Today I want to share my north London neighborhoods guide with you. The northern part of the UK capital is full of places with beautiful streets, big parks, and under-the-radar spots to discover. From village-like Hampstead to colorful Crouch End, there’s a place to fit your style. I’ve included an interactive north London areas map to help you navigate the neighborhoods, too.
North London Neighborhoods
I’ve published a lot of blog posts about various areas of London over the years.
I’ve written about pretty London neighborhoods, under-the-radar London neighborhoods, east London areas, west London areas, and south London areas. I’ve also drawn up a London neighborhoods map.
But today I want to dive into north London neighborhoods and bring you my favorite parts of this region of the UK capital.
Whether you’re into leafy villages or vibrant markets, quiet mews or busy thoroughfares, there’s a place in north London for you. Read on for my top picks.
1. Hampstead
Since it’s one of the most beloved north London neighborhoods, I’ll start with Hampstead. This area has some of the prettiest streets, cutest cafes, and loveliest parks in the city.
From Hampstead High Street to Heath Street, Flask Walk to Church Row, this part of London is full of picturesque shops, heritage houses, and great local pubs.
Parks like Hampstead Heath and the Hill Garden and Pergola add great greenery to the neighborhood, too.
If you want to discover this part of north London, my self-guided Hampstead walk and Hampstead Heath walks can help.
2. Highgate
On the other side of Hampstead Heath, Highgate is another of the best north London neighborhoods. From the Victorian splendor of Highgate Cemetery to the shops on Highgate High Street, this area is full of things to do and see.
Highgate is blessed with beautiful houses and great green spaces. The hilly side streets are atmospheric, and Holly Village is a dream. Highgate Wood, Waterlow Park, and Hampstead Heath are ideal places to get outdoors, too.
3. Belsize Park
Just south of Hampstead, Belsize Park is one of the best north London neighborhoods for living like a local and exploring pretty side streets.
This area is home to a high street with everything from independent restaurants to a branch of London’s beloved Daunt Books. Belsize Lane also has a cluster of colorful shops and cafes.
Best of all, Belsize Park has beautiful houses and mews to admire. From Daleham Mews to McCrone Mews, there are lots of unique ones between Haverstock Hill and Swiss Cottage.
4. Primrose Hill
Just south of Belsize Park, Primrose Hill is a great north London neighborhood for its mix of pastel houses, great pubs, and a famous park with a view.
There are food markets and fun shops in Primrose Hill, and the high street is picture-pretty.
Most people visit the area to take in the views from the top of Primrose Hill, but it’s worth spending time exploring side streets like Chalcot Crescent and Chalcot Square. Their pastel facades are stunning.
5. Camden
On the southern border of Primrose Hill, Camden is another of the best north London neighborhoods.
This canalside area is home to Camden Market, which is one of the most exciting markets in London. It’s full of little shops and stalls selling everything from hot food to vintage goods.
Camden is also known for its great pubs and nightlife scene. Streets like Parkway have lots of restaurants and cafes, and Camden High Street retains some of the colorful facades and goth clothing shops the area was once known for.
6. West Hampstead
Back up by Hampstead, West Hampstead is another of my favorite north London neighborhoods. This area is great for living like a local, as it features a mix of pretty residential streets and a lively high street.
West End Lane has everything from bookshops to bakeries, and it’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the area and get a feel for life in West Hampstead.
7. Hampstead Garden Suburb
North of Hampstead, Hampstead Garden Suburb is a unique example of a planned community featuring early 20th-century domestic architecture.
With lots of brick houses, manicured gardens, and squares, it’s a great place to get away from the bustle of the city and see somewhere different.
8. Golders Green
Right by Hampstead Garden Suburb, Golders Green is another of the best local north London neighborhoods. Given the area is home to a large Jewish population, the high street has delicious kosher restaurants.
Golders Green has an abundance of parks and gardens, too. The Hampstead Heath Extension is a peaceful place to walk, and Golders Hill Park has some of my favorite spring gardens in London.
9. Crouch End
Back over by Highgate, Crouch End is another of my favorite north London neighborhoods.
This area has a truly local feel, and the shops, restaurants, and pubs around the Crouch End Clock Tower offer a fun mix of independent finds.
There are bookshops and design-led stores galore, and I always find something I want to take home when I’m here.
Given the area’s elevation, some of the side streets in Crouch End have great views over north London, too.
10. St John’s Wood
So close to central London it’s practically in it, St John’s Wood is another north London neighborhood worth mentioning. This area is famous for Lord’s Cricket Ground and The Beatles’ Abbey Road Studios (and the famous zebra crossing).
St John’s Wood High Street has lots of shops and cafes along it, and Saint John’s Wood Church Gardens are peaceful for walks. This area is a good place to pop over to after a stroll in Regent’s Park, too.
11. Finchley
Finchley is another popular north London neighborhood to live in. This residential area is full of historic houses, and it almost feels like it’s not in a city.
There are great walks in and around Finchley that make me feel like I’m out in the countryside. The Dollis Valley Greenwalk and Riverside Park are great places to get into nature in this part of north London.
12. Kentish Town
East of Belsize Park, Kentish Town has changed a lot over the years. This north London neighborhood is home to bustling Kentish Town Road, which is full of colorful shops and cafes.
It also has pretty pastel houses on Leverton Street and great historic homes dotted around the area.
Unique bars like Ladies and Gentlemen are set in former loos, and there are good pubs around, too.
13. Tufnell Park
Just north of Kentish Town and south of Highgate and Archway, Tufnell Park is a great little area in north London. I love the shops along the high street, and there are side streets with pretty houses in the area.
14. Islington
Like St John’s Wood, Islington is so close to central London it’s practically in it. This area is one of the best north London neighborhoods for its great high street, pretty side streets, and vibrant atmosphere.
Upper Street is packed with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, and there’s always something to catch the eye in Camden Passage. Leafy squares abound, and my self-guided Islington walk can show you the best of them.
15. Muswell Hill
Up near Crouch End, Muswell Hill is another of my favorite north London neighborhoods. This area is home to Alexandra Palace, an entertainment venue in a big park with panoramic views over the UK capital.
Muswell Hill has a distinctly local feel, and it’s known for its great independent shops, spectacular vista points, and unique Parkland Walk. It’s one of the best places to live in north London.
North London Neighborhoods Map
North London Neighborhoods
I hope you’ve enjoyed this north London neighborhoods guide and that it’s inspired you to discover more of the UK capital. You can take a look at my self-guided north London walks if you want to explore some of these places on foot.
There are lots of other north London areas to discover, too, from hip Tottenham to elegant Harrow. I hope you have fun exploring them all.
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