London Localite contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information.
Wondering what the best things to do in Hackney are?
Hackney is one of the coolest places in London — but there’s more to it than you might realise. From indie markets and canalside cafés to leafy parks and community-run urban farms, there’s no shortage of things to do in Hackney — if you know where to look.
In this guide, I’m sharing the 15 coolest things to do in Hackney, London, drawn from over five years of living, working, and wandering around the borough. I’ve called both Stoke Newington and Bethnal Green home, worked in Shoreditch, and spent the whole of lockdown cycling through Hackney’s backstreets, green spaces, and hidden corners.
Yes, the area has become a magnet for creatives and young professionals — but beyond the gentrified clichés, Hackney is still layered with character. It’s by far one of my favourite areas of London to spend time in.
Quick Guide to the Best Things to Do in Hackney
⭐ Best thing to do overall:
Grab a falafel from Pocket and eat it in London Fields — simple, affordable, and proper local Hackney vibes.
🎟 Best free thing to do:
Walk along Regent’s Canal or hang out in Hackney Marshes — both are scenic and great for people-watching.
🌿 Most unique experience:
Book a slot at Netil Market’s rooftop sauna — you won’t find many city saunas with a view like that.
🎭 Best for nightlife:
Hackney Wick for canal-side bars and warehouse parties, or MOTH Club for gigs and slightly chaotic fun.
🍴 Best for foodies:
Broadway Market on a Saturday is packed with street food, bakeries, and fun independent restaurants.
🧸 Best with kids:
Hackney City Farm is a hit with little ones (and big kids too).
🛏 Best place to stay:
Kip Hotel for budget-friendly comfort, or The Hoxton Shoreditch for style and location.
Things to do in Hackney: A Local’s Guide
Ready to explore? Here are 15 of the best, local-approved things to do in Hackney, starting with some seriously game-changing falafel!
1. Queue up for a falafel Pocket
This tiny takeaway spot near London Fields serves what might genuinely be the best falafel in the city — and definitely the best I’ve ever had. The bread is fresh, pillowy, and absolutely packed with flavour. Yes, there’s usually a queue, but it moves quickly and it’s well worth the wait. Grab one and head to the park for a perfect lunch on the grass.
2. Browse the shops on Broadway Market
Broadway Market is one of Hackney’s most iconic streets — a mix of long-standing shops, bookstores, and trendy food spots. Haekels is a must-visit for skincare products made from seaweed harvested in Margate. If you’re into spirituality, She’s Lost Control is a fun spot to explore (yes, you can get your aura read). There’s also a great street market on Saturdays, full of food stalls, vintage clothes and handmade goods. It gets busy, but that’s part of the fun.
3. Get a pastry from Popams or E5
Hackney is spoiled for choice when it comes to great bakeries, but if I had to pick just two, it would be these. Pophams is known for its flaky, creative pastries — the Marmite and cheese swirl is legendary and their homemade pasta is delicious. E5 Bakehouse, set under the arches by London Fields, is all about organic, stone-milled sourdough and beautifully made, seasonal baking. Both are perfect for a coffee-and-pastry pit stop.
4. Visit Netil Market rooftop saunas
Tucked away above the market is one of Hackney’s best-kept secrets — a rooftop sauna with views over the city’s rooftops and Hackney’s iconic gas holder. You can book a private session (perfect for a small group), which makes it surprisingly affordable. It’s especially magical at sunset or on a chilly winter day.
5. Stroke the animals at Hackney City Farm
Wholesome and charming — Hackney City Farm is one of London’s best urban farms. You’ll find goats, pigs, donkeys and chickens, all just a short stroll from Haggerston and Columbia Road. It’s great for kids, but adults love it too. Pop into the café after you’ve had your fill of the farmyard.
6. Wander down Stoke Newington Church Street
With its leafy feel and independent spirit, Church Street is a more relaxed side of Hackney — think less warehouse raves, more organic delis and “yummy mummy” cafés. That said, it’s a lovely place to spend a day. You can brunch at The Blue Legume, wander around the wild Gothic cemetery at Abney Park, or head to Clissold Park for a stroll.
7. Have a night out in Hackney Wick
If you’re after some edgy Hackney nightlife, Hackney Wick is the place to be. Once an industrial zone, it’s now home to warehouse bars, canal-side breweries, and alternative venues with lots of creative energy. Start with a pint at Crate Brewery, perched right by the water, and maybe finish with a cocktail at Barge East, a moored Dutch barge turned floating restaurant and bar.
8. Take a dip in London Fields Lido
Yes, you can swim outdoors in Hackney — even in winter! London Fields Lido is a 50-metre heated open-air swimming pool open year-round. It’s one of the few heated lidos in London, and it’s a local institution.
A lido, for anyone unfamiliar, is the very British term for an outdoor public swimming pool. Whether you’re a serious swimmer or just fancy a refreshing dip, this spot is well worth a visit — and it’s right inside the park.
9. Have a picnic in Hackney Marshes
Hackney Marshes is a big, green escape from the borough. It’s huge, wild, and perfect for a picnic with friends. During lockdown, I spent countless afternoons here — one of my favourite spots is near Friend’s Bridge by the River Lea. Bring snacks, a blanket, and watch the world (and many, many dogs) go by.
10. Stroll down Bohemia Place to the Chesham Arms
Bohemia Place is a lovely little stretch tucked behind Hackney Central station, lined with independent shops, street food pop-ups, and cool bars. It leads neatly onto one of my favourite local pubs — the Chesham Arms. Tucked down a residential street, it feels like a proper hidden gem. I used to dog-sit nearby, so I’ve spent a lot of cosy afternoons in here. Bonus tip: You can get Yard Sale Pizza delivered straight to your table.
11. Pop into the Museum of the Home
Okay, I’ll be honest — it’s not my favourite museum in London. But it’s undeniably part of Hackney’s cultural fabric. Housed in a striking 18th-century almshouse just off Kingsland Road, the Museum of the Home explores how domestic life has changed over the centuries. If you’re nearby, it’s worth a quick wander — the gardens are lovely and the building itself is super photogenic.
12. Visit Mare Street Market for a cocktail & pizza
Mare Street Market is a staple of Hackney nightlife — and I’ve spent many a fun evening here. The venue is aesthetic in an effortlessly East London way, with exposed brick, vintage lighting, and plenty of space to spread out.
There are DJ sets most weekends, the cocktails are decent, and the pizza is surprisingly good. It’s also worth a visit by day, when you can browse the on-site record shop, florist, and interiors store before settling in with a drink.
13. Walk along the Regents Canal
Regent’s Canal slices right through Hackney, offering a scenic walking route dotted with waterside bars and breweries. While it’s definitely busier these days, there’s still a certain magic to this stretch, especially in the early evening or in winter. Start around Broadway Market, walk toward Islington, and pop into places like Canal No. 5 or Towpath as you go. And a tip: skip the bike — it gets way too crowded on weekends to be cycling along!
14. Have dinner at Jolene
Jolene does it all — part bakery, part restaurant, and amazingly delicious. It’s known for its unfussy, seasonal food and excellent natural wine list, served in a space that feels laid-back yet effortlessly cool. By day, grab some sourdough or a pastry; by night, book a table and prepare to fall in love with whatever’s on the menu.
15. See a show at the Hackney Empire or Moth Club
These two venues are Hackney institutions, and couldn’t be more different. Hackney Empire is a grand old Edwardian theatre hosting everything from stand-up and live music to panto. MOTH Club, on the other hand, is a glitter-covered ex-servicemen’s club turned cult music venue, known for its sticky floors, wild gigs, and drag shows. Either way, you’re in for a good night.
Pre-book the best tour in Hackney
If you love a walking tour like me, I’d recommend a guided street art and graffiti tour in Shoreditch above all other options. Check out availability and prices here!
Where to Stay in Hackney
If you’re planning more than a day trip, Hackney makes a great base for exploring East London. Here are a couple of top picks, whether you’re after budget-friendly or boutique vibes:
🛏 Budget: Kip Hotel
A stylish yet affordable boutique hotel just a few steps from Hackney Central station. Rooms are minimal but comfy, with everything you need for a short stay — plus good coffee in the lobby. Great for solo travellers or anyone on a budget who still wants design-led accommodation.
Check out prices and availability for Kip Hotel here!
⚓ Mid Range: Old Ship Inn Hackney
A boutique inn above a classic pub on Sylvester Path, the Old Ship Inn offers ten comfy en-suite rooms with tea/coffee facilities, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi‑Fi—plus hearty pub grub downstairs. It is a stone’s throw from Hackney Central too.
Check out prices and availability for Old Ship Inn here.
🏙 Luxury: The Hoxton, Shoreditch
One of East London’s original trendy hotels, The Hoxton blends cool design with comfort. Rooms are chic and compact, there’s a lively lobby for co-working or cocktails, and you’re right in the middle of Shoreditch’s bar and restaurant scene, with Hackney just a short stroll or cycle away.
Check out prices and availability for The Hoxton, Shoreditch here.
Round Up: Things to Do in Hackney
And now you’re ready to explore Hackney like a local!
I hope this guide has helped you uncover some of the best things to do in Hackney, whether you’re here for a day or you’ve lived nearby for years. From iconic local haunts to hidden gems, these are the spots I keep coming back to — and I genuinely think you’ll love them too.
So next time you’re wondering where to go in East London, skip the tourist trail and give Hackney a proper wander. You might end up loving it like so many others! And if you’re looking for more area inspo, check out my Camden Town, London guide for the best things to do there!
