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The Best Things to Do in North London: Eat, Drink, Stay and Explore
From canal-side cafes to natural wine bars, this is what to do in North London on your next trip to the capital.
North London’s best days start on the canal and end with a glass of natural wine. Do as the locals do and spend the morning wandering the canal network from City Road Lock to Towpath in De Beauvoir, before taking an afternoon ramble across Hampstead Heath’s 320 acres of ancient woodland. Finally, settle in at Godet or Top Cuvée once the sun starts to dip. All in a day’s work.
Got a few extra days to spare? This guide covers the best places to eat, drink, stay and explore across North London, from canal-side cafes to vintage shopping in Camden Passage.
Visitors to London will rarely be able to grasp the differences between the North, South, East and West in one whirlwind trip, but if you’re looking to really immerse yourself in this incredibly diverse city a handful of days should surely be reserved to explore the creative, abundant and endlessly green expanse of the North.
Having landed myself in North London for the better part of a year, intent on exploring every nook, these are the places that will stay with me. The seasonal shifts on the Heath, the treasures of Camden Passage and meandering jaunts by the canal. Each revealed surprises I didn’t think existed here in this bustling metropolis.
Skip the pick-pocket laden Borough Market, the endless queue at the Eye and the throngs of Oxford Street, and instead explore ancient woodland in Highgate, sample seasonal fare at Towpath and join locals at their favourite watering holes.
After a year spent soaking up the sights, sounds and culinary delights of North London, this is the itinerary I swear by for a splendid few days in the North.
Things to Do in North London: Play
Wander Your Way Along North London’s Canals
You can easily spend an entire day wandering the network of canals in North London. Dotted with pubs and cafes (and even a canal boat bookshop!), it’s best to take your time exploring. The canals also offer an easy way to get across the city, with entry and exit points every couple of hundred metres. Every season offers a draw, spring being the sweetest. Spot fluffy ducklings and goslings bobbing atop the water as anxious mums follow along.
Our recommendation? Skip the crowds in Camden and start at City Road Lock in Angel, wandering your way to Towpath for a seasonal menu. If you’d like to stretch your legs further, continue on to Victoria Park and take a moment to soak in one of North London’s favourite green spaces.
Sitchu Tip: If you’re visiting on a Saturday, keep walking until you hit Broadway Market for one of the best local markets in the city. Here you can pick up snacks, locally made goods and coffee.
Where: Various locations in North London
Cost: Free
Best For: Locals, Visitors, Active, Outdoor, Free, Weekend plans
Need to Know: If you’d like to take a peek inside a canal boat, you can book a yoga or pilates class at Alongside Six, a beautifully renovated canal boat studio.
Ramble Around Hampstead Heath
Tramping along this 320-acre ancient heath, it’s hard to believe you’re in one of the world’s most bustling cities. Walking the heath is an age-old North London pastime, with poets like John Keats and author D.H. Lawrence endlessly inspired by the woodland trails and open spaces.
A delight in any season, Autumn is particularly lovely on the heath, awash in amber. Summer is another favourite, with flocks of picnickers setting up camp on the grassy hills and taking dips in the heath’s beloved ponds.
Sitchu Tip: If you’re game to try a dip in the cooler months, treat yourself to a hot chocolate at Megan’s in Highgate Village to warm up post-swim.
Where: Hampstead
Cost: Free to enter, $5 pond entry
Best For: Nature lovers, Locals, Visitors, Outdoor, Active
Need To Know: During the summer months a booking system is in place for pond dips due to high demand.
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Picnic on Primrose Hill
Easily one of the best free views in London, you’ll find Primrose Hill speckled with picnic rugs every night of the week. Do as the locals do and gather yourself a spread of M&S picky bits before settling in as dusk descends on the city.
Where: Primrose Hill
Cost: Free
Best For: Outdoor, Free, Locals, Visitors
Need to Know: The only con of a picnic at Primrose Hill is a lack of bathroom facilities. There are toilets on the South side of the park, but it’s best to plan around this inconvenience.
Shop Antiques & Vintage in Camden Passage
A haven of independent stores and specialty cafes, Camden Passage is one of London’s best shopping strips. Wander your way down this pedestrianised alley to uncover vintage stores, jewellery labels, art sellers and antique dens full of treasures waiting to be rifled through. You’ll even find a dedicated yarn store.
Where: Angel
Cost: Free
Best For: Weekend plans, Locals, Visitors
Need To Know: Wednesdays and Saturdays see stalls set up throughout the passage selling vintage clothing, antique wares and collectibles.
Take a Mooch Around Stoke Newington
If you’re looking for a walkable suburb that has a little bit of everything, head over to Stoke Newington. With one main high street, it’s perfect for a wander. There are loads of cafes and pubs to refuel at, and plenty of artisan and independent shops to nip in and out of. Don’t miss Search & Rescue for homewares and handmade goodies, Prep for luxury kitchen items and Stoke Newington Bookshop.
Abney Park Cemetery also makes for a lovely stroll, with ramshackle gravestones covered in vines and flowers. Once you’re done shopping, head to Clissold Park for a spot of nature and a cup of tea at Fink’s.
Where: Stoke Newington
Cost: Free
Best For: Weekend plans, Free, Visitors
Need to Know: If you can, time your visit with the monthly Hackney Flea Market which takes place in Stoke Newington Town Hall.
Things to Do in North London: Eat
The Dreamery
The Dreamery serves just two things, and they do it very well. Perfect for a date, post-dinner treat or even a solo sip, this colourful spot serves up natural wines and ice cream. The flavours of both are curated to perfection with the likes of Greek mountain tea, blueberry crumble and chocolate and olive oil on regular rotation.
Sitchu Tip: The good people behind The Dreamery also own a hidden wine bar across the road named Goodbye Horses. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for small plates and an extended wine list.
Where: De Beauvoir Town
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Ice Cream
Best For: Quick bite, Date night, Wine lovers, Weekend plans
The Tamil Crown
For when Brick Lane itself feels a little overwhelming, head to The Tamil Crown for some of the best Indian in the city. This gastropub with a difference is located on a quiet corner in the backstreets of Angel, with seating spilling out onto the sidewalk for sunny summer days. If you’d like to combine another London tradition, book in on a Sunday for their renowned Masala roast.
Where: Angel
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Indian
Best For: Group dining, Date night, Locals, Long lunch
Pophams
London has the baked goods scene rather well covered, with artisan bakeries peppered across the city. But every London local has their favourite and ours just happens to be located in the North. The layers on Pophams‘ croissants are not here to mess around. Seasonal pastries can be found on the blackboard each week, but that’s not to say you should forgo the regulars, favourites of which include the marmite, schlossberger and spring onion pastry and the honey and smoked salt bun.
Sitchu Tip: Weekends are incredibly popular at Pophams. To avoid the long queues, swing by on a weekday.
Where: Islington
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Bakery
Best For: Locals, Visitors, Budget-friendly, Weekend plans, Brunch
Towpath
This cafe has a simple recipe for sparking joy — good coffee, freshly squeezed juices, seasonally-led plates and a sunny spot by the canal. Don’t be turned off if you pop round the corner to discover a queue, it moves quickly as Towpath seats people communally where possible. The food is simple but packed with flavour, and is perfect for sharing. Go halves in the heirloom tomatoes on sourdough and the triple cheese toastie with homemade quince jam.
Where: De Beauvoir
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Brunch
Best For: Weekend plans, Solo dining, Locals, Brunch, Waterfront
Need to Know: The Towpath Cafe closes during the winter months, typically between November and May.
Queen’s Wood Cafe
Lean into the woodland aesthetic with the festoon-light strewn Queen’s Wood Cafe. Tucked into ancient woodland, this sweet oasis is the perfect place to settle in with a book. With fresh sandwiches and salads made using produce from the kitchen garden, it’s simple fare that really hits the spot.
Autumn is particularly lovely when the oak leaves turn russet and filter to the floor. Take a wander through the woods whilst squirrels scamper, and wrap your hands around a hot chocolate or steaming cup of tea.
Sitchu Tip: After exploring Queen’s Wood, head across the road for a wander through Highgate Woods. Despite their proximity, they both offer a compleltely different atmosphere.
Where: Highgate
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Solo dining, Weekend plans, Quick bite, Budget-friendly
Fink’s at Clissold House
There’s something so quintessentially British about having tea in an old stately home in the middle of a park. Embrace it. Fink’s at Clissold House has everything you need for a morning cuppa with stacked homemade cakes lining the front counter. They also make a great coffee if you’d prefer a flat white with your Victoria sponge.
Where: Stoke Newington
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Weekend plans, Quick bite, Breakfast, Brunch, Outdoor dining
Things to Do in North London: Drink
Godet
Cosy in the winter and offering a petite garden for summer sips, Godet is a Northern go-to for a delicious drop. The French-leaning wine list strikes the perfect balance between diverse and concise, and includes a decent selection by the glass. As for food, they’ve left it to the professionals and share the space with Ling Ling’s, purveyors of homestyle Cantonese. All very moreish, you can snack on pork wontons and matcha tiramisu with your favourite drops.
Where: Islington
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Wine bar
Best For: Late night, Date night, Group dining, Wine lovers, Cocktail lovers
High Ground
Consistently ranking in lists of the best coffee in London, this Upper Street coffee shop churns out excellent brews on an immaculate Kees Van Der Westen Spirit machine. High Ground uses a rotation of carefully selected guest and rare blends, complemented by fresh pastries.
Where: Islington
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Coffee
Best For: Solo dining, breakfast, Weekend plans
Need to Know: Swing by on a Friday or Saturday evening for wines by the glass.
Top Cuvée
Full of funky wines at tip-top prices, Top Cuvée is a go-to for knock-off drinks and lingering Saturday afternoons. Whilst they’ve got some really fun options on offer, there’s no assumed knowledge here, so be sure to grill the staff on their favourite drops.
They run an excellent daily happy hour with two-for-one drinks before 6pm.
Where: Highbury
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Wine bar
Best For: Wine lovers, Date night, Weekend plans, Late night
Things to Do in North London: Stay
The Zetter
This quintessentially British stay is discreetly tucked into a townhouse on one of London’s oldest squares. Right in the middle of the British Museum, Spitalfields Markets and the Regent’s Canal, The Zetter‘s location is as good as it gets. The elegant and classic interiors set the scene for your stay in England’s capital. If you’re looking to make the most of your time, be sure to enjoy the boutique hotel’s Parlour for a drink and maybe a game of chess.
Location: Clerkenwell
Price Guide: From $1000 per night
Best For: Luxury, Special occasion, Couples
The Standard
Known for its iconic external red lift, The Standard encapsulates Northern London’s ‘a little bit edgy, a little bit fun’ vibe. It is also wildly convenient, located as it is across the road from King’s Cross St Pancras and King’s Cross Underground. There are plenty of on-site venues to enjoy a drink or bite, should you find yourself a little pooped after a long day sightseeing.
Location: Kings Cross
Price Guide: From $950 per night
Best For: Couples, Weekend escape, Girls’ trip
FAQs About Things to Do in North London
North London is surprisingly generous when it comes to free experiences. Hampstead Heath is the obvious drawcard — 320 acres of ancient woodland and open heath that somehow makes you forget you’re in one of the world’s busiest cities. The canal network is equally rewarding and entirely free to wander, with pubs, cafes and the occasional canal boat yoga studio dotted along the way. Primrose Hill delivers one of London’s best views without spending a penny, and a mosey through Camden Passage — particularly on a Wednesday or Saturday when the market stalls are out — costs nothing but time.
A single day in North London will leave you wanting more — and that’s rather the point. To do it properly, set aside at least two to three days. Use one to explore the green spaces: Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and a long wander along the canal. Dedicate another to the food and drink scene, grazing your way through Pophams, the Towpath Cafe and an evening at Godet or Top Cuvée. A third day opens up neighbourhood exploration — Stoke Newington, Highgate, Angel — each with their own distinct personality. North London rewards a slow, curious pace, so resist the urge to rush it.
It depends on what you’re after. Clerkenwell is a strong choice for first-timers — central, characterful and well-connected, with The Zetter offering a quietly excellent boutique base. For something with more edge, Kings Cross has transformed dramatically in recent years and The Standard puts you right in the thick of it, with easy tube access to the rest of the city. If you’d prefer a more residential feel, Islington or Stoke Newington offer a genuine taste of North London life — great for self-catering stays where you can shop at local markets and eat like a local from day one.
More than you’d expect. The canal network that winds through North London is best explored on foot, starting at City Road Lock in Angel and following the towpath at whatever pace suits you. Along the way you’ll find the Towpath Cafe (seasonal, so check ahead), waterside pubs and independent spots that seem to change with every visit. Keep an eye out for Alongside Six, a beautifully converted canal boat running yoga and pilates classes, and the canal boat bookshop that proves North London’s waterways have a personality entirely their own. In spring, the ducklings alone are worth the trip.
Absolutely — and it’s arguably one of the most underrated food neighbourhoods in the city. Start your morning at Pophams in Islington, where the pastry layering is genuinely serious and the seasonal specials change regularly (though the marmite and spring onion number is a permanent fixture for good reason). For lunch, the Towpath Cafe’s simple, seasonal plates by the canal are hard to beat in warmer months. Come evening, The Tamil Crown in Angel delivers some of the city’s best Indian food in a relaxed gastropub setting, while Godet pairs a focused French wine list with Cantonese bites from Ling Ling’s next door.
Both halves of the city offer something distinct, so the better choice depends on what you’re after. North London leans into green space, with Hampstead Heath and the canal network offering an easy escape from the city’s pace, alongside a strong independent food and drink scene in areas like Stoke Newington and Islington. South London tends to draw visitors with its markets and riverside walks. For a slower, more residential feel with genuine neighbourhood character, North London is the stronger pick, particularly for a multi-day stay rather than a single-day visit.
If you loved this edit of things to do in North London and would like to satisfy your travel cravings a little closer to home, be sure to take a peek at our guide to the 12 best Australian journeys to take in your lifetime and our eat, stay, play, drink guide to Launceston.
