The Best Hidden Gems in East London For Students

Whether you’re in London for the first time or consider yourself a local, there are always new attractions to discover. From live music to Brick Lane, we share some of our favourite hidden gems in East London.  

If you’re keen to disconnect from fast-paced city life, Dalston Curve Garden is a peaceful oasis worth a visit. Located in the heart of bustling Dalston, the green community space is home to wildflowers, veg patches and walking paths. Furthermore, with hot and cold drinks, freshly baked sweet treats, and popular tipples on offer, you could hang out in the chilled setting for hours.    

Also, check out the events calendar if you’re interested in workshops, arts & crafts. 

While London certainly isn’t short of rooftops, Netil360 is among our favourites. A stone’s throw from East London’s food scene, Netil360 is a laid-back rooftop bar serving delicious cocktails and street food. If you’re a pizza fan, you will surely be delighted with the Neapolitan pizza topped with seasonal ingredients. 

For a livelier vibe, you can enjoy DJs every Friday & Saturday night while you drink in unparalleled views of the iconic East London. The best bit? There’s no entry fee! 

Top tip: they don’t take bookings in the summer, which can get very busy, so arrive early to avoid disappointment and be prepared to queue on sunny days. 

Located just down the road from the Jack The Ripper Museum, Wilton’s Music Hall is a grade two listed building boasting original cast iron pillars and décor. 

Home to an eclectic event programme including live music, poetry and theatre, this quirky venue welcomes world-class talent all year round. With over 300 performances and 80 productions yearly, the world’s oldest Grand Music Hall is well worth a visit. 

Wilton’s is also open for food and drinks from 5.30 pm on evenings with shows and for drinks from 1 pm on das with matinees.   

Are you looking for some good food? Check out Café East, located on Roman Road. Serving up halal breakfast, brunch and lunch, you can expect fluffy pancakes, wholesome breakfast and delicious bagels.

Plus, with a buzzing vibe, friendly staff and great prices, we wouldn’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your local. It’s truly one of the best hidden gems in East London.

Located in Dalston, The Jago is a grassroots venue hosting a mix of genres and events. Considered a cultural hotspot, The Jago is a celebration of arts and culture ranging from live music and dance to film screenings and workshops.

Offering an eclectic mix of events, The Jago strives to reflect London’s diverse communities and prides itself on offering something for everyone. 
So, if you’re keen to attend more events, check out the Jago for great vibes, community connections, and the very best talent from London and beyond. 

If you love vintage fashion, you’ll be spoilt for choice in East London. One of our go-to locations is The Brick Lane Vintage Market, a bustling underground market with many stalls open seven days a week. 

Whether you’re searching for quirky accessories, glamour fur coats or even vinyl records, the market is home to plenty of hidden gems. With boutiques selling clothes from as far back as the 1920s, you best believe every decade up to the 90s is covered. Plus, some stalls even offer student discounts. 

Better yet, once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can grab a bite at one of Brick Lane’s iconic venues, such as Beigel or The Famous Curry Bazaar. 

Nestled in the heart of East London’s Brick Lane, Kahaila is self-dubbed a space where the community can happen. The charity-run café serves up ethically sourced coffee and sandwiches in an art-filled setting. 

Also, you can enjoy delightful cakes, pastries, and sweet treats from independent businesses and social enterprises across the city. 
Hailed as a place where anyone can take a break from the busyness of London, Kahaila is the perfect spot to read, work, catch up with friends or make some new ones! 

Best reserved for sunny days, Limehouse Basin is the gateway between the River Thames and over 2,000 miles of canals and rivers. Home to colourful boats and independent cafes and restaurants, it’s a great afternoon stroll, jog or cycle spot. Plus, if you fancy a boat trip, you can do that here, too. 

East London has plenty of popular hangouts and hidden gems, from cafes & bars to vintage shops, bustling markets and iconic venues. When looking for things to do near our student accommodation in London, you won’t have to look far!