10 Things To Do In East London: From History To Hipster

So, you’ve sorted accommodation in London City, and now you’re looking for things to do during your stay. Peak all your interests by delving into the more unusual side of London and checking out some of the city’s unique historical locations. The capital is full of world-famous museums, attractions and exhibitions which are always worth a visit. In a city as vast, sprawling and packed with history as London, there’s always a weird ‘n’ wonderful way to entertain yourself.

At the Montcalm Chiswell Street, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to find all the things you want during your stay. So, we’ve created a list of the freakiest and most fantastic things to do during your next visit.

1. Vintage clothing markets

The many vintage clothing markets and stores in Shoreditch are fantastic for the environmentally conscious fashionistas. If you love your fashion, searching for a bargain and saving the planet all at the same time, spending some time in London’s vintage clothing markets should be the first stop for you. The Montcalm Chiswell Street is close to many of the city’s best vintage clothing markets with The Vintage Market, Alfie’s Antique Market and St Cyr Vintage all within a half-hour tube ride.

2. Explore local, historical sites

If it’s a little slice of history you’re looking for, you’re in luck. London is full of unique historical sights, and few have a more interesting history than the Tower of London. Plus, from here you can quickly head across to the Olympic Park at Stratford and reminisce about Britain’s glory years.

3. Independent cinemas and theatres

Theatre-lovers are never short of things to do in London. Whatever accommodation in London City you choose to stay in, you’re never far from an artsy or theatrical location. There are several great spots where you can see bold new dramatic works, including the Hackney Showroom, or you can head to Mile End Road for an independent cinema experience.

4. Explore London’s Markets

If you love exploring market stalls, London is the place for you. Columbia Road’s flower market can brighten any day, regardless of what the British weather throws at you. You’ll also find a wealth of hidden treasures at Brick Lane market.

5. Cereal cafes

London’s cereal cafes are a great place to fuel yourself for the day and get your fill of nostalgia at the same time. Most are open throughout the day too so that you can stop in for lunch or a quick snack. Cereal cafes specialise in cereal, and they’ll usually stock any cereal you can think of. They’re the height of millennial, hipster culture.

6. Check out the museums

London is full of museums. Some are more traditional, while others are a little more off-the-wall. There are so many museums in London that they should have a list all of their own. But, for now, here are some of the best museums for combining hipster culture with the historical.

• Museum of Curiosities – The Museum of Curiosities is as weird and wonderful as it sounds. The museum displays an alternative view of the world’s history through wondrous and curious artefacts.
• Sir John Soane’s Museum – When Sir John Soane wasn’t designing notable buildings such as the original Bank of England, he obsessively collected art, furniture and architectural ornamentation. He collected so much that in the nineteenth century, he turned his house into a museum. Initially, access was only provided to amateurs and students to admire his collection. Now it’s open for everyone and completely free to enter.
• The Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood – This is the younger sister of one of London’s most famous and excellent museums. It’s filled with plenty of displays and artefacts to entertain and delight kids of all kinds and ages.

7. Art galleries

London is a hub of new and upcoming artists, so there are plenty of places where you can check out new artistic talents. Rich Mix is a creative centre in Shoreditch that displays some of the most eye-catching and popping works from up and coming artists.

8. Street Art

Shoreditch gets much of its uniqueness, and special atmosphere through it’s bright and ever-changing scenery thanks to its bustling street art scene. It’s worth taking some time to walk through the streets of Shoreditch and appreciating the way every surface is used as a canvas for art. Seven Stars Yard, Princelet Street and Brick Lane are some of the best streets to find genuinely unique and awe-inspiring pieces.

9. God’s Own Junkyard

God’s Own Junkyard is an art gallery of such uniqueness that it required a mention separate from other galleries in London. Less of a gallery and more of a salvage yard showcase of the incredible one-of-a-kind works of Chris Bracey. Displaying a range of pieces from his signage for Soho sex clubs of the 60s to pieces that were used in movies such as Captain America, Eyes Wide Shut and Byzantium to name but a few. The yard also has its own cafe on-site, so you can sit back and enjoy a quick snack or light lunch and a drink while you take in all the dazzling wonders you’ve just seen.

10. House of Dreams

Down what looks like a perfectly ordinary street in East Dulwich, you’ll find a perfectly abnormal-looking house. House of Dreams takes the concept of one man’s trash is another man’s treasure to an all-new extreme. Designed by artist Stephen Wright, House of Dreams is entirely unique in that almost every available surface is covered in kitschy mosaics. It’s only open on a few days of the year so plan carefully to catch your chance.

There are plenty of experiences in London that perfectly combine the hipster culture with an appreciation of London’s vast history. Moreover, many of them are just a short distance from the Montcalm on Chiswell Street so you can head back from a day of exploring and creating fascinating memories to relax in luxury. Book now!