East London is surging as Europe’s cultural hotspot, blending history with cutting-edge creativity. From world-class museums to groundbreaking arts festivals, this part of the city is redefining itself in exciting ways. Ratha Tep of The New York Times names it a must-visit in 2025, emphasizing major projects like the East Bank development, Sadler’s Wells East theater, and SXSW London. If you want to experience the pulse of London’s evolution, now is the time.

East London is emerging as a cultural hotspot, particularly with the East Bank development at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In February, the Sadler’s Wells East theater for contemporary dance will open, followed by the V&A East Storehouse in May. The Storehouse will give visitors access to the Victoria and Albert Museum’s extensive collections, including rare 17th-century Mughal architecture and Schiaparelli haute couture. Later in the year, the David Bowie Centre will open, featuring more than 90,000 items. Meanwhile, the inaugural SXSW London festival in June will bring the cultural juggernaut from Austin, Texas, to London for the first time.