Here are the top things to do in East London for couples, so grab your bae and its go!
If you’re looking for excellent couple activities, London is a hopping city filled with intriguing nightlife, restaurants, and sightseeing attractions.
And one of its finest gems? Welcome to East London, the cool and cultured borough north of the Thames.
East London is known for its dynamic social scene, fantastic local markets, street art, and creative industry. If you’re travelling in London, you’ve got to check out this trendy and vibrant neighbourhood.
Are you wondering what activities are fun for pairs? This post will cover some romantic and non-romantic things to do in East London for those travelling with a partner.
There are some fantastic options for intimate dates, as well as fun itinerary ideas that are less lovey-dovey.
Where to Stay in East London
You can book a room at the swanky East London Hotel if you’re looking for a high-end hotel room in Bethnal Green.
For something that feels more like your apartment back home, you can try out the Town Hall Hotels & Apartments.
Romantic Things to Do: East London Attractions
If you’re still in the honeymoon phase of a passionate romance (lucky you!), you may be looking for a romantic setting that will sweep your partner off their feet.
For seasoned couples, why not keep the romance alive with a fun date idea? Here are some intimate fairy-tale attractions and activities that are sure to have you both swooning.
Canal Walk
What could be more romantic than a waterside stroll? I normally do this with a friend but if you’re boo’d up, Grab your partner and head out to King’s Cross, the starting point for your walking date.
The route is around seven kilometres along the Regent’s Canal, and this is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours hand-holding and sightseeing with your loved one.
You can follow the path that leads through the Coal Drop Yards, heading north-east towards Camden town.
Follow the cobblestone path, and you’ll see some obscure and intriguing canal boats, some of which are selling knick-knacks right from the decks!
The canal is often layered with duckweed, making for a weird and wonderful view of the water.
You’ll also go underneath multiple Victorian bridges, and you may be able to steal a kiss in one of the tunnels as you go along!
Naturally, there will be some cool graffiti spots for you to check out along the way, too.
The path is lined with more and more trees and beautiful townhouses as you near Regent’s Park, not to mention the colourful barges on the water.
Keep your eyes peeled for Feng Shang Princess, the bright red pagoda and a floating Chinese restaurant. If you’ve got the time, drop by for some mouth-watering Chinese cuisine for lunch.
Another lovely couple activity in the area is hiring a pedalo to take out on the Regent’s Park boating lake.
You can hire a pedal boat from the boathouse every day until around 6 PM, and the cost per adult is usually about £10.50.
I do this even when I’m not boo’d up, as it is just fun.
Visit Victoria Park
Victoria Park, also known as People’s Park, is often found on must-see lists of what to do in East London.
The 218-acre public park attracts millions of visitors each year, and one trip to this beautiful green space will show you why.
The lawns are pristinely manicured and dotted with playgrounds, trees, and cafes. There’s also a charming shallow lake on the park’s west end with a gorgeous fountain, not to mention the sweet little ducks, geese, and swans tottering about.
Picture you and your loved one strolling through the park, throwing breadcrumbs to the ducks, and watching the sunlight reflect off the lake waters. It doesn’t get much more romantic than this.
Things to do in East London for couples – Take the Emirates Air Line
There’s something seductive about being high up in the air, and the Emirates Air Line is the perfect spot for a cute date activity (I suggest doing this at golden hour with a bottle of Champers).
The cable car crosses the Thames from above, and the views are simply impeccable. The light shimmers off the river, and at sunset, it’s a truly romantic place to find yourself in.
The cable car runs until 8 PM, which means that you can time your ride perfectly to catch a beautiful sunset view.
Another great bonus is that the ten-minute ride costs a mere £4.50 for adults.
Walthamstow Wetlands
If you want to immerse yourself in over two hundred acres of lush, green nature landscapes, then this is the spot for you.
Walthamstow Wetlands is a nature reserve in London with charm to spare. People love coming here for birdwatching, so you can imagine how peaceful the reserve is.
You can meander through the many walking trails hand in hand, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy a day out in nature with your loved one.
The reserve is entirely free of charge, too, so no complaints here!
After your romantic walk for two, you can also stop by the café for a good old cup of tea while you enjoy the local scenery.
Abney Park Cemetery
Okay, I hear you. It’s a cemetery. How can that be romantic? Well, you’d be surprised. Tourists and locals are happy to waste hours at Abney Park Cemetery, a rare gem in London. It even clinched a title as one of the seven Magnificent Cemeteries of London.
Despite giving you maybe a touch of the heebie-jeebies, the atmosphere here is pretty tranquil.
There are gorgeous trees surrounding the cemetery, and the smell of wet grass is wonderful on a crisp winter morning.
There’s also a wealth of gothic beauty at Abney in the form of mausoleums, catacombs, and even tombs.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Flowers and dates go hand and hand, as rom-com movies clearly show us. You can spoil your partner rotten with bunches and bunches of elegant bouquets as you tour the Columbia Flower Market.
There are hundreds of stalls for you to explore, and you’ll love all of the colours and characters that make this place so special.
Fun Activities in East London
You don’t have to be drowning in candlelight and surrounded by roses to have an ideal date.
There are plenty of fun things to do in East London that are not traditionally romantic but make up for it in excitement, intrigue, food, and wine. If any of that sounds appealing to you, check out some of the less intimate East London itinerary ideas for couples.
ArcelorMittal Orbit
You may not have heard of it, but the ArcelorMittal Orbit is one of the most unique things you can occupy your time with, in East London.
The Orbit is the tallest sculpture in all of London, and believe it or not, it’s not just a piece of art. This structure doubles as a slide!
If you’re by any means an adrenaline junkie, you’ll love zipping down this tube at high speed. And you’ll love sharing the excitement with your partner!
BallieBallerson
Dates can get boring and routine after the first couple of months of dating, so you may be looking for a unique way to spend an evening out.
You’ll be hard-pressed to come up with a more novel date idea than BallieBallerson. This bizarre establishment somehow merges two vastly different concepts: ball pits and cocktails bars.
Yep, you can rediscover your childlike wonder in one part of the bar and have a cocktail guru whip you up a martini in another.
This is one of the most remarkable and bizarre attractions in London, and you’ve simply got to see it to believe it.
There are over two million glowing balls in two separate ball pits, and guests frolic around in sheer bliss in this boozy fun park.
There’s often an incredible vibe happening at night, with house beats and disco-funk tunes blaring.
If you and your loved one like to get a little wild together before going home to cuddle, BallieBallerson comes highly recommended.
Backyard Comedy Club
Home of the East End comedy scene for the last twenty years, Backyard in Bethnal Green is a sensation.
It may not be a traditional setting for a date, but you and your partner will be in stitches by the end of the night.
Backyard has seen some iconic British acts, including Sarah Pascoe, Alan Carr, James Acaster, and Dara O’Brien.
If these names aren’t ringing a bell, fear not. There are loads of stand-up comedians on show during the week that are sure to tickle your fancy.
You can book your seats online at the Backyard Comedy Club website.
Street Art Walking Tour
If you’ve been to East London before, you may have noticed a few bold street art pieces jumping out at you as you navigate the streets.
If you want to take a closer look and learn about the culture behind the neighbourhood’s street art scene, you can take a street art walking tour.
You’ll see work from artists around the globe, and your tour guide will regale you with tales of the history that shaped famous streets like Shoreditch and Brick Lane.
Roman Ruins at the London Wall
The London Wall is a historic monument just north of the Tower of London. Built around 200 AD by the Roman Empire, the stone wall was erected to defend London’s citizens.
The wall had a significant influence on the development of the city over centuries and provides a fascinating piece of London’s history.
If you’re interested in history or architecture, you’ll love exploring this ancient London boundary.
You and your partner in crime can spend an afternoon walking along the four-kilometre wall, peeking at the multiple points of interest along the way.
You’ll see impressive medieval stonework as you walk the line of this archaic monument.
St. Katharine Docks
One of London’s best-kept secrets, this marina in the East End is a former dock and the perfect place to share a romantic evening.
You can take a load off on the outdoor tables on the waterfront and take in the scenery, or pop into one of the many restaurants and cafes for a glass of wine and a good meal.
If you’re in the mood for Italian food (who isn’t?) I recommend Emilia’s Crafted Pasta joint nearby.
The food is sensational, and the place has a feel-good atmosphere you and your partner will love. Emilia’s uses fresh ingredients, and every dish is served up in style.
You don’t need to spend a shilling to have a good time here, however. All it takes is one look at the boats on the water, and you’ll find yourself in a picture-perfect setting like something out of a storybook.
Romantic East London Restaurants
You’ll find a round-up of some of the most intimate and romantic restaurants and bars in East London below.
With great food, opulent decor, and a feel-good atmosphere to boot, these eateries in the East End will knock your socks off.
Sky Pod Bar
If you want to go above and beyond for date night, Sky Pod Bar is the stuff of dreams. This destination bar is on a rooftop with panoramic views of the city.
It’s an ideal spot to pop some champagne and celebrate an anniversary.
The bar is part of Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden and a vibrant social spot. You’ll find incredible observation decks here, as well as landscaped gardens, abundant greenery, and a stunning open-air terrace.
The space was designed by award-winning landscape architects who created Sky Garden as a harmonious location drenched in natural light.
Stepping into the garden and bar is like walking into a massive greenhouse. Sky Garden is highly Instagrammable and one of London’s most luxurious gems.
Things elevate from romantic to downright epic after dark here, so make sure you’re in the partying mood. There are DJ nights hosted regularly where you can dance the night away with a view of the London skyline.
The alternative is to book a private dining room where you can get a little more privacy for your intimate drinks and dinner date.
Casa Do Frango
Casa Do Frango is a romantic spot for a date, especially if you like delicious Portuguese food. The cocktails here are also stellar, not to mention the tasty sharing plates.
There’s something sweet about stealing bites off each other’s plates (if you like sharing your food), and Casa Do Frango’s got you covered in that department.
The restaurant is in Shoreditch, which is one of the more artsy areas in East London. Once you’ve filled up on good food and wine, you can explore this hip neighbourhood and perhaps find a nightcap to indulge in at one of its many gastro pubs and bars.
There is also loads of street art in Shoreditch, so be sure to keep your eye out for a cool photo opportunity. Spotting street art is one of the best things to do in East London.
Brawn
This trendy restaurant in Bethnal Green has a great wine bar, European and bistro-style cuisine, not to mention locally sourced ingredients.
Guests rave about the service here, so you can rest assured your evening will go down smoothly.
The restaurant’s chic design will put you in the mood for a good glass of wine shared over an even better conversation.
Delamina East
Delamina East is a fantastic spot for an intimate dinner for two. The space is cosy, warm, and inviting thanks to fashionable decor, gorgeous hanging plants, and a high-end yet laid back atmosphere.
The menu is an array of delectable Middle Eastern plates for vegans and carnivores alike, and the dishes cater to gluten-free diets as well.
If you’d like to sit back and enjoy each other’s company, you can let the chef do all the hard work of curating an excellent dining experience.
Delamine has set menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a taste explosion you won’t soon forget.
The Melusine
The Melusine is a small seafood joint that packs a punch. They serve delicious oysters, langoustines, mussels, clams, and much, much more for you to indulge in—the menu changes with the catch of the day.
So, you’re always getting the best of the best in terms of fresh seafood cuisine.
This restaurant is also dockside at St Katharine’s, so you’ll have a romantic view of the water while you wine and dine with your partner.
The interiors are rustic and warm, providing a cosy place to enjoy each other’s company and eat some incredible seafood dishes.
Draughts Board Game Cafe
Draughts exudes a cool and quirky atmosphere, fitting in perfectly with the hipsteresque qualities of the East End.
This board game cafe has over eight hundred board games for you to choose from, not to mention the beer on tap and yummy light bites for couples to share.
Sure, monopoly is a three-person game. But it’s your date night, so break the rules! Playing games with your partner is a fun way to spend an evening and delight in a little friendly competition. Winner foots the bill!
Enjoy All the Fun Things to Do in East London UK
Hopefully, you’ll get to experience the multitude of fun places to visit in East London.
Whether you’re sipping on cocktails at Brawn or chasing an adrenaline high at the Orbit, the East End is filled with fun activities in London for couples.