East London rewards a little planning. Several of its best-known markets only run on certain days, and the stations you use make a real difference to how far you can get in a day. This guide covers how to shape a weekend around markets, food and exploring, and how to get around.
Plan around market days
Saturday: Broadway Market. Hackney Council lists Broadway Market as open on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm, with stalls on Sundays too. It runs along a short street between Regent’s Canal and London Fields, so it pairs naturally with a canal walk or time in the park.
Sunday: Columbia Road Flower Market. The official market site lists it as open every Sunday from 8am to 3pm. It is busiest later in the morning, so go early if you prefer space to browse.
Any day: Brick Lane and Shoreditch. The streets around Brick Lane and Shoreditch have shops, street art and places to eat all week.
A simple shape for a weekend: Broadway Market and the canal on Saturday, then Columbia Road on Sunday morning before heading into central London.
Getting around
Bethnal Green Underground is on the Central line in Zone 2, a direct line into central London.
Cambridge Heath and London Fields stations are on the London Overground, close to Broadway Market.
Shoreditch High Street is a Zone 1 Overground station on the edge of the City.
Check live service status with Transport for London before you set off, especially at weekends, when planned engineering works are common. Some stations have reported access issues, so check step-free access with TfL if you need it.
Where LDN Stays fits
Several LDN Stays rooms are in Bethnal Green, Hackney and Shoreditch! Only about a ten-minute walk to Broadway Market and Regent’s Canal. Some rooms are within minutes of Bethnal Green Underground and Cambridge Heath Overground.
Many guests spend the day out exploring and come back for a hot shower and a good night’s sleep, keeping breakfast simple in the shared kitchen. Each apartment has a recommendation board in the kitchen with suggestions from the hosts and from past guests, which is worth checking when you plan your next day.
Before you book
Every room listing describes its own street setting, stairs, bathroom and kitchen arrangement. Read the listing for the room you are considering, and choose the one that matches how you want to spend your weekend.
Market days and transport details were checked against official sources in October 2026. Check them again before you travel.
We look forward to hosting you in London!
Marina & Tay
LDN Stays: stay like a local
