Why Shoreditch is Our Favorite Place in London
Most of London’s tourist attractions lie at the center of the city, but the true spirit of London runs throughout the neighborhoods scattered about the city’s sprawling edges. Upon experiencing these less-traversed districts, it’s not hard to see that Britain’s capital city is full of creativity, diversity, and innovation. After we explored many of these hidden gems, we kept coming back to this one magnificent, festive neighborhood called Shoreditch. Shoreditch is hands-down our favorite place in London. Why? It’s home to an eclectic mix of art galleries, vintage shops, funky bars, and exquisite foods of all kinds. Here’s a closer look at some of the greatest experiences this lively neighborhood has to offer.
Street Art
The first thing you notice walking around Shoreditch is that there is street art everywhere. Every street brings a new wave of colors, shapes, and characters. All of this art comes together to pump surges of brilliant, colorful energy through the vibrant community. Lucky visitors to the Shoreditch area, like us, may even pass a few skilled artists painting away to make their own mark. A great place to wander and admire the art is Alien Gardens, where there is a large green space lined with walls covered in psychedelic street art.
Thrift Stores
Thrift shopping is so much fun because you never know what you’re going to find – it’s one of our favorite things to do. This is why we were delighted to be exploring Shoreditch, an area where it seems like there’s a different thrift shop around every corner. This abundance of unique vintage shops is just one aspect of Shoreditch that makes it stand out from the rest of London. We scored some great pieces at thrift stores Brick Lane Vintage and Vintage Basement.
Nightlife
Where can you find basement bars, laidback alehouses, patio parties, and chic cocktail lounges all in the same area of London? Shoreditch is your place, my friend. Considering the wide variety of trendy venues that exist in the area, it’s no wonder Shoreditch is known for its thriving nightlife scene. At The Big Chill, you can get a casual drink with your friends and enjoy an evening on the patio. If you’re looking for somewhere to dance and get rowdy, The London Cocktail Club is the venue for you. Booming party music and crazy-fun bartenders are what makes this basement bar a great spot to get jiggy with some friends. If you prefer something more contemporary and conversation-friendly, make sure to give Juju’s a visit. With its atmospheric music, purple lights, and large collection of indoor plants, this tucked-away lounge has perfected its easygoing, bohemian vibe. Regardless of your mood, Shoreditch is sure to have a place that will spice up your weekend plans.
Boxpark
It’d be a shame to write about Shoreditch and not mention Boxpark, the insanely cool pop-up shopping mall/food hub/bar made from recycled shipping containers. Boxpark is home to a host of temporary vendors which rotate out every 3-9 months. Trendy boutique shops line the outstretched ground floor of Boxpark, while food vendors occupy the upper level. The remarkable variety of cuisines available on the large spanned-out upper deck tastefully reflects the culture of the area and the types of food you will find throughout Shoreditch. After the end of the work day, this upper level of Boxpark turns into an animated party spot, complete with bartenders, music, and hookahs.
