Whether you're a rocker, kid, metalhead, or tourist, you'll find something to delight you in this colorful part of Central London. From live music venues to the best shopping markets, here's Camden's top 10.
1. Camden markets
If you love shopping chances are you love Camden Town. Take the Tube to Mornington Crescent (or Camden Town station - usually very busy on weekends), then head north along Camden High Street past local pubs selling craft beer or stores selling heavy boots, goth and punk clothing. Body piercings, tattoos and alternative fashion store are also not to be missed. Heading north allow yourself a few hours to enjoy the extensive Camden Town markets.
2. Alternative Camden
Camden Town is one of the top places in London to go for alternative fashion, retro clothing, metal & punk leather jackets and all sorts of vintage gear. In various Camden Town markets you'll find stores and stalls selling new and second hand clothes, shoes, accessories, posters, music on vinyl or jewellery. There's also lots of retro-style stuff, for example vintage-style photography, hairdressers or beauticians. Be sure to head towards Camden Town if you're in the market for a tattoo or piercing. Ear piercing and nose piercing have been particularly widespread and are well represented around Camden Town.
3. Pubs and beer tourism
There are loads of great pubs in Camden Town to visit for just a pint of craft beer or a great cocktail. At the epicentre of course Camden's famous The World's End. It has been a North London landmark for as long as anyone can remember. The pub attract an eclectic mix of people reflecting the nature of Camden Town itself. Many visitors are also on their way to or from The Underworld a well known venue for club nights and for both signed and emerging bands that is situated directly below The World's End. You'll also want to pop in to The Jazz Cafe which is an award winning live music venue, known for its well-known jazz, hip hop, soul and funk artists gracing its stage. Metal pubs, good pub food, craft beer themed also not to mention Camden Brewery. Camden Town is surely a place to go for pubs.
4. Live music
Pink Floyd, The Doors, Amy Winehouse and Jimi Hendrix, they all performed in Camden pubs and bars before they hit the big time. They're all part of Camden Town today and visitors come to experience the fantastic vibe of the venues that once hosted the icons. Camden Town is indeed one of the most busiest places for live music in London. Wannabe rock stars continue to flood Camden, and you can often see them play for just a few pounds (or even for free) at these live music bars. Catch world famous bands at The Roundhouse or Dingwalls or the stars of tomorrow on the small pub stages at places like Barfly. Try Underworld for metal and The Jazz Cafe for jazz and blues.
5. Nightlife and clubbing
As well as Camden's wide selection of live music venues, there's also plenty of fantastic bars and clubs. Not to mention the very streets of Camden Town themselves and the area around Camden Lock which turn into nightlife venue after dark. Catch world famous Djs at Roundhouse, Koko or Electric Ballroom as well as local music nights in the Underworld or Proud Camden. And just a stone’s throw from Camden Town station, very accessible to all public transport; bars and nightclubs set within bustling Inverness Street. The coolest basement clubs in town with a sexy, smart, up for it crowd that surely know how to party every night of the week.
6. The Camden Canal and Camden Lock
A visit to Camden Town is not complete without spending some time around the area where Regent's Canal crosses Camden High Street, runs through the very heart of Camden and becomes Camden Lock. Constructed to help canal narrowboats to deal with water levels, Camden Lock became one of Londond's major attractions. You can take a trip along the Regent's Canal when you stop by the markets at Camden Lock and carry on your boat tour to Little Venice and back. Camden Lock is also famous for its markets, street food and outdoor gatherings not to mention the number of pubs, restaurants and shops situated around the area.
7. Restaurants
You get the world's food on a plate in Camden Town. Cheap eats at Camden Markets, which might be a tricky one to decide since there are hundreds of stalls around, meat fix at Q Grill, La Patagonia or Porkey's, Gordon Ramsay's York & Albany, or experience a colorful offer of Asian delights along Parkway Road. Looking for strictly British treats? No problem at all. You'll find great British pub food in Blues Kitchen as well as Fish and Chips specialists around the area. Camden Town is a culturally diverse place with people from around the world which greatly reflects on the variety of cuisines available. From English, American, Pan Asian, Japanese, Spanish, Greek, Cypriot, Caribbean or Indian, the tastes offered are so extensive that no other place in London can offer such variety of food.
8. Sight seeing
Camden is the best known for its people which makes just walking around an adventure. Colourful characters on the streets and behind the stalls, staff in the pubs, music fans and performers, they all share the spirit of Camden. Of course not to mention famous celebrities in nearby Primrose Hill. Just grab a coffee and watch the world go by. Not feeling like sitting? Camden offers variety of the best attractions in London. The world famous markets, parks, London Zoo, music venues and specialist restaurants. Take the Tube to Chalk Farm, then head south along Stables Market. Surely you'll find something to surprise you.
9. London Zoo
Keen to explore a bit of animal kingdom? Camden's ZSL London Zoo wonderful inhabitants including tigers, gorillas or penguins will help out with just that. Enter Tiger's Territory, Grilla's Kingdom or Penguin's Beach. Also worth to mention Butterfly Paradise, Koomodo Dragons, or Meerkats. There is always so much to see and do at ZSL London Zoo. To help you make the most of your day head to the official website. You'll also find a fantastic kids' area to spoil your youngest with water play and a refreshment.
10. Parks and outdoor
Camden Town area has many historically important and beautiful outdoor places and parks. Some of them are world famous such as Regent's Park and Hamstead Heath, while others are treasures waiting to be found. Camden has a woderful mix of wild open spaces and squares, pocket parks and places where people can enjoy themselves. There are over 70 outdoor public spaces around Camden.
