Things To Do
in East Ham
East Ham is a lively, multicultural neighborhood in London's Newham borough, located to the east of the City. It blends a busy high street scene along Barking Road with diverse eateries and markets. The area is well connected by the District and Hammersmith & City lines, plus frequent buses to Stratford and the City.
It offers affordable housing and a rich street-food culture reflecting its Bangladeshi, South Asian, Caribbean, and African communities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the bustling East Ham Market Hall, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with local vendors. Enjoy a traditional English breakfast at one of the cafes, offering delicious baked beans and poached eggs. As you stroll through the market, take in the array of fresh produce, spices, and unique artisan goods.
After exploring the market, head to the nearby High Street North, where you can visit a variety of shops featuring both local and international brands. Stop for lunch at a cozy café, sampling some authentic British fish and chips. Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk to Central Park, enjoying the lush green spaces and perhaps catching a glimpse of local wildlife.
As the sun sets, prepare for a delightful dinner at a traditional pub, where you can savor classic dishes and a pint of local ale. Following dinner, take a short stroll to the East Ham Memorial Park, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. End your day by catching a live performance or a movie at a nearby venue, soaking in the local culture.
Begin your day with a visit to the East Ham Library, a stunning historic building that houses a wealth of resources. Explore the local history section to learn about East Ham's rich past and the stories that shaped the community. Afterward, take a short walk to the nearby Plashet Park for a refreshing morning stroll among the trees and gardens.
In the afternoon, head over to the nearby Boleyn Ground, home of West Ham United Football Club, and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic venue. If you're lucky, you might catch a tour of the stadium or even a live match, experiencing the passion of local football fans. Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery serving up hearty fare typical of match day.
As evening falls, make your way to the local cinema to catch a new release or an indie film, experiencing the local film culture. After the show, have dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring a mix of international cuisines, reflecting the diverse community of East Ham. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a local bar, mingling with residents and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $40-70 |
| 🚇One-way local transit ticket | $2-4 |
| 🛍️Grocery shopping (weekly) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich multicultural food scene with affordable options
- Excellent public transit connections to central London
- Accessible parks and riverfront scenery
- Vibrant neighborhood markets and community events
- Crowded at peak times; can feel busy and noisy
- Limited high-end nightlife compared to central London
- Some areas experience bustle and traffic during commute hours
Places to Visit in East Ham
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside vantage points along the Thames provide dramatic views of the Canary Wharf towers, especially at sunset.
A tranquil spot with reflections on the water and a backdrop of mature trees and green space.
A historic focal point in the community with architectural character and local street life as subjects.
Colorful stalls, banners, and daily activity offering vibrant street photography opportunities.
Open river views and paths along the Thames that work well for landscape photography.
Food in East Ham
East Ham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fragrant spiced rice with tender chicken, commonly found in curry houses along Green Street and Barking Road.
Must-Try!
A hearty, slightly sweet curry often served with rice or naan at local Bangladeshi eateries.
A tomato-based fish curry cooked with warming spices, a staple in many South Asian cafés.
Fried pastries filled with spiced vegetables or meat, widely available from street-food stalls and market vendors.
Refreshing yogurts-based drinks to accompany spicy dishes, commonly found in local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market on Barking Road with fresh produce, halal meat, and snacks from a range of stalls.
Colorful stalls offering fruit, vegetables, spices, street snacks, and everyday essentials in a lively setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brits value politeness and orderly queues; wait your turn and thank service staff with a simple 'please' and 'thank you.'
A handshake is common when meeting someone new; address people politely using Mr./Ms. unless invited to use first names.
Respect cultural and dietary differences; be mindful when taking photos of people and seek consent in private spaces.
Safety
Tipping in East Ham
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in the UK is customary but not mandatory. If service is not included, a tip of around 10-15% is common in restaurants; round up for casual venues. Taxi drivers and café staff may appreciate a small tip for good service.
Cash and card payments (including contactless) are widely accepted in shops, cafes, and restaurants. Most places also take mobile payments; be mindful that some smaller stalls may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warms up with long days and frequent but brief showers. Lightweight clothing is best, and outdoor markets stay busy with international food stalls.
Mild days with cooler evenings; a good time for walks in parks and along the river as leaves change color.
Generally cool and damp with occasional frost; pack a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes for market strolls and indoor dining.
Fresh and lively with blooming flowers in parks; ideal for outdoor photography and weekend market visits.
East Ham at Night
Hiking in East Ham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Expansive woodland with miles of trails, lakes, and open spaces just northeast of central London.
Historic parkland with lakes, woodlands, and scenic paths suitable for longer walks.
Short urban-to-riverside hikes along the River Thames near the Royal Docks and Beckton areas.
Airports
How to reach East Ham by plane.
Closest airport to East Ham with quick rail connections to central London and Docklands.
Major international hub about 50-70 minutes by road or rail, depending on traffic.
North of London with frequent services and good rail links to the city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Significant Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage with a strong presence on Green Street and Barking Road.
A diverse mix contributing to the area’s cultural events, cuisine, and music scenes.
Growing diversity with residents from across Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the area with local clubs, pitches, and informal matches in parks.
Common in community grounds and parks during summer months; local leagues and friendly matches occur nearby.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting East Ham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants offer vegetarian curries, lentil dishes, bhaji, and paneer options. When ordering, ask for no ghee if dairy-free is required, and request oil-based alternatives.