Camden is considered the capital of music in the UK, specifically rock and punk music. This funky area is great for eating, people watching, hearing some good music, and for partying. It’s definitely worth a visit to check out a more local side of London.
How to get to Camden
Camdentown, Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent stations (Northern Line) all bring you to Camden. Buses are also rife around the area. Check Citymapper app to get the best route from your hotel.
1. Explore Camden Market
World-famous Camden Market encompasses Camden Lock Market and Stable Market which, yes, used to be horse stables. Here you’ll find tons of food options as well as lots of small shops with quirky bits and bobs to peruse and pick up.
2. Stroll along the canal
Regent’s Canal runs through Camden, and if you follow it, you can get all the way to Paddington. Consider walking, biking, or taking a canal boat ride from Camden Lock. Jason’s Boat Tours are included in the London Pass if you have it.
Oh, there’s even a hot tub you can take up and down the canal.
3. Visit the Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum has a permanent exhibition about the history of the Jews in the UK, all the way until present day. There are also usually two temporary exhibitions on, and as I’m writing this, there’s a family tribute to Amy Winehouse.
Entrance to the Jewish Museum is free with a London Pass, as well as to the nearby Canal Museum.
4. Pub it up
There are lots of decent pubs around Camden, including some iconic ones like The Hawley Arms, where Amy Winehouse used to frequent with other now-famous friends like Russell Brand. The Good Mixer is said to be where Oasis’s rivalry with The Blur began, and The Lock Tavern (shown above) has a great outdoor terrace and live DJs and music acts.
5. Hear some live music
There are so many places to see live music in Camden, from hole-in-the-walls to venues that hold thousands.
For bigger shows, The Roundhouse, Koko (where Madonna did her first UK gig) and Electric Ballroom host popular acts while also having tons of history. Other popular spots include Dingwalls, The Jazz Cafe, The Blues Kitchen, and The Fiddler’s Elbow.
For up-and-coming acts, visit Spiritual Bar, run by new indie label Spiritual Records.
6. Party Camden style
Camden is one of London’s most popular areas to go for a night out. Proud Camden is one of the area’s main attractions, which is a horse hospital-turned-arts venue, which also hosts parties and nights out for locals.
Other notable drinks spots in Camden include Koko, and The Camden Assembly. There’s a lot in the area though, so don’t be afraid to go without a plan, but don’t leave it too late or you might have trouble getting in some places on Friday and Saturday nights.
7. Camden Markets and Music Legends Tour
Instead of wandering around Camden trying to piece history together, hop on the Camden Markets and Music Legends Tour to find out what the area is all about. All while a musician is serenading you with songs by artists that helped shape the area— feel free to sing along.
8. Do some people watching
Expect people dressed like punk rockers and other eccentric folk to be roaming the streets of Camden. It’s unique to the area, and worth grabbing a coffee for some curbside people watching.
9. Lounge on Camden Beach
During the summer, the Roundhouse dumps hundreds of tonnes of sand onto its rooftop, creating a beach in the middle of the city. Camden Beach is a cool spot to grab a drink and take a load off when the weather is warm.
10. Get high on Primrose Hill
Just down the road from Camden is Primrose Hill, one of the best free viewing points in London, and a nice break from the bustling city. Get yourself up the hill, take some food or drinks with you if you can, and admire the city skyline.
Want another quirky area to visit in London? Check out the 9 Cool Things to Do in Shoreditch.
Primrose Hill will always have a special place in my heart – used to go and hang out up there as a teenager and feel like I owned the world 🙂 And KOKO is always a great place for a night out! Still have to make a visit to the Jewish Museum, but perhaps I’ll watch the Amy documentary first. x
The Amy exhibition is only there a couple more weeks so you’ll need to visit soon!
Thanks, Jess! We’ll be there in eight weeks and found this very helpful!
Glad to hear it Sheila 🙂
Some great ideas Jess. I will be there in a couple of weeks and looking forward to it.
Thanks Jamie, have a great time!