Camden Town, where counterculture meets shopping, is a former hotbed of London's alternative scene.
Best known for its thriving hub of markets, live music and old-school pubs, Camden has an energy unlike anywhere else in the world. The streets are always buzzing with activity, and the music is always pumping.
Hop on a train to Euston or Camden, and check out this colourful London borough.
To help you decide what to do and see in Camden Town, we’ve pulled together a list of 13 cool things to do in Camden.
Lose yourself in Camden markets
Camden Market is a shopper's paradise. Brace yourself for a sprawling labyrinth of stalls, stretching as far as the eye can see, offering everything from vintage clothing to vinyl, coffee to global street food. And with over 1,000 shops and stalls, food stands and street performers, you'll easily lose yourself as you get swept up by the energy. The market is divided into several different sections, each with its own unique character.
Wander through Camden Lock Market, where you'll find handmade crafts and jewellery, alongside Regent’s Canal. The Stables is a haven for vintage enthusiasts with a food court. Buck Street container market sells eco-focused food and ethical fashions. While Hawley Wharf is a more modern addition with a cinema, a covered food court and independent stores. Camden Market is open Monday to Sunday, 10am to late.
Take a scenic cruise on Regent's Canal
Regent’s Canal waterway once served as a lifeline for transporting goods across England, carrying coal, bricks, lime, cement, grain and other foodstuffs. Back in 1820, this bustling canal connected the Grand Union Canal at Little Venice to the Limehouse district on the River Thames, forging a vital link between the north of England and the thriving Thames docks. Today, the canal is alive with leisure boats and lined with houseboats.
Climb aboard a colourful narrowboat and see Camden from a different perspective on a scenic cruise along Regent's Canal with London Waterbus Company . As you glide through the water to Little Venice past mansion homes, industrial heritage buildings and past monkeys and warthogs at ZSL, London Zoo, you'll be treated to live commentary, unveiling fascinating tales and intriguing insights.
Visit London Canal Museum
If you are curious about London's canals, their history and their recent revival, the London Canal Museum is the place for uncovering the captivating stories and incredible people who shaped these waterways since their construction in the 18th century.
Interactive exhibits entertain the kids where they can step inside a narrowboat cabin and imagine cruising along the canal. Outside, in the canal basin, spot the Bantam IV tug, rare among canal boats, which was designed to push, not pull, the boats through the water. In summer, jump aboard one of the museum's boat trips, where you can sail the canals with afternoon tea.
Come face-to-face with Camden’s music icons
Camden has been home to some of the biggest names in music history. The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Smiths, Amy Winehouse, and many more all cut their teeth in Camden. These icons helped define the sound of Camden, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations.
An almost life-size bronze statue of Amy Winehouse stands proudly in Camden's Stables Market. A powerful image, it captures the singer's unique blend of talent, attitude and beauty. Hear stories about her and other musicians who made Camden their home, by signing up to the Camden Market Music Icons guided tour and visit places that make the area a world-renowned music destination.
Go on a pub crawl
With more than 200 pubs, Camden will easily satisfy your thirst for a pint. Reflecting the nature of Camden with an eclectic mix of patrons that could include anyone from local legends to world-renowned artists, these pubs are more than just watering holes; they're cultural hubs that have left their mark in Camden’s history.
One pub that needs no introduction is The Hawley Arms which holds a special place in the hearts of musicians, including Amy Winehouse who was a regular. The World’s End is a pub that has stood the test of time, even literary great Charles Dickens graced its doors. The grassroots venue with quirky 70s vintage style interior, The Good Mixer , is a relative newcomer that burst onto the scene in the '50s and became a haunt for '90s Britpop.
Listen to live music
Camden has been a major centre of music and alternative culture in London, since the swinging 60s. Feel the thrill of catching an up-and-coming artist, pouring their heart out to an intimate pub crowd. Or check out one of Camden’s legendary music venues each with its own storied history and a collection of unforgettable performances.
The Roundhouse stands as a symbol of Camden's ongoing music scene. Originally a train repair shed, this immense circular building played host to the Beatles. The Jazz Cafe holds a special place among Camden’s music venues, with an intimate setting for jazz, soul and similar acts. Koko , a former theatre and once the Camden Palace, has an ornate interior and a grand balcony, and The Electric Ballroom is known for its energetic crowd.
Within the alternative music scene, The Underworld captures Camden's rebellious spirit and is an atmospheric haven for punk and post-punk bands.
Strut past the cats at Greater London House
Walk past Greater London House at Mornington Crescent and it feels like you’ve stepped into a different country. The vast white Art Deco Egyptian Revival building used to be the Carreras Cigarette Factory and is now offices. But what makes it stand out are the two huge, 2.6-m tall eye-catching bronze statues of the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet - or the cool cats - that add a touch of Ancient Egyptian mystique to the area.
Be uplifted by colourful streets
Colourful homes are spreading across the country, brightening even the dreariest days, and Camden is no exception. Check out the aptly named Bonny Street near Camden Road overground station, and enjoy the pastel-coloured facades of numbers 12-14, a row of five Georgian terraced homes.
At the Stables Market , Umbrella Alley adds a burst of colour between stores where umbrellas create a cheerful shade for shoppers. Stroll around store numbers in the 840s and let the bright pink, yellow, and red umbrellas suspended from the roof brighten your path.
In Camden, embracing diversity is not just a trend—it's a way of life. The local council proudly painted a rainbow on the crossing at the junction of Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent during their pride celebrations in 2020. In a bold show of solidarity, the crossing at the junction of Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street was transformed into blue, pink, and white stripes in support of transgender awareness week.
Stroll through Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill
Despite Camden’s alternative scene, it is also home to the elegant Royal Parks of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill . Stroll along Regent's Canal to the park, once hunting grounds for Henry VIII, for a moment of peace. Designed in 1811 by John Nash, the park forms a grand circle. Take time to enjoy the lush gardens, wide tree-lined promenades and charming cafes in Regent's Park, which began as a summer retreat for the royal family.
Inside the park, an inner circle rings around Queen Mary's Rose Gardens and the Japanese Garden Island, adorned with water features and ornamental bridges. In summer, catch a Shakespeare play at the Open-air Theatre while enjoying a picnic - a quintessential London evening. The park is also home to ZSL, London Zoo, sports fields, kids playgrounds and a boating lake.
An extension of Regent's Park, Primrose Hill offers a panoramic vista of London. Soak up the cityscape with a direct sightline to St. Paul's Cathedral. At the summit, a quote from William Blake's poem enriches the scene. Inscribed in the edging stones, it proclaims the local resident’s spiritual encounter on Primrose Hill: "I have conversed with the spiritual Sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill."
Take a tour of global cuisines
Camden is not only a hub for music and fashion but also a culinary delight. The food scene here reflects the diverse community with a fusion of different world cuisines. You’re never far from a snack, meal or sweet treat to satisfy any kind of food craving
One must-visit spot is the Stables Market Food Hall, where you can indulge in a diverse range of global cuisines from Brazilian BBQs to melted cheese at the Cheese Bar . At Camden Lock, a popular snackspot is ChinChin Nitrogen ice cream lab, while you can find plenty of food stalls near West Yard wharf next to the canal .
Another hotspot that foodies shouldn't miss is the Kerb street food market, known for its innovative food trucks. If you find yourself in Primrose Hill, explore the cute coffee shops and delightful bakeries, including The Primrose Bakery , famous for its colourful cupcakes and cosy atmosphere.
Talk to the animals at London Zoo
Step into the world's oldest operating zoo, London Zoo established back in 1828 in Regent's Park, and wander through the tree-shaded pathways around animal enclosures coming face-to-face with the fascinating sloths and monkeys, meerkats, tigers and lions, butterflies and slithering reptiles too. Families can have fun being mesmerised by penguins and learning about the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Then on summer evenings, after closing time, the zoo comes alive with an adults-only festival-like atmosphere. DJs spin tunes and bubbles flow as the sun sets, while you can meet the animals and enjoy a special Birds and Bees talk explaining a little about what the animals get up to after dark.
Handy tip: When you travel with London Northwestern Railway, you can get exclusive 2FOR1 entry to some of the UK’s top attractions including London Zoo.
Witness the living canvas of street art & shop fronts
A hub of creativity, Camden’s streets also come alive with the imagination of talented artists. Every step you take unveils a world of surprises.
Alongside everchanging new creations, look out for renowned street artwork like Banksy's captivating Wallpaper Hanging near Regent's Canal tunnel, and the mesmerising works of Dan Kitchener and DRT at Hartland Street. The iconic Amy Winehouse mural on Camden High Street pays homage to the beloved music legend, while Gnasher's charismatic chimp on Stucley Place adds a touch of whimsy.
Camden's creativity extends beyond the walls to its captivating shop fronts. Each shopfront tells its own unique story. Standouts include Namaste 's vibrant facade with the elephant god Ganesha, showcasing their ethnic Indian clothing and furniture store. Cyberdog beckons with a futuristic entrance, flanked by towering silver robot statues and adorned with neon lights, inviting you into their world of rave clothing and festival fashion.
Celebrate folk music at Cecil Sharp House
English Folk Dance and Song - cool or not cool? You decide. But continuing the theme of the diversity of Camden’s music scene, Cecil Sharp House is more than just a building – it's a hub of folk music heritage. Cecil Sharp House encourages musical exploration, where stories are shared through song and dance.
Aspiring musicians and seasoned performers celebrate the rich heritage of traditional English Folk Dance and Song in its concert halls, alongside folk singing evenings, barndances, ceilidhs and workshops. Check out their website to see what’s on.
Get the kids travelling London for just £1 when you buy your Family Travelcard. Alternatively, you can purchase your ticket via the London Northwestern Railway app or at the station on the day.
Remember, you can plan ahead and save with Advance Tickets, getting from Birmingham to London from just £8.00.