Five excellent things to do in Crystal Palace, South London
Looking for things to do in Crystal Palace, SE19, SE20 and beyond? I’ve lived near here for the past six years so have spent many days mooching around the area, trying out all the local hotspots, and can now hands down say I’ve done the legwork in knowing the best things to recommend. If you’re planning a weekend in and around Crystal Palace and Gipsy Hill check this list first!
Crystal Palace is actually a pretty small area and so the community here is very protective about what they allow onto the highstreet. This means it’s not become a depressing line of bookies, and is still bustling with independent wine shops, vintage emporiums, delis, nice gift shops and good pubs. The main highstreet is split over three adjoining roads and is often referred to as “The Triangle”, which is where you’ll find everything. There’s even still an independent book shop, and a regular market at Hayes Lane for street food and vintage clothes.
Crystal Palace was also our birthplace! If you haven’t heard of us before, we’re Salad Days Market, an award-winning market that hosts monthly small business shopping pop-ups all over South London. We still host regular events around Crystal Palace and nearby Gipsy Hill, so whether you’re coming to the area to visit friends or live here, check out all our upcoming markets over on our Events page. They’re always free entry and are a really lush way to spend a day with friends.
As a destination, Crystal Palace also benefits from the amazing Crystal Palace Park which is absolutely huge and incorporates a pedalo pond, Sunday food market, popular café and the famous “Bowl”, a historic music venue! Making it a great place to spend time with kids.
The whole place has a very villagey atmosphere and is a really lovely place to live and visit. Here are my top pics of things to do in Crystal Palace!
MOOCH AROUND AN AWARD WINNING MAKERS MARKET
Crystal Palace is the birthplace of the best makers market in London, Salad Days Market! So if you’re going to be spending time in there, make sure you check to see if we’ve got an event on! They’re always free entry and feature loads of incredible small brands, local food stalls, drinks and more.
VISIT THE DINOSAURS IN THE PARK
The dinosaurs have been in Crystal Palace Park for more than 100 years and are currently undergoing some major renovation to keep them looking their best. A super cute free thing to do with kids. While you’re there, check out the food market there every Sunday, and take a pedalo out on the water (in summer!)
RUMMAGE IN AMAZING VINTAGE FURNITURE SHOPS
The Triangle in Crystal Palace is well known for its plethora of great vintage furniture shops. Of them all, my personal fave is the four story emporium on Jasper Street. Every time I’ve visited I’ve found exactly what I was looking for!
HEAD TO AN AMAZING PUB FOR A SUNDAY ROAST
With it’s villagey vibe, this cool neighbourhood is home to a handful of really good pubs. The Alma especially does a banging Sunday Roast and is well known after Grace Dent gave it a rave review a few years back.
DRINK IN THE BEST VIEW
There’s one good thing about Crystal Palace’s notorious hills - once you’re at the top you get the most incredible view of London’s iconic skyline, including the Shard and more. Take a moment to appreciate it with a drink in your hand at Cooper’s pub who’s double doors open to reveal an amazing vantage spot.