Between quirky pubs, mouth-watering restaurants, lush green spaces, and a dash of edgy vibes, we’ve narrowed down the countless things to do in Hackney to just ten. Why? Because we’re helpful (and modest) like that. So, buckle up for our epic rundown of the best things to do in Hackney Central. From sipping craft ales to exploring artsy corners, these top things to do in Hackney are sure to make your visit unforgettable. Dive in, explore, and thank us later for this ultimate guide to the coolest things to do in Hackney!
Table of Contents
Top 10 Things to Do in Hackney
Discover Broadway Market: A Foodie’s Paradise in Hackney
One of the top things to do in Hackney is to wander through Broadway Market, a true foodie paradise with over 120 stalls. Nestled between the southern end of London Fields and the northern edge of Regent’s Canal, this market is a weekend wonderland in London Town. From vintage clothing and vibrant flowers to wheels of cheese and irresistible falafel wraps, Broadway Market has it all.
Dating back to Victorian times, it faced a slump before its revival in 2004. Open every Saturday from 9am to 5pm, it’s the perfect spot for your Hackney adventures. Plus, the area is dotted with charming pubs, delis, and coffee shops to quench your thirst post-shopping spree. So, when listing things to do in Hackney, Broadway Market should be right at the top!
Rooftop Revelry: Catch the Best Views in Hackney
Looking for things to do in Hackney? Look no further than Netil360, the rooftop bar that’s got everyone talking. Perched atop Netil House, this laid-back haven offers breathtaking panoramic views of Shoreditch, The City, Aldgate, and beyond. It’s the ultimate sunset spot, with craft beers on tap, lush greenery, and weekend DJ sets to keep the vibes high. Oh, and did we mention the sushi? It’s some of the best in town. So, if you’re listing things to do in Hackney, make sure to add a visit to Netil360 for an unforgettable rooftop experience!
The Hackney Empire: A Must-See Showstopper
Catching a show at the legendary Hackney Empire should top your list. This Grade II*-listed gem, designed by Frank Matcham in 1901, is one of London’s premier theatres. From comedy and opera to awards shows and pantomimes, the Hackney Empire champions it all. Not only does it offer a stellar mainstage program, but it also nurtures local talent with performing arts activities for over 4,000 young people. Talk about giving back!
Cheers to The Five Points Brewing Co.: Hackney’s Brew-tiful Gem
One of our top things to do in Hackney Central is grabbing a pint (or three) at The Five Points Brewing Co. Founded in 2013, this hip and award-winning Hackney brewery has become a local legend. Specializing in “modern and vibrant beer, brewed with passion and integrity,” they blend British real ale traditions with the international craft beer movement, resulting in a delicious fusion of unique flavors.
Their regular lineup includes a crisp Pilsner-style lager and a juicy pale ale that’ll have you coming back for more. But don’t miss out on their seasonal delights, like the exotic ‘Pining for Mangoes’—a mango pale ale brewed with Sweden’s Dugges Bryggeri—and the trailblazing ‘South Pacific Bitter’.
With a tap room on Mare Street, you can sample their fantastic brews right where the magic happens. So, when exploring things to do in Hackney, make sure The Five Points Brewing Co. is on your list. Raise a glass and cheers to discovering your new favorite brew!
Strolling Through Hackney’s Green Gems: London Fields and Hackney Downs
When pondering things to do in Hackney, ambling around London Fields or Hackney Downs should top your list. London Fields, once a pasture for grazing animals, is now a beloved spot for sun-seekers and pizza lovers. With top-notch pubs at both ends and one of London’s only heated lidos, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun with a takeaway pizza and a pint.
Next up, Hackney Downs is a charming 40-acre oasis bordering Clapton. This green haven boasts a play area, basketball courts, football and cricket pitches, and even a bowling green. For nature enthusiasts, there’s a wildflower meadow teeming with local wildlife, making it a serene spot to unwind.
Whether you’re lounging in London Fields at E8 3EU or exploring Hackney Downs at E5 8NP, these parks offer the perfect escape from the urban hustle. So, when seeking things to do in Hackney, remember these green gems—they’re worth every leisurely step!
Dive into London Fields Lido: Hackney’s Hottest Swim Spot
We couldn’t resist mentioning it again—taking a dip at the London Fields Lido is one of the top things to do in Hackney Central. This 50-meter outdoor pool, heated to a toasty 25 degrees year-round, lets you swim even when it’s freezing. Open from 6:30am to 9pm and floodlit for those late-night autumn and winter swims, it’s a real gem.
At just £5.70 a ticket, it’s a bargain for working off that picnic you enjoyed in the park next door. So, suit up and dive into one of the coolest (or warmest) things to do in Hackney!
Bingo, Booze, and Bizarre Prizes: The Ultimate Night Out in Hackney
Looking for a top thing to do in Hackney that combines booze, dancing, and the thrill of winning prizes? Dive into the riotous world of bingo at Dabbers Social Bingo, located in the Hackney Picturehouse. With a cozy 85-capacity venue, this hotspot turns Saturday nights into a jackpot-hunting extravaganza. Picture this: battling it out for one of seven treasure chest prizes while sipping on your favorite drink. Sounds like a blast, right?
But wait, there’s more! If you’re looking to banish those Sunday blues, head over on a Sunday afternoon for a glittery, uproarious bingo session hosted by some of the most fabulous drag queens in town. Expect fierce competition, hilarious antics, and unforgettable moments as you and your friends vie for epic prizes and enjoy bottomless drinks. So, grab your tickets, unleash your inner bingo champion, and get ready for a night (or day) of pure Hackney magic!
Hackney Picturehouse: Where Films and Fun Collide
Catch a flick at the Hackney Picturehouse, East London’s cinematic crown jewel. This neighborhood gem boasts the biggest screen in East London, five cozy screens, a buzzing bar, and a restaurant that’s perfect for pre-movie munchies.
This Brutalist beauty is more than just a movie house—it’s a cultural hotspot. Enjoy Q&As with filmmakers, live National Theatre performances, and a selection of classic films that will make you feel like you’re in an old-school Hollywood flick. Plus, it’s also home to Dabbers Social Bingo, so you can double up on your entertainment.
So, if you’re pondering what things to do in Hackney, make sure to swing by the Hackney Picturehouse at 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE. Lights, camera, action—and maybe a bingo prize or two!
Feast on Flavors at Pidgin: Hackney’s Culinary Wonderland
Dive into Pidgin, the intimate neighborhood gem that redefines dining with its ever-changing menu. Imagine a restaurant where each week brings a brand-new culinary adventure, all served up by a former pop-up supper club chef and a food writer. It’s like your taste buds are on a thrilling rollercoaster ride, and the best part? You’ll never eat the same dish twice!
Pidgin’s set tasting menu is a parade of inventive and delectable dishes, highlighting seasonal British cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. Whether you’re a carnivore, vegan, or pescatarian, Pidgin caters to all, making it an ideal spot for a dinner with friends or a romantic date with diverse dietary needs.
So, when brainstorming things to do in Hackney Central, remember Pidgin is your ticket to a gastronomic adventure. Don’t just dine—explore, taste, and savor the ever-evolving flavors of this culinary hotspot!
Unearth Hackney’s Hidden History: A Journey Through Time
History lovers, get your time machines ready—Hackney is calling! This borough’s story stretches all the way back to Roman times when ‘Ermine Street’ carved its way through Shoreditch, Dalston, and Stoke Newington. So, strap on your historical explorer hat and delve into Hackney’s rich past with these two must-visit gems.
First up is Sutton House, Hackney’s oldest residential building. Dating back to the Tudor era, this Grade II-listed marvel is a National Trust museum brimming with Jacobean wall paintings, ornate wooden fireplaces, and an extravagant painted staircase. It’s like walking through a real-life period drama—minus the actual drama, of course.
Next, make your way to the Church of St John-at-Hackney, a 1792 creation with monuments that whisper stories from the sixteenth century. And here’s a fun twist: it’s also a magical gig venue where Jamie XX, Griff, and Coldplay have rocked out.
📍 Sutton House: 2 and 4 Homerton High Street, London, E9 6JQ
📍 Church of St John-at-Hackney: Lower Clapton Road, London, E5 0PD
Well, there you have it—your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Hackney Central! From ancient, Grade II-listed treasures and classic pubs where you can swill your pint to heated lidos for your winter dips and restaurants that’ll make your taste buds tango, Hackney’s got it all. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just in need of a good old pint, this cool-as-a-cucumber borough has something for everyone. So, grab your map and get East pronto—Hackney awaits!
