When Regent’s Canal was built through the area in 1816, Camden began to grow around the transport hub as workers migrated here. The famous markets began in 1973, and before long Camden Town became a byword for good nightlife and an alternative, arty scene.
You’ll struggle to find an area in London with better transport links than Camden Town. Not only is it served by two branches of the Northern Line at Camden Town station, the Overground at Camden Road and plenty of buses, it’s a mere 20 minute walk to Kings Cross St Pancras.
All times in minutes, taken from CityMapper.
Nestled between leafy Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, Regent’s Park and Kings Cross, Camden Town is a unique neighbourhood in the heart of London. Eccentric, creative and cutting edge, Camden Town is a magnet for businesses, artists and pioneers who zig while others zag.
Camden’s food markets are among the best in London, with an ever-changing array of street food traders and restaurants. Eat your way around the world, from the best falafels in London at Magic Falafel, to the home of the famous halloumi fries at Oli Baba’s or Taiwanese buns at Bian Dang. For team meals out you’ll be spoilt for choice at the likes of Belgo, Pizza Pilgrims or Gordon Ramsey’s York & Albany .
LOCAL FAVOURITES
Kerb West Yard, Camden Lock Place
Belgo, 72 Chalk Farm Road
York and Albany, 127-129 Parkway
Poppies, 30 Hawley Crescent
Q Grill, 29 – 33 Chalk Farm Rd
Pizza Pilgrims, 42 Parkway
A former playground for Madness, The Clash, Amy Winehouse, and Blur, this is one of London’s liveliest neighbourhoods with no shortage of world-famous pubs to discover.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
The Lock Tavern, 35 Chalk Farm Road
The Enterprise, 2 Haverstock Hill
Edinboro Castle, 57 Mornington Terrace
Camden Town Brewery, 55 Wilkin St. Mews
Hawley Arms, 2 Castlehaven Road
The Dublin Castle, 94 Parkway
Colonel Fawcett, 1 Randolph Street
Camden is one of the most famous cultural melting pots of the capital, with music taking centre stage. The Roundhose, a converted railway engine shed which now hosts the annual iTunes festival, as well as putting on excellent arts and music events all year round.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road
Jazz Café, 5 Parkway
Koko , 1A Camden High Street
Jewish Museum, 129 Albert Street
When you need to clear your head, some of London’s best outdoor spaces are just a short stroll away. Make your escape along Regent’s Canal, which offers excellent walking and cycling and boat trips in both directions. Head to Regent’s Park, one of London’s most popular open spaces, covering 410 acres, or for a proper work-out there are a choice of gyms close-by.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
Regent’s Canal
Regent’s Park
Primrose Hill
Fitness First, 128 Albert Street
Soho Gyms, 199 Camden High Street
With several market sites including Inverness Street, Camden Lock Market and Stables Market, and a packed high street, Camden isn’t short of places to shop.
For more high end options nearby Hampstead and Primrose Hill have exclusive fashion and beauty boutiques.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
Whole Foods Market, 49 Parkway
Sainsbury’s, 17-21 Camden Road
Fred Perry, 255 Camden High Street
Rokit Camden, 225 Camden High Street
Cyberdog, Chalk Farm Road
Discover Camden NW1