14 Best Things to Do in Hackney Wick: A Local Guide (2026)
Looking for the best things to do in Hackney Wick? Look no further! Here’s your ultimate guide to the trendy East London neighbourhood — from a Londoner.
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Right on the edge of the River Lea, Hackney Wick is one of those East London neighbourhoods that still feels properly creative — full of studios, street art, canalside cafés and old warehouses turned into something new.
I’ve spent plenty of weekends wandering around here, and it’s still one of my favourite spots when I want to see a different side of London.
So if you’re after street art, river walks, good coffee and craft beer, here’s what to do in the neighbourhood — from a Londoner.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
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A Local Guide to Hackney Wick: Best Things to Do in the Area
P.S. – Explore London’s neighbourhoods to the fullest with our London Explorer Guides 🏡🇬🇧
TOP HOTEL IN HACKNEY WICK
Looking to stay in the area? The best hotel in Hackney Wick is the Snoozebox Olympic Park.
✔️ Near Stratford Underground, with easy connections to Central London, Canary Wharf and more
✔️ Lovely shared lounge, terrace and bar
✔️ Good continental breakfast
1. Hackney Wick Street Art
The first thing to know about Hackney Wick is that it’s basically an open gallery.
The street art here covers the whole area, distinguishing itself from the rest of the city.
Here you’ll see an incredible mix of styles — from abstract, figurative, surreal, and political. The techniques and themes are as diverse as the people living in East London, and the artwork evolves with them as well.
Some of the most iconic murals can be found near Hackney Wick Station, along Wallis Road, White Post Lane and Rothbury Road. But you can also find incredible art in The Lord Napier, the Old Ford Lock and on White Post Lane.
2. River Lea Walk
For a slower moment, follow the towpath along the River Lea.
You’ll pass narrowboats, birdlife (swans, ducks, herons) and plenty of locals out walking or cycling.
It’s a good reset from the Wick’s busier bits and an easy way to link up stops across the neighbourhood.
3. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is one of Hackney Wick’s best not-secrets.
Originally built for the London’s 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, it’s now a world-class public space boasting beautiful parklands, waterways, playgrounds, sports facilities and tons of artwork scattered about.
Outside of being a park it’s a significant platform for artists, a tourist spot for athletes, a great venue for music festivals and business expos, and a symbol of environmental commitment in East London.
Very much worth the visit.
4. Victoria Park
One of the most loved and local parks in London is in East, and it’s none other than Victoria Park.
Commonly referred to as “the People’s Park” or just “Vicky”, it’s filled with wildlife, a cafe, ornamental lake and lots of East London locals (especially for Sunday’s Victoria Park Market).
P.S. – You can also explore some historical highlights here including the Old English Garden, the Chinese Pagoda, and the Burdett-Coutts Fountain.
5. Victoria Park Market
Between Bonner Gate and Gore Road, E2 9JW
If you do find yourself at Victoria Park on a Sunday, make sure you go to Victoria Park Market.
On from 10 a.m. to around 3 p.m., it’s one of my favourite things to do in Hackney Wick.
The park fully transforms to a community hub filled with local traders selling all sorts.
I’m personally keen on grabbing a bit of gourmet cheese paired with some artisanal bread (and wine) — then heading to Victoria Park’s green space to savour it all in.
P.S. – They really encourage zero waste, so if you can bring your own containers even better!
6. Vintage Shopping in Hackney Wick
Hackney Wick goes with vintage shopping like bread and wine.
Vintage Hackney Wick is one of the best well-kept secrets here filled with an exciting mix of clothes, accessories and random stuff from all across London.
Otherwise you can pop into the greatly named Somewhere in Hackney Vintage, for ‘affordable yet luxury’ finds.
Or Gold Dust Vintage for high-quality garments from prestigious designers and popular brands.
7. London Centre for Book Arts
Britannia Works, 56 Dace Rd, Bow, E3 2NQ
The London Centre for Book Arts is an artist-run, open-access studio dedicated to book arts and is one of the most unique things to do in Hackney Wick.
Here you’ll find artists, designers and book enthusiasts under one roof to learn and practise artisan book-making skills.
Worth a pop by if you’re looking for something new to do in the neighbourhood!
8. The Colour Factory
8 Queen’s Yard, E9 5EN
Fancy a nightclub in Hackney Wick? A live music venue? A food court? An artistic space with cultural diverse events? The Colour Factory is all of the above.
The revived warehouse made of old shipping containers became a powerful symbol of urban regeneration in the East End, where local talent could show their best work in an inspiring venue.
It’s super vibey and there’s always something worth seeing.
9. Zero Waste Shopping Hackney Wick
Besides being highly artistic, Hackney Wick is also ultra eco-friendly, which is easy to see when it comes to shopping.
Many stores here encourage the conscious reduction of waste, particularly when it comes to single-use plastic.
One of the most popular zero waste stores in the area is Refill Therapy, offering household essentials, including food, cleaning products and personal care items (you can bring your own containers or buy reusable ones in store).
Read More: The Best Zero Waste Shops in London — from a Londoner
10. Hackney Marshes
Hackney Marshes is where sport, recreation, and wildlife come to meet in East London, and is one of the best outdoorsy thing to do in Hackney Wick.
Its green space spans nearly 136 hectares of calm fit with a biodiversity playground, woodlands, scrublands, meadows, and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
11. Hackney Wick Restaurants
Because you can’t go to Hackney Wick without trying the restaurant scene here. Here’s a few to add to your list:
Barge East
Many refer to it as a ‘hidden gem’, but I’d say it’s doing anything but hiding. Come aboard their century-old Dutch barge to enjoy a delicious menu changing with the seasons.
Tamila
This restaurant will introduce you to the rich Uyghur culture, an ethnic group native to East and Central Asia.
Here, they explore the fusion of Chinese, Middle Eastern and Central Asian traditions in food — with a super chill and colourful ambience to match.
Gotto Trattoria
Get a sip of aspirational Italian life without forgetting you’re in Hackney Wick (cue iconic River Lea views).
Although the menu changes daily, you can always rely on their handmade pasta to be great. Pair with a spritz and you’re golden.
12. Hackney Wick Cafes
What was once an industrial area is now a flourishing artsy district, and with that comes tons of independent cafes. Here’s 3 of the best:
Saint Espresso
This Hackney Wick cafe is driven by a simple motto: make every single detail count. The results are Grade A coffee, minimalist interiors and great staff that make a fantastic place to work or chill out in Hackney Wick.
Thingy Cafe
This stylish and relaxed Hackney Wick spot is great for a Full English (or brunch…).
I personally recommend their fluffy Sourdough Pancakes, but anything on their menu will do you in. Plus, they’ve got a gorgeous garden.
Burnt Umber Brasserie
For something a bit more chi-chi, Burnt Umber perfectly blends cafe cosyness with the sophistication of a brasserie, come for a brunch or lunch in East with a view!
Read More: The Coolest Hackney Wick Brunch Spots — from a Londoner
13. Hackney Wick Bars & Pubs
Hackney Wick is also famous for its fantastic nightlife and ‘East London’ vibe, which translates to its bars and pubs. If you’re keen…
No90 Hackney Wick
The event-led venue known for its independent spirit is one of the best places to be in Hackney Wick. Not only can you dance to live music while drinking incredible brews, but you’ve also got lovely views of the River Lea.
Lord Napier Star
This one’s a local legend in Hackney Wick, filled with bright mural-covered exteriors and a pint worth shouting about. Not only is it a pub: but an incredible creative community and venue for live music, comedy and spoken word.
P.S. – There’s an artist studio upstairs here too!
Crate Brewery
Another favourite by the local community, this was a print factory that transformed into thee place for craft beer and stone-baked pizzas in East. Everything’s brewed onsite and their taproom rotates seasonal beers. A Hackney Wick Heaven.
14. Photo Op on Hackney Bridge
And lastly, let your day in Hackney Wick end on Hackney Bridge, a commercial hub along the River Lea and Olympic Park.
It’s home to East London’s finest street food vendors, bars, cafes, local independent retailers, workspaces studios and events, and is on a mission to offer a space for the community to mingle and get creative.
While here you can soak in its sustainable architecture — including repurposed shipping containers and original street art (perfect for the gram, of course).
FAQs on Hackney Wick
How to Get to Hackney Wick
You can reach Hackney Wick by public transport, primarily via the Overground line to Hackney Wick Station or various bus routes. If you’re already in East London, a walk is your best bet (and the most enjoyable).
➡️ What is the difference between Hackney and Hackney Wick?
Hackney is an entire borough in London, while Hackney Wick refers to the specific district within that borough.
➡️ Is Hackney Wick worth a visit?
Without a doubt. Hackney Wick is worth a visit for its outstanding street art, amazing clubs and bars, its artistic community, local markets, and green space like its Hackney Marshes.
➡️ What is Hackney Wick famous for?
Hackney Wick is famous for its creative scene and community, trendy cafes and eateries and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where the 2012 Olympics took place.
➡️ Is Hackney Wick a nice area?
Yes, Hackney Wick is considered a ‘nice’ area, but there are a few sections that can be a bit sketchy at night (particularly near the river) so just be mindful if you’re out exploring late. Neighbourhood wise it’s very artsy and urban…and yes, gentrified.
➡️ Is Hackney Wick safe?
Hackney Wick is generally safe; however, especially at night I’d be mindful walking along the River Lea.
Thanks for reading my Local Guide to Hackney Wick. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
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Happy Londoning,
