If you’ve secured a graduate job in Camden, Islington, King’s Cross or Tottenham, you won’t be short of things to do and places to go in North London.
The headquarters of choice for hundreds of businesses – including fast-growing startups, digital media agencies, as well as global retail giants like ASOS – North London is also proving an increasingly popular spot for socialising at lunch or after work.
If you’re looking for graduate jobs in North London, or you’re already working in the area, read our list of what to do in North London. Or head back to our complete guide to London.
Where to eat in North London 🌮
If you’re looking for the best places to eat lunch in North London, you’re in luck; it’s home to hundreds of great restaurants, cafés and food markets to suit every taste.
Whatever area you’re working in, check out our recommendations for where to eat in North London:
Alexander The Great, Camden
If you’re looking to eat lunch in Camden on a budget, Camden’s Alexander The Great ticks all the right boxes. Specialising in Greek cuisine, their set lunch menu starts from under £7 – great if you’re eating out on a graduate budget. 8 Plender St, London, NW1 0JT
Max’s Sandwich Shop, Finsbury Park
A North London institution, Max’s Sandwich Shop sells unique, generously portioned sandwiches for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
For those who’ve landed graduate jobs in North London, or live in Finsbury Park, Holloway or Crouch Hill, it’s a must-visit on your lunch break or after work. 19 Crouch Hill, London, N4 4AP
Seven Sisters Market, South Tottenham
There’s no shortage of North London food markets; but this is one of the best in terms of variety and value for money.
Situated just next to Seven Sisters Underground station, the market stalls’ diverse offerings include Columbian, Mexican, Iranian and Ugandan food – to name just a few.
If you’re looking for where to eat in North London on a budget, it’s a great choice that will suit everyone. 231-243 High Rd, Tottenham, London, N15 5BT
Saponara, Islington
If you’re looking for the best cheap eats in London, you can’t go far wrong with Saponara.
Voted the Best Pizza in London by Time Out, Saponara is an authentic Italian offering pizza, pasta and salads; all for around £7-£12.
As restaurants in Islington go, it’s one of the best value for money. 23 Prebend St, Islington, London, N1 8PF
Chilango
If you’re looking for cheap, easy, healthy meals, North London is also populated by a number of chain restaurants; from burgers to burritos.
For around £5-£6, Chilango will get you a fully stuffed burrito, with your choice of meat or veggie filling.
If you’re working in North London, you can find Chilango restaurants in Islington and London Wall. 27 Upper St, The Angel, London, N1 OPN.
Where to go in North London 🎡
North London isn’t one of London’s most touristy areas; and there are plenty of great places to go in the area away from the crowds.
However you’re looking to spend your down time, there’s a huge range of places to visit if you’re working or living in North London.
Union Chapel, Islington
A church and live entertainment venue combined, Islington’s Union Chapel is a must-visit after work for those who’ve secured graduate jobs in North London.
With a range of musical and comedy performances, guest speakers and film screenings, it’s the perfect place to go out in North London with your new work colleagues. Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, London, N1 2UN
St Cyr Vintage, Camden
If you’ve landed a job in Camden, there are plenty of places to spend your paycheck – including St Cyr Vintage, one of Camden’s biggest vintage shops.
Selling a range of unique secondhand goods, it’s the perfect place to pick up a bargain that no one else will own! 56 Saddle Row, Camden Market, London, NW1 8AH
Rowan’s Tenpin Bowl, Finsbury Park
If you live in Finsbury Park or you’re working nearby, odds are you’ll have heard of Rowan’s.
Best known for its bowling lanes, Rowan’s also has several karaoke rooms, an arcade, and 2 bars.
If you’re looking for ideas for work socials in North London, Rowan’s is the choice to suit all. 10 Stroud Green Rd, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2DF
Drink, Shop & Do, King’s Cross
As the name would suggest, Drink, Shop & Do offers pretty much whatever you want; whether it’s watching a comedy night, making jewellery, or sampling their extensive food menu.
If you’re looking for places to go in North London, this Islington venue is the perfect spot to relax after work. 9 Caledonian Rd, Islington, London, N1 9DX
Jazz Café, Camden
One of North London’s most famous live entertainment venues, you can catch pretty much anything at the Jazz Café; whether it’s dancehall, electronic or reggae.
Perfect for those who’ve landed graduate jobs in Camden, the Jazz Café is the ideal Friday night destination for you and your new work colleagues. 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London, NW1 7PG
12 free things to do in North London ✨
Given that it’s one of the less touristy places in London, there are also a range of completely free activities to do in North London.
If you’re on a budget in London, why not try some of these hidden gems?
- Walk down Regent’s Canal
- Window shop in Camden Market
- Visit Hampstead Heath
- Travel further out to Enfield’s Forty Hall
- Walk around Highgate Cemetery
- Eat a picnic on Islington Green
- Wander around Whitewebbs Transport Museum
- Check out Tottenham’s Bruce Castle
- Visit the iconic Alexandra Palace
- Head to Camley Street national park
- Trek through Epping Forest
- Take in the sights of the Renaissance Hotel
How to get around North London?
Despite being one of London’s greenest areas (and one of the more peaceful), North London benefits from great transport links; especially on the London Underground and the London Overground.
Underground
Served by several Underground lines (including the Victoria Line, the Northern Line, and the Piccadilly Line), North London is one of London’s most well-connected areas.
If you’re looking to travel into Central London, you can get from Hampstead to Oxford Circus in less than 15 minutes, from Finsbury Park to Covent Garden, or from Archway, Tufnell Park or Camden Town straight to Leicester Square or Charing Cross (Trafalgar Square).
Overground
North London also benefits from great overground links; including Tottenham Hale, which has a direct train that goes straight to Stanstead Airport.
Cycle
If you’re looking for cheaper ways of travelling around North London, you can also rent a Santander bike, or walk.
Given the number of canals in North London, it’s fairly easy to get around on a bike or by foot without having to face the busy main roads.
If you’re looking for graduate jobs in London, why not consider working in Camden, King’s Cross or Islington?
Home to some of the city’s best attractions, restaurants and bars, you’ll never struggle for activities to do and places to visit in North London.
Find more career advice on our graduate careers guide – or check out the latest graduate jobs in London!
