Exploring the Eclectic Spirit of Camden Neighborhood in London

Camden, London, is a kaleidoscope of culture, an enclave for music aficionados, a haven for street art enthusiasts, and a paradise for foodies. In this vibrant district, you can explore the legendary Camden Market, discover iconic music venues, stay in eclectic hotels, and revel in the spirited atmosphere of its pubs. Join us on a journey through Camden, where a world of adventure, creativity, and entertainment awaits.

Explore Camden Market

It all began in the 1970s. Camden Market was just a small crafts market at that time. It slowly grew into a significant bohemian cultural spot.

Usually, it opens at 10 am and closes around 6 pm. Expect to find here Stables Market which offers alternative and vintage fashion, antiques, and collectibles. Camden Lock Market is centered around the canal. It is a great place to try different international dishes: there are many food stalls serving cuisine from around the world. Camden Market Proper is the main market area. You can buy here a mix of fashion, art, crafts, handmade items, and accessories.

When you walk down the streets of Camden Market you will probably encounter a lot of street art, murals, or street performers.

Visit The Roundhouse

The legendary music venue that hosted artists like The Rolling Stones, The Doors, and Pink Floyd. Its history dates back to 1847 when it used to be a repair shed for the railway. Later in 1960, it was transferred into a cultural and art center. After that, it slowly evolved into a focal point for the counterculture movement. You can experience a variety of live music, concerts, dance performances, and theater productions. Besides music legends, it also offers space for new and emerging talents. The most common music played is rock, electronic, pop, jazz, and classical.

Some significant events happened behind its doors in 1966 – such as the launch of the International Times magazine and the first-ever performance of Pink Floyd which was full of psychedelic light shows. The venue also hosts the annual Roundhouse Rising festival. Currently, the Roundhouse is registered as a charity focusing on educational programs and support of young people in the arts.

Walk Along Regent’s Canal and Rose Garden

Regent`s Canal is a waterway that stretches around 13 km through London. It was built in the 19th century to connect the River Thames with the Grand Union Canal.

Today the place is very peaceful, surrounded by beautiful greenery. A lot of people come here to walk, jog, or cycle. You can expect to see many houseboats, or narrowboats along the canal. Also, street art and waterside cafes are popular too.

Rose Garden is part of Regent`s Park. The garden has stunning collections of roses and other seasonal flowers. It was established in the 1930s.

Discover Street Art

When you walk down the streets of Camden, you definitely aren`t gonna miss local street art in the form of murals, graffiti, stencils, or paste-ups. Notable artists that have left their mark in Camden are Banksy, Invader, and Shepard Fairey. The art is not static, many pieces are often replaced with new ones, or just modified.

If you want a more in-depth experience book one of Camden’s Street Art Tours with a guide. Among important festivals, or gatherings you could attend are Art Week in Camden Market, or Camden Street Art Festivals that tend not to be an annual event, when artists do live paintings, exhibitions, and workshops.

Explore Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is an area located in the northern part of Regent`s Park, approximately 3.2 km from the city center. The nearest tube station is Chalk Farm station on the Northern line. Or you can take the bus 274, C11, or 11.

Its name was derived from the abundant primrose that used to grow there. The place offers great views of the London skyline with many of its landmarks. People like to come here for a picnic, leisurely walks, or just to sunbathe.

Experience Alternative Fashion

Camden`s reputation as a hotspot for alternative fashion destinations began in the 1970s. Back then it started to attract many punks and goths. Compared to its past in the late 90s to mid-20s, now the place looks less underground. But still here and there you can find shops like Cyberdog, The Gothic Shop, or Hell Bunny as well as many vinyl records shops, and tattoo and piercing studios.

Learn at the Jewish Museum

The museum’s history dates back to 1932. Founded by the Jewish community, the museum offers exhibitions that delve into Jewish history, Jewish migration, art, and identity. It often hosts lectures, workshops, educational events, family programs, and special holiday celebrations. The place is also a great place to savor traditional Jewish food inside the café – a restaurant that serves Jewish-inspired cuisine.

Dine at Street Food Stalls

The food scene in Camden is very diverse. You can try culinary delights from around the world – Asia, the Middle East, Europe, or the US. Camden Market offers a mix of food stalls with sushi, dumplings, crepes, fries, and gourmet burgers. Camden Lock Market is dedicated to street food like kebabs and shawarma, paella, tacos, some vegan options, and desserts too.

Visit ZSL London Zoo

The Zoo is located in the heart of Regent`s Park. It is one of the world`s oldest and most famous zoos. Its doors opened to the public in 1828. Founded by the Zoological Society of London, its main purpose was to promote scientific study, breeding programs, and conservation efforts.

You can expect to see a diverse range of animals – primates, birds, reptiles, and big cats. The visitors can participate in daily activities and observe penguin feedings, or lemur walks.

The Zoo often features interactive exhibits and installations like butterfly houses, walkthrough enclosures, or immersive educational spaces.

Take a Ghost Tour

Ghost Tours focuses on exploring haunted locations like historic buildings, alleyways, or pubs in Camden. Notable places include Hawley Arms (Amy Winehouse used to visit frequently) or Underworld (music venue). The tour guide will provide spine-tingling tales of ghostly encounters or any unexplained paranormal phenomena that have occurred in Camden. The majority of these tours take place in the evening or at night and take 1-2 hours.

Enjoy Live Comedy

This list of things to do in Camden ends with comedy clubs. There are some famous ones like The Comden Head, Colonel Fawcett, and Monkey Business Comedy Club. You can enjoy a variety of shows from stand-ups, cabaret acts, and improvisation shows, to open mic nights. Camden Fringe is a comedy festival with a wide range of comedic performances happening in various venues across the neighborhood.

Where To Stay

Budget-friendy

Smart Camden Inn Hostel: Hostel dormitory with private rooms, located close to Camden Market.

Camden BnB: A cozy bed and breakfast with comfortable rooms, situated within walking distance of Camden Town.

Holiday Inn London – Camden Lock: Comfortable rooms with canal views and easy access to Camden Market.

Mid-range

The Zetter Townhouse: A boutique hotel with stylish and uniquely designed rooms, located in Clerkenwell, not far from Camden.

Thistle Euston: A well-located hotel near Euston Station, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Camden’s attractions.

Luxurious

The Hoxton, Holborn: A trendy boutique hotel with luxurious rooms and great dining options.

The Standard, London: A stylish luxury hotel with unique room designs and excellent dining choices, overlooking King’s Cross and St Pancras stations.

The Langham, London: A top-tier luxury hotel in nearby Marylebone, offering exquisite rooms, a spa, and fine dining.

---