If you want to get under the skin of East London, then you should include Hackney to your wander. One of the most rapidly changing neighbourhoods in the East, Hackney, is filled with vibrant independent shops, vintage boutiques and wine bars.
Be aware, this is hipster zone: all guys here have big beards and small dogs.
Exploring Hackney can also be the perfect addition to your Shoreditch visit, in fact seeing the two neighbourhoods can give you an idea of the similarities and differences of this adjacent areas.


Photo by Clem Onojeghuo

TO DO IN HACKNEY

Broadway Market


Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Broadway Market is surely one of London’s coolest markets which has been home to  traders since the 1890s. Just make sure you arrive very hungry! There are options for great artisan foods and small boutique stalls, minus the crowds of Spitafields, Brick Lane or Notting Hill.
WHERE: Broadway Market, London, E8 4PH

Viktor Wynd’s Museum of Curiosities


Photo by The Last Tuesday Society

The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, funded on Kickstarter in 2015, is a museum and bar in Cambridge Heath and part of The Last Tuesday Society. The  collection includes all sort of things and spans several centuries.
WHERE: 11 Mare Street, London, E8 4RP

Paper Dress Vintage


Photo by David Cohen on Unsplash

Beautiful Old Things! Who doesn't like to go back in time and dance some real Rock 'n Roll? I would and this place is heaven for anyone who misses the past never lived!
WHERE: 352a Mare St, London, E8 1HR

Hackney Empire


Photo by Hackney Empire

The Hackney Empire was built as a music hall by renowned architect Frank Matcham in 1901. The Grade II listed building was restored in 2004 preserving its historical details both on its façade and interior. Today, Hackney Empire is a charity set up maintained by local residents.
*WHERE: 291 Mare St, London, E8 1EJ *

Burberry Factory Outlet

Hackney is also home to lots of outlet shops - including Burberry! This little known gem offers great discounts on the fab British brand collections.
WHERE: 29-31 Chatham Pl, London E9 6LP, UK

Hackney City Farm


Photo by Suzanne Tucker on Unsplash

For over 20 years, Hackney City Farm has been giving the local community the opportunity to experience farming right in the heart of the city. Here, children and adults have the opportunity to get up close to a range of farmyard animals like chickens, pigs and donkeys. There are lots of interesting courses and workshops happening at the farm.
WHERE: 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA

Donlon Books


Photo by Donlon Books
A visit to this cute bookstore could easily be mistaken by the one on the Notting Hill movie. But this independent bookstore and publisher right on Broadway Market is even better since they stock an idiosyncratic range of new and rare titles, periodicals and printed matter, with a focus on photography, art, critical theory, LGBT literature, music, fashion, erotica, and esoterica.
WHERE: 75 Broadway Market, London, E8 4PH

Netil Market


Photo by Netil Market
When it gets busy on Broadway Market, walk to this cosy and less-known market, only a 5 minutes walk away. Here, you will find vintage clothes and items, cool  homewares, artwork, as well as food and drink stalls.

EAT & DRINK IN HACKNEY

Market Cafe


Photo by Samuel Zeller on Unsplash

A laid-back cafe with stripped floors and mismatched furniture make the perfect place for a brunch at weekends or for a quick bite during the week. Beans are great.
WHERE: 2 Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ, UK

8 Draughts

This gorgeous venue in Hackney not only offers a yummy menu of snacks and drinks, but it’s also  London’s first board game café. Draughts holds a huge library of games – 600 and counting - so forget about Monopoly and try something new while outside is pissing down.
WHERE: 337 Acton Mews, Hackney, London, E8 4EA

Frizzante at Hackney City Farm


Photo by Frizzante

Styled as an Italian agriturismo right on the Hackney City Farm premises, this it the place to try the amazing brunch special. The queque for a table can be quite long at weekends, but the place is definitely worth the wait.
WHERE: 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA

Pub on the Park


Photo by James Sutton on Unsplash

This pub right on the back of the park is now a Hackney institution and it features one of the largest pub gardens in London. Extremely packed in the summer, but it's a must visit when you are in the area.
WHERE: 19 Martello St, London E8 3PE, UK

Have we missed any of your favourites around Hackney? What other neighbourhood would you like to read about next?

Let us know in the comments below!

Read more about other London neighbourhoods:

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Spotahome Neighbourhood Guide: Best Things to Do in Hampstead, London