Eclectic. Eccentric. Exotic. For decades now, Camden has enjoyed its position as one of the most vibrant spots in the capital. With a wealth of live music venues, world-beating pubs and bustling market stalls, there should be something for everyone here — including those in a rush. So drop off your bags, cruise the canals and soak up the atmosphere in this iconic London borough. Here are CityStasher’s recommendations for a day in Camden Town.
Things to Do in Camden Town
You can’t visit Camden without a spot of shopping, and for this you need look no further than Camden Lock Market, just a four minute stroll from the station. The Lock Market is open 7 days a week and sells everything from arts and crafts to clothes and jewelry, often at some bargain prices. Step into the year 3000 by venturing into the infamous Cyberdog, guarded by two giant robots and offering the latest in futuristic fashion.
If it’s culture you’re after, Camden is home to a number of critically-acclaimed galleries. Both the Cob Gallery and Camden Arts Centre host a wide range of contemporary art. The Proud Gallery is at the heart of Camden’s cultural scene, and regularly wins awards for its groundbreaking exhibitions.
For something more family friendly, stroll down to London Zoo, where exhibits, a petting zoo and a huge number of weird and wonderful residents are sure to keep your children entertained.
Enjoy a scenic stroll by wandering down to Regent’s Canal and seeing London’s answer to Amsterdam. Away from the hustle and bustle, the canal walk offers the opportunity to escape the streets and get back to nature, passing through the stunning Regents Park and tranquil Little Venice.
Places to Eat in Camden
Food is synonymous with this area of London, and nowhere is this more true than for Camden Market. Here, you can enjoy food as diverse as the locals themselves, from calzones to curries and fries to falafel. If you fancy indulging your sweet tooth, CityStasher recommends heading down to Crosstown Doughnuts, which offers a dazzling array of flavours that still manage to stand out in one of London’s trendiest locales.
Staying for dinner? Not to worry, Camden also boasts a wide range of restaurants for every budget. For hearty American fare, the Blues Kitchen offers generous portions of meaty American comfort food, and has proved hugely popular with Londoners.
Pubs in Camden Town
From traditional London watering holes to trendy bars, Camden really has it all. A five minute stroll from the station will take you to the Hawley Arms, a real Camden gem and a hub of the local community. This classic boozer has long been frequented by the coolest names in the music scene, including the Libertines and Amy Winehouse, and continues to host great live music. If you aren’t tempted by the good array of beers on tap, they also offer pints of hula hoops.
If you’re pining for a cocktail, Simmons Bar on Camden High Street could be the place for you. This kitsch spot offers a huge variety of unusual and classic cocktails, some of which are served in china teacups, which is about as Camden as you can get. Plus, a five hour happy hour is never something to complain about.
Stasher Recommendations
Our co-founder Jacob recommends visiting Poppie’s Fish and Chips to indulge in a truly great British pastime! Poppie’s is a true local institution and aims to offer visitors fresh fish suppers to eat in or take away at affordable prices. For the true east-end experience, the more adventurous may even wish to sample some jellied eels (trust us, they taste better than they sound).
Store Your Luggage
First things first. You can find your local Camden StashPoint at Mail Boxes Etc, just a two minute walk away from Camden Station. Drop your stuff and enjoy the rest of the day.
Other luggage storage locations around London
- Gatwick Airport
- Heathrow Airport
- St. Pancras International
- Liverpool Street Station
- Waterloo Station
- Tower of London
- Piccadilly Circus
- Natural History Museum
- London Bridge Station
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- Paddington Station
- Euston
- Kings Cross
- Covent Garden
- Wembley Stadium
- Charing Cross Station
- Victoria Station