Neighbourhood Guide: Best Things In Islington

Written by Sabrina Andrea Sachs and Mandy Lutman

Islington is one of London’s coolest and most underrated neighbourhoods. Located just minutes from central London, Islington is an ideal location for professionals, students, and, of course, tourists that want to experience a quirky neighbourhood with a strong community bond. It's a fresh and young area, famous for its nightlife, but also for its impressive choice of entertainment, including bars and restaurants, theatres and live music venues and of course museums and bookstores. It’s one of the most populated areas of London - and there’s a good reason behind it!

Important Buildings and Parks in Islington

London Metropolitan University

One of the reasons why Islington is perfect for students is because it’s close to several universities, including the London Metropolitan University, which is one of London’s oldest educational institutions.

A post shared by London Metropolitan University (@londonmetuni) on Feb 9, 2018 at 8:57am PST

Address: 166-220 Holloway Rd, London N7 8DB

O2 Academy Islington

If you’re a frequent concert goer, the O2 Academy will become your favorite place in London. The venue has two rooms where you can frequently listen to all your favorite artists - and you'd be surprised by how many of your faves actually perform here!

A post shared by Dion Joseph (@dionjoseph1) on Mar 26, 2016 at 2:48pm PDT

Address: 16 Parkfield St, London N1 0PS

Emirates Stadium

Are you a football fan? You absolutely have to put an Emirates Stadium game on your bucket list and cheer for your favorite team with 60,000 others!

Address: Hornsey Rd, London N7 7AJ

Highbury Fields

Islington’s largest park is a perfect place for family fun or a relaxing day away from the city buzz. The park also offers plenty of sports activities, and 11.75 hectares of nature!

A post shared by Richard (@riccislington) on Mar 31, 2018 at 9:23am PDT

Address: Highbury Cres, Highbury East, London N5 1AR

Caffeine and Food in Islington

Saint Espresso

Not only great beans, but also delicious brownies: sea salt caramel is my favourite.
Address: Angel House, 26 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9HJ, UK

Ground Control

Perfect for long, lazy Sunday brunches, Ground Control is already very popular so make sure to go there early.
Address: 61 Amwell Street, Islington, London, EC1R 1UR

The Breakfast Club

Let’s start with the most important meal of the day. The Breakfast Club was inspired by no other than the American-style diners. This community-oriented business serves some of the most delicious American classics. And the best news is, it offers lunch, too!

Address: 31 Camden Passage, London N1 8EA

Bellanger

This is the brunch place everyone always raves about! Bellanger is perfect for anyone that loves French cuisine. The old-fashioned style is extremely inviting, but the traditional Parisian food is what makes people come back for more.

A post shared by Bellanger (@bellanger_n1) on Mar 15, 2018 at 1:57am PDT

Address: 9 Islington Green, London N1 2XH

Little Georgia Islington

This rustic-style restaurant is praised for its delicious Georgian cuisine. You can truly find cuisine from just about anywhere in the world when you’re in Islington!

Address: 14 Barnsbury Rd, London N1 0HB

Four Sisters

Four Sisters is a perfect bar for after-work hangouts! If you’re picky about your cocktails and expect the best of the best quality, Four Sisters is the place to be! The 1822 cocktail is very much recommended - just trust us on this one.

A post shared by The Four Sisters (@foursistersbars) on Mar 15, 2018 at 6:56am PDT

Address: 25 Canonbury Ln, Islington, London N1 2AS

Fifteen

Photo by Fifteen

Fifteen is Jamie Oliver’s experiment to scout hidden talents in young future chefs. It is now a well-loved restaurant which donatates all profits to unemployed youth.

Address: 15 Westland Place, London, Islington N17LP

The Proud Archivist

Photo by The Proud Archivist

This is not only a café and a bar, it's also an art gallery, a library, and an events space right on the edge of the Regent’s canal. It offers great views (a bit like Venice, nope I'm only kidding, but it's great) and superb food. Come in for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a drink while riding your bike along the canal and soak up the sun and the arty vibes during summer.
Address: 2-10 Hertford Road, London, Islington N1 5ET

Ottolenghi

Photo by Ottolenghi on Instagram

Nightlife in Islington

If you're in the mood for dancing, The Old Queens Head Pub puts on great tunes every Saturday night. If you wish to hear some great Jazz and Blues, then 'Round Midnight is your place. Otherwise, if you are out on a date, then head to The Bar With No Name, a chic and stylish cocktail bar that is sure to impress your gal/boy. PS: you and your lucky date can even learn how to mix your own fancy cocktails by taking one of their master classes. S/he gonna merry ya.

Photo by Shangyou Shi on Unsplash

You’ll need at least two days to fully explore this quirky neighbourhood! Don’t forget to stop by the Little Italy and Little Ireland, areas dedicated to Italian and Irish communities!

Shopping and Markets in Islington

Camden Passage Market

This is probably London’s most thriving antiques village, world famous for its enormous range of shops, arcades, malls and markets. It used to be my favourite bargain hunt ground for antiques dealers, interior design pieces and more for my London flat. It's also scattered with retro clothing, independent cafés and bars amongst the stores, so it's the perfect place for a stroll on a Saturday.
(Open Wednesdays and Saturdays 9am-6pm)

Address: Camden Passage, London, Islington, N1 8EF

Camden Passage Sunday Market

On Sunday instead, on the same premises, the Camden Passage market features crafts, gifts and food including cake stands, handmade cushions, Indian jewellery, furnishings and fresh pasta. (Open 10am-4pm).

Address: Camden Passage, London, Islington, N1 8EF

Photo by Johnny Martinez on Unsplash

Chapel Market

Why not make a day of it, buy some fruit and veggies and check out the nearby Chapel Market where street and farmers’ markets meet every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday? (Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 8.30am-4pm).

Cool Hangouts

Freightliner’s Farm

If you read this guide, you know that in London, you are never too far from a farm. And Islington is no exception since Freightliner's Farm is the perfect place to hang out wiht goats, guinea pigs and a wide range of bird life. The best part is that it's a community project which provides opportunities for schools to learn more about the nature and agriculture. You can also pop in for a coffee or lunch at their vegetarian café.

Address: Sheringham Road, London, Islington N7 8PF

Everyman Screen on the Green

Sometimes I can't really choose only one movie I want to choose, that's why I often let the cinema choose for me. This was the case when I was meeting my friends at this single screen theater in Islington to see mainstream, art house as well as classic films. PS: you can also sip on great wine while watching the show.

Address: 83 Upper Street, London, Islington N10NP

Transport in Islington

Islington Borough is really well connected by the Underground: there are ten tube stops near the Islington area including Angel, Farringdon and Arsenal.
Islington is also really close to King’s Cross/St. Pancras, from where you have access to the Circle, Hammersmith and City, Northern and Metropolitan Underground lines, not to mention the Eurostar, Thameslink, East Midlands Trains and Southeastern.

Heathrow Airport: 81 minutes on the tube
Gatwick Airport: 70 minutes by tube and train

Affordability

Much like many other London neighbourhoods, the prices vary depending on the location and your lifestyle. Luckily for you, Islington offers luxury and budget-friendly lifestyle options.

That's it on our neighbourhood guide to King's Cross! If you have any tips on favourite places, make sure to share them below!

If you like this article, make sure to check out: