New resident of East London? Tourist on a visit? Inexperienced Londoner? Here’s how to spend an inexpensive weekend in the East.

When it comes to days out in London, most would think of the West End or more central attractions such as Buckingham Palace. But we at East Side Story believe the East has SO much to offer tourists and Londoners alike, so read on to discover how to make the most of the East Side.

1.Vintage clothes shopping on Brick Lane

Brick Lane was once associated with the Jack the Ripper murders and the poorer side of London, but now it’s a vibrant, bustling and multi-ethnic hub of vintage fashion and retro art. Here you can search among piles and rails of second-hand clothing to find yourself a pre-loved gem. Swap fast fashion for unique finds, and lose yourself among colourful shirts, dusty jackets and wacky prints.

2. Create your own bouquet at Columbia Road Flower Market

If you love fresh blooming flowers, there’s no better place to visit than Columbia Road Flower Market, located just off Hackney Road in Bethnal Green. The market is only open on Sundays from 8am to 3pm, but it’s well worth a visit. Challenge your partner or friends to make the most beautiful bouquet or choose the most unique plant to brighten up your home.

3. Explore the Olympic Park in Stratford

The 2012 Olympics were electric, a celebration of London and a revival of the East. Go and see where history was made by wandering around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is free to visit every day of the week. There’s playgrounds, waterways, cafes as well as many sporting activities to try.

4. Eat your way through Broadway Market in Hackney

Broadway Market is on a bustling street of independent food stalls, shops, restaurants and cafes. The vibrant mix of culinary offerings caters for all dietary requirements, so there really is something for everyone.

5. Move between traditional and futuristic art at Whitechapel Gallery

There’s always a thought-provoking exhibition on in the East. Whitechapel Gallery has a varied array of collections, so if you’re an art, history or culture lover, be sure to check them out.

6. Wander along the East London Canals

Canals are a big feature of the local landscape at East Village. Once a major player in London’s trade and transport system, the canals now provide a beautiful spot for dog walkers, barge lovers and tourists. The Regents Canal, Hertford Union Canal and Lea Navigation all date back to the 19th century, and there’s also an abundance of independent cafes along the waterways for a tasty treat.

7. Pet some furry friends at Spitalfields City Farm

How about petting some farm friends without having to leave the City? Spitalfields City Farm is a community space open 6 day a week, and more importantly, it is FREE. There’s a treehouse, petting zoo and lovely gardens to explore.

8. Listen to live music/jazz in Shoreditch

There’s no better way to spend an evening in East London than catching some live music or jazz in a cosy bar. Shoreditch, of course, is the hot spot for this. From well-known venues such as Rough Trade or Blues Kitchen, to smaller entertainment hubs on nearly every street for unsigned artists.

9. Feel at one with Mother Nature at the Mile End Ecology Park

Another activity dependent on good weather, but well worth it. Mile End Park contains an Ecology and Art Pavilion, as well as a sports stadium and a go-cart track. The Ecology Park is an incredible lake complex, home to dragonflies, waterbirds and amphibians.

10. Take in the views from the Royal Docks

You can make further use of East London’s iconic waterways at the historic Royal Docks, which are connected to the canals, where may attractions centre around the water. Once the largest enclosed docks in the world, there is an impressive 250 acres of water. Take in all this from above, with the Emirates Air Line over the river Thames.

We hope to have inspired you with things to do and see in the East this weekend. Now you have no excuse not to explore this iconic part of the capital.

Do you live in East London and have an East Side Story to tell? Get in touch!
eastsidestoryldn@gmail.com or tweet us@eastsideldn