We are planning a trip to the UK and will be spending a week in London. We are looking at an apartment rental in the Islington area very near to King's Cross Station. We are wondering if this is a good area to explore London. We like to walk and steep ourselves in the local culture - that is, we are not interested in staying in the conventionally touristy areas. We are looking for a neighborhood that has lots of multi-cultural restaurants and interesting shops along with other cultural activities and great access to public transportation. Is this area too remote to explore London in a week?
Thank you for your help.
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No, it isn't anything like remote, but you'd need to check exactly where a property is on a proper map (an agent's idea of what constitutes "Islington" might not be the same as those who actually live there, and you'll want to know where it is in relation to public transport).
This is crucial in relation to the area around King's Cross. Once upon a time, most people would have said to steer well clear because of the kind of low-lifes that hang around major railway stations in most cities. But nowadays, that's much less in evidence and most of the area is pretty respectable, though some streets are more traffic-noisy than others, since a number of through routes converge there.
But you might get a broader range of views if you start a new thread with a more specific title, mentioning the fact that you want to know about King's Cross/Islington.
Do you have an address for the apartment? I know the area very well - Islington 'proper' is a bustling, attractive area full to the brim with great little restaurants and local life. It's very popular with young professionals. But, as Patrick notes, what an estate agent might call Islington might be a scruffy, semi-industrial backwater.
If you have the address or the postcode, I can set your mind at rest in an instant.
Islington is a fine area to be - and probably meets your criteria of not being in the West End or Kensington areas - generally more touristy and less local. The prior poster is accurate that Islington (because its property prices now are high and the area is trendy) has boundaries that keep expanding - so look on a map re: location proximity to tube etc.. For some less mainstream things to do when staying in Islington look at: http://goo.gl/m0dDQ This may give you a few fresh ideas.
Alternative to Islington, I would say that Shoreditch / Whitechapel is more in alignment with your description of multi-ethnic, less touristy and still good transport links... consider taking a look there too.
I think googling the street address might be a better way to find out about the neighborhood. I rented a flat in the King's Cross area half way between Russell Square and Kings Cross and enjoyed the variety of people and the closeness of the city centre.