Things to do near Emirates Stadium 2026: Seven of the best local attractions for every type of fan

A trip to the Emirates Stadium does not have to begin and end with the football, with Arsenal's north London home surrounded by plenty of attractions and activities.

Whether you are arriving early for a match, staying in London for the weekend or visiting the ground of the Premier League champions, there are plenty of ways to fill your time.

From exploring one of London's most famous markets to discovering the Gunners' history, every kind of fan has a huge range of options within easy reach of the stadium.

FootballGroundGuide takes a look at seven of the best things to do near the Emirates Stadium in 2026.

1. Visit Camden Market

Camden Market is one of the best options for fans who want to combine football with food, shopping and entertainment.

The famous market is packed with international food stalls, independent shops, bars and quirky activities, making it easy to spend several hours exploring before heading to the Emirates.

It is particularly well suited to groups of friends and foodies, with everything from street-food classics to international dishes available.

Location: 54-56 Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF.

2. Explore South Bank and the London Eye

For first-time visitors to London, South Bank provides the chance to combine a football trip with some of the capital's biggest landmarks.

The riverside area is packed with restaurants, bars, food stalls and shops, while the London Eye offers spectacular views across the city.

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are also within walking distance, making this a particularly good option if you have several hours to spare before or after visiting the Emirates.

Location: Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB.

3. Relax in Hyde Park

London's green spaces provide a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of matchday, with Hyde Park among the best choices.

Around 25 minutes from the Emirates by public transport, the park is ideal for a leisurely walk, particularly during the warmer months.

Visitors can also explore the Serpentine and hire pedalos, making it a good choice for fans looking for something more relaxed before heading to north London.

Location: London W2 2UH.

4. Visit Arsenal's former home at Highbury Square

For Arsenal supporters, few attractions are more relevant than Highbury Square.

The former Highbury Stadium was Arsenal's home for more than 90 years before the club moved to the Emirates in 2006. The historic Grade II-listed structure has since been transformed into a residential development, while the old pitch has become a landscaped communal garden.

It is a fascinating stop for supporters wanting to reconnect with Arsenal's history and imagine the atmosphere that once filled the famous ground.

Location: London N5 1FG.

5. See the Ken Friar statue and bridge

Just outside the Emirates is another piece of Arsenal history that is easy to miss.

The Ken Friar statue stands at the end of the bridge close to the Arsenal Museum, depicting the legendary club servant as a youngster playing football outside Highbury in 1945.

The accompanying display tells the story of how Friar's enthusiasm caught the attention of Arsenal manager George Allison, eventually leading to his first job at the club.

Location: Outside the Emirates Stadium, on the route from Arsenal Tube station.

6. Go bowling at Rowans Tenpin Bowl

If you're looking for something competitive to do before or after the football, Rowans Tenpin Bowl is an excellent option.

Located close to Finsbury Park, the bowling alley is particularly useful for groups of friends looking to extend their matchday beyond the final whistle.

With late opening hours and games cheaper than you'd expect, it is an easy choice for a post-match activity, with plenty of opportunities to grab a drink and settle the debate over who is the best bowler.

Location: 10 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 2DF.

7. Spend a day at ZSL London Zoo

Families making a weekend of their Emirates Stadium trip should consider ZSL London Zoo in Regent's Park.

The zoo is home to a huge variety of animals and can easily fill most of a day, while its location means visitors can also explore Regent's Park as part of the trip.

It is around 15-20 minutes from the Emirates by taxi, making it particularly convenient for families staying in north London with time to spare around an Arsenal fixture.

Location: Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY.