Things To Do And See In Bethnal Green

Shoreditch’s rough-and-ready neighbour Bethnal Green has managed to remain an authentically East End ’hood despite the steady spread of gentrification. For every new coffee shop and cocktail bar that crops up in the area, you’ll find a family-run restaurant and a traditional boozer not far away.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Bag some bargain blooms at Columbia Road Flower Market

Market

East London’s vibrant Sunday flower market is a local favourite. Here, you can barter with market stall merchants for everything from houseplants and fresh bouquets to succulents and seeds. Columbia Road is well worth a visit from Monday to Saturday, too: the lack of Sunday crowds leaves you free to wander the street’s many independent businesses, including art galleries, antique stores, homeware boutiques and even an old-school sweet shop.

Take a trip down memory lane at the V&A Museum of Childhood

Museum
The Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood is London’s most nostalgic museum, showcasing dollhouses, action figures, teddy bears and various other childhood objects dating as far back as the 1700s. Alongside its permanent collections, Bethnal Green’s toy museum hosts film screenings, workshops for kids and inspiring exhibitions. Admission is free.

Have a proper ‘caff’ experience at E Pellicci

Cafe, Restaurant, British

Run by the same family for over a century, this much-loved café on Bethnal Green Road is a must for breakfast or lunch – even if just for the cool Art Deco interior. The place is small and always busy, but known for its incredibly friendly, hospitable atmosphere. You’ll leave with a smile on your face and, if you’re lucky, some free bread-and-butter pudding.

Get rowdy (and raunchy) at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club

Gastropub, Nightclub, Pub Grub

A working men’s club since 1887, this East End institution remains London’s go-to spot for a night of proper entertainment. With a roster of offbeat events ranging from comedy and cabaret to panto and burlesque, the club proudly supports local performers and creatives, as long as it’s a party worth throwing. Head here for everything kitschy and kinky – just leave your pretensions at the door.

Find your inner Zen at London Buddhist Centre

Buddhist Temple
Down the road from Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club is London Buddhist Centre, the perfect place to cleanse your chakra after all that debauchery. Offering drop-in yoga classes, meditation and mindfulness courses and even creative writing workshops and film nights, the centre is a tranquil respite from city living.

Eat like an East Ender at G Kelly Pie and Mash

Restaurant, British
If you’re looking for bona fide East End grub, look no further than G Kelly. An acclaimed pie shop serving up jellied eels, classic meat pies and mashed potatoes, head here for hearty meals that will fill you up without emptying your purse.

Catch local stand-ups at Backyard Comedy Club

Bar, Pub Grub
This Bethnal Green comedy club is one of London’s best, biggest and longest-standing comedy venues, and is owned by British stand-up and TV regular Lee Hurst. Big names and bright newcomers take to the stage almost every night of the week, and customers are free to enjoy table football, ping-pong and board games. It’s the perfect place for a cheap and cheerful evening out.

Test your knowledge at The Star of Bethnal Green’s quiz

Pub, Pub Grub, Vegetarian,
A friendly, modern boozer that’s become a hit with E2’s bright young things, The Star of Bethnal Green is a must-visit for its Tuesday quiz night. With a boisterous quizmaster and extra points available for dancing during the music round, the quiz night is a regular on lists of the best things to do in London. The pub’s bottomless brunch and raucous karaoke room also draw in locals.

Go to Repton Boxing Club and learn about the history of the sport

Gym
A legendary old boxing gym once frequented by the Kray twins, Repton Boxing Club allows visitors to learn about the history of boxing in the East End and get a first-hand insight into its modern-day significance. It’s housed in a Victorian bathhouse, and you’ll find walls adorned with boxing posters dating back to the ’50s, framed photographs, vintage punching bags and, of course, a huge boxing ring.

Enjoy a French cocktail at Coupette

Bar, Cocktail Bar, French, $
Of all the new cocktail bars opening in the area, Coupette is the slickest of the bunch. It was set up by former head bartender at the Savoy’s Beaufort Bar, Chris Moore. Expect immaculately concocted drinks using regional French liqueurs and a menu of classic French dishes, including confit duck leg and croque-monsieur.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.