London Neighborhoods: Things to Do in Islington

[updated June 2020]

Islington is one of London’s smallest districts, but is also one of my favorites. Here are some things to do in Islington. 

I haven’t been to London in a few years. And I miss it!  It’s one of my favorite cities and yet it wasn’t love at first sight. My first visit here was way back in 1996 on my very first trip abroad. It was my last stop on that trip and I was likely tired and homesick. It wasn’t until I returned years later that I started to really uncover how great London is.

There is something about walking around this historical city – I always picture it being a few hundred years ago – which is easy to do with all the old row houses and cobblestone streets.

On a previous visit I was lucky enough to stay in an Oh-London.com serviced apartment in the neighborhood of Islington.  This was before Airbnb took off and is still a great way to stay in a flat in the city.

Things to Do in Islington

The London Borough of Islington is a charming and desirable neighborhood which is still in the city, just north east of the center. It has also been the setting of many novels and movies including Nick Horby’s About a Boy. It’s full of theatres, boutiques, and cafes.

If you are here on a Friday or Saturday, one of the best things to do in Islington is visit the Exmouth Street Market. There are food stalls from local farmers as well as arts and crafts.

Also, take a stroll down the Camden Passage which has grown from the opening of its first antiques shop in the 1960s to a total of 200 dealers.

Stop and smell the roses at Culpeper Community Garden. Set up by the locals over 30 years ago, it’s still run by the community. The garden isn’t big, but this oasis of calm packs a lot in with 65 plots for local people and groups without gardens.