3 Best Sights in Islington, London

A pretty pedestrian thoroughfare just off Upper Street, Camden Passage is famous for its many antiques shops selling everything from vintage furniture to period jewelry to timeless timepieces. In recent years, a sprinkling of independent boutiques, delis, and cafés has given the passage an eclectic vibrant feel. Check out the antique market held here on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Chapel Market is what Islington used to be: an unpretentious, working-class enclave. Like lots of areas in London, gentrification continues apace, but there's still a lively food market that runs for half the length of the street every day except Monday—just listening to the stallholders advertising their wares can be entertainment enough. 

This large, important commercial gallery, in a former furniture factory, has exhibited some of the biggest names on the British contemporary art scene: Grayson Perry, Chris Ofili, the Chapman Brothers, Paula Rego, and many others. Some exhibitions spill out into the gallery's garden. It also brings in exciting talent from abroad.