From leafy Highbury Fields to bustling Camden Passage, Islington is nothing but varied. Here's how to spend a day in the area. We challenge you not to fall in love.

9am

First things first: exit Highbury & Islington station and stroll up Canonbury Road to The Estorick Gallery. Bag a table in the garden café and order a custard croissant and a real Italian espresso.

10am

It’s your choice: stay and admire the gallery’s collection of modern Italian art, or head north to Highbury Fields for a game of tennis. From here, it’s just a short walk down Highbury Hill for a Legends Tour of Emirates Stadium led by one of the club ‘legends’.

11am

If you opted for culture, say ciao to the Estorick and make your way along Upper Street to Camden Passage. You’ll find it packed with antique shops, independent retailers, cafés and bars – there’s a great book market on Thursdays and Fridays.

12.30pm

Peckish? From the Emirates Stadium head back towards Highbury & Islington station then to Prawn on the Lawn if you’re hankering after delicious seafood, or the Thai Corner Café for some great pad thai. If you’re in Camden Passage, put down that Penguin Classic and head east to The De Beauvoir Deli Co or, if it’s a sunny day, west to The Albion, a lovely old Georgian pub with a large garden in the Barnsbury conservation area,

Then after lunch, swing by Holy Trinity Church in Cloudesley Square. Looks familiar? That’s because it’s the work of Charles Barry who built the Houses of Parliament.

2pm

There’s just time to catch a matinée at The Screen on the Green, one of the Britain’s oldest cinemas. Otherwise, walk part of the Heritage Section of the recently restored New River Path, a 45km trail linking the inner city to the open countryside. Start at Canonbury and head south to Sadler’s Wells.

6pm

It’s cocktail hour and it has to be 69 Colebrook Row. Cocktails, served in surroundings reminiscent of a film noir, involve esoteric ingredients developed in a research and development laboratory ­– Fig Leaf Collins anyone?

8pm

It’s time to eat. Feeling romantic? Try The Elk in the Woods or Trullo. Out to impress? Frederick’s, in Camden Passage, and The Brasserie, on St John Street will both tick that box. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for live entertainment, try The Hen and Chickens Theatre Bar where you might catch Jimmy Carr practising new material. Or have a bite to eat in the Almeida Theatre’s café-bar then take in a play.

10pm

There’s just time for a nightcap. The Kings Head Theatre Bar often has a live band and always a fantastic atmosphere, if you have the energy left.

Further information

Contact Savills Islington for more details or view available properties for sale in Islington.