Hampstead

Hampstead is a really nice, wealthy neighbourhood in Northern London. Houses are almost like mansions. There's one of London's largest parks, Hampstead Heath, there. In Hampstead Heath there are forests, ponds, fields and probably the best view over London. Some really great pubs as well! It has always served as a getaway from the busy streets of central London. This used to be the starting point of three small rivers of London, so there was fresh water readily available. Hampstead was also previously home to many spas.

Sights:

• From Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath, there is one of the best views over London. You can see the whole skyline! You can even have picnic while looking at the view.
• Pergola and Hill Garden is a completely unique place in London. Huge arches with vines and flowers all around. You can walk up to the pergola and look at the architected gardens below. Hill house is a grand manor that you can see from the pergola.

 Entertainment & Museums:

• Kenwood House is a large and beautiful mansion in the middle of Hampstead Heath. It hosts rather large concerts in the summertime. Great outdoor atmosphere! The house itself is a great historical museum to the upper classes of London. The periodic rooms are quite spectacular.

Parks:

• Hampstead Heath is an enormous park with everything a park can offer. In summertime you can swim in a pond. There are also outside concerts in the summer. This park is the best way to escape the noises and rush of Central London. 
• Fenton House has one of the most beautiful gardens in London. It usually costs something to go in, but every once in a while they have events when you can visit for free.

Eating & Drinking:

• In the middle of Hampstead Heath there is a great little pub called Spaniard's Inn. The house is old and crooked. There's a great beer selection and food to go with your pint. When it's warm outside have your pint in the garden. In the dark evenings of August it's magical under the colorful lights hanging from the trees.
• The Garden Gate near Hampstead Heath Overground Station is an atmospheric pub with a great beer selection. Camden brewery beers on tap!
• The Holly Bush is a beautiful Fuller's pub in a beautiful district. Good beers on tap. The walls are made of dark wood and there is a fireplace to set the mood 
• Freemason's Arms is a huge gastropub with a big backyard. Not the cheapest place out there, but Hampstead is fairly expensive. Nice food and good beer!
• Flask is a nice and atmospheric small pub right in the heart of Hampstead village. Apparently it's a great place to spot celebrities, since many rich celebrities live in the area.

Shopping:

• Daunt Books is a great little bookshop near the Hampstead Heath Station. They have a great collection of travel guides and paperback novels.  
• Keith Fawkes is a small shop selling old books and antiques. You can find really cheap finds in here and the books look nicely dusty. The corridors are a bit narrow, but that's just the way it should be. 

 Cafés:

•  Coffee Cup is a small Italian café with excellent coffee and cakes. They also serve affordable Italian food. The dark wood paneled walls along with decorative lamps make the place look quite quaint.
• Polly's Tea Rooms is a cute little place with excellent cakes and Italian coffees and other drinks. The staff is very friendly.
• Ginger & White is a more modern café with amazing baristas
  
  making tasty espresso-based coffees. They also have nice modernist decorations inside. You can also sit outside if the weather is nice.

Areas around Hampstead: Highgate, Kentish Town, Holloway, Golders Green