Things To Do
in Highbury
Highbury is a leafy, residential neighborhood in North London known for its mix of Victorian and Georgian terraces, garden squares and a relaxed village atmosphere. It sits within the London Borough of Islington and is popular with families, young professionals and Arsenal fans because of its close association with the club's historic Highbury stadium site. Highbury Fields offers open green space for recreation, while Upper Street and nearby Angel provide abundant cafes, independent shops and restaurants.
Well connected by tube and Overground, Highbury makes a convenient base for exploring central and north London while feeling more neighborhood-centered than busier central districts.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Highbury Fields, where you can enjoy the open green spaces and the charming views of London. Grab a coffee from a nearby café and take in the sights of joggers and families enjoying the park. The fresh morning air and the sound of birds chirping make this a lovely way to begin your adventure.
After brunch, head to the nearby Clissold Park for a picnic lunch, where you can relax by the lake and watch the swans glide by. In the park, don’t miss the chance to visit the Clissold House, a historic building that offers a taste of local history. The peaceful ambiance invites you to unwind and appreciate the beauty of nature around you.
As the sun sets, return to Highbury and indulge in dinner at a local eatery that reflects the multicultural essence of the area. You might find cozy pubs or trendy restaurants serving delicious fare, perfect for winding down. After dinner, take a leisurely walk back through the park, enjoying the twinkling lights and the calm of the evening.
Begin your day by visiting the nearby Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal FC. Tour the stadium to learn about its history and the passionate culture surrounding the club. This morning promises not only a sporting experience but also a glimpse into local loyalty and pride.
Next, head to the local art spaces and galleries sprinkled around Highbury, where you can discover contemporary works, exhibitions, and workshops. Engage with local artists or perhaps join a short painting class to immerse yourself in the community’s creative vibe. The afternoon will leave you inspired and enriched by new perspectives on art.
As evening approaches, visit a local theatre or performance venue for a show or live music event. This cultural encounter provides a fantastic opportunity to experience Highbury's vibrant entertainment scene. Wrap up your day with a nightcap at a nearby bar, enjoying the lively atmosphere and mingling with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee / Cappuccino | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at a pub | $6-8 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $8-15 |
| 🎟️Zone 1–2 single tube fare (contactless/Oyster) | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Leafy, village-like atmosphere within London with good green spaces (Highbury Fields).
- Excellent transport links (Highbury & Islington station) to central London and Overground connections.
- Strong local café, pub and independent shop scene with a relaxed, residential vibe.
- Close to cultural attractions, markets and larger parks like Hampstead Heath.
- Relatively expensive compared with outer London boroughs (housing, dining).
- Can be busy during match days and peak commuter times near transport hubs.
- Limited late-night entertainment directly in Highbury—more options require a short trip to Angel or central London.
Places to Visit in Highbury
Visit one of these nice places.
A large green space with open lawns, tree-lined paths and an easy vantage point for capturing local life, sports and seasonal colours.
The redbrick façade and art-deco features of the converted Arsenal stadium create distinctive architectural photos—especially interesting at golden hour.
Busy streets, colourful shopfronts and market stalls provide great street photography opportunities and atmospheric candid shots.
Quiet waterways, narrowboats and picturesque bridges make for peaceful landscape and reflection shots, particularly in spring and autumn.
Food in Highbury
Highbury Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, mushrooms and toast; widely available at local cafés and brunch spots around Highbury Fields and Upper Street.
Must-Try!
Classic British fried fish with chunky chips; try at a nearby traditional pub or a reputable fish shop in Islington for a comforting meal.
Reflecting the area’s strong Mediterranean and Levantine offerings—numerous small restaurants and bakeries on Upper Street and nearby serve fresh mezze plates and shakshuka for brunch or dinner.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A short walk from Highbury, Chapel Market offers fresh produce, street snacks and cheap eats—try falafel, pastries and seasonal fruit at the stalls.
Regular pop-ups and small street-food vendors appear near Angel, with artisan bakeries, coffee carts and occasional food stalls on weekends.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keep to polite norms—queue for public transport and counters, say 'please' and 'thank you', and give people space on sidewalks and in shops.
Highbury is largely residential—avoid loud behaviour late at night, respect private gardens and recycling schedules.
Offer seats to those who need them, let passengers off the train or bus before you board, and avoid loud phone conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Highbury
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory—10–15% if service is good; pubs typically don’t expect tips but you can round up or leave small change. Many places add a service charge for larger groups—check the bill.
Card payments and contactless are widely accepted; mobile pay (Apple/Google Pay) is common. Cash is still used but carry only a small amount. Use an Oyster card or contactless card/device for public transport to get the best fares.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blossoming trees in Highbury’s squares and parks; expect occasional rain—ideal for walks, outdoor cafés and photographing cherry blossoms.
Warmest, busiest season with longer daylight; parks and pub gardens fill up—bring sunscreen and a light layer for cool evenings.
Crisp air and colourful foliage in Highbury Fields and local squares; comfortable for walking and exploration though rain becomes more frequent.
Cold and potentially wet with short daylight hours; heating is good indoors, but prepare for grey skies—festive lights in late December brighten the area.
Highbury at Night
Hiking in Highbury
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Expansive woodlands, ponds and high points (Parliament Hill) with excellent walking routes and panoramic views over London; about 20–30 minutes by public transport.
Large ancient woodland northeast of the city offering longer trails, cycling paths and nature spotting—reachable by a short rail journey and local bus.
Riverside trails, wetlands and green spaces along the River Lee suitable for longer walks and wildlife watching; accessible by public transport and bike.
Hilly park with city views, wooded areas and walking paths—good for a moderate hike and picnic, reachable by bus or short train ride.
A quiet, linear waterway walk through suburban north London close to Highbury—ideal for an easy nature stroll without leaving the city.
Airports
How to reach Highbury by plane.
Major international airport west of London—reachable by Piccadilly Line (direct) or Heathrow Express to Paddington then Tube; expect 45–75 minutes depending on connection and time of day.
South of London with Gatwick Express to Victoria; from Victoria take the Victoria line or other connections to reach Highbury in about 50–80 minutes total.
Closest for east London—good for business travelers; reachable via DLR and tube links to Highbury in 35–60 minutes depending on connections.
Northwest of London; use Shuttle/rail services to central London (St Pancras or King’s Cross) then tube/Overground—journey around 60–90 minutes.
Northeast of London with Stansted Express to Liverpool Street; then take Overground/Underground to Highbury—typically 60–90 minutes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many 20s–40s professionals attracted by proximity to central London, good transport links and local amenities.
Highbury’s parks, schools and residential streets make it popular with families seeking a quieter urban neighbourhood.
Established local communities and older residents who have lived in the area for many years contribute to the neighbourhood feel.
A multicultural population reflecting London’s diversity, including South Asian, Middle Eastern, Afro-Caribbean and European communities—with a rich mix of food and cultural offerings.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football dominates local sporting culture—Arsenal FC’s historic ties to Highbury make the area popular with fans and matchday activity remains part of local identity.
Many residents run in Highbury Fields, along canal towpaths and in nearby parks; cycling is common for commuting and leisure with growing dedicated lanes.
Local parks host informal football, cricket and rugby matches at amateur and community levels, especially on weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Highbury.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Highbury and nearby Islington are very vegetarian-friendly; many cafés and restaurants have dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus or clearly mark options.
Plenty of vegan-friendly spots and plant-based dishes are available; specialist bakeries and cafes cater well to vegans, especially around Upper Street and Angel.
Halal options are available in the area—look for Middle Eastern, South Asian and Mediterranean restaurants that clearly label halal meats or provide vegetarian alternatives.
Most central cafés and restaurants can accommodate gluten-free needs if requested; bakeries occasionally offer gluten-free pastries but check in advance for cross-contamination concerns.