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Best 25 things to do in Camden Town

London's Camden Town offers an eclectic mix of markets, cuisines and live music venues.
A person stands on a bridge and smiles while looking across Camden Lock
Plan a trip to Camden. Credit: London & Partners. Image courtesy of London & Partners.

Camden Town has been a residential area since the 1790s. But it was only the development of the Grand Union Canal and the improved railway transport that turned it into a bustling part of London.

Today, visitors and locals gather here to hunt for treasures in Camden's markets, stroll by Regent's Canal, sample cuisine from around the world and listen to live music. Many famous people, including Dylan Thomas, Walter Sickert and Amy Winehouse, have called Camden home.

Things to do in Camden: shopping

Camden has a labyrinth of open-air markets and other stores that will keep even the keenest shoppers busy.

  1. Check out Camden Lock Market and browse the stalls for crafts, books, clothing, jewellery and fast food.
  2. Camden Lock Village sells clothing and accessories, as well as a range of unusual items.
  3. Originally named Buck Street, Camden Market sells fashion for all tastes.
  4. Head to Inverness Street Market, where a few of the original fruit stands remain but most have been taken over by footwear and souvenir stalls.
  5. Find a mix of permanent shops and stalls selling household items, antiques, alternative clothing and food at Stables Market.
  6. Go on a shopping spree on Camden High Street, which is home to big fashion brands and vintage clothing stores.

Things to do in Camden: food and drink

People enjoying food from a food stall in Camden

You'll find food from around the globe at Camden's many eateries and street vendors.

  1. Camden Lock Market has a range of cheap and tasty eats. Try The Cheese Wheel for pasta swirled around a wheel of cheese, or Young Vegans for plant-based pie and mash.
  2. Enjoy classic British fare with fish and chips in retro surrounds at Poppies.
  3. For dessert, stock up on delicious cupcakes in a variety of flavours and colours at famous Primrose Bakery.
  4. Or grab an ice cream with a difference (frozen with liquid nitrogen, no less) at Chin Chin Labs.
  5. You're never far from a bar in Camden. Try Scottish import BrewDog, the legendary Dublin Castle on Parkway or The World's End opposite Camden Town Tube station (Northern line). Look for local beers from Camden Town brewery in nearby pubs. 

Things to do in Camden: live music and theatre

Camden has always been a hub for London's live music scene, with legendary venues that have launched many big names.

  1. Check out Koko, the Underworld and Electric Ballroom to catch the latest bands.
  2. See top jazz and blues performances at the Jazz Cafe or Blues Kitchen.
  3. Cecil Sharp House is the home of English folk music, holding an astonishing archive of sheet music, recordings and manuscripts documenting the history of traditional English folk dance and song. Keep an eye out for regular gigs from emerging and established singers.
  4. Watch shows from some of the UK's top theatre companies, as well as films, art installations and gigs at The Roundhouse.
  5. Catch an eclectic mix of fringe performances at the Etcetera Theatre.

Cultural things to do in Camden

  1. Check out edgy art exhibitions at The Cob Gallery.
  2. See a huge range of modern visual arts at the highly-acclaimed Camden Arts Centre.
  3. Explore Jewish life and heritage at the Jewish Museum London.

Things to do near Camden

A boat travels along the water in Little Venice

  1. Take the kids down to the Pirate Castle, where the whole family can enjoy a range of water-based activities.
  2. Explore the area along the picturesque Regent's Canal, which runs through Camden. From Camden Lock, you can take a return boat tour to Little Venice.
  3. Head to nearby London Zoo in Regent's Park, which is great fun for kids and adults alike.
  4. In summer, watch a show at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, hire a rowing boat or play a game of tennis, cricket or football.
  5. Trendy Primrose Hill is also well worth a visit for the spectacular city views.

Accommodation in Camden

There is plenty of accommodation in and around Camden. The Smart Camden Inn, the Holiday Inn Camden Lock and the St Christopher's Inn Camden are good budget options. 

If you're after a little more luxury, the upmarket Melia White House, Pullman London St Pancras and St Pancras Renaissance Hotel are also nearby and offer plush rooms and modern comforts.

Travel to Camden

Use Camden Town or Chalk Farm Tube stations to visit the Camden area. There are also many nearby bus routes.

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