The Top Things to Do in Islington

Occupying a prime location between the hustle and bustle of central London and the affluent suburbs of the north, Islington is brimming with shopping, dining and drinking options. Check out our picks for the best things to do and see in Islington.

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Catch a West End show at a local theatre

Theatre

Almeida is a small local theatre that’s made a big impact on London’s performing arts scene. Open since 1980, the theatre puts on a variety of drama productions, ranging from classics such as Orwell’s 1984 and Shakespeare’s Hamlet to new productions by contemporary playwrights. Many plays put on at the 325-seat theatre go on to be shown in London’s West End.

Buy some fresh produce at the local market

Market, British, Healthy

Vegetable display at Islington Farmers Market, London

The first and most reputed farmers’ market in London, open since 1999, Islington Farmers’ Market is the place to go for fresh seasonal produce. Open every Sunday from 10am to 2pm, the market sells everything from flowers and cakes to fresh pasta and fruit and veg.

Be entertained at one of London's best comedy clubs

Theatre

Consistently named one of the best comedy clubs in London, Angel Comedy takes place every night across two Islington venues: the Camden Head and the Bill Murray. At the former, you’ll catch improv acts and newbies during the week, with their packed-out pro nights taking place – for free! – on Fridays and Saturdays. The Bill Murray, meanwhile, regularly hosts big-name acts looking to test out new material in intimate surroundings.

Go shopping on Camden Passage

Market, Shop

Camden Passage is a picturesque walkway lined by antique stores, vintage shops and quirky boutiques, plus a handful of great cafés and restaurants. At weekends, there’s a charming little market selling clothes, knick-knacks and antiques. Most restaurants offer al fresco dining, and the street’s namesake pub, the Camden Head – one of the homes of Angel Comedy – has a lovely little beer garden.

Settle in for a film in a natural setting

Bar, British

The Screen on the Green cinema on Islington Green

Screen on the Green is a single-screen theatre overlooking Islington Green which offers a distinctive moviegoing experience and is more than a century old. Its neon-lit exterior and retro marquee make it hard to miss, and inside there’s a licensed bar for a pre-movie tipple.

Soak up some culture at a local gallery

Art Gallery

Estorick Collection is London’s only art gallery exclusively exhibiting 20th-century Italian art. The gallery’s extensive collection focusses on Futurist works from the likes of Giacomo Balla and Giorgio Morandi, plus Marini sculptures and Modigliani portraits. Housed in a Grade II- listed Georgian townhouse, the gallery also has a great café and garden.

Take a walk along the water

Natural Feature

Regent’s Canal runs through the heart of Islington and offers a gorgeous spot to while away a sunny day. When the weather’s right, join the crowds barbecuing and drinking along the canal, or settle down at a waterside café and watch the barges go by.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.