Things To Do
in West Ham
West Ham is a neighbourhood in the London Borough of Newham in East London, historically working-class and now a diverse residential area close to Stratford and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It sits near the River Lea and the London Stadium, which brings a lively match-day atmosphere and large events to the locality. The area blends green spaces like West Ham Park with busy high streets, multicultural markets and easy connections into central London.
West Ham is best known for its community feel, accessibility by public transport and proximity to major East London attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in West Ham and settle into your accommodation. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before exploring the area. Take a leisurely walk through the nearby parks to soak in the morning atmosphere.
Visit the iconic West Ham United's London Stadium for a tour or to catch a match if the season permits. Enjoy lunch at a nearby pub, sampling traditional British fare. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant local markets for unique finds and local goods.
Dine at a trendy restaurant, experiencing flavors from diverse cuisines that reflect the multicultural nature of the area. After your meal, stroll through the neighborhood to soak in the nightlife vibes and perhaps enjoy a live music performance at a local venue. End your evening with a quiet drink at a cozy bar.
Start your day with a visit to the nearby Museum of London Docklands to learn about the history of the area. Enjoy a coffee in their café while reflecting on the exhibits you've seen. Take some photos of the stunning museum architecture before heading out.
Explore the bustling streets of Stratford just a short distance away, making sure to visit the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Grab lunch at a food stall in Westfield Stratford City, where there is a wealth of international options to choose from. Afterward, take a stroll around the park, watching families enjoy the outdoor spaces.
Head back to West Ham for a comforting dinner at an authentic Indian restaurant. Savor the spices and rich flavors that reflect the local community. After dinner, visit a local pub for a classic pub quiz night, engaging with locals and making new friends.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚇Single public transport fare (zone 2–3) | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🍺Pint at a pub | $5-7 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / private room (per night) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent transport links to central London and airports
- Close to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and green spaces
- Very diverse food scene and vibrant markets
- Strong local community feel and sporting culture
- Certain areas can feel industrial or run-down
- Busy and crowded on match days and during big events
- Weather can be changeable with frequent rain
- Some visitor attractions are a short trip away rather than within West Ham itself
Places to Visit in West Ham
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic modern architecture (London Stadium, ArcelorMittal Orbit), waterways, and expansive green spaces offer varied photo opportunities from wide landscapes to architectural close-ups.
Mature trees, formal gardens and seasonal flower displays provide a peaceful backdrop for nature and portrait photography.
Riverside walks capture scenes of barges, reflections, industrial heritage and wildlife, with atmospheric shots at golden hour.
Colourful street art, murals and gritty urban textures — perfect for street photography and vibrant portrait settings.
High vantage points near Westfield offer panoramic views of East London and the Olympic Park, especially at sunset.
Food in West Ham
West Ham Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, mushrooms and toast — widely available at local cafes and pubs in West Ham and Stratford.
Must-Try!
Crispy battered fish with chunky chips; look for well-reviewed chippies in nearby Stratford or traditional pubs serving this British staple.
Thanks to the area’s South Asian community, expect excellent curries, biryanis and street snacks — Queen's Market and Brick Lane are great places to try authentic dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A multicultural street market with fresh produce, cheap staples, and South Asian, Middle Eastern and African food stalls — great for sampling authentic flavours and street snacks.
A modern hub with a wide range of global fast-casual options and branded outlets, convenient for families and visitors after exploring the Olympic Park.
A short trip away, famous for bagels, curry houses and vibrant weekend street food traders and vintage stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be polite, say please and thank you, and respect queues — cutting in line is frowned upon.
Maintain personal space on public transport and sidewalks; a reserved tone and modest conversation volumes are typical.
Supporters are passionate but generally friendly; avoid provoking or engaging in aggressive banter and be mindful around rival fans on match days.
East London is highly diverse—be respectful of cultural and religious practices, particularly around markets and places of worship.
Safety
Tipping in West Ham
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in the UK: round up the bill or leave 10%–15% in restaurants if service is good; tip pub staff only for table service. For taxis, round up or add ~10% if service is excellent.
Contactless cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are widely accepted. Cash is used but less common; Oyster and contactless bank cards are the norm for public transport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoms in parks make it a pleasant time for walks and cycling; expect occasional rain and changeable weather so bring layers and a light waterproof.
Often warm to pleasantly hot (20–30°C on heatwave days), ideal for outdoor events in the Olympic Park and riverside activities; expect busy tourist crowds and match-day influxes.
Crisp air and colourful foliage in West Ham Park and Wanstead Flats; wetter days increase, so waterproof footwear and an umbrella are useful.
Cool to cold temperatures (around 0–8°C), shorter daylight hours and occasional frost; outdoor activities are quieter and indoor attractions and pubs become more appealing.
West Ham at Night
Hiking in West Ham
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive ancient woodland offering a network of trails for day hikes, horseback riding and nature walks — reachable by a short train ride from Stratford/Forest Gate stations.
A long riverside park with walking and cycling routes, wetlands and nature reserves running along the River Lea — ideal for longer flat hikes and birdwatching.
Open grassland and woodland spaces close to West Ham, great for short hikes, picnics and seasonal wildlife watching.
Riverside walking route with scenic stretches, industrial heritage views and opportunities to combine urban exploration with longer walks alongside the Thames.
Airports
How to reach West Ham by plane.
Closest airport for West Ham (≈10–20 minutes by DLR and local transport), convenient for short-haul flights and quick transfers into East and Central London.
Major international hub west of London; reachable by the Elizabeth line or Piccadilly line with transfers — typically 60–90 minutes depending on route.
South of London with frequent rail services into central London; travel time to West Ham is usually 60–90+ minutes by train and Underground.
Popular for low-cost carriers, north-east of London; accessible by rail and bus, journey times to East London can range from 45 minutes to over an hour.
North-west of London, served by coach and rail links; expect 60–90 minute travel times into East London depending on connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian communities contribute significantly to the area’s cultural life, markets and cuisine.
Significant communities from various African and Caribbean countries, visible in local businesses, places of worship and cultural events.
A mix of long-term local residents and newer arrivals from across the UK and Europe, creating a varied social fabric.
Growth of nearby developments, Stratford regeneration and transport links has attracted students and young professionals seeking affordable East London living.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home to West Ham United at the London Stadium, football is the dominant local sport with passionate local support and lively match-day culture.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and local green spaces host running clubs, athletics events and community fitness activities year-round.
Local parks and community centres host amateur cricket, football, and recreational sports popular with families and youth groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting West Ham.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in markets, cafes, pubs and restaurants; many curry houses have extensive vegetarian menus and Westfield outlets cater well to plant-based diets.
East London has a growing vegan scene — look for dedicated vegan cafes in nearby Hackney/Shoreditch or vegan-friendly options at market stalls and chain restaurants.
Most modern restaurants and cafés can accommodate gluten-free requests; always mention your restriction and check cross-contamination if very sensitive.