Broadway Market’s Saturday session has gone from local secret to city-wide destination and these days, it draws a mix of Hackney regulars and in-the-know tourists. Yes, it gets busy (especially late morning), but it’s well worth taking on the crowds. The Saturday (and now Sunday, too) market is a colourful sprawl of stalls selling everything from olives and charcuterie for a London Fields picnic to handmade ceramics, natural wine and vintage clothes.

An East London institution, London Fields Lido has been part of the neighbourhood since the 1930s — though it fell into disrepair and was left abandoned for years before being lovingly restored in the early 2000s. Now, it’s one of the city’s most iconic outdoor pools: Olympic-sized, fully heated, and open year-round.

Tucked on top of Netil House — the creative hub and studio spaces just behind London Fields — this rooftop sauna experience is one of Hackney’s best-kept secrets. Book a private slot and sweat it out in a cedar sauna with skyline views, then cool off in an open-air cold plunge or under the bucket shower. It’s a little slice of Nordic wellness in East London, especially magical at golden hour when the sun dips behind the city skyline and you get a mega view.

Studio Anatomy is a light-filled fitness space just off Broadway Market, offering small-group Pilates and high-intensity training in a calm, design-led space. With huge industrial windows, whitewashed walls and plants in every corner, it feels more like a boutique than a gym. Look out for their events and workshops, they’ll share them on instagram and they always get booked up quickly.

Why visit one market when you can visit two? Netil Market is just steps from Broadway Market, and is well-worth adding to your must-visit list. A cluster of converted shipping containers and makeshift stalls play host to some of the area’s best independent food vendors: The Bagel Guys (by Paulies) make the best bagels outside of New York, Mio Yatai serves up Tokyo-style bao buns packed with miso-glazed pork belly or panko aubergine, and Sen Noods does indulgent, handmade noodle dishes.

Tucked beside the canal in a minimalist, light-filled space, Café Cecilia is the neighbourhood’s most fashionable address. Run by Max Rocha (yes, of that Rocha family), it’s part restaurant, part scene, drawing in editors, stylists, and East London regulars with an appetite for unfussy but elevated dishes. The menu changes often, but anchovy toast and Guinness bread are staples. Rocha’s fashion roots run deep, with regular collaborations and playlists that nod to his exquisite taste.

Originally of Borough Market fame, Elliot’s Hackney outpost brings seasonal, wood-fired sharing plates and natural wine to London Fields. Think smoked mussels with aioli, blistered flatbreads, and anchovy-covered everything. The vibe is relaxed but refined, and you can easily find yourself staying at your table until closing time.

The OG of the Broadway Market coffee scene, Climpson & Sons still pulls one of the best flat whites in London. There’s always a line, and it’s still the go-to for locals as well as visitors.

An East London institution hidden next to the station, under the railway arches, E5 Bakehouse is where the city’s sourdough movement really took root. Go for the pillowy loaves and delicious brownies and stay for the bread-making workshops and all-day café.

Set under the railway tracks in London Fields, this spin-off of Tomos Parry’s Shoreditch is always fully booked, even though it’s been open for years. At Brat x Climpson’s Arch, everything is cooked over open flames: whole turbot, charred greens, and grilled bread soaked in the best olive oil you’ve ever tasted. Grab a big group of friends and celebrate something special under the string lights.

Part listening bar, part natural wine haven, Bambi is one of the most exciting new additions to the neighbourhood. The food is fun—the menu is made up of snacky plates designed to share—but it’s the curated vinyl sets and late-night energy that make it feel like a party waiting to happen. A great spot for when you don’t want the night to end just yet.

Housed in a former warehouse, Mare Street Market is part food hall, part buzzy restaurant and part co-working space. Grab a coffee from Flying Horse, pick up a bunch of wild stems from Rebel Rebel, and settle into a booth for wood-fired pizza, seasonal small plates or cocktails under the disco ball. There’s always a vibe: it’s a popular spot for remote workers during the day and big groups catching up over Negronis by night.

Perched at the top of Broadway Market, The Cat & Mutton is the quintessential East London pub. It’s been serving locals since the 18th century, and while the crowd (and craft beer selection) has changed over the years, its old boozer spirit hasn’t.

With sprawling outdoor seating and a front-row view of London Fields, this is the go-to spot when the sun’s out. Pub on the Park does what it says on the tin—cold pints, casual energy, and the occasional game of boules in the courts next door. It gets rowdy in summer, but that’s part of the charm.

Not the newest rooftop on the block, but still one of the best. Netil 360 offers panoramic views over Hackney’s skyline. When the weather plays ball, there’s nowhere better to be. They also serve a pretty good pizza to go with your sunset.

Artwords is a treasure trove of beautifully designed books and magazines, covering fashion, graphic design, photography, architecture, and the city’s best selection of magazines. Even the children’s books are design-led, and feature stunning illustrations. It’s the perfect place to pick up a gift (or something for yourself).

She’s Lost Control is the go‑to for a little bit of woo woo. Think: aura readings, crystal rituals, tarot, and just about every kind of spiritual experience you can imagine. Founder Jill Urwin left fashion buying to create a warm, accessible space that’s become deeply rooted in the community. They run classes, stock bespoke jewellery, and even aura‑photography sessions.

This Instagram‑famous, London‑bred label has opened its flagship store just off Broadway Market—bright, playful, and full of its signature graphics. There’s even a little coffee bar, if you need an extra boost post-try on.