Looking to spend a day in Belsize Park, London? Here’s how to spend a beautiful day in the neighbourhood start to finish, from a Londoner.
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If village-like neighbourhoods bursting with independent shops, cafes and boutiques are your thing, you’ll most certainly love Belsize Park.
Since my move to North London I’ve loved exploring this little pocket of the city, and now you can too. Here’s how to spend a perfect day in the area.
How to Spend a Day in Belsize Park, London
Start With Al Fresco Breakfast at Chez Nous
As soon as you exit the station you’ll be hit with buzzing views of Belsize Park on Haverstock Hill, and the first glimpse of Chez Nous. It’s a French cafe and local favourite amougst Belsize residents for its friendly staff and hearty menu.
Start your day here with some breakfast here and make sure you sit outside (weather permitting) to enjoy all the al fresco views the restaurant has to offer.
Pop into Daunt Books
Lucky for you Belsize Park is home to one of London most treasured bookshops, Daunt Books! They specialise in travel books, but there’s pretty much every genre under the sun here too.
Have a quick browse through after your breakfast (they’re super close to each other) and pick up a read for Roni’s Cafe later!
Visit the Isoken Gallery
A stone’s throw from Chez Nous and you’ll find the Isoken Gallery. The free exhibition tells the story of all the artful characters that used to call the 36 block of flats home in the 1920s and 30s (including Agatha Christie) and is a great way to learn more about the area in general.
Have a Wander Around Belsize’s Streets
Did you know Belsize Park’s streets were intentionally designed to be uniquely beautiful? Steele’s Road, Lyndhurst Gardens, Belsize Lane, Belsize Court Gardens, the Princess Mews, Elizabeth Mews, England Lane and Chalcot Gardens are particularly lovely, perfect for a quick post-gallery walk.
People Watch at Roni’s Bakery in Belsize Village
After your walk, head to Roni’s — a local bakery serving traditional Jewish bagels and pastry offerings (plus a Meddetarenian style lunch menu if you’re a bit peckish).
You’ll also find delicious views of Belsize Village here (the official people-zone of Belsize Park).
If you’re on your ones I highly suggest bringing a book, opting for their outdoor seating and doing a stretch of people-watching.
Explore Primrose Hill and Hampstead
It’d be hard to talk about Belsize Park without mentioning how alarmingly close it is to Primrose Hill and Hampstead, this is where you’ll want to go next.
At minimum I suggest having a walk around Hampstead Heath (or have a swim in the ponds) and making a round to the Primrose Hill viewpoint before circling back to Belsize Park for the evening.
End with a Pub Quiz at The Washington
The Washington is easily one of London’s most iconic pubs, made famous for its weekly pub quizzes and celebrity sightings.
End your evening with a quiz if it’s a Monday, a Sunday Roast if it’s a Sunday (so good) or a dinner and a pint any day of the week.
P.S – If pubs aren’t your thing you can also pay a visit The Everyman Cinema in Belsize Park or Hampstead to end the night!
Map of How to Spend a Day in Belsize Park
Happy Londoning,
Read More:
Looking for something specific?
• A Quick Belsize Park History
• The Best Things to do in Belsize Park
• Where to Stay in Belsize Park
• The Best Brunch Spots in Belsize Park
• The Best Cafes in Belsize Park
• The Best Restaurants in Belsize Park
