The Ten Best Things to do in Camden

Living and renting in London means you have an abundance of interesting things to do, right on your doorstep. Camden is no exception. Camden is famed for its market, a maze of clothing shops and other interesting knick knacks. So whether you want to relax by Camden Lock or sample some of the street food, here are the ten best things to do in Camden.

1. Camden High Street

Camden High Street is a short stretch of road in Camden Town, filled with an array of eclectic shops and major music venues at either end. It also has a number of eye-catching 3D shop fronts. You’ll find tattoo and piercing parlours, gift shops, wellness shops and plenty of vintage and retro clothing stores. You could easily spend an afternoon mooching down the high street and seeing what’s on offer.  

2. Camden Market 

Camden Market is perhaps the most popular market in London, with arts and crafts stalls, bars, restaurants and clothing shops. As it once used to be stables, you’ll find  a maze of alleyways and nooks to explore. The market is open seven days a week, with over one thousand stalls for you to browse. Although it’s usually fairly busy with tourists, it’s definitely one of the most fun things to do in Camden. 

3. Relax by the Canal

After exploring the market, make a pit stop alongside the canal. The waterways flanking the market make for the perfect spot to watch the world (and the boats) go by. The three dual locks were built in the early 1800s as part of the Regent’s Canal. In the summer you’ll find people relaxing by the water’s edge with music and picnics, or enjoying a hot drink in the cooler months! This is definitely one of the more relaxing things to do in Camden and is a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the market. 

4. The Hawley Arms 

Camden is renowned for its nightlife, from live music venues to cosy pubs, there’s something for everyone. Just across the road from Camden Market you’ll find The Hawley Arms. The pub is filled with fireside arm chairs, snug sofas and live music. It also used to be the pub that Amy Winehouse worked in before she rose to fame. You’ll also find a rockstar hall of fame of other celebrities who have visited the pub, as well as a garden and a roof terrace. 

5. The Hawley Wharf

Also located right on the canal’s edge is Hawley Wharf. Hawley Wharf is a brand new retail destination to arrive in the area. Inside, you’ll find a mix of independent retailers and big-name brands. In amongst the shops you’ll also find an array of restaurants serving allsorts of food and drink, including Dim Sum, Greek desserts, French patisserie and Bao Buns. You’ll also find a Curzon cinema with five intimate screens and a New York-style bar under the railway arches. 

6. Kerb Camden

If you’re a foodie, Kerb Camden is the place for you. Located amongst the maze of Camden Market and right on the canal side, Kerb Camden is a busy street food spot with around 30 stalls and kiosks. You can sample dutch pancakes, halloumi fries, tacos and plenty more. Try to get here before the lunchtime rush as it can get busy and the area is quite compact. With so many cuisines on offer, a visit to Kerb Candem is definitely one of the best things to do in Camden. 

7. Camden Street Art 

If you’re looking for free things to do in Camden, why not explore the vast amount of street art that’s dotted around the area. Most of the street art can be found within a 5 minute stroll of Camden Market. Some of the most popular can be found down Hawley Mews, Kentish Town Road and Bayham Street.

If you’re looking for more free things to do in London, check out our blog post here. 

8. Walk Regent’s Canal

If you’re after more free things to do in Camden, head to Regent’s Canal. The towpath passes through the middle of Camden, up to the market and then the high street. It’s an ideal way to see the city from a different perspective and if you want to make a whole day of it. Start at Little Venice and pass by Regent’s Park and London Zoo on the way (you can even see some of the zoo animals from the canal towpath!).

9. Primrose Hill

After a day of exploring Camden, head to the top of Primrose Hill which is just a ten minute walk away. To walk from Camden, we recommended walking via Regent’s Park Road, which is filled with bars, cafes and restaurants plus several stops where you can pick up drinks and snacks for the park. Once you arrive in Regent’s Park head to the top of Primrose Hill where you can watch the sunset below the London skyline. 

If you want to discover more of London’s best parks and green spaces, check out our blog post here. 

10. The Roundhouse 

A trip to Camden isn’t complete without dabbling in its live music scene. Camden’s iconic music and performance venue The Roundhouse opened in 1966 and hosts a number of acts and performers. You can also watch theatre performances here which are especially unique, as the building was once an old railway engine shed and is now a listed building.  

If you want to know what it’s like to live in Camden, check out our neighbourhood guide to find out all the spots to go, transport links and safety ratings.
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