Things to Do in London near Liverpool Street Station
How many times have you travelled through Liverpool Street Station in London? With the addition of the Elizabeth Line this area of London is even more accessible to Londoners. So you may find yourself passing through or visiting it more often. Or, you could find yourself needing to occupy some time if you have a train delay!
For those visiting London it is a great place to explore that isn’t too saturated yet with tourists. You might even consider it a bit of a hidden gem in terms of neighbourhoods to put on your list of places to visit.
For all these reasons and more, you’ll want to have more knowledge of all the things to do in London around Liverpool Street Station.
As an American living in London and working here since 2013, I have to admit this wasn’t an area I knew very well until 2024.
At the start of the year I gained a restaurant client located just a five minute walk from the station. I really had my eyes opened to how much was happening in this London neighbourhood during these walks from the station to the restaurant.
But, like many Londoners, when you work in an area you tend to just arrive for work and go home soon after. So- after a few months I started building some time into my work days to experience all the things to do near Liverpool Street Station.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s plenty to explore near this iconic transport landmark!
Free Things to Do in London near Liverpool Street Station
Sky Garden
For stunning views of London, head to the Sky Garden, located just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station. This oasis atop 20 Fenchurch Street (the “Walkie-Talkie”) offers panoramic views of the city skyline. Entry is free and not guaranteed unless you book ahead on their website. I’ve found that new tickets seem to be released on Mondays. You’ll want to check at least one month ahead for the best luck.
Horizon 22
Another fantastic option for sweeping city views is Horizon 22, located in the recently opened 22 Bishopsgate. It offers a sleek, modern alternative to the Sky Garden, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an unbeatable vantage point.
Gordon Ramsay will open a restaurant in this building in 2025 and it’s sure to be a hit in London!
I’ve published a Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok video sharing our experience, if you’d like to see more about how these two free viewpoints compare to each other.
Food, Restaurants and Pubs near Liverpool Street Station
OLD SPITAFIELDS MARKET
A stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Station, Old Spitalfields Market is a vibrant mix of food, fashion and art. Established in 1638, this market combines history with modern flair. You’ll find everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts and a diverse selection of street food.
Whether you’re craving dumplings, burgers or vegan treats, there’s something for everyone. For those seeking a more refined dining experience, the market also hosts pop-up restaurants and unique culinary events.
EATALY
Located directly opposite Liverpool Street Station, Eataly is a haven for Italian food lovers. This multi-level space offers fresh pasta, artisanal cheeses and Italian wines. Stock up on imported groceries, enjoy a meal at one of their restaurants or indulge in gelato.
It’s a fantastic spot for foodies and a great place to pick up unique gifts. Make sure to explore the wine shop, where expert sommeliers can guide you to the perfect bottle.
The drift by drake and morgan
If you’re looking for a sophisticated spot, The Drift by Drake and Morgan offers an elegant dining experience. It’s one of the few places in London where you can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. We visited in 2024 and the food was outstanding. From turkey to pumpkin pie, they nailed every detail. I’ve shared a TikTok video of our experience if you’d like to see it.
galvin la chapelle
For fine dining, try Galvin La Chapelle, a Michelin-starred French restaurant housed in a stunning Grade II-listed building. Truly, the location in itself is worth the visit.
And if you haven’t guess by now, that was my restaurant client! I had the privilege of launching their TikTok account. This meant I was there often and had the chance to eat a LOT of items on their menus. Plus I had the 7 course Tasting Menu. To say it’s an unforgettable culinary journey is an understatement.
The owners are two brothers who are the most kind gentlemen I have had the opportunity to work with in London. The amount of time, energy and honest passion they have for the restaurant industry is extraordinary.
And, if a Michelin Star experience isn’t in your current budget, you are in luck! The opposite side of this building is Galvin Bar & Bistrot. Again, it offers a menu full of flavour and changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients.
POLO BAR
Open 24 hours, Polo Bar is a lifesaver for those seeking comfort food at any hour. Their breakfast menu is legendary. They serve everything from pancakes to hearty full English breakfasts.
The discount code mentioned in the video below has expired, but the stack of pancakes is still standing tall. If you want to see the biggest portion size I have ever received in my life- check out the red velvet pancakes I tried to finish with Mr Sunny in the video below!
Dirty Dicks
This legendary pub near Liverpool Street Station boasts a quirky name that’s an historic reference to a city merchant who lived around the corner in the middle of the 18th century.
This man, ‘Nathanial Bentley’ was quite the charmer. But following the death of his fiancée, he reportedly refused to clean anything, including himself.
That’s the story to the pub’s name. It’s also said that he was the inspiration for Miss Havisham in Charles Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’. Like many pubs in London, Dickens’ himself is said to have frequented the pub.
The Lamb
Nestled in nearby Leadenhall Market, The Lamb offers a classic British pub experience with hearty pies and a wide selection of beers.
Mr Sunny and I have visited this pub nearly every time we are in the area. We love the atmosphere. Like Dirty Dicks, it’s also a Young’s Pub, which is the pub chain we recommend the those visiting London who want a British pub experience and excellent pub food.
Attractions near Liverpool Street Station
leadenhall Market
This stunning Victorian market is not only an architectural masterpiece but also steeped in history. Its roots date back to the 14th century and it once served as a meat and poultry market.
Today, Leadenhall Market is home to boutique shops, pubs and restaurants. Harry Potter fans will recognise it as Diagon Alley from the film series. Wandering through its ornate arches feels like stepping into a magical world.
Personally, I love their seasonal displays. It has one of the most eccentric Halloween decorations each year. And at Christmas it’s also equally as beautiful.
jeff wayne’s the war of the worlds: the immersive experience
Located on Leadenhall Street, this two-hour interactive adventure brings the iconic story to life with cutting-edge technology and live actors. Keep in mind it’s not suitable for young children, but it’s a must-try for thrill-seekers.
If you aren’t comfortable with things happening in total darkness around you, or confined spaces, this isn’t for you.
Learn more in my video reviewing the War of the Worlds experience in London.
swingers mini-golf
For a fun and competitive outing, visit Swingers. This indoor mini-golf venue near Liverpool Street Station features quirky courses, food and cocktails. We went for a complimentary experience and had a lot of fun!
If you work in the neighbourhood, it’s a great idea for a team building experience with your colleagues. Or- you might even consider it for your Christmas do!
Day Trips from Liverpool Street Station
Liverpool Street Station is a gateway to many fantastic day trip destinations. Hop on a train and explore:
- Cambridge: Known for its prestigious university, stunning architecture and charming punts along the River Cam.
- Colchester: England’s oldest recorded town, home to a historic castle and a vibrant arts scene.
- Southend-on-Sea: Perfect for a seaside escape, complete with a stroll along the world’s longest pleasure pier.
Twice I have visited Essex for a day trip to learn about English wine and have left from Liverpool Street Station. Both were on Avanti trains. I found the journey easy and the trains very clean!
Liverpool Street Station: Final Thoughts
Liverpool Street Station offers more than just transport connections. Its surrounding area is packed with history, dining and attractions for a range of tastes and budgets.
Which of these activities would you try first? What would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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