Hackney Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and aesthetically vibrant Hackney with this comprehensive tour guide that covers everything from places to visit to where to stay and more.


Introduction to Hackney

Hackney, located in the vibrant capital of England, is a part of the United Kingdom that is well-known for its unique blend of art, culture, and history. With its rich diversity, beautiful parks, and bustling food and drink scene, this London borough offers visitors an eclectic mix of experiences. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore everything that Hackney has to offer so that you can make the most of your visit to this fascinating area.

List of Places to Visit in Hackney

When it comes to places to visit in Hackney, the options are endless. From historical landmarks to natural beauty, this borough has something for everyone. Here are some top recommendations to explore:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hackney Museum: Celebrating the diverse and rich history of Hackney with various exhibitions showcasing the lives of its residents.
  • Sutton House: A magnificent Tudor-style house built in the 16th century, now a popular museum for visitors to explore.
  • Hoxton Street Market: An 800-year-old street market where you can find various products ranging from clothes and footwear to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Natural Attractions of Hackney: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hackney Marshes: One of London’s largest playing fields and home to Hackney Marshes Centre that offers bike hire, nature trails, and much more.
  • London Fields: A perfect place for family picnics and barbeques surrounded by trees, with a railway arch, open spaces and a lido.
  • Abney Park Cemetery: A Grade II listed park that intermingles the deceased with the living, providing a peaceful retreat that sees more than 200 thousand visitors a year.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hackney

Hackney’s hiking/biking routes are perfect for adventurers to explore the borough’s natural beauty and settings. Here are a few of the best routes:

  • Lea Valley Walk: A 51-mile walk along the River Lea from the Thames to Luton that is well suited for biking and hiking.
  • Hackney Canal Path: A peaceful and serene canal walk that stretches for more than 5 miles along the Regent’s Canal.
  • Greenway Walk: A 4-mile walk that provides an excellent view of London’s iconic Olympic Park in Stratford.

Best Things to Do in Hackney: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking for some exciting activities and tours to do during your Hackney visit, there are several options. Here are a few of the best:

  • Street Art Walking Tour: Take a guided walking tour to admire some of Hackney’s best street art, an expression of the borough’s creative values.
  • Hackney City Farm: A small slice of countryside located in the middle of the city. Learn about animal care and visit several animals including bee hives and chicken coops.
  • Little Yellow Door: Home to one of the quirkiest pop-up restaurants in Hackney. You need to find the inconspicuous little yellow door for the stunning interiors, fantastic cocktails and sumptuous food.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hackney

Planning a week-long itinerary to explore Hackney is a fantastic way to experience all this borough has to offer. Here is an example of a one-week itinerary:

Day Activity Description
Day 1 Sutton House Discover the fascinating history of this 16th-century Tudor style house museum
Day 2 Broadway Market Explore the vibrant street market filled with fantastic stalls selling everything from clothes to food.
Day 3 Victoria Park Spend a day in Victoria Park exploring the gardens and boating lake, as well sporting activities offered including mini-golf and tennis.
Day 4 Hackney Empire Visit the iconic theatre known for hosting concerts, plays, and musicals famous worldwide.
Day 5 Shoreditch Head to Shoreditch, a vibrant and thriving area for a plethora of street arts, amazing food markets and excellent live music venues.
Day 6 Columbia Road Flower Market Visit the renowned Columbia Road Flower Market and immerse yourself in a colorful display of flowers on Sunday mornings.
Day 7 Exmouth Market Enjoy a relaxing meal or shopping experience at Exmouth Market, a delightful pedestrianized street lined with boutique shops and eateries.

Food and Drink Scene of Hackney

Hackney’s food and drink scene offers a diverse and dynamic mix of options that caters to every budget and taste. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beigel Bake: Try the infamous salt beef beigel which is succulent and juicy.
  • Smoked Salmon: Freshly smoked salmon with cream cheese is a staple at Hackney markets
  • Curry Goat: Indulge in hearty Jamaican curry goat in Hackney neighborhoods.

Local Beverages

  • London Fields Brewery: A must-visit brewery with a chic atmosphere to try some of Hackney’s organic beers.
  • Hackney Coffee Company: Deliciously strong coffee made fresh from locally roasted beans that reflects the best of Hackney

Where to Stay in Hackney: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether its luxury or budget-friendly accommodation, Hackney has options for every traveler. If you’re looking for a hotel, then The Roseate House is a top option for its 5-star luxury experiences. However, if you’re on a budget, there are options like Hackney Hostel with an excellent location that cater to backpackers and budget travelers. For guesthouses, The Hereford Road Guesthouse provides guests with a comfortable stay in a 19th-century townhouse with a garden terrace.

What to Buy in Hackney: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hackney has a range of souvenirs and local products that make for excellent gifts to bring home. Some of these include:

  • Hackney Fudge: Indulge in some traditional sweets from Hackney Fudge made locally with interesting flavor combinations.
  • Hackney Soy Candles: Handmade soy wax candles available in several themes such as ‘London Calling’ made from recycled jars unique to Hackney.
  • Hackney Wick T-shirts: Pick up a trendy T-shirt with quirky prints inspired by Hackney’s street art culture.

Local Culture and Customs of Hackney

While Hackney is a diverse and friendly borough, it is essential to show cultural respect. Some of the local cultures customs in Hackney include a love for street art, modern music and strong mutual respect for residents in Hackney. Be sure to take the unique experience in when traveling to Hackney

Best Time to Visit Hackney

The best time to visit Hackney is from May to September when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities. This way you can partake in the various festivals and markets that Hackney is known for.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hackney

Here are some tips to make the most of your Hackney visit;

Do:

  • Exploring street art projects on routes taken within the borough of Hackney
  • Try new foods at the various markets in Hackney
  • Get involved in festivals, cultural events happening in the borough.

Don’t:

  • Touch or damage any of the street art
  • Litter on the borough’s streets or parks
  • Disrespect or avoid local customs

Safety and Health

Hackney is generally a safe borough with a friendly and multicultural community. However, like any other busy city, it is advisable to take necessary safety measures when exploring.

Safety in Hackney

  • Keep valuables safe when walking the streets of Hackney
  • Avoid walking alone in less-traveled areas during the night hours.
  • Stay indoors when any warnings are issued regarding calamities like floods or pandemics like COVID-19

Health in Hackney

  • Stay hydrated, especially during summer months
  • Carry sunscreen, even on cloudy days,
  • Follow all the prescribed medication regimen if bring along existing prescriptions.

Getting to Hackney: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hackney is one of the boroughs of Greater London, making it easily accessible by several modes of transport. Here are the most popular options:

Airports Near Hackney

  • Heathrow Airport: The closest major international airport to Hackney, located only roughly 50 minutes away.
  • Gatwick Airport: Another international airport, only a 70-minute ride from Hackney.

Bus Stations Near Hackney

  • Hackney Central Bus Station: Buses run with regularity throughout the whole borough.
  • Homerton Bus Garage: Offering frequent routes throughout the Hackney district.

Other Options

  • Train: Hackney Central, London Fields & Homerton train station for getting around more quickly through the London transport system or national rail network.

How to Get Around in Hackney

There are several transportation options available in Hackney, allowing visitors to get around the borough quickly and conveniently. Here are some of the most popular transit options:

  • Biking is an easy way to explore Hackney, whether by dockless bike-share schemes or privately owned cycles.
  • Public Transport and Buses: Hackney’s public transport system includes buses, trains, and overground routes.
  • Taxis and Uber: Hackney has many taxi services, ride-sharing apps like Uber are also readily accessible.

Where to Go Next from Hackney: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you are looking to explore beyond Hackney, there are several nearby destinations with exciting excursions to consider. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Camden: A bustling and electrifying neighborhood and North London ‘s main destination for music, nightlife, and street food delights.
  • Greenwich: A charming district of London, home to the breathtaking Greenwich Park and the notable Maritime Museum.
  • The City: A cosmopolitan hub that is home to London’s financial industry, historic pubs, museums and classic architecture.

Conclusion

Hackney is an enchanting borough that offers visitors an aesthetically vibrant, culturally rich, and an entertaining escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From historical landmarks to natural beauty, buzzing food and drink scene to vibrant markets, there is something for everyone in Hackney. With a little bit of planning and foresight, you can create the perfect itinerary for your Hackney visit to make the most of your time in this diverse and intriguing part of London.

Location of the Hackney area in London Location of the Hackney area in London The River Lea at Hackney Marshes The River Lea at Hackney Marshes