Shoreditch is a huge draw for visitors to London. In the East End, but close to the centre of the city, it’s got real London heart and has become an attraction in its own right thanks to the flurry of independent restaurants, shops and cafés that have sprung up in the last decade. If you’re looking to live like a Londoner during your next visit, check out this rundown of the best Airbnbs to book in Shoreditch.
NYC-style penthouse loft
Homestay
This NYC-style penthouse loft sleeps up to 10 people | Courtesy of Hugh / Airbnb
This huge loft space is big enough to host 10 guests, so if you’re in town with a large group of friends, this could be the one. It’s just a short walk from Old Street station and it’s not unusual to see queues outside the buzzing brunch, lunch and dinner spots nearby. The decor is clean and fresh – think bright white with pops of primary colours – and the space is big enough for everyone to hang out comfortably without getting on top of one another. You’ll have to fight for the bedrooms – there are just two, and the rest of the beds are scattered throughout the space – but considering how close you are to Central London’s sights, you’re more likely to be exploring than worrying about sleeping arrangements.
Around the corner from Spitalfields and Shoreditch High Street, and close to both Liverpool Street and Old Street tube stations, this cosy en-suite studio in a Shoreditch loft has its own private entrance and offers guests complete privacy. Its large windows let in plenty of natural light, although dozing off for an afternoon nap should prove no trouble at all thanks to the fluffy feather duvet and pillows that are piled on the bed. The building has a lift, and the family-friendly apartment includes a big TV with streaming subscriptions, a minibar and a kitchen for guests to use. The owner, Sara, is also on hand for anything you need.
Who doesn’t love a converted warehouse in the city? This one is in the heart of Shoreditch, just a short walk from Hoxton Square, Brick Lane and Columbia Road Flower Market. The contemporary, open-plan living space is newly decorated, mixing exposed brick, frosted glass and minimalist furniture, and its two bedrooms and bathrooms make it ideal for couples or a family of four.
On Sundays, half of London seems to descend on Columbia Road Flower Market, the city’s one-stop shop for all things floral, but you can beat the crowds by staying in this glorious one-bedroom flat just a stone’s throw away. If flowers aren’t really your thing, it’s also within walking distance of Hoxton, Whitechapel and the rest of Shoreditch, or you can relax on the roof terrace, which has panoramic views of the skyline and is perfect for people watching. With one bedroom and one bathroom, it’s just the right size for two or for a solo traveller, and the decor is a trendy mixture of bright furniture backed by dark walls and floors.
As stylish as you would expect an architect’s apartment to be, this warehouse loft feels like a rock star’s pad thanks to its minimalist furniture, factory-style windows, old wooden beams and well-placed musical instruments. As if that isn’t cool enough, there’s even a hammock in the main living area. Luckily for you, it’s on Airbnb, so you don’t need a back catalogue of platinum albums to stay here. It’s big enough for four, with two bedrooms and one bathroom, and Kelly, the owner, is a Superhost, so you know you’ll be in good hands during your stay.
