Peckham is a lively south London neighbourhood known for its creative energy, multicultural character and thriving independent businesses. Explore streets lined with restaurants and cafes, discover colourful creative spaces, or experience the area's pubs and music venues.
Our Visit London authors have curated this expert guide to the best things to do in Peckham using local knowledge, first-hand destination experience and visitor recommendations.
Stroll through the area and you'll quickly find that the leafy enclave of Peckham Rye sits side by side with lively areas like Copeland Park – Peckham's self-proclaimed cultural quarter – and Rye Lane, a bustling marketplace. Few places in the capital feel as globally influenced and culturally rich as Peckham's streets; dive into an immersive experience at 58th Street London, spend an art-filled afternoon at South London Gallery and enjoy community events in the Bussey Building, all within this fantastic neighbourhood.
Ready to explore? Whether you're putting together a packed itinerary, planning a last-minute visit or looking for hidden gems, our guide contains hand-picked suggestions, insider tips and FAQs to help you make the most of your visit to Peckham.
The best things to do in Peckham at a glance
- 🎬 Best for entertainment: 58th Street London, Peckhamplex, Rooftop Cinema Club.
- 🍴 Best for food and markets: TOAD Bakery, Mr Bao, Melange Chocolate.
- 🍺 Best for pubs and nightlife: Peckham Arches, Prince of Peckham.
- 🎨 Best for arts and culture: Bussey Building, South London Gallery.
- 🛍️ Best for independent shopping: Holdrons Arcade, Peckham Carboot.
- 🌳 Best for parks and green spaces: Peckham Rye Park.
How we chose the best things to do in Peckham
Our team of Visit London authors are London locals and experts with years of experience researching and visiting the city's many unique neighbourhoods. We keep up to date with new openings and special events in the capital to help us expand our knowledge of both iconic sites and hidden corners of the capital.
The recommendations in this guide have been selected using a mix of local expertise, visitor popularity and on-the-ground research from our team. We place particular emphasis on venues and experiences that reflect Peckham’s character – from its diverse food scene and lively nightlife to its cultural spaces, parks and independent shops.
Top things to do in Peckham
1. Be transported to 1930s New York at 58th Street London – Best for jazz lovers
Take a seat at 58th Street London and you'll be whisked away from Peckham and into the heart of New York. Hidden behind an unassuming door on Rye Lane, this secret speakeasy promises a night filled with jazz music, cabaret and lavish food.
Prepare for an immersive journey through the jazz age, with an interactive experience centred on Belle Livingstone – the real-life socialite who founded the legendary 58th Street Country Club in Manhattan. Watch from your table as a live Harlem jazz band takes to the stage, with each performance interwoven with tales of New York's music scene during the raucous Prohibition era. As the night unfolds, you'll be treated to a decadent six-course dinner menu, with the option to purchase spirits, cocktails and wine at the bar. Don't forget to don your best 1930s-inspired outfit; check out our 58th Street review for insider tips.
Best for: Jazz fans and anyone in the mood for a glamorous evening
Good to know: Three different ticket options are available, but all include seating in the performance area and a full six-course dinner menu.
2. Catch a film at Peckhamplex, London’s cheapest cinema – Best for budget-friendly movie magic
If you're in the mood to catch a film, locals will tell you that Peckhamplex is the place to go. This charming independent cinema shows all the latest releases at budget-friendly prices – in fact, you can nab a ticket for under £8.
Standing proudly on Rye Lane, Peckhamplex has been screening films and documentaries since 1994. It now attracts a loyal audience of Peckham locals as well as keen film fans from across London, offering a huge variety of film options including parent and baby screenings, Autism-friendly films and screenings suitable for hearing-impaired audiences. Plus, the venue often organises panel discussions and Q&As with film directors.
Best for: Film fans, families and anyone looking for an indoor activity
Good to know: All standard film tickets cost £6.99 plus a 60p booking fee.
3. Explore the Bussey Building in Copeland Park – Best for community events
Copeland Park is Peckham's self-proclaimed cultural quarter. Dating back to the 1990s, it sits at the heart of the Peckham community, playing host to some of the area's most beloved small businesses. Peek into one of the many units on the estate and you'll discover cafes, restaurants, gyms and retail spaces, along with plenty of fantastic pop-ups.
There's even more to explore inside the Bussey Building, a red-brick skyscraper which is used for an enormous array of events. Visit for food festivals, comedy nights, vintage markets and more; you can even take part in Pilates and yoga classes on the rooftop.
Best for: Pop-ups and community events
Good to know: Check the Copeland Park website for a full list of events and exhibitions.
4. Check out one of Peckham’s many rooftop destinations – Best for spectacular city views
As you stroll the streets in this vibrant area, don't forget to look up: some of Peckham's very best spots are soaring above the ground in high-rise buildings.
Take Rooftop Cinema Club – an open-air cinema perched on top of the Bussey Building – or Peckham Levels, a former multistorey car park which now houses restaurants, bars and workspaces. You'll also find an extensive programme of community events at Peckham Levels, from art exhibitions to music, theatre and family activities.
In the summertime, Frank's Cafe claims the top spot on any Peckham itinerary; don't forget to snap a picture of the famous pink staircase as you head up to this popular rooftop bar. Locals will be quick to inform you that Frank's is only open between May and September, but fortunately, Forza Wine – a rooftop restaurant serving natural wine and small plates – is just nearby, and you can visit all year round.
Best for: City views and stellar photo opportunities
Good to know: Check the opening times for each venue, as many rooftop terraces close during the winter.
5. Tuck into fabulous food at Mr Bao – Best for authentic Taiwanese cuisine
Peckham is a haven for foodies, and Mr Bao is a particularly popular choice. This charming neighbourhood eatery is available for takeaway food, walk-ins and reservations – so no matter how much time you have, you'll be able to enjoy some classic Taiwanese dishes.
Choose from sharing plates including sticky edamame, barbecue corn ribs and sweet potato chips with wasabi mayo, then sit back and prepare for the star of the show: the bao buns. Pork belly bao is the house favourite, but you can expect chicken, beef brisket and prawn varieties, too. Vegetarians and vegans will love the crispy tofu and shiitake mushroom buns, and there are plenty of weekly specials to try. Plus, a spectacular brunch menu is served every weekend, and the cocktails are a must-try; the plum wine negroni is guaranteed to impress.
Best for: A casual meal at a popular neighbourhood spot
Good to know: Brunch is available between 11am and 4.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with bottomless options starting at £24.
6. Check out the street art – Best for a sensational stroll and excellent photo opportunities
There's no shortage of incredible street art in the capital, and Peckham is known for its psychedelic graffiti and intricate wall murals. Plus, hunting for street art is one of the best free things to do in London – so grab your camera and prepare for some spectacular sights.
To kick off your adventure, head to the Prince of Peckham pub, where you'll come face to face with a towering mural by Mr Cenz – a renowned graffiti artist with a portfolio of public works spanning London, New York and Barcelona, alongside professional campaigns for brands including Puma and Pepsi. Since the painting is a dazzling portrait of a young woman, it is affectionately known as the "princess of Peckham".
After admiring this picture-perfect spot, take a stroll towards Rye Lane. Here, you can check out colourful graffiti stretching all the way from Peckhamplex to Bold Tendencies (the building that houses Frank's Cafe) and Peckham Levels.
Best for: A photo-worthy adventure through some of Peckham's most popular areas
Good to know: You can find Mr Cenz's work in a variety of London neighbourhoods, from Shoreditch to Crystal Palace, but the princess of Peckham is one of his most recognisable pieces.
7. Visit Holdrons Arcade, Peckham’s very own "corridor of wonders" – Best for living like a local
Also claiming a spot within Copeland Park is Holdrons Arcade – a shopping alley packed with hidden gems. The address gets its name from Henry Holdron, a local entrepreneur who opened his first shop there in 1882. Nearly 150 years later, the area accommodates a wide variety of independent businesses.
If you fancy taking a look around, don't miss Khan's Bargains, a grocery shop famed for its Afghani food and Indian spice section. Rons Cafe is also worth a visit; not only does it serve up delicious vegan food, but it also hosts an array of exciting events, from tarot readings to DJ nights.
8. Stop for a coffee and a croissant at TOAD Bakery – Best for snacks and pastries
TOAD Bakery is without a doubt one of the best bakeries in Peckham – and while it's renowned for its croissants and cakes, it also sells savoury delicacies, too. Expect to queue if you visit on a Friday or Saturday; this is an incredibly popular spot, and many items sell out by around 11am.
When it comes time to order, you'll be tempted by everything on offer, but make sure to nab a Yuzu Orange Jaffa Cake (a delicious orange and almond sponge with yuzu orange jelly inside and a decadent layer of chocolate ganache). The Soy Sauce Cookie may sound unusual, but its white miso and tamari flavouring is perfectly complimented by chocolate chips and sesame – and it's even suitable for vegans. Finally, don't miss out on the Everything Bagel Croissant, which is a fan favourite.
Best for: Pastry lovers and anyone keen to try out one of Peckham's most beloved bakeries
Good to know: If you don't fancy queuing, aim to visit TOAD between Tuesday and Thursday; crowds are rare and there will be plenty of treats left to try, even if you arrive in the afternoon.
9. See an exhibition at the South London Gallery – Best for contemporary art
Tucked away on Peckham Road – just a stone's throw from Toad Bakery, in fact – is South London Gallery, a charitable organisation that was established in 1891 by philanthropist William Rossiter. The goal was to bring art to communities in south London, and the gallery now showcases a number of contemporary art exhibitions as well as organising creative projects and workshops for locals, young people and emerging artists.
The gallery is free to visit, and it also contains a shop selling books, prints, magazines and stationery. After checking out the exhibitions in the main building, head into the adjoining gallery space, which sits within the former Peckham Road Fire Station. Leave enough time to take a stroll through the beautifully designed gardens, which contain sculptures, water features and plenty of lush plants.
Best for: Contemporary paintings, local art projects and community workshops
Good to know: If you're eager to make evening plans, visit on a Wednesday, when the gallery stays open until 9pm.
10. Party the night away at a hi-fi bar – Best for music fans looking for a memorable evening out
After a busy day of sightseeing, unwind at one of Peckham's many bars and clubs. Our top picks are Hausu and JUMBI – two hi-fi bars that offer irresistible food, stellar cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
At Hausu, you can expect DJ sets and supper club events led by up-and-coming chefs. Meanwhile, nights at JUMBI are all about vinyl, with a focus on the sounds of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. Pull up a chair and tuck into small plates and drinks, but don't get too comfortable, as you'll find yourself on the dancefloor in no time. (If you're in the mood to party all night, JUMBI is open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and nearby club The Carpet Shop stays open as late as 4am.)
Best for: Date nights and catch-ups with a party feel
Good to know: Both Hausu and JUMBI can get busy on weekends, so book in advance to secure your spot.
11. Take a stroll across Peckham Rye Park – Best for outdoor adventures and child-friendly spaces
While there are numerous exciting attractions to visit in Peckham, the parks in the neighbourhood are something of a hidden gem. Peckham Rye Park is a particularly scenic spot; together with Peckham Rye Common, it offers 113 acres of open space, with plenty to explore when the weather is favourable.
Kids will love the sprawling play area and the recently renovated adventure playground, which contains a brand new multi-use games area. An outdoor gym is nearby, alongside a skate park and a bowling green. (The skate park is free to use, but the bowling green must be booked in advance.) For snacks, sweet treats and coffee, check out The Round Cafe on the common, which is open from 8am to 4pm in the winter and 7.30pm in the summertime.
Best for: Families and anyone keen for a breath of fresh air
Good to know: The park also contains multiple football pitches which can be booked on the Southwark Council website.
12. Settle in for a pint at the Prince of Peckham or a glass of wine at Bar Levan – Best for evening drinks and catch-ups
It might be the canvas for some incredible street art, but the Prince of Peckham is also renowned for being one of the best pubs in the area. Open seven days a week, this neighbourhood spot welcomes every kind of visitor (including pets) and hosts a dazzling array of events, from karaoke and DJ sets to quiz nights, craft workshops and even community lectures.
The pub offers a hearty food menu that celebrates Caribbean-inspired flavours – and, unsurprisingly, the drinks list is just as impressive. Whether you're in the mood for cocktails, beer, wine or soft drinks, you won't be disappointed. (Though if it's natural wine you're after, we recommend nabbing a table at the nearby Bar Levan.)
Best for: A classic British pub experience and a brilliant meal
Good to know: Check out the Prince of Peckham website for a full list of upcoming events.
13. See what’s on at Peckham Arches – Best for Mexican food and live music
Whether you're making last-minute plans or organising an elaborate get-together, there's always plenty going on at Peckham Arches. This enormous all-weather terrace is the perfect place for a casual dinner (think quesadillas, tacos and tortilla chips) or a cocktail or two (plus wine, fizz and a selection of draught beers). The food comes courtesy of Angeles London, an LA-inspired taco joint, while the beer is provided by Birdhouse Brewery.
Peckham Arches is open from Wednesday to Sunday, making it an ideal spot for both after-work drinks and weekend nights out. To make the most of this incredible venue, however, look out for one of many themed nights: expect £2 tacos on Wednesdays, £3.50 pints on Thursdays and happy hour drink deals, plus DJ sets on Friday and Saturday evenings and live music performances on Sundays.
Best for: Skyline views, live music and brilliant food and drink options
Good to know: Peckham Arches regularly hosts gigs in collaboration with Sofar Sounds, an events company known for organising intimate performances and secret shows.
14. Stock up on sweet treats at Melange Chocolate – Best for luxurious gifts and decadent drinks
Got a sweet tooth? Melange is Peckham's very own chocolate emporium. Step inside and discover handmade chocolate bars, truffles and other delicacies – all of which make the perfect foodie gifts. You can also book chocolate-making workshops if you're looking for an exciting London activity to try with friends or family.
If you're really in the mood to indulge, the hot chocolate is without a doubt the most popular item on the menu at Melange. It's accompanied by a selection of frappes, smoothies and milkshakes, if you prefer an ice-cold beverage, and you can even pick up hot chocolate powder to help you make decadent drinks at home.
Best for: Sophisticated sweet treats
Good to know: Chocolate isn't the only thing on the menu; you can also buy ice cream and cakes from Melange.
15. Hunt for gems at Peckham Car Boot – Best for vintage finds
This car boot sale has been held in the grounds of Harris Academy in Peckham since 2019. Visitors arrive from far and wide to hunt for bargains and chat to local sellers; you'll find vintage clothing, homeware, art and more.
Running from mid-February until December, Peckham Carboot is a modern-day flea market and a weekend highlight – you can even pick up food, drinks and fresh produce while you browse. Entry is just £1 between 11am and 2pm, but if you're an early bird, you can pay £7 for 10am entry. The event takes place every other Sunday, come rain or shine; just make sure to check the Peckham Carboot website for dates.
Best for: Savvy shoppers looking for a fun day out
Good to know: While Peckham Carboot has been running since 2019, it has now expanded to two new locations: Leyton and Clissold.
