What to do in East London

Activities, attractions and tours

East facade of the Tower of London
East facade of the Tower of London
London, England - Panoramic skyline of the famous bank district of London, the leading financial district of the world at sunset with skyscrapers and dark clouds
london royal victoria station
Tower Bridge shot from London Bridge with HMS Belfast in the foreground.
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Top places to visit

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 showing a bay or harbour, heritage architecture and a bridge

2. O2 Arena

O2 Arena was originally called the Millennium Dome. It was created to celebrate the beginning of the new millennium. Completed in 1999, The Dome initially housed the Millennium Experience, an exhibition consisting of exhibits, shows and entertainment honoring humankind’s achievements. The Dome’s vast interior has since been remodeled and today is one of London’s premier entertainment destinations.
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O2 Arena showing a river or creek and modern architecture

3. 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.

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 showing château or palace and heritage elements

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 which includes landscape views, a sunset and a river or creek

What to do in East London

Popular places to visit

Tower Bridge showing a bridge, heritage architecture and a river or creek

Tower Bridge

An engineering marvel, this London icon spans both the River Thames and the ages.

Tower Bridge
O2 Arena featuring modern architecture

O2 Arena

Created as the focal point of Britain’s millennium celebrations, today this architectural wonder offers a world of entertainment under one enormous roof.

O2 Arena
London Bridge showing a city

London Bridge

Known for its association with a well-known nursery rhyme, this iconic bridge has existed in various forms for more than 2,000 years.

London Bridge
Tower of London showing château or palace and heritage elements

Tower of London

One of the world’s most well-preserved medieval castles, this historic building is known for its fascinating and gruesome history.

Tower of London
Royal Victoria Dock Bridge and ExCeL London

ExCeL Exhibition Centre

Catch an event at ExCeL Exhibition Centre during your trip to London. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.

ExCeL Exhibition Centre
Liverpool Street

Liverpool Street

You can search for that perfect souvenir with a trip to Liverpool Street, a favourite shopping spot in London. While in this romantic area, you can savour the restaurants and bars.

Liverpool Street
Aerial view of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, showcasing its modern architecture and football pitch

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Catch an event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during your trip to London. Visit the notable monuments and shops in this vibrant area.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Finsbury park shades

Finsbury Park

After visiting Finsbury Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in London. Visit the shops and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Finsbury Park
The Shard featuring modern architecture, a river or creek and views

The Shard

Ascend to the observation deck of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe for unparalleled views of the London cityscape.

The Shard

Explore areas of East London

Canary Wharf showing a bridge, a city and a river or creek

Canary Wharf

4/5(517 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 showing street scenes and markets as well as a family

Shoreditch

4/5(72 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
GM16B5 London Olympic stadium 2012, Stratford, London, England, United Kingdom.

Stratford

Stratford is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Westfield Stratford City and Olympic Village. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Pudding Mill Lane Station or Leyton Underground Station.

Stratford
Tower Hamlets

Tower Hill

Tower Hill is highly notable for its fantastic nightlife, and you might want to visit top sights like Tower of London and St Katherine's Dock. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Tower Gateway DLR Station or Tower Hill Station.

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

Tower Hamlets

4/5(688 area reviews)

Consider exploring the stunning river views in Tower Hamlets. If sightseeing is on the list, Tower of London is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Limehouse DLR Station or Westferry Station to see more of the area.

Tower Hamlets
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Hackney

4/5(303 area reviews)

Enjoy the fantastic nightlife in Hackney. Shoreditch High St 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

Day trip destinations from East London

Piccadilly Circus featuring a city, city views and street scenes

London

Crowfoot Marsh. Dagenham East Parkland is a series of parks and nature reserves lying, mainly, to the West of the river Rom. It includes Dagenham Central Park, Eastbrookend Country Park, The Chase Nature Reserve and Beam Valley Country Park. Nearest station: Dagenham East.

Hornchurch

Foots Cray Meadows. Just upstream of the 18th century Five Arches bridge the river Cray broadens into a lake. Originally part of the Footscray Palace estate the area is now a nature reserve. Nearest station: Albany Park.

Sidcup

St Mary the Virgin parish church, Stapleford Tawney, Essex, England, seen from the west
Photo by Acabashi (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Romford

Beach hut row on the Norfolk coast

Welling

Historic old Windmill in Essex drone view

Upminster