The Best Things To Do In Islington

Buckle up, wine lovers! We’re about to catch a ride with the cool kids and head over to one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in London: the streets of Islington. Lively, vibrant, with countless things to do - this area of North London is for daytime explorers and night owls alike! We’re about to spill the secrets on the best things to do in Islington (although our Humble Grape Islington wine bar has to be top of that list).

In the middle of it all is the gastronomic playground that is Upper Street - a foodie’s paradise. It’s a culinary catwalk with Islington’s wine bars, pubs, and restaurants stealing the spotlight. Brace yourself for a taste bud revolution – because here, every meal is a masterpiece.

Full of creative types, you’ll also find yourself stumbling upon art and culture at every turn. The O2 Academy is one of the go-to music venues in Islington guaranteed to get you grooving, and theatre and performance spaces are scattered around every nook and cranny; your cultural education starts here! For a piece of history, you’ll even find Victorian townhouses lining the streets to add a touch of class and homely ambiance to the party block, giving Islington its unique, eclectic feel.

A well-connected district, from Islington you can whiz to Oxford Circus in just 7 minutes on the Victoria line from Highbury & Islington station. From here you can also catch the Overground and make use of national rail services, whilst the Northern line runs through Angel station further down the road. Of course, buses cruise around this area too, carrying you away to wherever you need to be.

Humble Grape Wine Bar in Islington

To kick things off, we must shout about our very own Humble Grape! We’re not just any old Islington restaurant and wine bar; we’re bringing a dash of pizzazz to North London’s food scene. You’ll find us on Theberton Street, just a skip away from Islington Green and close to Angel underground station, whilst Highbury & Islington station is just a 12-minute stroll or a breezy bus ride away.

Our Islington wine bar is full of gorgeous emerald tiles and a spacious dining area that is stylish and atmospheric in the best way. We have so much to offer, with over 450 sustainable wines, carefully curated dishes to pair with them, and of course the London classic, a Sunday roast is on our menu, ready to make your weekends extra delicious. Oh, and did we mention we’re one of the dog-friendly restaurants in Islington? Yep, even your furry friends get a front-row seat to the flavour fiesta! Plus, we’re not just one of Islington’s best places to eat, we also host regular events with wine tastings that’ll boost your social calendar in no time.

We’re all about community vibes at Humble Grape, so pop by and grab a glass (or a bottle), so we can make some delicious memories together! For more information on our Humble Grape Islington wine bar and to book a table, click here.

Here we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Islington, featuring cosy and classic Islington pubs, fun Islington bars, and exciting events:

Our top picks for your visit to Islington

1.     Catch a show at one of Islington’s theatres – The Almeida Theatre or Sadler’s Wells

If you’re looking for some culture after a dinner reservation at one of Islington’s restaurants, then book a show at the infamous Sadler’s Wells for some breathtaking dance performances, or at The Almeida Theatre, which often hosts productions before they transfer to the West End. Our Humble Grape Islington restaurant has a three-course pre-theatre menu for just £29, where you can enjoy the first two courses before the show and come back for dessert and a complimentary glass of bubbles afterwards!

2.     Have a wander around Camden Passage for Islington’s vintage shops

Camden Passage is hidden down a cobbled back street, just off the main Upper Street. It has a plethora of vintage shops and on Wednesdays and Saturdays it has vintage market stalls too. For the best things to do in Islington, look no further, as here you could find a diamond in the rough!

3.      Get competitive at Flight Club Islington

Islington is known for having some of London’s best nightlife, and Flight Club is a fun addition to the cocktail bar scene. Gather your friends for a competitive game of darts whilst drinking some of the finest cocktails – it’s one of the bars in Islington that you just can’t miss.

4.     Have a laugh at The Bill Murray

This Angel Comedy Club venue, The Bill Murray, is one of the most popular comedy clubs in London. Open 7 days a week, you can see some of the finest stand-up comedy for free or for a low cost every night. For that reason alone, it’s one of the best things to do in Islington for a fun night out.

5.     Walk along Regent’s Canal

Regent’s Canal is 8.6 miles long, stretching across London and running through Islington. For walks in London, this is a must-do. The pathways are often filled with cyclists, runners, families, and dog walkers looking over the boats on the river. As a dog-friendly restaurant, why not stop off at our Humble Grape Islington wine bar afterwards to refuel!

6.     Try the pub quiz at the Old Queen’s Head

A gorgeously decadent pub, the Old Queen’s Head hosts, what they describe as, the most outrageous pub quiz in London every Tuesday. For pubs in Islington, this is the place to be for a fun night with friends and family!

7.     Watch a film at The Screen On The Green, Everyman Cinema Islington

Just around the corner from our Humble Grape Islington wine bar is this iconic Islington cinema. Opened in 1913, it can’t be missed due to its incredible red neon sign at the front. This cinema has just one single retro-style screen and a lavish bar with cocktails to really elevate the film experience.

8.     Go to a gig at Union Chapel

Readers of Time Out voted Union Chapel as London’s Favourite Venue three times. This not-for-profit event space aims to host affordable yet high-quality gigs, screenings, comedy, spoken word and more! Their amazing acoustics and Victorian Gothic architecture make it really a special venue and a great thing to do after visiting one of Islington’s restaurants.

9.     Visit Upper Street Market

Every weekend a farmers market takes place in Islington Square between 10:30am and 4pm, with fresh produce and delicious street food from local vendors and producers. It’s a great lunch spot in Islington, with 25 stalls for you to struggle to choose between!

10.  Wander around Highbury Fields

If you arrive at Highbury & Islington station, then why not take a wander around the nearby Highbury Fields, which is a beautiful green space with an orchard, adventure play area, and some tennis courts. It’s one of the best things to do in Islington to get your nature fix.