How to Spend a Day in Hackney
Over the past couple of months I’ve had the pleasure of living and working from Hackney, finding my rhythm and routine in what is arguably one of the coolest neighborhoods in London. There is no shortage of fun things to do, places to eat, shop and people watch. Personally, I like to take a slow approach to travel, seeking out the local favorites in lieu of popular tourist attractions. But I know not everyone has the ability to explore new places at such a leisurely pace. This got me thinking about how I would structure a day so that one gets the feel for a place in a short amount of time, finds some local gems to support, all while embracing the slow travel approach. So consider this your friendly slow travel guide for how to spend a day in Hackney.
Before You Go
If you’re wondering how you should plan to get around Hackney, I always recommend walking. Part of the appeal of exploring one little pocket of London at a time, rather than trying to do it all at once, is that you can very easily get around on foot. This helps you slow down, take in more of your surroundings, rub shoulders with more locals and get a feel for the neighborhood vibe. Regardless of the time of year you visit, I would recommend wearing layers (English weather is notoriously fickle), comfortable walking shoes and a tote bag to carry any little treasures you pick up along the way.
Coffee & pastries at Jolene
One thing I’ve noticed about Hackney is that there are so many bakeries around so I feel it’s only fitting to start the day with coffee and pastries for breakfast. One of my favorite spots is Jolene, a French country style bakery on Well Street that engulfs you in a sweet, aromatic warm hug the moment you enter. The coffee is delicious and served in cute earthenware ceramics. Grab a seat at the communal table or in the quaint little courtyard in the back.
Walk through Victoria Park
Next is a short walk from Well Street to Victoria Park. This is the oldest public park and one of the most historic in all of London. It’s also massive so I would recommend a walk around the lake and pavilion area and even getting a pedal boat for hire if you’re feeling adventurous. Victoria Park is a great place for people watching and a fun, free activity that gets you out in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lunch at Mare Street Market
Once you’ve worked up an appetite again, it’s time for another short walk to Mare Street Market for a relaxed lunch in a beautiful, plant and chandelier-filled communal dining hall. You have the option of various sandwiches, salads and veggie bakes, as well as pizza, beer and cocktails. There are also a few shops in the market, including a barber, florist, record shop and even a tattoo studio. If you need a caffeine boost head to Flying Horse on your way out.
Shopping at Broadway Market
Next up is Broadway Market, a pedestrian street lined with cafes, bookstores and boutiques. On the weekends there’s a lovely market with food vendors, fresh flowers, vintage and local artisans. A few of my favorites stops along the way are 69b Boutique for sustainable fashion (featured in my Guide to Sustainable Fashion in East London), Artwords Bookshop and Donlon Books for artsy reads, The Broadway Bookshop for lit, Noble Fine Liquor for natural wine and House of Vintage for a curated selection of vintage and secondhand pieces. Be sure to check out the house boats in the canal at the end of the street too.
Dinner at Okko
One of the more unique meals I’ve had in Hackney was from Okko, a Japanese-Pacific izakaya style restaurant right in the middle of Broadway Market. It’s a cozy and usually pretty busy spot, serving delicious cocktails, sushi and ramen. And I know I keep saying this but it’s great for people watching if you grab a seat outside too. Okko is definitely one to try if you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine.
Stroll through London Fields
To finish off the evening, it’s time for a leisurely stroll through London Fields. It’s a smaller park that’s always busy with dogs, babies and bikers but it has such a quaint neighborhood feel. You also have the option of grabbing a pint at Pub on the Park as you’re passing through.
And there you have it, the perfect way to spend a day in Hackney, getting a feel for the scene and living like a local. Let me know if there’s anything else you would add to the itinerary. And of course, there’s so much more to see and do around East London but if you only have time for one neighborhood, Hackney is a great place to start.