Things to do in East London

Activities, attractions and tours

Tower Bridge shot from London Bridge with HMS Belfast in the foreground.
Tower Bridge shot from London Bridge with HMS Belfast in the foreground.
If London is the most photographed city in the world, then Tower Bridge, surely is the most photographed bridge. Often described is the gateway to London, the bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of London. #Architecture.
East London
The previously well preserved skyline of London is changing fast. Following in the footsteps of Canary Wharf, new high-rise buildings are popping up every year. The most recent was the "Walkie-Talkie" building that became famous for it's ability to melt cars. ;) #Blue #Architecture
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Top places to visit

1. 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 which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

2. Tower Bridge

Situated just outside tower hill, the colossal gothic towers straddling the River Thames are a welcoming sight for locals and visitors alike. Soaring majestically up into the London city skyline, Tower Bridge enables around 40,000 vehicles to cross the River Thames every day.
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Tower Bridge featuring a bay or harbor, a bridge and heritage 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 which includes a castle 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 showing a river or creek, a sunset and modern architecture

What to do in East London

Popular places to visit

O2 Arena which includes modern architecture

O2 Arena

4.5/5(625 reviews)

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
Tower Bridge showing a river or creek, a bridge and night scenes

Tower Bridge

4.5/5(1,137 reviews)

A marvel of engineering, this iconic landmark has for centuries been at the forefront of London’s epic skyline.

Tower Bridge
London Bridge featuring a city

London Bridge

4.5/5(353 reviews)

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 which includes a castle and heritage elements

Tower of London

4.5/5(910 reviews)

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

Tower of London
London_ExcelExhibitionCentre_6046590-3

ExCeL Exhibition Centre

4/5(127 reviews)

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

The Shard

4.5/5(419 reviews)

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

The Shard
Finsbury park shades

Finsbury Park

4/5(4 reviews)

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
Liverpool Street

Liverpool Street

4/5(110 reviews)

During your trip to London, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Liverpool Street. While in this romantic area, you can savour the restaurants and bars.

Liverpool Street
The Home of Football #fb #arsenalfc

Emirates Stadium

4/5(9 reviews)

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

Emirates Stadium

Areas of East London

Canary Wharf showing central business district, a bridge and a city

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 which includes markets and street scenes 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 London Stadium. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Pudding Mill Lane Station or Leyton Underground Station.

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

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
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
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
London

London

Photo by Robert Heathman

Woodford Green

Photo by Benjamin Willard

Sidcup

Barnet

Barnet

Photo by Benjamin Willard

Purfleet

Epping Forest showing forest scenes and autumn leaves

Loughton

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