'''Hackney''' is in East London. It is a very diverse and multicultural borough, known for its huge green spaces such as Hackney Marshes. Hackney will be home to some of the London 2012 olympic games. It has a reputation for being a bit rough and run down, however it is rapidly up and coming in certain areas. However for the visitor it is best to stick to well trodden routes, as some places are still quite dangerous. In particular, the Homerton/Hackney Wick area is known as a place to avoid after dark, and Clapton Road has the nickname 'murder mile'.

Get in

Hackney is well served by buses from all over the capital, with the routes converging on Hackney Central, Dalston and Stoke Newington. London Overground local train services also serve the borough, the '''North London Line''' from Woolwich to Richmond has 4 stations in Hackney, these are '''Hackney Wick, Homerton, Hackney Central''' and '''Dalston Kingsland'''. '''National Express East Anglia''' [http://www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com] run rail services from Liverpool St to a number of stations in Hackney, with the principal station on the line being '''Hackney Downs'''. There are no underground stations in the borough, though the nearest stations are Finsbury Park, Manor House, Bethnal Green and Highbury and Islington. For journey planning visit www.tfl.gov.uk

Get around

The best way to get around the borough is to walk or get buses. The many parks and green spaces dotted around make Hackney much nicer to walk around than its inner London location would suggest.

The main North-South bus routes in Hackney are the 38, 55 and 149.

See

  • comment website. ww.commentart.com. ww.commentart.com. the comment website provides comprehensive listings of art exhibitions, events, public art, and where to shop, eat, drink and stay in East London. There are some great parks in Hackney, the best of which are '''Victoria Park''' and '''Clissold Park'''. Many private art galleries, throughout the borough

  • The Clowns Archive - museum of clowning, unique collection of 'faces' (on eggs)
  • Geoffrye Museum, museum containing displays of furniture through the ages. Housed in row of 16th century Almshouses, with original chapel.
  • Hackney Museum, providing a history of Hackney as well as periodic exhibitions.
  • Hackney Empire, 1901 Music Hall, offering eclectic mix of entertainment.
  • Sutton House, Tudor House in Homerton, owned by the National Trust
  • Do

  • East London Art Walks. omment art walks. 20 7739 1743 / 07799 776 016. A friendly, qualified art guide will take you around a selection of the most interesting exhibitions on at the moment and also talk about the history of contemporary art in East London. call for times and meeting points.
  • '''Walk''' - Hackney Marshes, a lovely walk along the Lee Canal and River, stretching all across East London and further.
  • Buy

  • '''Broadway Market''' - visit on a Saturday. Has a variety of gastropubs.
  • '''Ridley Road market''' is a mix of traditional East-end fruit and veg alongside Afro-Caribbean delicacies, imported films, clothes and household items. Little of interest for the tourist to buy, but a great experience. Watch your pockets in the crowded pavements behind the stalls. There are also market stalls on the side streets surrounding Dalston Kingsland station.
  • '''The Kingsland Centre''' opposite Dalston Kingsland station is the main shopping mall in the borough, Tchibo has new stock every week and there is a recently opended Matalan.
  • '''Stamford Hill''' is the centre of the Hassidic Jewish community and has many kosher bakeries, delis and supermarkets.
  • '''Stoke Newington Church Street''' has many small bookshops and antique stores.
  • Eat

  • Mess Cafe. mhurst Road. Great quality caff breakfasts for __4.

    There are many great Turkish and Asian restaurants on Kingsland Road. To the south of Mare St there are a great number of Vietnemese eateries, Green Papaya is one of the best offering great food for veggies and meat eaters alike.

    Stoke Newington (Church Street), Broadway market and, more recently, Hackney Central, have a variety of Gastropubs.

    Drink

    At the southern end of the borough is Shoreditch/Hoxton, with a plethora of drinking places. The main stretch is from Old St tube to Shoreditch High St, and also Hoxton Square.

    There are several gay bars, the best of which is the George and Dragon in Shoreditch. Stoke Newington also has a small cluster of pink nightlife.

    Stay Safe

    Despite its reputation as a dangerous place, it is relatively safe provided you're careful. Most violent crime occurs amongst the gangs in the rougher parts of the borough. Stick to commercial areas where there will be lots of people. Keep away from housing estates, (projects to Americans) some can be very dangerous. Hackney Wick and some of the surrounding areas should be avoided. Hackney becomes much more dangerous at night, and it would be highly foolish to go out walking alone.