Camden

Camden has been London's home of alternative culture since the 1960s, and its markets, canal and live-music venues still draw a mix of Londoners and visitors every weekend. It's less polished than much of central London, and that's exactly the point.

Camden Market

"Camden Market" actually refers to several connected markets — Camden Lock, the Stables Market, and Buck Street Market among them — spread along and around the high street and the canal. Expect vintage clothing, independent jewellery and homeware stalls, and a dense cluster of international street food stalls that's one of the best casual lunch spots in London. It's open daily, but stalls thin out on weekdays — weekends are when it's at full scale, and also when it's most crowded.

The Regent's Canal

The towpath running past Camden Lock is a good way to escape the busiest market crowds. Walk east toward King's Cross or west toward Regent's Park and London Zoo — both make for a pleasant, mostly flat walk with a very different pace to the market itself.

Live Music

Camden's music heritage runs deep — Amy Winehouse lived and is commemorated here, and venues like the Electric Ballroom and the Roundhouse continue a long line of gig history. Even if you're not going to a show, the pubs and small venues along the high street give a sense of why the area's reputation stuck.

Getting There

Camden Town station (Northern line) sits right at the top of the high street. Chalk Farm station is a short walk north and can be a slightly calmer approach on busy weekends.

Tips for Visiting

• Weekday visits are noticeably calmer than weekends if you want to browse without crowds.
• Try a few different food stalls rather than one big meal — it's built for grazing.
• Keep an eye on bags in the busiest market lanes, as with any crowded market.
• Combine with a canal walk to Regent's Park or King's Cross to break up the market crowds.