean carnival, right on your plate. Their bottomless brunch has jerk dishes and rum cocktails that’ll make you sway to a reggae beat.

Looking for a bottomless brunch with a twist? 'Ballie Ballerson' is your jam. Picture this: diving into a ball pit with a Prosecco in one hand and a pizza slice in the other. Adulting has never been this fun.

Want some tunes to go along with your mimosa? ‘Barrio Shoreditchbrings the bass to your two-course menu including latin-inspired meals with DJs and live music. Join the vibrant, party-infused brunch with some friends (and maybe hop in on the dance-offs and singalongs). 

Finally, if you love a good game with your grub, 'Fight Club Shoreditch' is a must. With their darts-themed brunches, they offer you a chance to unleash your competitive spirit while enjoying an array of mouthwatering food and drinks. And with their bottomless pizza, the only fight will be against your waistband. So grab your brunch squad and hit these spots - Shoreditch is ready to serve up the bottomless fun.

Cute, pink coffee sign in London stating, "May your coffee kick in before reality does."

best coffee spots

Now let's talk coffee. Start at Ozone Coffee Roasters, an offbeat New Zealand outfit where the beans are as fresh as a daisy and the grub is yum! Coffee and cats? Count us in! Make your way to Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium for a fur-tastic time – because what’s better than cuddling with cute kitties while sipping on a latte? For those looking for a bit of the Med in their life, head to Kybelle. This charming cafe blends Mediterranean flavours with expertly brewed coffee. Fawn over the inviting menu filled with vibrant, fresh dishes alongside your fresh cuppa. Shoreditch coffee spots - as wonderfully unique as our lobbies and as comfy as our XL king-size beds.

nightlife

A bar in London with an arrow-shaped sign stating, "Craft cans & shots."

If Shoreditch knows one thing, it's how to party. The nightlife is as diverse as it is electric, and rest assured, safety is never compromised. Live music, DJ sets, cosy pubs - your night is what you make of it.

best bars in Shoreditch

When the city lights sparkle, head to a rooftop bar for an astonishing view of the London skyline, or sip a cocktail at one of the many trendy bars.

  1. Nightjar: Step back in time at this cool spot. Nightjar's unique 1920s theme and creative cocktails make it a top choice for anyone looking for a bit of old-school glamour.
  2. Happiness Forgets: This relaxed basement bar is all about chilled-out vibes. Come for the excellent drinks, stay for the cozy, unpretentious atmosphere.
  3. Callooh Callay: Known for their creative menu, Callooh Callay offers surprise and delight with their classic cocktails and unexpected concoctions, making it the perfect place to sip and savour.
  4. The Seed Library: With its terrazzo tables, cool pine panelling and soft 1960s-stylings, this low-lit basement bar is Mad Men is

best restaurants in Shoreditch

Take yourself on a culinary adventure through the bustling streets of Shoreditch, London's go-to enclave for the food-obsessed.

  1. Dishoom: Brace your tastebuds – the flavours, scents and stories of Bombay's Irani cafés live in every morse at Dishoom, arguably London’s most beloved Indian restaurant. The narrative of this country is rich, and so is its food, which you'll discover bite by delectable bite here. Come hungry!
  2. Gloria: Next, shimmy on over to Gloria for the best of Italy, served with style. This delightfully flamboyant trattoria is a jamboree of classic old-world charm and belly-filling deliciousness. Taste, sight, smell – it's an all-out sensory carnival, the Italian way.
  3. The Clove Club: This restaurant is a staple in experimenting with traditional British cuisine. With a Michelin star to its name, The Clove Club’s tasting menu is a must-experience for anyone looking for fine dining while celebrating local culture.
  4. Brat: Brat summer? More like Brat forever! This Basque inspired restaurant showcases their grilling skills with their open-fire dishes like turbot and ox heart. Their casual atmosphere is mixed with their elegant and hearty food for some fire-kissed magic.
  5. Manteca: From hearty pasta dishes to succulent meats and fresh seafood, every bite is a celebration of Italian culinary tradition. Manteca invites you to experience the warmth and hospitality of Italy right here in Shoreditch. Then enjoy a nice, 3 minute walk back to your cosy bed at our citizenM London Shoreditch hotel right around the corner.
  6. Flat Iron: Last, but far from least, Flat Iron – the temple of simplicity. When you do steak this well, the frills are irrelevant. Sit down for a simple meal – a steak, perfectly cooked, and a side or two. Divine.

As we come to the end of our Shoreditch expedition, it’s clear that this city should not be overlooked. With its vibrant neighbourhoods filled with creativity, culture, and culinary delights, Shoreditch has something for everyone. So soak in the street art, enjoy bottomless brunch, or even dine at one of their iconic restaurants, you will not be disappointed.

Hotel living room with modern, designer Vitra furniture and colourful murals

where to stay in Shoreditch

Arguably the most important question of all, where to crash after a day of art and adventure? You've got options aplenty, from swanky hotels to the urban chic citizenM Shoreditch (we couldn’t help ourselves). Cosy, stylish, and smack in the middle of all the action – that's us for you.

There you go, urban explorers – your guide to Shoreditch. It's quirky, it's creative and it's waiting for you. So put on your best adventurer hat and dive right in!