{"id":7061602,"date":"2026-09-20T00:58:08","date_gmt":"2026-09-20T00:58:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/the-best-things-to-do-near-old-street-london\/"},"modified":"2026-09-20T00:58:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-20T00:58:08","slug":"the-best-things-to-do-near-old-street-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7061602","title":{"rendered":"The Best Things to do Near Old Street, London"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Beyond the glass towers of Silicon Roundabout lies an East London neighbourhood rich with literary ghosts, radical history, and unexpected pockets of quiet. Here are the best things to do near Old Street if you want to explore like a (thoughtful) local.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"View\"View
Stay near Old Street for a mix of London\u2019s old and new<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why Stay Near Old Street?<\/h2>\n

\u201cIn 1838, this was was a private house\u2026dairy cows once grazed up to the back door.\u201d <\/p>\n

So says a sign on the York Pub, just a short walk from Old Street. <\/p>\n

And so begins the stories of London\u2019s neighbourhoods, a patchwork of characters caught up in ripples from central London and now part of one of the greatest cities on earth.<\/p>\n

You won\u2019t find the area around Old Street in a travel guide under \u201cbest things to see\u201d or \u201ctop things to do\u201d but that\u2019s so much the better. It\u2019s close enough to the main sites to make staying here a strategic choice. But far enough away to have a character away from tourist crowds.<\/p>\n

Every time I visit, I discover something new.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an energising blend of cutting edge chrome and steel, cosy pubs, modern art, boutique shops and a surprising preponderance of cool of another kind: tranquil gardens and green hideaways.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my collection of the best things to do near Old Street, London.<\/p>\n

\"Bedroom\"Bedroom
nhow London is a good choice for travellers who appreciate a hotel with personality<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where to Stay Near Old Street: nhow London \u2013\u00a0 A Design Hotel with East London Personality<\/h2>\n

Blazing onto the scene with Big Ben as a missile in its lobby, the nhow London<\/a> sits between Old Street and Islington, bringing design and comfort together with some lovely quirky features.<\/p>\n

Unlike many London hotels that could be anywhere in the world, nhow London embraces its surroundings.<\/p>\n

The design also reflects the area\u2019s constant conversation between old and new. <\/p>\n

Traditional London references sit alongside contemporary artwork, echoing the wider Shoreditch area where Victorian warehouses now house galleries, restaurants and design studios.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a good choice for travellers who enjoy hotels with personality rather than the vanilla, anonymous luxury, where if you woke up with amnesia, you\u2019d have no hope of working out where you were.<\/p>\n

\"Nhow\"Nhow<\/figure>\n

Rooms:<\/strong> The soundproofing is second to none and I loved the little touches, like Henry VIII on the do not disturb sign, saying make up my chambers nhow<\/em>, and a suspended bowler hat as a lamp in the reading area.<\/p>\n

The shape of the suite was wild, too, with a long corridor, triangular spot for reading and then a hairpin turn to reach the bedroom and bathroom. Watch the video on instagram for the grand tour. <\/a><\/p>\n

\"Nhow\"Nhow<\/figure>\n

Facilities:<\/strong> There\u2019s an open plan reception, library, bar and restaurant on the ground floor, decked out with bright red lips and violet teardrops, and you\u2019ll see a mix of business meetings and friendly catch ups taking place.<\/p>\n

The restaurant, Guilty<\/em>, lives up to its name by serving hearty pub classics like fish & chips and fragrant chicken tikka and the breakfast buffet combines healthy options with the one and only Full English too.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an absolutely fun yet high quality place to stay. <\/p>\n

Check availability at the nhow London here<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Entrance\"Entrance
Victoria Miro houses a number of intriguing exhibitions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My Favourite Things to Do Near Old Street, London<\/h2>\n

See Contemporary Art in an Oasis at Victoria Miro<\/h3>\n

Right at the top of my list is this lovely little art museum.<\/p>\n

With no open door, Victoria Miro<\/a> is harder to find than most of London\u2019s top museums \u2013 instead you need to buzz to be let in. This former furniture factory now houses bright white, airy galleries that showcase intriguing exhibitions from internationally renowned artists.<\/p>\n

The real twist is the tranquil garden area, a secret green heartbeat in the city. It overlooks a large, glossy office, where you can watch modern work in full flow: lines of people staring at screens.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s about as provocative as the art itself.<\/p>\n

Best of all, admission is free, allowing you to taste thoughtful design and contemporary culture as many times as you like during your stay.<\/p>\n

Even if modern art isn\u2019t usually your first choice, the setting alone is worth the short walk.<\/p>\n

\"Boat\"Boat
Stroll along the canal to escape the city chaos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Regent\u2019s Canal and a Chance for Calm<\/h3>\n

From Victoria Miro, continue along Regent\u2019s Canal for one of London\u2019s loveliest urban walks.<\/p>\n

Narrowboats drift past converted warehouses, cyclists ring their bells and locals jog, chatter or pause with takeaway coffees beside the water. It\u2019s an altogether gentler side of the capital, tucked away just minutes from the crowds. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s also particularly beautiful during \u00a0autumn in London<\/a>\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Bicycle\"Bicycle
Camden Passage looks like something from a film<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Camden Passage in Islington<\/h3>\n

Not to be confused with Camden Market<\/a>, Camden Passage looks ripe for a setting in the west side story Notting Hill <\/em>or the beautiful London living in Love Actually.<\/em><\/p>\n

This historic car-free alleyway dates back to the 18th century and has long been celebrated as a haven for antique collectors, vintage lovers, and independent treasure hunters.<\/span> <\/p>\n

On market days (primarily Wednesdays and Saturdays), the cobblestones come alive with open-air stalls brimming with Art Deco jewellery, mid-century glassware, rare prints, and vintage apparel, while permanent independent storefronts, ranging from Japanese tea houses to artisan cheese shops<\/span>, await all the time.<\/p>\n

Just by having coffee here, I feel cooler, craftier and more connected. <\/p>\n

Arnold Circus and the Boundary Estate: A Victorian Vision of City Living<\/h3>\n

One of the most fascinating hidden gems near Shoreditch is Arnold Circus, at the heart of the Boundary Estate.<\/p>\n

Built at the end of the nineteenth century, the estate was one of the earliest examples of social housing created by the London County Council. Before it was developed, this area was known as the Old Nichol, one of the most overcrowded and impoverished parts of the East End.<\/p>\n

Today, it feels surprisingly peaceful. A circular garden sits at the centre, surrounded by attractive brick buildings and leafy paths.<\/p>\n

Visit the Museum of the Home<\/h3>\n

Formerly known as the Geffrye Museum, the Museum of the Home<\/a> explores the story of domestic life in Britain over the last four centuries.<\/p>\n

Rather than focusing on kings and queens, it recreates the rooms where ordinary people cooked, celebrated, argued and relaxed. Period interiors chart changing fashions and family life, while contemporary galleries ask bigger questions about what \u201chome\u201d means today.<\/p>\n

For my take on this, read What is home anyway?<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

\"London\"London
Old Spitalfields: one of my favourite London shopping spots<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Old Spitalfields Market: A London Institution<\/h3>\n

One way or another, Old Spitalfields<\/a> has shared her wares for over 350 years. <\/p>\n

Details come and go but OS remains one of the best markets in the city of London, if you ask me. (Not the City of London. The capital C makes all the difference \u2013 find out why in this article on London\u2019s nicknames<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Housed within a grand late-Victorian iron-and-glass market hall (the Grade II-listed Horner Buildings), the space perfectly encapsulates the East End\u2019s knack for reinventing historic infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Under the soaring roof, independent artisans, vintage clothing traders, record dealers, and jewellery makers set up alongside \u2018The Kitchens\u2019 \u2013 a central hub of street food concepts offering everything from hand-pulled noodles to gourmet wood-fired pizza.<\/span> <\/p>\n

It\u2019s one of my favourite spots to spend a rain-proof afternoon browsing unique, handcrafted finds before wandering out into the surrounding Georgian conservation area of Fournier Street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Old\"Old
You can find plenty of street art near Old Street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Brick Lane Market: Spices & Street Art<\/h3>\n

On Sundays, Brick Lane Market comes alive, with vintage clothing, antiques, records and independent makers filling the surrounding spaces.<\/p>\n

Food is a major part of the experience and the words \u201cBrick Lane\u201d have become synonymous with Indian street food \u2013 although you can also find Ethiopian dishes, salt beef bagels and more. <\/p>\n

Brick Lane is also one of the best places to appreciate Shoreditch street art. Look upwards and around the side streets, where huge murals cover warehouse walls and alleyways.<\/p>\n

Columbia Road Flower Market: A Sunday Morning Ritual<\/h3>\n

Around a 20-minute walk from Old Street, this Sunday morning tradition feels like another world from the louder streets of Shoreditch.<\/p>\n

Columbia Road Flower Market<\/a> fills the road with florals, plants and the distinctive calls of traders selling their blooms. <\/p>\n

\"Entrance\"Entrance
Old Street station connects you quickly across London<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Connections from Old Street<\/h2>\n

Old Street station connects you quickly across London, while Liverpool Street station is within walking distance for Elizabeth Line connections and trains across the city. Many of the area\u2019s highlights are also easily reached on foot, with Brick Lane, Spitalfields and the Barbican all nearby.<\/p>\n

That said, for London, it does feel as though there are some gaps. You can\u2019t reliably fall out of the Tube and into what you want. But it\u2019s not too far to walk to the central Covent Garden area.<\/p>\n

\"London\"London
Neighbourhoods near Old Street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Neighbourhoods Near Old Street<\/h2>\n

Shoreditch<\/h3>\n

Ask people what Shoreditch is known for and you\u2019ll probably hear about its street art, nightlife and independent spirit. Here is the place to find people in harlequin onesies with blue hair and purple nail varnish en route to a business meeting.<\/p>\n

Beyond the iconic artwork on Rivington Street and Redchurch Street, Shoreditch thrives on a spirit of eclectic independence \u2013 where subterranean cocktail dens, coffee roasters, and concept stores sit alongside beloved institutions like the 24-hour Beigel Bake<\/a> on Brick Lane.<\/p>\n

\"People\"People
You\u2019ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to pubs and restaurants<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hoxton<\/h3>\n

Just north-east of Old Street station lies Hoxton. Once the cradle of London\u2019s late-1990s Young British Artists movement, the area has retained its indie creative flair.<\/p>\n

Quiet residential streets lined with Victorian terraces give way to former printing presses and furniture warehouses, now reimagined as independent art galleries, loft spaces, and neighbourhood bistros. <\/p>\n

\"Dame\"Dame
Clerkenwell was once the centre of distilling in the city <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Clerkenwell<\/h3>\n

Just west of Old Street lies Clerkenwell, an atmospheric neighbourhood defined by its medieval monastic origins, radical political history, and world-class culinary reputation. Once London\u2019s historic centre for clockmaking, printing, and distilling, its character lives on in cobbled alleyways, quiet leafy squares like Clerkenwell Green, and the grand 16th-century stone archway of St John\u2019s Gate.<\/p>\n

Top tip: <\/em>check out Exmouth Market and its weekday street food stalls and independent boutiques.<\/p>\n

More About London<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n