18 unmissable things to do in Hackney you'll love

London Fields is easily one of our favourite places to visit in Hackney, especially when short on time and looking to fit lots in. The park boasts a tennis court, a cricket pitch, an outdoor gym area, a children's play area, wildflower meadows and London Fields Lido – one of the best swimming spots in London. 

Grab food from Broadway Market on weekends, Netil Market daily, or beloved hole in the wall: pockets, if you're willing to queue (it's worth it!). Find a spot in the park to picnic with friends, or eat while strolling in the direction of Shoreditch, stopping at Hackney City Farm and Columbia Road Flower Market on the way. 

Keen for a longer walk? Follow Regent's Canal all the way to Islington, King's Cross, Camden, Little Venice and beyond. Or, end the day at one of the many nearby pubs and bars; some top picks include The Dove, Cat & Mutton, Pub on the Park, Mare Street Market and Netil 360.

Best for: Spending the day like a local

Good to know: Broadway Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, which brings a huge crowd and fills the nearby street with street food and fashion stalls. Visit on a weekday to enjoy a more peaceful side to the area.

Known for its rich nightlife scene, Hackney has no shortage of late-night spots, but the neighbourhood has welcomed a flurry of live music bars in recent years that many travel far and wide for. Think something between a music venue and a bar. A place where live DJs and bands play to audiences in an intimate space, usually with a moody ambience.

Next Door Records Two is one of our top picks. Flick through its record collection by day, and then stay for the live music, natural wine and grapefruit margaritas at night. Look out for its programme of weekly DJ sets and events, including the Next Door Sessions series on Mondays, featuring weekly live sets from an unannounced band. 

The Muddy Puddle and The Waiting Room in Stoke Newington boast a similar offering. Or, walk down Stoke Newington High Street until it turns to Kingsland Road, and you'll find several similar spots including Marquee Moon, Ridley Road Market Bar and Jago. London Fields' Bambi is another great choice, especially if you're looking for more of a sit down meal experience.

Best for: Record collectors, music lovers and low-key evening drinks

Good to know: Seating is limited, so be sure to book a table to avoid disappointment, especially if you're in a larger group.

Ask any local where to find the best Turkish food in London, and they'll likely point you in the direction of Green Lanes, which is famously lined with grill restaurants. But some of the best are further east of Hackney, namely: Mangal 1. 

Situated down a quiet offshoot of Kingsland Road in Dalston, this popular no-frills ocakbasi restaurant has become a local institution since opening in the early 90s. Smoke from the open fire hits you as soon as you walk in, while chefs prepare and grill meats and breads for hungry visitors. We suggest starting with a cold meze and sharing a selection of kebabs and chops, which are all served with rice and salad. 

Just remember you can't book a table here, so be prepared to wait, especially during popular times. Oh, and it's BYOB, so grab drinks from a nearby supermarket before you join the queue!

If you're in the area during the day, pop by for a freshly made lamb lahmacun (Anatolian pizza) to go. Or, you won't be disappointed by one of the many other nearby options: Mersin Tantuni, Somine, Adana Ocakbasi and Testi. 

Best for: Charcoal-cooked meat and Turkish meze

Good to know: Many Turkish restaurants in the area have a similar name, so be sure you're in the right place if you want to try Mangal 1.

Where to eat in Hackney? The neighbourhood is so brimming with options that it can be hard to know where to start. But we'd like to introduce you to Calong, which serves one of the most memorable meals we've had in the area.

Flick through a menu of Korean-European dishes, including the must-order kimchi fritters served with chilli mayo and Joo's fried chicken, served with sweet chilli and peanut. While much of the menu changes with the seasons, you can expect to find generous cuts of meat and fish paired with bold Korean flavours. Make sure to try a salad or two, and leave room for something sweet – even the desserts are special here; it's no wonder it was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand just one year after opening. 

Wine lovers will be just as impressed by the ever-changing wine list, which focuses on low-intervention and natural wines. Ask the knowledgeable waiters for help with pairings.  

Best for: A unique culinary experience

Good to know: The restaurant is fairly small and caters to a maximum of four during dinner sittings. Groups of up to six must visit during weekend lunch hours. 

Visitors travel far and wide to a quiet residential corner of Stoke Newington for a taste of the unique treats on offer at Bake Street. 

On weekdays, this beloved cafe and bakery makes batches of staple menu items: filled buns, toasties, sausage rolls, cookies, brownies and bars. Our highlights are the fish cutter, creme brulee cookie and pistachio and raspberry bar. Visit on Saturday or Sunday to try weekend specials such as the famed smashburger, birria tacos, the "crunch bun supreme" and inventive drinks that change with the seasons. Don't forget to order a twist of soft serve in flavours that have earned the bakery a mention in Ruby Tandoh's Ice Cream City. 

It doesn't stop there; Hackney is home to many more bakeries that are widely considered some of the best in the capital. Head to neighbourhood cornerstone Dusty Knuckle (early) to snap up its house-baked sourdough, filled sandwiches and fluffy pastries. California-style Violet Cakes in London Fields has a selection of sweet treats and savoury plates. When you're specifically craving a New York-style bagel, go to Papo's Bagels. Popham's and Jolene also serve up mouthwatering baked goods by day.

Best for: Grabbing a quick and tasty bite to-go

Good to know: Bake Street starts serving brunch items from 11am, but you can order ready-to-eat items and drinks before this. Expect a short queue on weekends. 

The best pizza in London is a continuous and contentious debate among locals and visitors alike. But confidently slinging out slices at Spurstowe Arms in London Fields is a strong contender: Dough Hands. 

Grab a seat in the airy main room, or find a spot in the garden in warmer weather to mull over the different topping combinations. The "OG" with pepperoni, jalapenos, and lashings of Grana Padano and "The Jode" with nduja, Stracciatella and hot honey are our favourites.

Order at the bar and wait for your delightful goodness to be delivered to your table. Don't forget to drizzle with a side of hot honey, or order the housemade garlic and herb to dip while you admire how the dough nails the perfect balance of crispy, crunchy, chewy and fluffy. 

Best for: Itching the pizza scratch

Good to know: Spurstowe Arms is the birthplace of Dough Hands, but you can also find the team serving pies at All My Friends in Hackney Wick.

Soak up the sunshine on the terrace before taking to the dancefloor until the early hours at Night Tales. Located under the railway arches just a short walk from Hackney Central Station, this sprawling venue brings together cocktails, street food, electronic DJs and plenty of outdoor seating.  

Start with pizza from Sons of Slice and drinks in the garden from one of three bars serving everything from frozen and giant, fish bowl-sized cocktails to wine bottles, cold pints and non-alcoholic drinks. The outside stage often opens in the summer months, alongside the main indoor club room and palm bar, with a focus on electronic DJs switching between house, techno, garage, jungle and more. Book tickets to big events in advance, or keep in mind as a top venue for those nights when "one drink" quietly evolves into "we've missed the last train".

Visiting in winter? Don't worry – the terrace is covered, and there are plenty of heaters to keep you warm!

Best for: Late-night dancing, DJs and groups looking for a proper night out.

Good to know: Some events can get busy, particularly at weekends. We advise booking a free outdoor space for your group in advance to ensure you have a spot on the terrace.

Choose from several beers on tap, freshly brewed in on-site tanks at Five Points Taproom and Courtyard, the birthplace of the beloved Hackney beer you'll find dotted around the city.

Housed inside a giant warehouse beneath railway arches, there is lots of indoor and outdoor space for big groups to gather, catch up and sip on cold draught pints come rain or shine. Feeling peckish? Line your stomach with barbecue-grilled delights from From the Ashes, a smokehouse focused on grilled meat platters, juicy filled sandwiches and loaded sides. They also offer plenty of vegetarian options. 

The venue also carries out weekly 90-minute tours and tastings, including four tasting beers, for those who want to learn more about the space and the beer-making process. 

Best for: Big groups, beer lovers and guided tasting tours

Good to know: We enjoy pairing a visit here with an exploration of the surrounding Hackney Central and London Fields area. It's best to reserve seating in advance.

Wander along Church Street in Stoke Newington, and you might not notice The Auld Shillelagh, with its traditional deep red exterior and narrow front. Step inside, though, and the cosy dark wood features and vintage paraphernalia look like something you'd find in a small Irish country town. 

Walk through the snug indoor area to the garden, where friendly locals congregate in front of TVs and heaters to catch up over pints. A neighbourhood fixture for 20 years, the pub frequently hosts live musicians, screens Gaelic and popular sporting events, and is known by many for pouring the best pint of Guinness in London. It also sells Tayto's... 

Hackney is home to most of our favourite pubs in London, but this one has a special place in our heart. 

Best for: A proper old Irish boozer in London

Good to know: It can get extremely busy during peak times, particularly when there's live music, sports screenings or seasonal events such as St Patrick's Day. Grab a table early if you're visiting with a group. 

If you're visiting Hackney on a weekend, Broadway Market needs to be on your list. With plenty of one-of-a-kind stalls, you can easily spend an hour browsing.

Start at either end, and you'll find it hard to resist the smell of fresh street food cooking. Expect everything from fresh falafel wraps and paella to jerk chicken and Japanese takoyaki. We suggest you explore the whole length of the market before committing to your choice, then take your chosen eats over the road to London Fields for a picnic in the park. 

Find a variety of sellers from independent artists selling prints and paintings to artisan jewellers and designers selling their handmade clothing and accessories. You can often even find a stall dedicated to pet clothing, treats and toys!  You'll also find lots of locally sourced quality produce, including olives, baked goods, sweet treats, and flower and plant stands. 

Don't miss more foodie options at nearby Netil Market, or check out Chatsworth Road Market in Clapton with a similar offering if you're in the area. If you're eager to browse rails of pre-loved clothing from local sellers, you can pay a quid (cash only) to enter the car boot held at Princess May Primary School every weekend.

Best for: A weekend shopping haul

Good to know: The road is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants which are open daily and also worth checking out as you wander around the market. 

Less than a five-minute walk from Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland stations, you'll find Arcola Theatre, a two-studio performance space that's doing things a little differently to London's classic West End theatres. 

Its programme of "trailblazing shows" offers curious theatre-goers a combination of new writing, contemporary drama, international works and inventive takes on classics. Spread across two studios with capacities of up to 100 and 200, each production promises a unique and intimate experience. Shows that leave you feeling like you're witnessing something truly special.

Make an evening of it by arriving early for a drink at the Arcola Bar, then head out into Dalston after for dinner or drinks.  

Best for: An intimate alternative to the West End

Good to know: If you're feeling thrifty, Tuesday evenings have a limited number of Pay What You Can tickets; just be prepared to join the queue of fellow bargain hunters.

Church Street is one of our favourite stretches in Hackney, and perhaps the whole of London. With less than 10% of the street occupied by chain outlets,  you'll find lots of unique shops, cafes and eateries you can't find anywhere else in the city. 

Winding from Stoke Newington High Street to Clissold Park, carve out time to peruse all the shops. Some of our top picks include Array, Hilda, Oxfam, Mary's Living and Giving Shop and Mind for clothing and Search and Rescue, Nook, Prep and Know and Love for homewares. There are also a handful of specialist shops for everything from glasses and children's items to books, plants and flowers. 

Take a break from browsing at one of several eateries along the road, or grab a bite to go at independent cafes such as Camia Deli, Spence Bakery, Sapid Coffee and Joice. 

On one end of the street you have Abney Park Cemetery, a picturesque memorial park set in a lush woodland with pathways surrounding Abney Park Chapel – a great route to Church Street from Stoke Newington Station. Clissold Park can be found on the other end – a large park featuring lakes, tennis courts, wildflower meadows and Clissold House, a Grade I-listed Georgian mansion which is occupied by Fink's, serving up drinks and cakes. Both spots are worth stopping by for a picnic or stroll through with a pastry in hand. 

Charming and village-like, it's the type of place you can visit without buying anything and still feel you've had a productive day. 

Best for: Gift and homeware shopping, cafes and an afternoon wander

Good to know: Pair a visit to Stoke Newington with nearby Newington Green, Highbury or Dalston.

Known affectionately as "Vicky Park", this huge stretch of greenery on Hackney's eastern edge has it all: wide lawns, formal gardens, children's play areas, sports facilities, a boating lake and plenty of space to throw down a blanket and do absolutely nothing. It's also one of our favourite people-watching spots, particularly on a sunny day when every square metre of grass seems to acquire its own picnic.

For a longer wander, follow the paths towards Stratford and Hackney Wick, join the Regent's Park towpath to Hoxton and Islington. Or, follow the towpath to Mile End Park, where you can get active at Mile End Climbing Wall or unwind at the onsite sauna. 

People's Park Tavern and The Royal Inn on the Park are two of London's best pubs and both conveniently dotted on the edge of Victoria Park, if you're looking for somewhere to grab a drink. Visit on a Sunday and you'll find traders cooking up a storm at Victoria Park Market. Or, there are plenty of lovely cafes, shops and restaurants to peruse at Victoria Park Village. We love picking up fresh bakes from Popham's or ordering a pizza to go from The Lauriston or ACE Pizza with drinks from a local convenience store to enjoy in the park.

Best for: Picnics, walking, cycling, boating and a proper dose of greenery

Good to know: The park closes at dusk, with exact closing times displayed at each entrance. Barbecues are not permitted in Hackney's parks. And, plenty of the surrounding pubs offer takeaway drinks in plastic cups for you to enjoy in the park – just ask at the bar.

Tucked behind the busyness of Dalston's Kingsland Road, you'll find a hidden sanctuary in the form of Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, a leafy community garden built on the site of a former railway, filled with trees, plants, greenhouses and plenty of seating both undercover and outside. 

Relying solely on donations, make sure to grab a coffee and cake during the day, or wine, draught beer, spirits and snacks in the evenings. Find yourself a seat among the wildlife and relax or catch up with friends. It's great year-round, but particularly lovely in spring and summer when flowers start to bloom. 

Look out for community events across the year, from social group get-togethers and gardening clubs to art and craft initiatives and live music concerts. 

Opening hours change seasonally and can be affected by bad weather. While there are no heaters outside, you can ask the bar for hot water bottles and blankets, and fairy lights add a cosy feel during the darker months.

Best for: A laidback hangout in Hackney's wilderness

Good to know: The garden is free to enter, but we encourage you to help fund its upkeep by using the bar and cafe. Respect the garden and its volunteers by clearing up after yourself, and expect to queue for the bar and toilets during busier times. 

Embark on a scenic walk along one of Hackney's many waterways, one of our favourite ways to get outside and see a different side to the neighbourhood. 

Regent's Canal winds through almost 4km of Hackney, and you can follow the towpath for most of the way from Mile End to Islington, King's Cross and beyond. Our favourite place to start is Broadway Market, after a morning spent exploring London Fields. Pass by decorated narrowboats, waterside gardens and repurposed warehouses all the way to Kingsland Road, where you can end your adventure at one of Dalston's popular pubs and bars: The Fox, Duke of Wellington, Ellie's cocktail bar or Dan's wine bar.

Towpath Cafe is our favourite spot to stop for seasonal plates along the riverside – but try to visit on weekday mornings to avoid the huge queues that form by the afternoon and on weekends.

Slightly quieter and further north of the neighbourhood is the River Lea. You could start your journey as far as Walthamstow, with a pitstop at the Princess of Wales pub. Continue to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home to V&A East Storehouse, the Copper Box Arena, V&A East and ABBA Voyage. And finish your journey with more things to do in Stratford and Hackney Wick.

Lea Rowing Club, Leaside and Moo Canoes offer activities such as kayaking, sailing, rowing and paddle boarding for those looking for something a little different. 

Best for: Canalside strolls, wildlife spotting and watersports

Good to know: Towpaths can get busy on weekends, so be cautious if cycling. There are sections of towpath that require you to walk up stairs and over bridges; we advise planning your route on a map in advance.

Stay just a short walk from Hackney Central Station at The Crown Guesthouse, an ideal base for those looking to travel around the city with ease.

Choose from 16 bespoke bedrooms set upstairs in a traditional neighbourhood pub, The Crown and Half Crown, surrounded by Mare Street's shops and eateries. Downstairs, expect everything from live music events, karaoke nights and pub quizzes. 

Travel between Stratford, Highbury and Islington, Camden, Hampstead, and Richmond on the Mildmay line. Or, take a short walk to London Fields and Broadway Market. 

Best for: Travellers who want character, nightlife and a local stay

Good to know: There are two pub spaces under one roof, with regular events including Thursday bingo, Friday DJs and Monday karaoke. The guesthouse won an episode of Channel 4's "4 in a Bed" competition!

If you'd rather spend more money on dinner, drinks and baked goods, Premier Inn London Hackney is a practical base in a great location.

Check in to your room right along vibrant Dalston Lane, close to Dalston Junction Station and within easy reach of some the best bars, restaurants and nightlife venues in the neighbourhood. Choose a family room with a sofa bed and pull out bed for children, or add extra comforts with Premier Plus rooms. 

It's central location means you can go to dinner or a gig before returning to your room within minutes - perfect!

Best for: First-time visitors and those looking to explore

Good to know: Check out Dusty Knuckle bakery and Dalston Eastern Curve Garden with its cafe and bar, both of which are just a short stroll from the hotel.

Enjoy your own space at Staycity Aparthotels London Dalston, which provides visitors with kitted out apartments rather than a standard hotel room. 

Benefit from a fully equipped kitchen, a living and dining area, high-speed wifi and a 24-hour reception. There's even a fitness room and laundry facilities which are perfect for long-stay visitors. Situated right on Kingsland Road, you're a short walk to the area's vibrant eateries and nightlife spots, as well as Dalston Kingsland and Dalston Junction stations for easy access to other London areas. 

Best for: Long stays and living like a local

Good to know: Studios and one bedroom apartments sleep up to two people, making it the perfect option for single travellers and couples.