Hackney offers a mix of vibrant culture, green spaces, and local charm, making it a must-visit neighborhood in East London. From one-of-a-kind markets such as Broadway Market to the beautiful park London Fields, there’s so much to discover.
You’ll discover quirky art galleries, hipster cafes, and offbeat attractions that showcase the area’s artistic spirit. The Hackney Empire, a historic theater, adds a touch of classic entertainment, while Victoria Park provides a relaxing escape with walking paths and open spaces.
Whether you’re drawn by Hackney’s thriving modern attractions or its rich history, Hackney has something for everyone. Read on for the most exciting things to do and places to visit.
Discover the unique pulse of this colorful corner of London and get ready to have a blast…
1. Explore the Street Art of Shoreditch
Shoreditch is literally covered with vibrant murals and poignant graffiti that celebrate native talent and artistic vision, often reflecting the essence of beloved Hackney. Walking down streets such as Brick Lane, Hanbury Street, and Redchurch Street, you’ll feel the impact of every wall narrating a story. From bold graffiti tags to intricate stencil art and massive murals, there’s a variety of styles that make every corner feel like an open-air gallery, much like the artistic vibe found in Hackney Wick.
Read up on Great Eastern Street and Rivington Street! They are just pretty cool places where art and attitude pervade, and electrifying energy hums through the streets. The diversity of artwork reflects the ever-evolving culture, with new pieces constantly replacing older ones, making Shoreditch a place worth revisiting, akin to the vibrant atmosphere of Hackney Central.
To learn to truly appreciate it, you can take a guided walking tour. I personally recommend Karim from Street Art Tours London. As a street artist himself with over 16 years of experience, he offers unique insights into the history and significance of the art scene.
Having lived there, I was enraptured on this tour. I was hooked by the fascinating histories behind these iconic pieces and the artists who created them. It’s not only what these works look like; it’s the cultural dynamic underbelly of these creatives that lies behind them. Karim has an amazing talent for showing you the things you’d never find on your own.
Be sure to bring your camera with you! Iconic locations such as those found on New Inn Yard and the many colorful murals that line Brick Lane make for great backdrop photos. These colorful creations help illustrate Shoreditch’s artistic, creative, and energetic urban vibe, reminiscent of the lively atmosphere at Hackney Picturehouse.
Planning to stop by on a Sunday? You’ll come across the bustling Brick Lane Market, where street art collides with creative small businesses and street food vendors. It makes for an incredibly vibrant place to discover outside of the enclosure, much like the charm of Hackney Churchyard Gardens.
2. Visit the Hackney Museum
While small in size, the Hackney Museum is a wonderful place dedicated to promoting the diverse history and culture of this beloved Hackney area. Its exhibitions showcase the vibrant cultural heritage and the multicultural, multiethnic community that makes it unique. You’ll find a remarkable collection of objects ranging from the 17th century to the present day, each unveiling the vibrant experiences of Hackneyites, both past and present.
Explore the rich story of how the Victorian textile industry formed the local area. Learn about contemporary protest movements and experience this colorful corner of London! Creative, interactive workshops and events give your visit a whole new dynamic. Developed for all ages, these experiences allow you to interact with art and history in a creative way, making it a great place for families.
Experience Hackney’s fascinating history through an eco-friendly craft workshop! Enjoy fun, family-friendly events that showcase different cultural traditions, helping to ensure the museum is a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive space. It’s more than browsing through exhibits—it’s immersing yourself in history.
The museum is home to several rotating temporary exhibitions, often focusing on contemporary artists with connections to Hackney. These displays manage to bring the past up-to-date in a thoroughly modern context, providing fresh insights into how the borough is still changing for the better.
For instance, you might come across a photography showcase of Hackney’s street life or artwork reflecting the borough’s vibrant mix of cultures. Opened in 1914, this tucked-away treasure is worth seeking out for anyone who loves local history and culture.
It’s a small museum, but the richness of its collections and the stories they represent make it one of the world’s most captivating museums. Perfect for history buffs or anyone curious about Hackney’s roots, the museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who shaped this community.
3. Relax in London Fields Park
London Fields Park is a great go-to getaway, taking you into a land of wide open spaces and fun activities. The grassy areas are ideal for a laid-back picnic, whether you’re spreading out a blanket with friends or lounging solo near the heated lido. The park’s heated outdoor swimming pool, the London Fields Lido, is open year-round.
It’s a 164-foot pool that’s great for a refreshing dip, which will come in especially handy once the summer sun returns. The lovely local brewpub adds to the scene. It’s the ideal place to grab a cold pint after a warm day passing through!
If you prefer to break a sweat, London Fields leaves you no shortage of options. Jogging and cycling paths snake around the park, adding to an energetic vibe. Outside, yoga classes happen daily and add to the energetic spirit of the space.
If you find yourself here in the summer, be sure to look for the iconic cricket pitch nicely whited out and delineated. It truly does feature versions of traditional British sports. The park serves as the starting point for the Dunwich Dynamo.
This unique annual 112-mile timed cycling event has become so popular that registration fills the day it opens! Though unassuming, the park is more than a well-manicured green space. It is a vibrant outlet for a multitude of community events and farmer’s markets.
On weekends, you’re likely to come across craft stalls, local food vendors, or seasonal celebrations. London Fields is home to perhaps the largest collection of London Plane trees. These trees provide cool shade and improve air quality, making it a more enjoyable, healthier place to spend time.
4. Discover Broadway Market
Broadway Market is one of Hackney’s old county markets — on Saturdays it’s a vibrant foodie hub. With 135 rotating stalls to browse, it’s one of the best places in town to immerse yourself in the local culture of this beloved Hackney neighborhood. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a lively mix of flavors and styles that reflect Hackney’s blend of old and new.
The street itself is pulsing with energy, ready to transport you to one of London’s most envied markets. Foodies will find no shortage of drool-inducing street food, with dozens of vendors hawking their specialty eats. Whether you’re in the mood for a crispy falafel wrap, juicy dumplings, or a flaky pastry, it’s all there waiting for you at this excellent place to eat.
If you’re gluten conscious, stalls such as Eat n’ Mess and Floris Bakery are a great way to experience awesome gluten free and wheat free goodness. Each delicious bite is a window into the personality and history of the market’s incredibly vibrant culinary culture!
The shopping scene is equally captivating. Colorful, unique stalls line the street packed with vintage clothing, hand carved crafts and boisterous farmers hawking their delicious fresh produce. You could walk away with a unique handmade jacket, beautiful ceramic work, or a bag of organic fruits and vegetables to enjoy at home.
It’s that creative yet practical mix that makes browsing here so exhilarating. Adding to the charm, many local artisans and shop owners infuse the area with creative spirit and local craftsmanship. Many are happy to chat about their work, whether it’s a handmade leather wallet or a freshly roasted coffee blend.
Their passion and stories contribute to the market’s vibrant atmosphere. The sounds of live music ring through the air as exceptionally talented performers entertain with their busking skills, providing the perfect soundtrack to your visit.
That combination of industrious creative noise, spicy food, and cool shopping is the essence of Hackney’s cool vibe. Without the crowds of the other markets, Broadway Market has a very hip but chill vibe, making it a must-visit location in Hackney proper.
5. Experience the Nightlife at Dalston
Dalston is the perfect place to experience London’s nightlife, with a wild combination of bars, pubs, and clubs ready to cater to your mood. Whatever your nightlife preference, be it sophisticated craft cocktails, laid-back casual pints, or dancing the entire night away, the possibilities are countless. About 90% of the venues here are privately owned, which really helps with the character of this beloved Hackney neighborhood.
You might just find yourself raving in a cavernous cave-like club until sunrise. Or, catch the view of the dazzling city skyline from a rooftop venue. Dalston’s nightlife is an eclectic wonder, with live music as a major facet. Servant Jazz Quarters is another place not to miss — delicious cocktails served with a side of live jazz, making it a great place for locals and visitors alike.
The lineup usually leans towards making-do-with spreads of indie bands on the upswing, along with soul, blues, funk, country and jazz. The Cause Living room vibes inside this music-focused venue gives visitors an intimate and inspiring experience. Catchexclusive live sets from DJs such as Grace Sands and Jaye Ward. That’s partly because it has a 3 a.m. License and you can enjoy the night in its lively first-floor booth.
Ridley Road Market Bar provides a novel experience with cheap rum cocktails. Dance to a vibrant mix of disco, reggae, and 80s pop while you drink! Themed nights are the rule, not the exception here. Whether it’s a sequin-studded drag show or a pop-fueled disco, the energy in Dalston’s nightlife is second to none.
Some venues undergo a total transformation in the course of the evening. You may see a live band in an intimate downstairs room, just before the venue turns into a booming dance club. With themed nights, pop-ups and special events, Dalston is an ever-evolving centre for nightlife seekers.
With listening spaces and nightlife for every kind of music lover, there’s always something new to discover.
Conclusion
Hackney truly has everything to fit any type of traveler, from culture seekers, historians, foodies, nightlife lovers, and more. From Shoreditch’s vibrant artistic scene to the serenity of London Fields Park, each area presents its own unique charm. The Hackney Museum tells stories that connect the past to the present, while Broadway Market fills your day with great food and local finds. At night Dalston is an explosion of colour, noise and energy.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to experience the vibrant local culture, Hackney offers a taste of everything. As such, it is a place where you can unwind, discover, learn and be entertained. If you’ll be visiting, look out — you will be in for an adventure! So come along, haul in some fish and savor everything special that this corner of London has to offer.