Angel and Islington are two of the most characterful neighbourhoods in north London. Full of Georgian charm, leafy squares and canalside stretches, its elegant streets have long attracted artists, actors and musicians while its independent shops, rich dining scene and world-class theatres give the area plenty to discover beyond its handsome facades.
Our Visit London authors have used their expert knowledge of the neighbourhood to curate this guide to the very best things to do in Angel and Islington.
Browse the boutiques, vintage stores, eateries and bookshops of Upper Street, Chapel Market and Camden Passage, stop by an independent coffee shop or wine bar on a leafy side street, catch a show at the legendary Sadler's Wells and Almeida Theatre, or follow Regent's Canal towards pretty Victorian terraces and waterside pubs. Check out the bars and restaurants around Exmouth Market, and admire the green space and local neighbourhood charm as you venture north to Canonbury and Highbury.
Whether you're visiting this trendy area for the first time or looking for new recommendations, check out our insider tips and FAQs to make the most of your time in the area.
The best things to do in Angel and Islington at a glance
- 🎨 Best for culture and museums: Emirates Stadium, Union Chapel, Victoria Miro Gallery, Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art.
- 🍴Best for food and dining: Exmouth Market, Upper Street, Camden Passage, Blackstock Road, neighbourhood restaurants.
- 🍺 Best for pubs and nightlife: The Old Queen's Head, Electrowerkz, The Garage, Slim Jim's Liquor Store, The Lexington.
- 🎭Best for theatre and performing arts: Sadler's Wells, Almeida Theatre, Angel Comedy Club, King's Head Theatre.
- 🌸 Best for parks and green spaces: Highbury Fields, Regent's Canal, New River Walk, Culpeper Community Garden.
How we chose the best things to do in Angel and Islington
Our team of Visit London authors are London locals and experts who have years of experience exploring the city's many unique neighbourhoods. We keep updated with new openings and special events, sharing our deep knowledge of iconic sites and hidden corners of the capital. Our insights into the visitor experience help us understand what people are looking for and what remains culturally significant in the city.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need, along with our top tips and recommendations, all curated from our expertise and experience.
Explore Angel and Islington:
Best things to do in Angel and Islington
1. Catch a dance performance at Sadler's Wells – Best for world-class contemporary productions
Sadler's Wells specialises in dance and performance, with world-class productions ranging from classical ballet and flamenco to seasonal adaptations, boundary-pushing contemporary work and everything in between.
Whether you're a big fan of dance or just looking for a unique show, its varied programme offers something for everyone, including its famous ballet, which usually runs each Christmas.
Arrive early to settle in with a drink at the theatre bar, then make a night of it with dinner on Upper Street afterwards.
Best for: Fans of dance and performance
Good to know: Visitors aged 16 to 30 can enjoy £10 tickets to selected shows with the Barclays Dance Pass.
2. Hunt for treasures along Camden Passage – Best for vintage clothing and trinkets
Make time to wander through Camden Passage, where you can find everything from antique market stalls to vintage shops, art stores, artisan produce stores, cafes and bars.
Find this lively pedestrianised lane just off Upper Street, where its daily market fills up with antiques, vintage clothing, jewellery, prints and collectables. Look out for sellers set up along the whole lane, culminating at the Pierrepont Arcade with undercover stalls and shops. Even if you don't set out looking for anything, you'll probably leave with a vintage lamp or a new piece of jewellery.
If you fancy some time to relax, plenty of cafes offer outdoor seating, providing the perfect place to people-watch with a drink and snack.
Don't stop at the passage itself. Plenty more independent shops, charity shops, restaurants and bars line Upper Street and Essex Road, while the stalls at nearby Chapel Market sell everything from local produce to household goods to visitors daily.
Best for: Vintage and antique shopping
Good to know: Despite the name, Camden Passage has nothing to do with Camden Town! Market opening hours can vary, but we recommend visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday to see the stalls at their fullest.
3. Take a picnic to Highbury Fields – Best for spending time among nature
Just steps away from Highbury and Islington Station, you'll find Highbury Fields, a little pocket of green lined with Georgian and Victorian townhouses and filled with trees, parkland and gardens.
Although smaller than other London parks, this green space is the biggest in the neighbourhood and has an endearingly local feel. Pass by cyclists, dog walkers, friends enjoying picnics and people heading to the tennis courts with rackets poking out of their bags. Soak up the sunshine on the grass during spring and summer, trail the leafy paths in autumn and warm up with a hot drink and pastry from Profile Highbury, 13th Floor Coffee or the beloved Dusty Knuckle van during winter.
We love pairing a visit here with Highbury's Blackstock Road, where you can mooch the independent shops, trendy eateries and neighbourhood pubs – our favourite being the Bank of Friendship with its cosy interior, big heated garden and Yard Sale Pizza delivered right to your table.
Best for: Picnics, tennis, walks and a laidback catch up
Good to know: There are 11 floodlit tennis courts, four netball courts and a floodlit 7-a-side football pitch, but you'll need to secure your place in advance through the official council website.
Family-friendly activities
4. Go behind-the-scenes at Emirates Stadium – Best for football fans and Arsenal history
Swap the stands for the players' tunnel on the Emirates Stadium Tour. Whether you're a loyal fan of the Gunners or just love the sport, this tour lets visitors step inside one of the world's most iconic stadiums, into areas usually reserved for Arsenal Football Club VIPs.
This self-guided tour lets you explore everything from the changing rooms and pitch-side seating to the press conference room and a walk through the players' tunnel. Or take the 90-minute Legend Tour, where a former Arsenal player guides you through the stadium, sharing personal anecdotes from their playing days.
The tour ends at the Arsenal FC Museum, where you can get up close to historic memorabilia, trophies, past kits and more.
Best for: Arsenal fans and football enthusiasts
Good to know: The tour starts inside The Armoury Store along Hornsey Road. Arrive early to allow time to shop for Arsenal-themed goodies.
5. Get creative at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration – Best for a unique, art-filled day out
Step inside the colourful mind of one of the world's most prolific children's illustrators at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. Housed in a former waterworks, the space has two galleries, a cafe, a viewing platform and a garden. Even the grounds inspire creative minds.
Discover exhibitions spotlighting different styles and illustrators, events ranging from storytelling and talks to family drop-ins, and workshops that dig into the art form, helping people of all ages and abilities develop their drawing and, more specifically, illustration skills.
Make time to stop by the library, which is free to enter and holds more than 1,000 works, including a "cosy corner" for children.
Best for: Budding artists and book lovers
Good to know: Some parts of the centre are free to enter, including the garden, cafe, library and creative studio, but the main exhibition space, Coal Stores Gallery, requires a ticket.
6. Ride the Mail Rail at The Postal Museum – Best for a deep dive into a pocket of London's past
Learn all about this niche yet incredibly important part of London history at The Postal Museum, spanning five centuries of the city's postal past to the present day!
Explore interactive galleries with hands-on exhibits and archives, including life-sized vehicles once used to deliver mail, sheets of the world's first postage stamp and vintage graphic posters and artworks used by Transport for London and the Post Office.
Sorted! The Postal Play Space is an indoor play area where small children can dress up and learn about post through play, while seasonal events and family-friendly exhibitions take place throughout the year. Our highlight, though, is the Mail Rail: a small train that takes you through underground tunnels once used to deliver mail, while a narrator traces London's mail history.
Best for: Curious kids, rainy days and interactive exhibits
Good to know: The Mail Rail train is included with museum admission, but the carriages are small and travel through confined underground tunnels, so it isn't suitable for everyone.
Where to eat
7. Start the day at Quince Bakery – Best for housemade sweet treats and sourdough
If it weren't for the sign on the pavement and the queue that forms outside Quince Bakery each day, you could easily walk past it. But if we could recommend anywhere in the neighbourhood to start your day, it's here.
Follow the smell of freshly baked goods into the shop, and you'll find an assortment of sweet pastries, savoury bakes and sandwiches. The selection changes daily, but you can expect a wide variety: fruit scones, cakes, tarts, pies, buns, quiches and more. What makes this bakery extra special for us is its unique flavour combinations. Think bay leaf and damson tarts, greengage and vanilla cookie sandwiches, kale and stitchel buns and radicchio and potato galettes.
The rice pudding tart and brown sugar buns are both must-tries, and while the cookies don't look particularly special, they are some of the best we've tried in the city. You can also pick up a range of housemade breads, locally-sourced produce and pantry items.
Best for: Morning coffee and cake runs
Good to know: The bakery operates Wednesday to Sunday and closes in the early afternoon, with popular items selling out fast, so get down early for the best selection.
8. Share South Indian plates at The Tamil Crown – Best for bold flavours and fresh roti
Turn up the heat at The Tamil Crown, one of our top spots in the city when we're craving Desi flavours. Set in a dimly lit pub with a lively ambience, it's romantic yet laid-back – the best setting for a meal, in our opinion.
Start with a couple of snacks. The okra fries make a fragrant bite to accompany your first drink order; the onion bhajis with mint chutney are perfectly crispy, and the beef masala uttapam is a rich, meaty must-try. A couple of curries with rice and roti are plenty for two, and while they're all good, the coconut prawn moilee and Chettinad lamb curry stand out for us, offering a nice sweet-and-decadent contrast to switch between.
The roti is chewy and light – the perfect tool to mop everything up before agreeing with your peers across the table that it was easily one of the best curries you've ever had.
Best for: South Indian sharing plates
Good to know: The restaurant gets busy, particularly around dinner and weekends, so we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
9. Feast on hearty dishes at the Pig and Butcher – Best for phenomenal food in a traditional pub setting
Feast on British classics at the Pig and Butcher, a cosy neighbourhood gastropub focused on locally sourced British meat and seasonal produce.
The menu changes regularly with what's available and in season, but you can expect rich, hearty dishes cooked superbly. Our favourite time to visit is for the weekly Sunday roast, or at Christmas, when you can indulge in a sharing feast with all the trimmings.
Whatever you do, just make sure you try the black pudding scotch egg and thank us later.
Best for: Sunday roasts, Christmas feasting and hearty pub dining
Good to know: Book ahead for Sunday lunch, especially for larger groups. The kitchen closes between lunch and dinner Monday to Friday.
Bars, pubs and nightlife
10. Catch live music at The Lexington – Best for indie bands, DJs and late nights
The Lexington is a cornerstone of north London nightlife. Its one of those rare establishments that rolls multiple venues into one: a pub, live music venue and late-night bar.
Walk in after 9pm on a weekend and you'll almost always be greeted with a brimming dancefloor belting out the words to rock, pop, punk and indie bangers being played by a live DJ. Drinks are affordable and, unlike most other venues in the area, this iconic spot doesn't kick people out until 4am on a weekend.
Look out for live gigs that take place upstairs, but book in advance to avoid disappointment. The Old Queen's Head down the road has a similar vibe with more pop focused music nights, but gets just as busy and closes a little earlier.
Best for: Fans of rock music
Good to know: It gets busy at weekends, so expect to queue at the door and pay a small entry fee.
11. Go wine bar hopping – Best for natural wine, small plates and sophisticated-yet-laidback evenings
Islington has quietly become a very good place to drink wine. Whether you're looking for a spot to catch up with friends or planning an evening in the leafy, village-like streets of De Beauvoir Town, there are plenty of great wine bars to choose from!
A standout spot for us is Quality Wines, next door to Quality Chop House – the group's smaller, lesser-known spin-off. It has a distinctly casual feel and a shorter, less intimidating menu that does what it says on the tin: great-quality wines and fantastic snacks and small plates to pair with them.
Head to the other side of the neighbourhood, though, and you'll find a special little pocket of wine bars. The team behind Goodbye Horses opened Stable Wines, a local staple set underground, that feels like you're entering a wine aficionado's cellar; the low lighting and intimate atmosphere make this a great choice for date night. If you like the sound of wine and ice cream, The Dreamery from the same group is a fun choice.
Don't forget Hector's. A small but mighty local spot with bottles inhabiting practically every inch of shelf space. A selection of small plates and a team of knowledgeable staff make this one of our favourites – "crisps and Serrano ham" are a must-order and mean exactly what you think they do.
Best for: Wine lovers, date night and catch-ups
Good to know: Many wine bars have limited seating; we suggest going here as a couple or small group. Be prepared to wait for a table during weekends or evenings.
12. Enjoy a comedy show at The Bill Murray – Best for intimate performances and new talent
Nothing beats a night spent laughing out loud at someone on stage reeling off relatable anecdotes and hilarious jokes. And luckily, if you're in the area, Angel Comedy Club hosts a stand-up comedy show almost every night.
Run by comedians, this beloved club has become a pillar in London's comedy scene; a self-proclaimed "community" created to make funny, not money. Taking place at the Bill Murray and upstairs at the Camden Head along Camden Passage, you can expect free weekly gigs, up-and-coming comedians, new material, work-in-progress shows and celebrity acts, with the likes of Lou Sanders, Joe Lycett, Simon Amstell and Romesh Ranganathan having performed in the past.
Budding comedians can also check out weekly events, from beginner's courses to writing workshops and more.
Best for: Stand-up comedy every night of the week
Good to know: Angel Comedy Club aims to keep things affordable and accessible, with plenty of free and low-cost shows, including low-income ticket options, making it a great budget option. The club can't accommodate groups larger than four on Fridays and Saturdays.
Art, culture and hidden gems
13. Browse contemporary art at Victoria Miro – Best for famous artworks without the crowds
Just a five-minute walk from a section of Regent's Canal towpath, you'll find Victoria Miro, one of London's most respected contemporary art galleries.
Discover displays from an international roster of artists spread across two main spaces, with past exhibits including work from Yayoi Kusama, Chris Ofili and Grayson Perry. We're always surprised by how quiet this gallery is, with weekdays in particular offering the perfect environment to enjoy a peaceful visit.
The garden is what makes this gallery truly unique for us, though. While you're travelling between the two exhibition spaces, take a seat in the sun and immerse yourself in the calm pocket of greenery that contrasts with the gallery's industrial setting. We usually head here after lunch in Angel, then take a stroll along Regent's Canal.
Best for: Art lovers looking beyond the obvious galleries
Good to know: Look out for the gallery entrance, as it has limited signage, and you must ring a bell to enter. Walk through the garden to reach the second gallery space, accessed by staircase or lift.
14. Attend an event inside Union Chapel – Best for live entertainment in beautiful surroundings
Step inside Union Chapel, a magnificent Victorian-era Gothic church that also serves as one of the city's most atmospheric venues for live events and seasonal performances.
Built in the late 1800s, this Grade I-listed church was restored in recent years, and hosts everything from live concerts, talks and screenings to its annual Christmas carol concert. The acoustics are so good that many famous artists have recorded live performances at the venue, including Amy Winehouse, Damien Rice, Damon Albarn and more.
Learn all about the venue's fascinating heritage on a guided tour, which lasts around an hour and takes place on the first Wednesday of each month. Or, join the Sunday service each week from 11am, where its alternative style of worship blends prayer with contemporary biblical reflections and a diverse selection of music.
Best for: Architecture lovers and live music
Good to know: The auditorium is a fully seated-only venue and most events are unreserved, so arrive early to join the queue and secure a good spot.
15. Stroll along New River Walk – Best for a peaceful break from the busy city
Enjoy a moment of calm with a stroll along the New River Walk, a tranquil 28 mile (45 km)-long riverside pathway running from Canonbury Road to St Paul's Road, parallel to Islington's well-known Essex Road.
Originally constructed in the 17th century to carry fresh drinking water to London, this peaceful stretch of green space is lined with trees, shrubs, water plants and wildlife. Look out for ornamental ponds, fountains, a wooden bridge and an 18th-century watchman's hut and take children just over the road to Astey's Row Playground for climbing frames, swings, a slide, rock climbing walls, a sandpit and more.
On the other side of the trail, you can extend your walk to Highbury Fields, which is just over 10 minutes away on foot.
Best for: Seeing a quieter side of north London
Good to know: Culpeper Community Garden on the other side of the neighbourhood offers a similar natural escape.
Where to stay
16. Make yourself at home at DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel King's Cross – Best for easy transport links
Stay just moments away from one of London's busiest Underground stations and rail hubs at DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel King's Cross, situated between the buzzy neighbourhoods of Angel and Islington and King's Cross.
Check-in to your cosy room at this hotel with options ranging from double, king and queen guest rooms to suites with a living area and workspace. There are also several double rooms with a single bed or sofa bed for those looking to travel with children. There is an onsite bar, restaurant and fitness centre to enjoy during your stay, but we recommend taking a short stroll to the area's surrounding bars, restaurants and cafes.
Best for: Eurostar travellers and families
Good to know: On-site parking is available for an additional charge. The proximity to St Pancras means popular rooms sell out quickly, so we suggest booking in advance.
17. Stay in the heart of Islington at Hilton London Angel Islington – Best for a well-connected city break
Step out into the buzz of Islington's famous Upper Street at Hilton London Angel Islington, a stylish hotel surrounded by the area's independent shops, restaurants, bars and theatres, with Sadler's Wells and Camden Passage just a short walk away.
Spend time exploring north London and beyond before relaxing in your modern room and making the most of the on-site restaurant, bar and gym. Dogs are allowed, and many room layouts, including the option to add a cot, make this a great option for different groups, including families, to discover everything London has to offer before returning to a comfortable base.
Best for: Theatre-goers and a central location
Good to know: Parking is available, breakfast is offered, and medium-sized dogs are allowed, all for a small additional fee; booking in advance is strongly advised.
Continue exploring London's neighbourhoods! Check out nearby King's Cross with its trendy shops and eateries around Coal Drops Yard. Discover all the top things to do in neighbouring Hackney. Or, explore our guide to the City of London.
