Things To Do
in Highgate
Highgate is a charming village located in North London, United Kingdom. It is known for its leafy streets, historic architecture, and beautiful green spaces such as Hampstead Heath. Highgate also boasts an array of trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, and elegant restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
The area is famous for its atmospheric cemetery, Highgate Cemetery, which is the final resting place of notable figures.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Highgate Cemetery, exploring its famous residents and stunning architecture. Grab a coffee at a nearby café to recharge for the day ahead.
Wander through the picturesque streets of Highgate Village, stopping by local shops and galleries. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the quaint pubs or restaurants.
As the sun sets, visit the iconic Highgate Wood for a peaceful walk amidst nature. End your day by dining at a cozy eatery, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Begin with a stroll in Hampstead Heath, taking in breathtaking views of the London skyline. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy on your walk.
Visit the beautiful Kenwood House nearby, home to a stunning art collection. After lunch, explore the gardens and enjoy the serene environment.
Catch a performance at nearby venues such as the Highgate Theatre or enjoy a film at a local cinema. Cap off the night with dessert at a local bakery.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and cultural heritage with many historic buildings and landmarks.
- Green spaces such as Hampstead Heath providing recreational areas.
- Strong sense of community with various local events and initiatives.
- Well-connected to Central London via public transport.
- Variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes catering to diverse tastes.
- High cost of living and property prices compared to other areas.
- Potential for heavy traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Limited nightlife compared to more central areas of London.
- Some areas might feel less vibrant due to an older demographic.
- Occasional noise from nearby traffic and urban activity.
Best Activities in Highgate
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A large ancient woodland offering a variety of walking paths, wildlife spotting, and picnic areas. It's a great spot for a leisurely day outdoors.
A beautiful park featuring gardens, ponds, and stunning views of London. Ideal for walks, jogging, and enjoying the landscaped areas.
A vast and popular park where you can enjoy scenic views, swimming in ponds, walking, running, and even flying kites on windy days.
A picturesque road known for its scenic walking routes. The area is surrounded by greenery and offers a peaceful escape from the city.
An atmospheric and historic cemetery with beautiful architecture and garden-like grounds, perfect for a quiet stroll and appreciating Victorian heritage.
Tours
Uncover the best of Highgate with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Highgate
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its beautiful architecture and historic graves, Highgate Cemetery offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere, perfect for photography.
With picturesque gardens, ponds, and quaint bridges, Waterlow Park provides stunning vistas of the city, making it an ideal spot for nature and landscape photography.
A short walk from Highgate, Parliament Hill offers one of the best panoramic views of the London skyline, especially at sunset.
This historic pub is located in the heart of Highgate Village and provides a charming backdrop with its traditional architecture and surrounding garden area.
The quaint and picturesque cobbled streets of Highgate Village, with its unique shops and cafes, offer great opportunities for capturing the essence of this charming area.
Food in Highgate
Highgate Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savoury meat or vegetable pies with crispy pastry, a local delicacy. Must-try at Highgate Butchers or Highgate Pantry.
Must-Try!
Traditional British roast dinner with roasted meat, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, and gravy. Recommended at The Bull & Last.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Highgate better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and street food stalls. Don't miss the gourmet hot dogs from Big V.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Highgate and the broader UK, being polite is highly valued. Common practices include saying 'please' and 'thank you,' waiting your turn in conversations, and addressing others with respect, often using titles such as 'Mr.', 'Mrs.', or 'Ms.' when appropriate.
The British are known for their patience when it comes to waiting in line. Respecting queues in shops, public transport, and events is important. Individuals should always take their turn and not push in, as this is considered very rude.
Respect for personal space is significant in Highgate. People generally prefer a comfortable distance during conversations. It’s advisable to maintain this space and to avoid overly loud or intrusive behavior in public settings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Highgate with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Highgate
Ensure a smooth experience
In Highgate, as in the rest of the United Kingdom, tipping is generally expected in the service industry. Common practices include leaving a gratuity of around 10-15% in restaurants if service is not included in the bill. In pubs, it's customary to round up the bill or leave small change. Taxi drivers typically receive a 10% tip, and in hotels, it is common to tip porters and housekeeping at their discretion.
Payment methods in Highgate are diverse and modern. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, and contactless payments are widely used. Cash is still accepted, but its use has declined in favor of digital payment options like mobile wallets. For larger transactions, such as in retail stores or services, card payments are preferred, while smaller venues might offer cash discounts. Furthermore, some establishments may have minimum spend requirements for card payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Highgate.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Highgate (March to May) is characterized by blooming flowers and moderate weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Expect mild temperatures, ranging from 8°C to 15°C, and plenty of green parks, such as Waterlow Park and Hampstead Heath, coming to life with vibrant colors.
Summer (June to August) welcomes warm weather, with temperatures averaging between 15°C and 25°C. This is the peak tourist season, and Highgate is bustling with events and festivals. Expect long days, perfect for exploring local attractions like the Highgate Cemetery or enjoying al fresco dining in the area.
Autumn (September to November) brings a cool and crisp atmosphere, ideal for enjoying the stunning fall foliage in parks and gardens. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. It's a quieter time to visit, with many cultural events taking place, as well as the opportunity to enjoy seasonal harvests at local markets.
Winter (December to February) in Highgate can be quite cold, with temperatures often between 1°C and 7°C. Expect festive decorations and potential snowfall, creating a magical scenery. Winter is a quieter time for tourism, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of sites like the Highgate Village and cozy pubs.
Highgate at Night
Hiking in Highgate
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large, ancient park that offers extensive walking trails, beautiful views of the London skyline, and various picnic spots.
A green space featuring a children's playground, a small café, and walking paths that wind through gardens and wooded areas.
A wooded area offering serene walking paths, wildlife spotting opportunities, and picnic areas in a natural setting.
A picturesque walking route that follows the historic New River, providing a peaceful setting for a leisurely hike.
A spacious park with various walking trails, offering stunning views over the city and a rich history along with entertainment options.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Highgate through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Highgate by plane.
The largest airport in the UK, located about 15 miles west of Highgate, serving as a major international gateway.
Located approximately 28 miles south of Highgate, Gatwick is the second largest airport in London, offering numerous international flights.
Situated around 35 miles northeast of Highgate, Stansted serves as a base for many low-cost airlines with a focus on European destinations.
Located about 34 miles north of Highgate, Luton is known for low-cost and charter flights primarily to Europe.
The closest airport to Central London, approximately 8 miles east of Highgate, catering mainly to business travelers with flights to UK and European cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Highgate, typically encompassing individuals with origins in England and the broader United Kingdom.
Includes various European communities and other white ethnicities not classified as White British, such as Irish, Eastern European, and others.
Comprising individuals of South Asian, East Asian, and other Asian nationalities, including Indian, Chinese, and other communities.
An aggregate term for ethnic groups that are not classified as White, including African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and other racial minorities.
Individuals identifying with two or more ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the increasingly diverse demographic landscape.
Includes individuals from other ethnic backgrounds not specified in the major categories.
The Soul of Highgate
Discover the essence of Highgate through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Highgate, with numerous local teams and leagues for all ages.
Cricket has a strong following in Highgate, with local clubs actively participating in the broader London cricket scene.
Rugby is popular among residents, with several teams and clubs offering opportunities for both youth and adults.
Tennis is enjoyed in Highgate, with local clubs providing facilities and coaching for players of all skill levels.
Running is a favored activity in Highgate, with many parks and trails available for enthusiasts and community running groups.
Cycling is popular in Highgate, both as a means of transport and as a recreational activity, with various cycling routes and events.
With access to local pools and open water locations, swimming is a favored sport for residents in Highgate.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Highgate.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Highgate offer excellent vegetarian and vegan options, such as the vegan afternoon tea at Lure and the vegetarian platter at The Red Lion & Sun.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy gluten-free fish and chips at The Flask or gluten-free pastries at Le Pain Quotidien.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Highgate with these cultural adventures.
