10 Things To Do in Camden Town, London – Your Ultimate Camden Guide 🏴🇬🇧
New Rock Leather Boot Store, Camden Town. Photo by Kuriakose John from Pexels
Welcome to Camden – London’s most vibrant, eclectic, and delightfully chaotic playground!
I’ve lived in Camden for a while now, and honestly, it’s a bit of a love-hate relationship. I adore the quirky shops, the food, and the endless energy… but the sardine-packed late-night tube rides? Not so much.
Still, if you’re in London, Camden is non-negotiable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a jaded local who thinks they’ve “seen it all,” Camden will surprise you. Think vintage treasures, sizzling street food, a canal that doubles as your chill zone, and a music scene with serious rockstar history.
But before we dive into the best things to do, here’s why Camden deserves a spot on your London bucket list:
W H Y V I S I T C A M D E N T O W N
Music Royalty: Camden has been the stomping ground for legends like Amy Winehouse, Blur, Oasis, and The Clash. Its live music venues helped shape London’s sound.
Cultural Melting Pot: Over 30 million people visit Camden every year, and its market offers goods, food, and crafts from all over the world.
Historic Markets: The markets here began in the 1970s and have grown into one of the largest markets in London, open seven days a week.
Street Style & Subcultures: Camden is ground zero for alternative London culture—punks, goths, rockers, and artists have all made it their home.
Famous Faces: Beyond musicians, Camden has been a magnet for celebrities—from Charles Dickens (who lived here in the 1820s) to Bob Dylan (who once played in its pubs).
Street Art Capital: Camden is officially recognized as one of the best places to see London’s street art, with works by Banksy and other big names.
Basically, Camden isn’t just a neighbourhood—it’s an experience.
Entrance to Camden Town Underground Station. Photo by Kai Pilger from Pexels
H O W T O G E T T O C A M D E N
Camden is ridiculously well-connected. Your options:
Camden Town Station (Northern Line): Middle of the action (High St, London NW1 8NH).
Chalk Farm Station (Northern Line): A calmer entry, 5 min walk from the market (Adelaide Rd, London NW3 2BP).
Camden Road Overground: Great from East/West London (Camden Rd, London NW1 9LQ).
Buses: Routes 24, 27, 29, 31, 46, 88, 134, 168, 214, 253, 274, and C2.
Now that transport is sorted, let’s get to the good stuff.
T H I N G S T O D O I N C A M D E N
Vintage Shopping
Leather Shop in Camden. Photo by TonyNojmanSK from Pexels
Camden is a goldmine for vintage lovers. Think quirky rings, retro jackets, guitars, mugs that look like they belong in your nan’s kitchen, and one-of-a-kind collectibles.
Head to The Stables Market—a maze of quirky stalls housed in old horse stables. It’s history-meets-shopping, with a dash of “I didn’t know I needed this, but now I can’t live without it.”
💡 Fun fact: The Stables were once home to 700 horses that worked on the canal and railway.
2. Camden Stables: Leather, Leather, Leather
The Stables at Camden. Photo by Amber Janssens from Pexels
The Stables isn’t just a market—it’s a vibe. Wandering through the old stables feels like stepping back in time, but with Instagram-worthy walls and some seriously good leather shops.
Belts, boots, bags—you’ll find them all here. Bonus: the setting makes your shopping trip feel like part of the adventure.
3. Fun for All Ages: Babylon Park
Got kids? Or maybe you’re just a big kid yourself? Babylon Park is Camden’s indoor amusement park with rides, arcade games, and neon fun. A nice break if the market crowds get overwhelming.
4. Chill at Camden Lock
Along Camden Lock. Photo by Alec D from Pexels
Take a pause at Camden Lock on Regent’s Canal. It’s fascinating watching boats rise and sink through the lock system (basically a water elevator for boats).
Grab some snacks, sit by the water, listen to buskers, and just let Camden’s chaos float by.
💡 Fun fact: The Regent’s Canal, completed in 1820, was once an industrial waterway moving coal and goods into London. Today? It’s all about joggers, swans, and Sunday strolls.
5. Scenic Stroll Along Regent’s Canal
Along Regents Canal. Photo by Artūras Kokorevas from Pexels
Need to escape the madness? Walk along Regent’s Canal. It’s calm, leafy, and full of charming houseboats. You’ll see joggers, artists, and couples strolling like they’re in a rom-com.
6. Street Food Heaven at Camden Market
Camden Market. Photo by Gonzalo Mendiola from Pexels
Warning: come hungry.
Camden Market is a street food paradise. Korean BBQ? Check. Venezuelan arepas? Yes, please. Fresh falafel, gooey Belgian waffles, and orange juice squeezed right in front of you—it’s a global buffet in one place.
💡 Fact: With over 1,000 stalls, Camden Market is one of the largest street markets in Europe.
7. Food Court by Regent’s Canal
Burget Stall in Camden. Photo by Kuriakose John from Pexels
If elbow-to-elbow market munching isn’t your vibe, head to the quieter Canal-side Food Court. My personal fave? Ekachai Camden—their Pad Thai is budget-friendly, authentic, and huge.
Grab your plate, sit by the water, and enjoy Camden at a slower pace.
8. Pints & Legends: Camden’s Traditional Pubs
Pub along Camden. Photo by Artūras Kokorevas from Pexels
Camden and pubs go hand-in-hand.
Check out The Hawley Arms (Amy Winehouse’s old hangout) or The Dublin Castle (where Madness made their name). Order a pint, soak up the history, and maybe catch a live gig.
9. Camden’s Open-Air Art Gallery
Street art lovers, rejoice. Camden is basically one giant gallery. From hidden graffiti in alleyways to giant murals, every corner surprises you.
Don’t miss the Amy Winehouse mural—a beautiful tribute to Camden’s queen.
Amy Winehouse mural - Location
10. Primrose Hill Views
View of London Skyline at Primrose Hill, London.
Five minutes from Camden, you’ll find Primrose Hill. It’s the spot for panoramic London views, especially at sunset. Pack a picnic, or just sit on the grass and soak up the skyline.
The surrounding neighbourhood is full of boutique shops and cosy cafés if you want to wind down after Camden’s chaos.
From vintage finds and sizzling street food to canal strolls, street art, and pubs dripping with history—Camden Town is like nowhere else in London.
