There was a time when London King’s Cross was just a place to change trains, dodge puddles, or clutch your Pret in a rush. Now, there are loads of things to do around London King's Cross, as this once-industrial corner of London has had a major glow-up. Think canal-side cocktails, alfresco films, and pop-up everything.
Whether you’re planning a day out with mates, after-work hangs, or something fun to impress an out-of-town friend, these things to do around London King's Cross cover everything. These are the best things to eat, drink, see and do around London King's Cross.
Where to eat in King's Cross
Image courtesy of Morty & Bob's
Morty & Bob’s
Coal Drops Yard is King’s Cross as you’ve never seen it before, with new life given to historic buildings. Stop by Morty & Bob’s for a late lunch and well-needed catch up with pals, it's one of the most relaxed and enjoyable things to do around London King's Cross. The cheese toasties are semi-legendary, combined with a strawberry spritz mocktail and parmesan truffle fries and you’re in for a winner.
Opening times: Mon-Sat 10am-11pm and Sun 10am-6pm
49 Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ
Arabica
Levantine small plates and a sun-drenched terrace make Arabica a real crowd-pleaser. Perch at the bar sipping a pomegranate margarita while you wait for your group to arrive, then share silky hummus and halloumi with black honey at a table overlooking the stunning Persian-inspired Jellicoe Gardens.
Opening times: Mon-Fri Midday-11pm, Saturday 11:30 am-11 pm, Sunday 11:30 am-5 pm
7 Lewis Cubitt Walk, N1C 4DT
Coal Office
Coal Office is a stylish, independent restaurant tucked away in Coal Drops Yard that’s become a favourite for adventurous diners. The kitchen serves bold Middle Eastern-inspired dishes with modern flair, and the intimate space feels both contemporary and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner with friends. Its ever-changing menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and creative flavour combinations, making it one of the most talked-about spots in the area.
Opening times: Mon 6pm-10pm, Tues-Sat Brunch 12-2:30pm Dinner 5:30-10pm, Sunday Brunch 12-3:30pm Dinner 5:30-9pm
2 Bagley Walk, N1C 4PQ
Places to drink in King's Cross
Image courtesy of Drake & Morgan
Drake & Morgan
With its super stylish interior and laid-back vibe, going for drinks at Drake and Morgan is one of the trendiest things to do around London King's Cross. Go for the cocktails (the sangria sharing jug is sure to keep your group happy), stay for the small plates and playlists.
Opening times: Mon-Fri 8am-Midnight, Saturday 9am-Midnight, Sunday 9am-11pm
6 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
Spiritland
Craft beer, Negronis, disco and deep house - what more could you want? Spiritland is a trendy audio café with chic interiors and state-of-the-art sound systems. Grab a booth and soak up the good vibes.
Opening times: Mon-Thurs 9am-11pm, Fri 9am-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-7pm
9-10 Stable Street, N1C 4AB
The Lighterman
Gastropub meets modern terrace restaurant at The Lighterman, with wrap-around terraces and an alfresco bar right on the canal. In summer, it’s the perfect people-watching spot, ideal for spritzes, pints and feeling like you’re in a dreamy Italian city.
Opening times: Mon-Fri Midday-11:30pm, Saturday 10am-Midnight, Sunday 10am-10:30pm
3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
Vermuteria
Inspired by those elegant outdoor cafes found in so many European cities, Vermuteria is a vermouth bar right in the heart of Coal Drops Yard and one of the most stylish things to do around London King's Cross. Come for the Negroni menu, stay for the continental vibes. It’s the perfect way to get into character before hopping on the Eurostar, or for keeping the holiday energy alive once you get back.
Opening times: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, Sunday 10am-7pm
38 Stable Street, N1C 4DQ
Activities in King's Cross
Granary Square Fountains
Over a thousand individually-controlled water jets in a space the size of Trafalgar Square makes this one of the most joyful spots in London. Whether you’re looking for something to entertain the kids for a few hours, or just need a relaxing reset on a hot day, Granary Square Fountains provide an instant mood boost.
Address: 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AB
Phone: 020 3940 1000
Hours: Open 24 hours
Official website: kingscross.co.uk/fountains-granary-square
Lightroom
Lightroom King's Cross is an exciting, immersive exhibition space, purpose-built for large-scale digital art and audio-visual shows. The four-storey venue uses high-spec projection and sound technology to bring artist-led productions to life, including projects like Prehistoric Planet and The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks. It also houses a café and bar in partnership with St. John, with ticketed exhibitions running throughout the year, some of which you can get 2FOR1 entry for when you travel by train.
Address: 12, Lewis Cubitt Square, London N1C 4DY
Phone: 0300 303 4216
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm
Official website: lightroom.uk
Queer Britain
Britain’s first dedicated museum of LGBTQ+ history and culture, located in Granary Square at King’s Cross. It’s a free-entry space with three connected galleries showcasing exhibitions on LGBTQ+ life, stories and community in the UK, alongside a small shop and resource area for deeper exploration. Visiting here gives you a thoughtful cultural experience that’s very different from the usual bars or canal-side walks, and it’s right in the heart of the regenerated King’s Cross neighbourhood.
Address: 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
Hours: Wed-Sun Midday-6pm
Official website: queerbritain.org.uk
Canal Boat Rides from London Canal Museum
Enjoy the capital from a different angle with a narrowboat trip down Regent’s Canal. Run by the London Canal Museum, these scenic cruises glide through hidden parts of the city, including the atmospheric Islington Tunnel. You can float west towards Little Venice or east towards Victoria Park, with the option to indulge in a cream tea on certain days. Head to the London Canal Museum website to book. You can also get 2FOR1 entry into the London Canal Museum when you travel by train.
Address: 12/13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT
Phone: 020 7713 0836
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-4:30pm, last entry 4pm, closed Mondays except Bank Holidays
Prices: Adult £7.50, Concession £6.00, Child £3.75, Family £16.00
Official website: canalmuseum.org.uk
What to see in King's Cross
Everyman On The Canal
Cinema, but make it alfresco. This open-air film series takes over the steps at Granary Square every summer, with a mix of cult classics, feel-good flicks and recent blockbusters. No need to book tickets, just turn up, bring a blanket, and settle in. This year, screenings start on 30th June and continue all season until 17th August.
Granary Square, N1C 4BH
Price: Free (first come, first served)
London Canal Museum
Ever wondered what life was like on London’s canals during the Victorian era? This small but mighty museum is full of interesting history, from the horses that pulled the boats to the giant blocks of ice once stored in its underground well. The museum is open all year, with boat trips running throughout the summer. The best part? You can get 2 adult tickets for the price of 1 when you travel by train.
Address: 12/13 New Wharf Rd, London N1 9RT
Phone: 020 7713 0836
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-4:30pm, last entry 4pm, closed Mondays except Bank Holidays
Prices: Adult £7.50, Concession £6.00, Child £3.75, Family £16.00
Official website: canalmuseum.org.uk
The Outside Art Project
Public art takes centre stage in Granary Square, where a rotating programme of exhibitions transforms the area into an open-air gallery. Curated in partnership with organisations like Mentivity - an award-winning mentoring charity supporting young people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds - the displays are as thoughtful as they are visually striking. Past installations have included powerful portraits of single parents, macro nature shots, and striking Silk Road photography from the Aga Khan Foundation. With each new collaboration bringing fresh perspectives and mediums, there’s always something new to catch your eye.
Address: Granary Square and surroundings, N1C
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free
