North London has a more leisurely pace than some parts of the city. It has sweeping views, winding walkways, and hidden historic and cultural gems.
Islington’s Upper Street gets more cheapo-friendly as you wander away from the more commercial end at Angel towards Highbury & Islington Station. Bustling Camden Passage is always packed at weekends, with people eating brunch and pootling about market stalls.
Highgate Village is postcard pretty, nearby is Highgate Cemetery, final resting place of Karl Marx. It also has lots of events and exhibitions at Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution, Lauderdale House and Highgate Contemporary Art.
