Quick ride by bicycle from Barbican to Hackney

This is a lovely, mostly flat ride that takes you from the historic heart of the Barbican up to the creative buzz of Hackney. Starting in the Barbican, you’ll pass by London’s iconic brutalist arts centre, home to galleries, theaters, and secret gardens. From there, the route steers you along quieter roads and some dedicated cycleways—great for a relaxed pedal without much traffic. Most of the time, you’ll be cruising on smooth asphalt, with just a few patches of paving stones to keep things interesting.

As you head northeast, you’ll get to see the city shift from old-school City of London vibes to the indie cafés and colorful street art of Hackney. Hackney is known for its lively markets, leafy parks, and art scene—perfect for grabbing a coffee or lunch at the end of your ride.

With hardly any hill climbs, this is a super accessible route for all levels of cyclists. Just hop on, enjoy the urban scenery, and soak up the east London culture along the way!