Best Things to Do in Shoreditch London: Art and Food

The best things to do in Shoreditch include exploring the vibrant street art on Brick Lane, grabbing a 24-hour salt beef bagel at Beigel Bake, and browsing the stalls at Old Spitalfields Market. It is the epicentre of East London's creative scene, blending historic architecture with cutting-edge fashion and food.

For Australians and Kiwis making the long-haul trek to the UK, Shoreditch is often the first port of call. It’s gritty, it’s trendy, and it’s a world away from the polished streets of Westminster. But before you start snapping photos of Banksy pieces, you need to sort your data. Relying on the Telstra International Day Pass or Optus roaming charges is a quick way to blow your holiday budget before you’ve even had your first pint. Instead, you can see plans for a UK eSIM that lets you land at Heathrow or Gatwick with data ready to go.

Why Shoreditch is the Creative Heart of London

Shoreditch wasn't always the hipster haven it is today. Once an industrial hub, it transformed in the 90s and early 2000s into a playground for artists and designers. Today, it’s a mix of high-end boutiques on Redchurch Street and legendary curry houses on Brick Lane. Whether you are here for the galleries or the nightlife, you’ll need a reliable connection to navigate the winding alleys.

In the UK, AussieRoam connects you to the EE (5G) and 3 (4G) networks. EE is widely regarded as having the best coverage across London, especially when you are ducking in and out of underground stations or crowded markets. Having 5G access means you can upload your reels of the Shoreditch street art scene without waiting for a dodgy pub Wi-Fi connection.

Staying Connected: AussieRoam vs. Home Roaming

Most Aussies and Kiwis are used to just letting their home SIM roam, but the costs are astronomical. If you're spending a week in London, those daily charges add up to more than a fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred spot in the City.

Feature	Telstra/Optus Roaming	AussieRoam eSIM
Cost	Daily flat fee ($10+)	One-off plan purchase
Network	Variable	EE (5G) / 3 (4G)
Setup	Automatic (Expensive)	QR Code install
Data Limit	Usually 1GB/day	Up to 50GB or Daily Passes
Local Number	Your AU/NZ number	Data only (use WhatsApp)

With our data-only plans, you don't get a local UK phone number, but in 2026, who needs one? You can see plans that work perfectly with WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger for calling home or booking a table at a local bistro.

The Ultimate Street Art Safari

One of the best free things to do in Shoreditch is simply walking. The street art changes almost weekly, but there are a few iconic spots that are always worth a look. Start at Shoreditch High Street station and head towards Brick Lane. Keep your eyes peeled for works by ROA (look for the giant crane), Stik (his minimalist figures are everywhere), and of course, Banksy.

If you're used to the vibrant markets in Bali, like the Ubud Art Market shopping guide, you’ll find the vibe here much more industrial and urban. To find the hidden pieces tucked away in side streets like Fashion Street or Rivington Street, you’ll want Google Maps open. A 3GB or 5GB plan is usually plenty for a couple of weeks of heavy navigating and social media posting.

A Foodie’s Guide to Shoreditch

Shoreditch is a culinary battlefield. You have two main camps: the old-school traditionalists and the new-wave fusion pop-ups.

The Beigel Bake Legend

You cannot visit East London without going to Beigel Bake on Brick Lane. Open 24/7, this institution serves the best salt beef bagels in the world. It’s cheap, it’s fast, and it’s delicious. Just look for the white and yellow sign and the queue stretching down the street.

Boxpark Shoreditch

For something more modern, Boxpark is a shipping container mall right next to the station. It’s packed with street food vendors serving everything from vegan burgers to authentic Thai. It’s a great spot for a quick lunch while you check your phone to see which gallery to hit next. If you’ve spent time at the best beach clubs in Uluwatu, Boxpark offers a similar social energy, just with more concrete and fewer infinity pools.

Brick Lane Curries

Brick Lane is famous for its curry houses. While some are a bit 'tourist-trappy', spots like Aladin or Sheba have been around for decades for a reason. Pro tip: many of these spots are BYO, so grab some beers from a nearby off-license to keep your costs down.

Shoreditch Markets: Shopping Beyond the High Street

If you’re in town over the weekend, the markets are non-negotiable.

• Old Spitalfields Market: Open daily, but best on Thursdays (antiques) and Sundays. It’s undercover, making it a great rainy-day option.
• Brick Lane Market: Every Sunday, this street turns into a giant flea market. You can find everything from vintage leather jackets to rare vinyl records.
• Columbia Road Flower Market: Only on Sundays. It’s a bit of a walk from the main Shoreditch hub, but the atmosphere is incredible. Note: it gets incredibly crowded, so keep your phone tucked away and your data on to find your friends if you get separated.

How to Set Up Your UK eSIM Before You Land

Don't wait until you're wandering around Heathrow looking for a SIM kiosk. You can get sorted while you're waiting for your flight at Sydney, Melbourne, or Auckland airport.

1. Check Compatibility: Make sure your device isn't network-locked. You can find our phone compatibility list to be sure.
2. Choose Your Plan: For a week in London, 5GB or 10GB is usually the sweet spot. If you're staying longer or heading to Spain or France afterwards, consider a larger 20GB or 50GB plan.
3. Scan the QR Code: Once you purchase, you’ll get an email. Follow our easy setup guide to scan the code and add the eSIM to your cellular settings.
4. Activate on Arrival: When the plane touches down in the UK, simply turn on your AussieRoam line and enable Data Roaming for that specific SIM. You'll hit the EE or 3 network instantly.

Connectivity Realities: London vs. The Countryside

While Shoreditch is a 5G playground, if your UK trip takes you out to the Cotswolds or up to the Scottish Highlands, coverage can vary. EE generally has the widest reach in rural areas. However, keep in mind that stone walls in old English pubs are notorious for blocking signals. If you're using your eSIM for navigation on a road trip, we always recommend downloading offline maps on Google Maps just in case you hit a dead zone in a valley.

The Bottom Line

Shoreditch is the heart of cool in London, offering a mix of art, food, and culture that you won't find anywhere else in the city. To make the most of it, skip the expensive roaming charges from back home and grab an eSIM. You'll have the 5G speeds you need to find the best street art, book your Sunday roast, and stay connected with mates without the bill shock when you return to Australia or New Zealand.