Things To Do in Hackney: The Ultimate Guide (2026)
Hackney has become one of London’s most exciting boroughs — a place where creative culture, world-class food, buzzing nightlife and historic neighbourhood streets combine to create one of the capital’s most vibrant destinations.
Once known primarily as an industrial East London borough, Hackney has transformed over the past two decades into a creative powerhouse. Artists, musicians, chefs and designers have shaped its identity, turning former warehouses and factories into art studios, nightlife venues, restaurants and independent markets.
Today, Hackney offers a unique blend of experiences. You’ll find canalside cafés beside historic Victorian pubs, Michelin-recommended restaurants next to street food stalls, and late-night DJ venues just a short walk from peaceful nature reserves.
From the nightlife energy of Dalston and Shoreditch to the canals and breweries of Hackney Wick, the village charm of Stoke Newington and the riverside green spaces of Clapton, each neighbourhood has its own personality.
Visitors come here for:
one of London’s most exciting restaurant scenes
legendary nightlife and electronic music culture
vintage markets and street food
art galleries and independent cinemas
canals, parks and walking routes
independent coffee shops and bakeries
But Hackney also has a deeply rooted history. The borough grew rapidly during the Victorian era and many historic streets still remain, filled with elegant terraces, old theatres and traditional pubs.
Markets such as Ridley Road and Broadway Market reflect Hackney’s multicultural character, offering food and produce from around the world.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend food adventure, a night out dancing, a scenic canal walk or a hidden cocktail bar, Hackney offers something for everyone.
This ultimate guide from Islington Local Guide explores the best things to do in Hackney, including restaurants, nightlife venues, markets, cultural attractions and hidden gems worth seeking out.
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Map of Hackney: Key Areas to Explore
Hackney is made up of several vibrant neighbourhoods, each offering something different.
Dalston
Dalston is one of London’s most exciting nightlife districts. Kingsland Road is packed with restaurants, late-night bars and music venues, while Ridley Road Market adds a lively street-market atmosphere.
What’s On This Week in Hackney
Hackney Central
The cultural heart of the borough, centred around Mare Street. This area is home to theatres, independent cinemas, restaurants and the famous Broadway Market.
Hackney Wick
Once an industrial district, Hackney Wick has transformed into a creative hub full of art studios, canalside bars, breweries and nightlife venues.
Stoke Newington
Often described as a “village inside London”, Stoke Newington offers leafy parks, independent boutiques and some of East London’s best cafés and restaurants.
things to do in Stoke Newington
Clapton
A relaxed neighbourhood with beautiful green spaces including the River Lea and Hackney Marshes.
Hoxton & Shoreditch Fringe
Although technically neighbouring boroughs, these areas blend into Hackney’s nightlife ecosystem with clubs, cocktail bars and music venues.
What’s on this week in Shoreditch
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Best Restaurants in Hackney
Hackney has one of the most exciting restaurant scenes in London, combining Michelin-recognised restaurants, neighbourhood favourites and international cuisine.
Brat
Cuisine: Basque-inspired seafood
Why it’s worth visiting: Famous for its whole grilled turbot cooked over open flame.
Pidgin
Cuisine: Modern European
Why visit: Weekly changing tasting menu with creative seasonal dishes.
Casa Fofo
Cuisine: Contemporary European
Why visit: Michelin-recognised restaurant with inventive cooking.
Angelina
Cuisine: Italian-Japanese fusion
Why visit: Unique tasting menu blending Italian ingredients with Japanese techniques.
Mangal II
Cuisine: Turkish
Why visit: Legendary ocakbasi grill restaurant.
Morito Hackney Road
Cuisine: Spanish / North African
Why visit: Vibrant tapas and bold Mediterranean flavours.
Lardo
Cuisine: Italian
Why visit: One of Hackney’s most loved pizza and pasta restaurants.
Pophams Restaurant
Cuisine: Modern European
Why visit: Famous bakery that also serves excellent dinner.
Silo London
Cuisine: Zero-waste fine dining
Why visit: One of the world’s first zero-waste restaurants.
Elliots
Cuisine: Seasonal European
Why visit: Broadway Market institution known for simple but brilliant cooking.
Smokestak
Cuisine: BBQ
Why visit: Legendary smoked meats and brisket.
Acme Fire Cult
Cuisine: Live-fire cooking
Why visit: Creative vegetable-focused dishes cooked over open flame.
Planque
Cuisine: French
Why visit: Elegant wine-focused dining.
Brat x Climpson’s Arch
Cuisine: Seafood grill
Why visit: Outdoor dining with wood-fired fish.
Uchi
Cuisine: Japanese
Why visit: One of East London’s best sushi restaurants.
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Vegan Restaurants in Hackney
hotspots for plant-based dining.
Temple of Seitan
Famous for vegan fried “chicken”.
What The Pitta
Award-winning vegan doner kebabs.
Club Mexicana
Vibrant vegan Mexican restaurant.
Unity Diner
Plant-based comfort food restaurant.
Mildreds Dalston
Legendary vegetarian restaurant with global flavours.
WAVE
Creative vegan seafood restaurant.
Tofu Vegan
Plant-based Chinese cuisine.
Black Cat Café
Cosy vegan café known for cakes and brunch.
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Budget Eats & Street Food
Hackney is one of London’s best places for street food.
Broadway Market
Saturday food market packed with traders.
Netil Market
Independent food stalls and artisan traders.
Hackney Downs Street Food Market
International street food vendors.
Mare Street Market
Food hall with multiple kitchens.
Sonora Taqueria
Authentic Mexican tacos.
Dom’s Subs
Legendary American-style sandwiches.
Bleecker Burger
Cult burger brand.
Lucky Chip
Famous gourmet burger joint.
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Best Brunch in Hackney
Towpath Café
A canalside café along Regent’s Canal.
Café Cecilia
Popular brunch spot with Scandinavian influence.
Ozone Coffee Roasters
New Zealand-style brunch and speciality coffee.
Pavilion Bakery
Fantastic pastries beside Victoria Park.
Violet Cakes
Iconic East London bakery.
The Dusty Knuckle
Cult bakery producing incredible sourdough.
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Coffee Shops & Bakeries
Hackney has become one of London’s coffee capitals.
Climpson & Sons
Local favourite coffee roastery.
Dark Arts Coffee
Distinctive roastery known for bold blends.
Batch Baby
Tiny independent café.
Perky Blenders
Speciality coffee roaster.
Pophams Bakery
Outstanding laminated pastries.
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Best Pubs & Cocktail Bars
Hackney has an incredible pub and cocktail culture.
The Chesham Arms
Award-winning neighbourhood pub.
The Dove
Historic pub near Broadway Market.
Ridley Road Market Bar
Caribbean-inspired cocktails and DJs.
Nightjar
1920s-style speakeasy cocktail bar with jazz.
Swift Shoreditch
World-class aperitivo bar.
Satan’s Whiskers
Award-winning cocktail bar.
Tayēr + Elementary
Innovative cocktail laboratory.
Bar A Bar
Dalston cocktail favourite.
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Nightclubs & Late Night Venues
Hackney nightlife is legendary.
Village Underground
Warehouse club hosting major DJs.
XOYO
Electronic music club with DJ residencies.
Colour Factory
Underground dance music venue.
The Pickle Factory
Intimate club with excellent sound system.
EartH
Live music venue and nightclub.
Dalston Superstore
Iconic LGBTQ+ club and bar.
Moth Club
Music venue and dancefloor known for indie nights.
Fabric
World-famous electronic music club nearby.
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Rooftop Bars & Outdoor Drinking
Netil360
Hackney rooftop bar with skyline views.
Dalston Roof Park
Open-air rooftop events venue.
Queen of Hoxton
Seasonal rooftop bar.
The Culpeper Rooftop
Garden rooftop restaurant.
Barge East
Floating restaurant and bar on the canal.
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Markets in Hackney
Markets are part of Hackney’s identity.
Broadway Market
One of London’s most famous street markets.
Netil Market
Creative market for designers and food vendors.
Chatsworth Road Market
Sunday artisan food and antiques market.
Ridley Road Market
Historic multicultural street market.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Iconic Sunday flower market.
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Cultural Attractions
Hackney’s cultural scene is thriving.
Hackney Empire
Historic theatre hosting comedy and music.
Arcola Theatre
Independent theatre known for innovative productions.
EartH Theatre
Major arts and music venue.
Hackney Picturehouse
Independent cinema and cultural hub.
Rio Cinema
Beautiful art-deco cinema.
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Museums & Historic Sites
Sutton House
National Trust Tudor house dating from 1535.
Hackney Museum
Explores the borough’s diverse history.
St Augustine’s Tower
Remains of Hackney’s medieval parish church.
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Parks, Canals & Walks
Victoria Park
One of London’s most beautiful parks.
London Fields
Popular park with outdoor swimming lido.
Hackney Marshes
Huge green space famous for football pitches.
Regent’s Canal Walk
Scenic walking route through East London.
River Lea Walk
Peaceful nature trails beside the river.
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Shopping & Independent Boutiques
Stoke Newington Church Street
Independent boutiques and bookshops.
Broadway Market Shops
Vintage stores and artisan boutiques.
Labour and Wait
Classic British homeware store.
Pelicans & Parrots
Vintage fashion boutique.
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Family Friendly Things To Do
Hackney City Farm
Urban farm with animals.
London Fields Lido
Outdoor swimming pool.
Clissold Park Playground
Large park and playground.
Hackney Picturehouse Kids Screenings
Family cinema events.
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Free Things To Do in Hackney
Walk Broadway Market
Explore food stalls and independent shops.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Browse vibrant flower stalls.
Street Art Walk in Shoreditch & Hackney
Discover murals and graffiti.
Hackney Marshes
Beautiful nature walks.
Wellness & Fitness
Frame Fitness Shoreditch
Popular boutique fitness studio.
Triyoga Shoreditch
Yoga and wellness classes.
MoreYoga Dalston
Affordable yoga studio.
Hackney Downs Outdoor Gym
Free outdoor fitness equipment.
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Hidden Gems in Hackney
Hackney is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Ridley Road Market Bar
A lively hidden bar tucked beside the market.
The Towpath
Secret canalside café.
Wilton Way Café
Small neighbourhood café loved by locals.
Hackney Wick Street Art
Open-air gallery of murals.
The Jago
Intimate live music venue.
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Hotels Near Hackney
Luxury Hotels
Nobu Hotel Shoreditch
Stylish luxury hotel with Japanese restaurant.
Hart Shoreditch Hotel
Modern luxury hotel near Shoreditch.
Boutique Hotels
The Hoxton Shoreditch
One of East London’s trendiest boutique hotels.
Batty Langley’s
Elegant historic boutique hotel.
Budget Hotels
Point A Hotel Shoreditch
Affordable and central.
Travelodge London Hackney
Reliable budget option.
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Seasonal Events & Regular Events
Hackney hosts events throughout the year.
Hackney Half Marathon
Broadway Market weekend events
London Fields summer festivals
Hackney Empire theatre productions
EartH concerts and DJ nights
Conclusion
Hackney remains one of London’s most exciting boroughs because it constantly evolves.
Creative culture, incredible food, buzzing nightlife and independent markets all combine to create a neighbourhood that feels authentic and full of discovery.
Whether you’re exploring canals, hunting down hidden cocktail bars, browsing markets or dancing until sunrise, Hackney offers endless experiences.
Written and edited by Islington Local Guide
Islington Local Guide is a discovery-led local editorial platform covering Islington and nearby North and East London. We publish curated guides to what’s on, restaurants, bars, brunch, culture, hidden gems, neighbourhood spots and notable new openings, with a focus on helping readers find what is genuinely worth doing, booking and knowing about.
Updated 21st April 2026
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