10 Great Things To Do In Dalston

Are you new to London or keen to discover new neighbourhoods? Welcome to Dalston, nestled in northeast London, one of Hackney’s most exciting and edgy pockets. There is always something happening in Dalston, delivering vintage stores, independent eateries, vibrant street art and more, all in iconic style. Once a bit of a hidden gem, the area is now popular for nearby Londoners on weekends as well as tourists going a little off the beaten trail.

Many locals are keen to visit this neighbourhood but are not sure what Dalston has in store, which is why we have created a guide to some of the best things to do here. Whether you’ve got a weekend or just a few hours, we’ve got you covered, with everything from live music venues to tasty late-night eats.

While no one event or institution stands out here, Dalston is iconic for its vibrant culture and art scene. Street art, pop-ups, murals, and more all run rampant in the area, with no shortage of creative juices on display to soak up during your time here. Nightlife is also something the area specialises in, with an array of fun and LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs to dance the night away in.

Opening in spring each year, Dalston Roof Park is one of Dalston’s lesser-known spots, tucked right into the heart of the neighbourhood. You’ll find groups of friends enjoying live DJ sets, yoga classes, supper clubs, film screenings and much more on this relaxed rooftop bar. 

If the sun is shining, you can be sure that locals will be flocking here to watch the sunset or to soak up some afternoon rays. Their Instagram is a good place to go for more up-to-date event information, as some will be ticketed!

If you’re looking for things to do in Dalston away from the bars and nightlife, the Arcola Theatre could be what you’re looking for. Tucked away from Kingsland High Street, Arcola is actually one of the best fringe theatres in the country, offering bold and diverse programmes to suit all kinds of culture vultures.

Global perspectives and thought-provoking artistic minds are welcome on stage at Arcola weekly. However, this is not the only thing that sets it apart. Arcola is also known for being one of the greenest theatres in the country, committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Grab a coffee or drink here before opening up your mind to a new act or performance!

Less of a hidden gem, Rio stands loud and proud on the High Street in Dalston. This beloved independent cinema is hard to miss, with neon lights and an iconic facade, known for being one of the oldest of its kind in London. The classic decor continues inside, making every film seem like an event - red plush seats, soaring ceilings, and just 2 screens in the whole place.

Whatever you’re into, Rio will have something for you to relax and enjoy. The main screen or the newer, more intimate theatre are both always showing a range of films, from new releases to cult classics. You’ll also find an array of Q&As, themed events, and community screenings here.

Among the bars, coffee shops, and eateries on Kingsland Road lie some of the best vintage stores in London. You’ll find hunting for unique clothing pieces, jewellery, or even records easy in Dalston. Beyond Retro and Pelicans & Parrots are two great places to start, with countless pre-loved items to browse from. The shops on and around Kingsland Road are usually independent and community-owned, meaning you can do your bit while picking up some statement pieces for your wardrobe.

No mention of Dalston’s nightlife should miss out on the Dalston Superstore, one of the most famous LGBTQ+ establishments in London. The venue has many faces, offering visitors coffee, cocktails, art installations and much more. Supporting countless LGBTQ and community initiatives, Dalston Superstore has been open for business and giving back to the local community since 2009

If the bustle of the high street gets a little too much, the Eastern Curve Garden offers a moment of calm off Kingsland Road. This community garden is a leafy escape from the main shopping street built on the old Eastern Curve railway line. This is designed as a place to explore, enjoy a coffee, and catch up with friends. And while entirely free to enter, donations are welcome to support the running of the garden.

Alongside the peaceful environment, the garden also plays host to regular gardening workshops, poetry readings, and acoustic evenings. For something more low-key in Dalston, you can’t go wrong with the Eastern Curve Garden.

Another string to Dalston’s bow is EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney), yet another incredible multi-faceted venue in the area. With several levels, the venue includes not only a music hall but also a theatre space and a bar area. The beautiful 1930s cinema restoration hosts a range of events, from edgy music gigs to spoken word poetry evenings. The acoustics of the main hall are exquisite, so make sure to keep an eye out for breakout and up-and-coming artists.

For something to eat, somewhere to browse, and to experience something iconic to Dalston, the Ridley Road Market is the place for you. Right next to Dalston Kingsland Overground station, the market has served the local community for more than a century, so it should definitely be on your Dalston itinerary. 

The open-air market stands at odds with the more established shops in the surrounding streets, creating a truly unique atmosphere. Find everything from fresh produce and exotic spices to Caribbean street food and household goods. Most stalls will shut up shop at 3 pm on weekdays, so make sure to head there early to make the most of it all!

If you find yourself on Stoke Newington Road in the evening, you could do worse than to venture into Ruby’s Bar & Lounge. This speakeasy remains one of the best-kept secrets of Dalston, hidden behind an otherwise unassuming red door. You can choose from either Ruby’s Cocktail Bar, with a cosy living room decor, or the Lounge area, with exposed brick and an area where DJs or private events are usually set up.

With stunning interior design and an ever-evolving menu of tasty cocktails, Ruby’s is a stunning place for a date, catch up, or enjoy an evening of dancing in Dalston. If you are keen, consider booking in advance to avoid disappointment!

If you’re exploring what to do in Dalston for lunch, the Dusty Knuckle bakery is definitely one to explore. This iconic bakery has gained popularity over the past few years, having started as a social enterprise baking bread in old shipping containers. Find delicious sourdough loaves, seasonal bakes, and their famous focaccia sandwiches on sale every day.

But Dusty Knuckle remains much more than a bakery. The social enterprise element lives on, supporting at-risk youth with training and employment and helping those most vulnerable to get started in the food industry. So with every bite, it not only tastes good but is doing good too!

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