Unique Things To Do In Shoreditch

The Arcanist's Tavern is located on Hackney Road, a queer-owned immersive tabletop gaming cafe that hosts some of the most unique events around. They have over 300 different games to choose from, with custom tables for TTRPGs and Wargaming and a Board Game Library to make use of.

They hold gaming nights that help you meet likeminded individuals to play against, as well as quiz nights and beginners Dungeons and Dragons sessions. Plus, they serve up RPG themed cocktails, specialty coffee and tasty eats from the cafe and bar.

Having started in 1866, Columbia Road Flower Market is historic and a right of passage for anyone venturing to East London. Wake up early to make the most of the stalls, with a fresh pastry and coffee in hand from one of the many surrounding bakeries (our favourite is Pophams), then make a day of it by hitting up some of the gorgeous pubs that line its streets. Our favourite? Royal Oak, for its movie and TV appearances (a favourite in the Kray twins films), as well as its expert British fare. 

Hijingo is a unique bar in Shoreditch that provides hours of thrilling entertainment to its visitors. Expect Tokyo Nights-inspired interiors, incredible gameplay with top-quality sound and special effects, along with some seriously impressive prizes up for grabs. For a multi-sensory bingo experience like no other, this is the place for you, whether you're celebrating a birthday or hen do, or simply looking for an alternative trip out. Head down for its brunch on Saturdays and Sundays where, from £45 per person, you'll be able to enjoy free-flowing beer and prosecco alongside the regular, exhilarating madness.

The Brush can be found at art'otel London Hoxton, and their Live DJ Weekend Brunch takes place from 12 to 4pm every Saturday. You'll find a different DJ performing each time, so each session has a different vibe, with tickets starting from £25 per person.

You can add on cocktails and prosecco to your feast, with dishes including smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, bacon cheeseburgers or coconut and berry pancakes.

One of the most unique events around, Avora is the magical immersive experience created by the team behind Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon. This brand new world is filled with mystical, luminous woodlands, where you'll chat to interactive actors and admire the mesmerising set design as it changes from day to night. 

Don your custom made jumpsuits and set off off on your mission, which begins with a scientific briefing at Roscorp Laboratory. You'll take part in all kinds of quirky challenges and tasks on your adventure, while sipping on the three unique cocktails included in your ticket price.

Step into the ring (well, studio) and discover the thrill of circus arts at the National Centre for Circus Arts. Their Circus Experience afternoons let you soar on the trapeze, balance on the tightwire, master aerial silks, and try your hand at acrobatics.

Whether you're a total beginner or a secret show-off, this is your opportunity to learn from the pros and experience the magic of the circus firsthand with tickets from £45 per person. 

On the hunt for things to do in Shoreditch daytime-wise? Look no further than Tonight Josephine. This pretty-in-pink party hub will fulfil your need to dance with its cool range of themed shindigs dedicated to pop icons, ABBA and it's even getting on the cowboy hype with its own Hoedown bottomless brunch, with tickets starting from £39 per person. On top of that, there are karaoke events, not to mention delicious cocktails like the cranberry-flavoured Rose Petal and the refreshing London Lady Sling. 

London's first prison-themed immersive cocktail bar takes pride of place along Brick Lane. Alcotraz is a truly unique drinking experience that'll have you don the famous orange jumpsuits and get thrown into an exciting world of mischief fuelled by contraband concoctions. If you're looking to spice up date night, its up there with the best things to do in Shoreditch for couples - just make your way past the eagle-eyed warden without being caught and lose yourself in a world of theatrics paired with inmates who, quite literally, serve. 

Let's brunch and boogie, baby. Start your Saturday right with some hip hop, afrobeats and R&B goodness at the Hip Hop Orchestra Brunch in Blues Kitchen Shoreditch. Get your groove on from £15 per person and feast on some yummy BBQ bites while you sip on bottomless booze. Yes, you heard that right. Every weekend brings popcorn squid, Big Boss Burgers filled with brisket and onions, and taco bowls to the mouths of music lovers, alongside bloody marys to wash it all down. 

No Balls Bingo: 80s Edition at Trapeze Bar transforms the classic bingo game into a fun, music-infused experience. Each round, players mark off songs from their bingo cards as a DJ spins iconic 80s jams, from synth-heavy tracks to pop anthems.

The event is as much about dancing, singing, and enjoying the throwback tunes as it is about winning prizes. With a lively crowd and a fun atmosphere, it's the perfect way to spend a Saturday night - whether you're a bingo pro or just in it for the music.

Noted as one of the world's best bars, Nightjar is a no-brainer for unique places to visit in Shoreditch. A speakeasy with sleek decor and theatrical cocktails, the watering hole is soundtracked by live jazz and swing bands, perfect for sipping expertly crafted tipples in style. Old-school glamour is key here, and so is secrecy as you'll find this haunt tucked away behind an unsuspecting door near Old Street, whipping up the likes of pre-Prohibition-themed quaffs like Pearl, made with Roku gin and toasted popcorn rice tincture, or the post-war Parkeroo, featuring El Jimador tequila.

Combining darts, pizza and booze, Flight Club know the ingredients for a cracking night out at its fairground-themed venues. Providing the perfect backdrop for a fun group activity or quirky date, this unique bar has become one of the city's most talked-about places, if anything for its cracking Social Brunch deal. From £35 each, you can enjoy a two-hour session consisting of game time, delicious slices and a whole bottle of prosecco per guest.

For a night filled with laughter galore, head straight to Top And Bottom Comedy at The Book Club on Leonard Street. One of the city's top comedy nights, get ready for 90 minutes of hilarious entertainment from big names in the industry led by the wonderful Benjamin Lovell and Alexander Pankhurst. Grab a seat for just £5 per person and prepare to giggle the whole evening.

Ever wanted to be part of your own gameshow? Well now you can, thanks to the immersive Gameshow Spectacular at Shoreditch Balls. There'll be a hilarious host getting the audience involved in all sorts of fun and games - think bizarre challenges, crazy costumes and more.

There's something for everyone to get involved in here, with all kinds of skills coming in handy for these unusual games. What's more, tickets start from just £10 per person.

For a relaxing day out like no other, head to a Kitty Yoga session on Old Street. These hour-long events begin with a 40-minute soft, slow vinyasa yoga flow, led by an instructor who'll teach you meditative breathing, strengthening techniques and more. You'll spend 20 minutes cuddling the cats to finish, all as part of your £35 ticket.

Take to the sky with our pick of the best rooftop bars in the area, featuring modern haunts fronting marble tiles, plenty of foliage and views of the overground cruising along from its terrace. For a more casual bask in the sun, with a pint in hand, hit up one of our favourite pubs, The Culpepper, where you'll find a lush garden full of herbs and vegetables that it uses in its own modern plates. From refreshing pools to tropical oasis-inspired spots with great happy hours, we've got them all here in our guide. 

If you're after places to go in Shoreditch, bars are your best friend and The Cocktail Club is sure to fit the bill. Not only are these guys whipping up a range of shaken and stirred concoctions, but there are 00s-themed bottomless brunches to get stuck into as well. Enter the eclectically decorated neon-lit den to snap up two for £12 tipples throughout the week, blast your favourite songs in one of its karaoke rooms, and try tantalising sips like a Lychee Colada or a Solero Sundae, made with coconut Bacardi rum. 

Join London's best queens for an unforgettable night at Queen of Hoxton of lip syncs, death drops and epic performances. Tickets to KIKI: Drag Cabaret start from £15 each and the drop kick-filled event takes place every Saturday. Surely one of the best things to do in Shoreditch today, this glitzy event is also treating you to DJ sets and plenty of prosecco as Ms Ginger Phlappage takes to the stage. 

The perfect place to let loose and have some fun, get ready to swing into action at Shoreditch Balls - an indoor crazy golf hotspot on Old Street. Promising a wild night out, they have everything from crazy golf to a hot playlist dishing out all the greatest hits from every decade on offer. The venue spans two floors and is decked out in 90s-themed decor featuring neon lights and hundreds of fluorescent golf balls. P.S. Don't forget to sip on their cocktails, which are served directly to your table via copper pipes. From classic martinis to sorbet cocktails and more - you name it, they've got it. It doesn't get putter than this.

Head on over to Shoreditch Balls every Tuesday for an improv variety show that's bound to have you crying with laughter. Only a short walk from Old Street station, the hilarious Stage Time will be packed with performances from sketches to stories and, what's more, tickets are only a fiver.

Among vintage fairs and Rough Trade in-store signings, you'll find heaps of delicious restaurants down Brick Lane. Most notable for its curry houses, it sees the likes of City Spice, Aladin and Sheba welcome diners with open arms to tuck into award-winning tikka masala. You'll also find some pretty trendy, casual eateries here too, like Cafe 1001 - ideal for a slice from Sleazy Pizza, or some unmissable burritos courtesy of DF Tacos. 

NQ64's Shoreditch location is an arcade lover's dream. With space for up to 450 guests and various seating styles, they've got everything to quench your retro console thirst, from basketball, snowboarding, and Pac-Man to dance machines, Guitar Hero booths, 6-player fighting games and more. This is the ultimate spot to nurture your inner big kid and is enough to satisfy your gaming nostalgia, don't you think?

Spread over copious floors featuring a liquor store, cellar bar, roof terrace and cinema, TT Liquor is a one-of-a-kind venue nestled on Kingsland Road that also happens to have previously been a Victorian police station. Visit this super cool haunt to get a taste of expertly barbequed food thanks to head chef Sam Lone of Oren fame, and enjoy stunning views from a Scandi-inspired terrace. What's more, you can also enrol in a cocktail masterclass if you're not too busy chowing down on the flame-cooked smoked oyster mushrooms with Burford brown egg yolk. Mmmm. 

Maybe you're looking for something a little different to do this date night that involves some light-hearted competitive gaming, or perhaps you're in need of an American-style diner experience with a side helping of bowling? Either way, you'll love All Star Lanes. Located on Brick Lane, it fronts cool, sleek decor in the form of graffitied walls and red leather chairs, as well as private karaoke booths in addition to its retro lanes. Swap your shoes and look forward to an evening of loaded hot dogs and strikes. 

If you're in need of a laugh, then pop over to City Comedy Club at Trapeze. You'll get a raucous performance from a bunch of Celebrity Mystery Guests, many of which have showcased their talents on the likes of Mock the Week, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and more. Tickets start from only £10 per person, which is a bargain for the amount of giggles you're guaranteed; just make sure to get down early as the show starts promptly.

One of London's most beloved ping pong bars, Bounce has become a hub of drinking and gaming 'til 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Grab your posse and take part in a little healthy competition - plus the bottomless brunches for £35 per person with unlimited pizza slices and drag entertainment are pretty impressive. During the week, you'll find a killer menu of wings, loaded fries to share and quirky cocktails, like the Ting Pong, topped with pineapple foam. 

This March, the Owl and Pussycat are playing host to artist Lucas Wood for a paint and sip session right on Redchurch Street near Shoreditch High Street overground. £30 per person gets you a lesson in the fundamentals of painting, as well as a guided session letting loose with your own artistic flare.

The bar will be open throughout to provide you with the drinks to get your creative juices flowing. Expect a relaxed atmosphere throughout, before you leave with your very own work of art.

Taking place every single Friday, Funkin' Up Fridays is a vibrant night out brought to you by Carwash - who have been hosting top-tier events since 1989. Head to Simmons in Shoreditch to find them, where you can expect resident DJs spinning funk, soul and disco hits.

Nab tickets for only £10 per person, and if you get there before 10pm you can make the most of their happy hour prices too. We're talking two-for-one cocktails, £12 bottles of wine and even £3 beers.

Join Lady Ginger's Big Drag Bingo as she serves up a series of glitzy nights complete with live performances, sassy lip-syncs and the chance to win big. Tickets start from £10 each and include a complimentary prosecco cocktail alongside a strip of numbers to play. Taking place at The Looking Glass Cocktail Club, it welcomes everyone from office mates to best friends to enjoy its frivolous affairs, complete with DJs and of course, outrageous campery, darling. 

Calling all pizza lovers - Bottomless Pizzaluxe is the event you've been waiting for. Treat yourself to unlimited, mouthwatering pizzas and bottomless drinks, including your choice of wine, prosecco, or cocktails, in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere from £34.95 per person.

With a huge selection of gourmet pizzas to choose from, this is the perfect way to indulge without limits. Whether you're there to celebrate, catch up with friends, or simply satisfy your pizza cravings, it's the ultimate way to kick back and enjoy an unforgettable night out. 

Get ready for a Saturday like no other at the Urban Food Fest Shoreditch Fiesta Bottomless Brunch, where good vibes and great flavours collide. Enjoy two hours of unlimited prosecco, craft beer, and signature cocktails, including gin and elderflower tonic and rum and ginger beer.

Plus, choose one epic street food dish from our mouth-watering vendors. Whether you're lounging with a cocktail in hand or diving into delicious bites, this alfresco extravaganza is where brunch dreams come true from £29.50 per person. 

An icon on the London nightlife scene, Ballie Ballerson is the ball pit bar that's encouraging you to embrace your inner big kid. And with various brightly coloured areas to choose between, a banging playlist of hip hop and disco beats and fruity cocktails on hand, how could you say no? Head down on the weekend with tickets from £25 each to its bottomless brunch, featuring mass karaoke sing-a-longs and hilarious themes such as ABBA, Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. You'll be treated to 90 minutes of unlimited Neapolitan pizzas, plus a whole host of fabulous drinks like pornstar martinis and picantes.

Head on over to East London's Queen of Hoxton this summer where a non-stop schedule of fun awaits, spread across three floors. Saturdays see the high-energy Drag and Waffle Bottomless Brunch takeover, featuring bingo games and prizes, with tickets starting from £50 per person. But that's not all. Venture up to the expansive rooftop where you can get your tan on while sipping on fruity drinks. You can expect to get your lips around Olmeca Altos tequila-based cocktails such as frozen margaritas and ranch water, alongside Estrella Damm beers paired with soft shell tacos and loaded nachos.

Getting married soon and in need of some inspiration? Then head down to the London Wedding Show 2025 this April, taking place at Andaz London on Liverpool Street. It's completely free to attend, and they've got absolutely everything you could ask for on display.

There'll be stalls from a wide range of top suppliers, ranging from decor to flowers and food. They'll help to make your wedding as stress-free as possible, and all guests will receive 10% off at Eastway Brasserie, Lady Abercorn's and Rake's Cafe Bar on the day.