East London is the part of the capital that lies east of the City of London and north of the Thames as the river begins to widen. It grew as London's docklands and industrial heartland, and its character today is shaped by the docks, the river, and the long eastward spread of suburbs that followed the railways.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself. The historic core, the old East End, sits closest to the City and the river, while the regeneration areas along the Thames and the Lea Valley sit further out. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, what each is like to stay in, and how the choice changes with your budget.
Best areas to stay in East London
1. The East End
The East End is the old core of East London, the area that grew up beyond the city walls along the roads out of Bishopsgate and Aldgate and along the river. It is the part of East London closest to the City of London, which makes it the most convenient base for reaching central London sights on foot or by short journeys.
It suits first-time visitors who want to be near the centre and within easy reach of the river. The area is urban and densely built, so expect city noise rather than quiet. The term came into widespread use from the late 19th century to describe the areas of East London closer to the City.
2. London Docklands
The Docklands is the riverside area of East London that was defined in the 1980s as the zone of redevelopment under the London Docklands Development Corporation. It developed originally as London's docklands and primary industrial centre, and regeneration here is well advanced in places such as Canary Wharf.
This suits visitors who want to stay in the regenerated riverside districts and prefer newer surroundings to the historic East End. Because the docks and the river define the layout, distances along the water can be longer than they look, so check how your base connects to the rest of your itinerary.
3. The Lower Lea Valley
The Lower Lea Valley is one of the two areas of activity within the Thames Gateway that extend into East London, centred on the Olympic site. It sits along the River Lea, which forms the boundary between Tower Hamlets and Hackney on one side and Newham and Waltham Forest on the other.
It suits visitors whose plans centre on the Olympic site and the Lea Valley rather than the historic East End. The Lea is a working boundary river rather than a scenic centrepiece, so treat this as a functional base and plan your connections to the sights in advance.
4. London Riverside
London Riverside is the second area of activity within the Thames Gateway that extends into East London, sitting adjacent to the Thames. It lies in the lower Thames valley, where the marshes that once stretched from Wapping to Rainham have almost completely gone.
This suits visitors who want to be near the river in the eastern part of the area, or who have reason to be in this stretch of the Thames Gateway. It is generally the lowest-lying part of East London, and it is further from the City than the East End, so it works better as a base for a specific purpose than for general sightseeing.
5. The northern boroughs
The northern parts of East London fall within the boroughs of Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. This is where the only hills in East London are found, distant from the river, and where the urban footprint was constrained by the protection of Epping Forest and later the Metropolitan Green Belt.
It suits visitors who prefer greener, higher ground and suburban surroundings over the riverside and dockland districts. The trade-off is distance: these areas are further from the City and the river, so you will rely more on the rail network that drove their growth.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: backpacker hostels with dorm beds, and simpler places that function more like workers' hostels than backpackers'. Camping is also available at some budget options.
- Mid-range: guesthouses, including ones outside the town centre that are situated overlooking the sea.
- Splurge: lodges in the outlying areas, such as the Woodleigh area.
Best area for a first visit
The East End is the best base for a first visit. It is the old core of East London and the part closest to the City of London, so it puts you nearest the centre and the river. From there you can reach the docklands and the regeneration areas further east without committing to staying in them.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of East London is closest to central London?
The East End, the old core of East London, is the area closest to the City of London. It grew up beyond the city walls along the roads out of Bishopsgate and Aldgate and along the river.
Where can I stay if I want to be near the river?
The Docklands and London Riverside both sit along the Thames. The Docklands is the riverside redevelopment zone defined in the 1980s, and London Riverside is the Thames Gateway area adjacent to the river.
Is East London hilly?
East London is generally the lowest elevated of London's four cardinal points because of the wide Thames that runs here. The only hills are in northern areas distant from the river, in the boroughs of Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest.
Where are the greener, more suburban areas to stay?
The northern boroughs of Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest are the greener, higher parts of East London. Development there was constrained by the protection of Epping Forest and later the Metropolitan Green Belt.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.