Camden Introduction

Camden Town is probably most well known for the Camden Markets and the High Street shops often covered in large sales and art installations adorning the upper floors of the buildings such as huge shoes and boots. The markets all come off of the High Street from Camden Town tube station and almost as far as Chalk Farm tube station.

As well being a great place to shop for something to wear (clothes, jewellery, accessories, etc), Camden attracts foodies as Camden Lock Market has a Global Kitchen serving street food from around the world.

You can grab something to take away and then head out onto the canal path of The Regent's Canal for a more peaceful side of Camden.

You can walk along the canal path to Little Venice to really get away from it all. You will pass through London Zoo and see Regency houses designed by John Nash, the Prince Regent's architect who laid out Regent's Park. The Prince Regent later became George IV. (For more information on the walk see Little Venice to Camden Canal Walk.)

The area has also always attracted creative types, especially musicians, making this a great area to go out at night too. (Amy Winehouse lived and died in Camden.)

Nature

As well as The Regent's Canal passing under Camden High Street, there is Regent's Park just 10 minutes walk from Camden Town tube station.

Near Chalk Farm tube station is Primrose Hill where you can climb to the summit for some of the best views of London.

Further afield is Hampstead Heath which is London's largest ancient parkland. It is vast and much less manicured than the Royal Parks so you can enjoy 'country walks' without leaving London.

Eating

There are lots of food stalls on the Camden Markets. At Camden Canal Market there's a Scooter Cafe where you can sit on fixed half scooters to dine.

There are also plenty of great restaurants such as Poppies Fish and Chips which has top place on my list of Best Fish and Chips in London.

The Diner is good for a burger and a shake. I've had great pancakes here too.

Over in the Stables Market, Shaka Zula is London's largest South African restaurant. You can't miss it as there's a 60 ft zulu warrior outside this huge underground restaurant. Above it is Gilgamesh a pan-Asian restaurant, bar and exclusive nightclub. And opposite is Chin Chin Laboratorists where you can enjoy the coolest ice-cream ever as it is made with liquid nitrogen!

For cakes head to Cookies and Scream in the Camden Lock Market. And for tea go to the Yumchaa Tea Shop on Parkway which was once a pet shop.

If you like to be kept busy while enjoying a cuppa Tea and Crafting have workshops so you can learn a new skill.

Music and Nightlife

If you come to Camden on an Amy Winehouse pilgrimage - and many do - The Hawley Arms is the boozer you need to stop by for a pint. The World's End pub is also a local landmark and has The Underworld nightclub below.

The Dublin Castle is another music lover's pub and has regular live music too.

On Chalk Farm Road The Barfly Camden has live shows most nights. And across the road in The Stables Market Proud Camden has music and photography exhibitions.

In the Lock Market, Dingwalls has been a live music venue since 1973. And The Roundhouse is in a large Victorian steam engine repair shed but is now an iconic music venue.

Formerly known as Camden Palace, Koko opened as a theatre in 1900 and is now a popular music venue and nightclub.

For a more relaxed way to enjoy music, The Jazz Cafe has a first floor restaurant overlooking the stage, and The Blues Kitchen is all about dining and live music.

Cecil Sharp House is the home of English folk music. It is a dance arts centre with an archive and library too.

Culture

Camden mostly wears its 'culture' on its sleeve (well, along its High Street) but there is The Jewish Museum in an old piano factory with a large permanent collection and interesting temporary exhibitions as well.

Slightly further away, but still within the Borough of Camden, is The Wellcome Collection where art and medical science comes together.

Bus Tip: For a bus route that sees some of Camden as it passes through from Hampstead and carries on until Pimlico, try the Number 24 London bus.