London’s King’s Cross neighborhood has undergone quite a few changes over the last 10 years. With heaps of new restaurants, museums, bars, and attractions, in this day and age, Kings Cross is far more than just London’s transport hub. Young or old, fast or slow, there’s plenty to amuse at King’s Cross. So, if you’re stuck for something to do while you’re in the north of the UK capital, check out our guide to the top things to do in Kings Cross:
Head to a restaurant
Whether you’re looking to splash the cash on some gourmet cuisine or brunching on a budget, Kings Cross is a great location for food lovers. From authentic Spanish tapas to hearty burgers, foodies are spoilt for choice. Since the redevelopment of the train station it seems scores of new restaurants, cafes and bars have been opened in the King’s Cross area – so we thought it would be a good time to comprise a short list of our favorites.
Honest Burger
As made evident by the name, this restaurant specializes in good, old fashioned, honest burgers. Rumored to be the best burger franchise in London (don’t tell Burger King!), Honest Burger is a must for those who love a good bit of beef! The restaurant is also pretty reasonable, so if you’re looking to dine out without breaking the bank, this is the spot for you.
Image courtesy: Visitlondon.com
Camino
Specializing in Spanish Tapas, wine and platters, this authentic Spanish restaurant is a must visit for those looking for a slightly upmarket dining experience. Although it’s a little more expensive than other restaurants on our list, we think its definitely worth the extra pennies – for a taste of Spain in central London head here.
Image courtesy: Opentable.com
Pizza Union
At the opposite end of the pricing spectrum, we have Pizza Union. If you like getting your money’s worth then head here! The food quality defies its low price tag, and even the beers are very reasonable.
Image courtesy: Cheapadviser.com
German Gymnasium
This European style restaurant is oozing with cool – it’s easy to see why it was recently voted the most stylish restaurant in the world. Head here for some gourmet munch and that all-important Instagram selfie! Just bear in mind that it can get a little pricey, so perhaps save this one for special occasions.
Image courtesy: bookatable.com
Foodilic
If you have always fancied trying vegan food but haven’t quite yet been brave enough then we recommend heading to Foodilic. With their vast array of vegan salads, warm dishes, and organic coffee, there is something to please everyone. The good news is their bottomless buffet comes in at just £6.95 so is ideal for budget travelers.
image courtesy: Happycow.com
Get in touch with the history of London
With hundreds of old buildings and streets steeped in history, the whole Kings Cross area is a museum in its own right. If you are looking to discover a bit of London history, a day wondering around the Kings Cross area soaking up the sights is a good place to start.
As well as all the historic buildings in Kings Cross, there is also a series of famous museums just a short walk away that are well worth a visit. The Foundling Museum and The Canal Museum, are just ten minutes walk from Kings Cross Station. Or if you fancy traveling a bit further afield, The British Museum, The British Postal Museum, and The Charles Dickens Museum are all around 20 minutes walk away from Kings Cross Station.
Image courtesy: news.artnet.com
Visit an attraction
Kings Cross is not all about museums and restaurants. There are plenty of other exciting things to do in the area. Check out a few of our favorites.
O2 Academy – Islington
Just twenty minutes walk from Kings Cross the O2 Academy Islington is one of London’s best medium-sized music venues, with many well-known bands playing every week. The venue has more of an Indie and Rock style to the place, so it might not cater to all tastes. See what’s going on at the venue over the next few weeks here.
The British Library
The British Library is one of the world most famous libraries and only a 10 minutes walk away from Kings Cross Station. Being the largest national library in the world, we recommend booking a guided tour – this way you won’t get lost!
Platform 9 ¾
If you are a fan of Harry Potter then this is the place for you. Located inside Kings Cross station, platform 9 3/4 is the ideal spot for Harry Potter fans to grab a selfie and grab a few harry potter souvenirs. The best time to visit is during the week as the site can get a little busy during the weekend.
Image courtesy: harrypotterplatform934.com/
Go Shopping
From designer boutiques to second-hand shops, there is plenty to please shopaholics in and around the Kings Cross Area. If you are looking for shops with more unique wares then head to Coal Drops Yard. Once a Victorian coal depot, the historical courtyard is now home to trendy and alternative stores that are far removed from the conventional stores that you might find in Oxford-street.
If you prefer more conventional shopping then head to Kings Cross St Pancras International Station. Here, amongst the brick arches, you can find loads fo high street style stores.
Image courtesy: cntraveller.com
