Visiting a city as big as London with so many things to do and see can be a daunting task. I've been lucky enough to grow up in the British Capital, with plenty of brunches, days exploring, and nights out under my belt. As such I've chalked up a fair list of must dos, secret gems, and photo ops you can't miss.
I thought I'd start sharing some of my favourite spots in a series of London travel guides. Whether you're a London dweller or visiting on a city break, I hope it gives you some inspiration!
First up in the series, Camden. Camden was a no-brainer for me - it's an area I grew up hanging out in, from roaming the stalls for cheap jewellery in my teens to dancing the night away to cheesy chart music when I hit 18. There are so many things to do in Camden, that you could easily dedicate a full day to exploring its bustling streets and markets. It's on all the tourist trails, and with good reason. However its also got enough going for it to retain some of the 'cool' factor that made it such an iconic London neighbourhood in the first place.
If you're looking for a list of tourist landmarks, this probably isn't the guide for you. But if you want fun bars, quirky restaurants, and a taste of local London, I might be able to help...
Camden 101
Getting There
Camden is easily accessible via public transport. Jump on a bus (use Citymapper or Google Maps for a route), or take the Northern Line to Camden Town Station. Nearby stops Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent are also within walking distance.
When to Visit
Camden has so much going on year round, and is pretty much always busy. Visit after 11am to take in all the shops and street food on offer, but be prepared for serious crowds. Alternatively visit in the evenings for dinner and to take in the live music and nightlife.
Safety
Camden might seem rougher around the edges than some of London's more well heeled neighbourhoods, however it's all part of its charm. Like any area in London, pickpocketing can occur, so keep your belongings safe on your person, and watch out for thieves on bikes.
If You Do One Thing
Browse the markets and fill up on street food from the endless food stalls.
Things to do in Camden
Browse the Markets
Of all the things to do in Camden, if there's one thing you can't skip, it's the markets. Sure, there's a lot of overpriced, undergood (yes, that's a word now) tourist tat being flogged. But skip past the I Heart London t-shirts and Union Jack mugs, and you might just find a few gems.
A large number of independent brands call Camden Home, so it's a good spot to pick up that special souvenir. You can easily while away several hours getting lost amongst the alleys of the market - check out some of the vintage clothing and used book shops.
Whatever you do though, you've got to pop into surreal sci-fi store Cyberdog to ogle the neon space-inspired wares. It's a cavernous space filled with all sorts of weird and wonderful sci-fi themed clothing and gadgets. I have no idea who ever buys the stuff, but it's definitely fun to browse. You can't miss it - huge robot statues flank the entrance and the music is usually blasting.
Walk the Canal
One of my favourite London walks on a nice day is the stretch of Regent's Canal that cuts through Camden. The path West takes you towards London Zoo, Regent's Park, and Little Venice. Otherwise head just 20-30 minutes East and you'll find yourself in King's Cross's Granary Square. It's a beautiful way to explore the city, with secret spots like canalside bars and restaurants to be discovered on route.
Primrose Hill
Camden may be best known for the area around the lock and markets, but it's so much more. From Chalk Farm, take a short walk through the Primrose Hill area to discover local cafes, restaurants, and boutiques with a distinctly local feel. It's a world away from the hustle and bustle of Camden High Street. Wander around the neighbourhood to discover quiet residential streets and colourful houses. If you're a Paddington fan, the picturesque pastel homes of Chalcot Crescent (pictured) may look familiar. Head up the Hill itself to enjoy sweeping views across London, best enjoyed with a picnic - or on New Years Eve to see the fireworks!
Restaurants in Camden
The Blues Kitchen
Camden may be known for it's street food, but there's also plenty of great restaurants in the neighbourhood. One such is Blues Kitchen, which serves Texas/Cajun dishes like barbecue meat, burgers, jambalaya and wings in an artistically designed space suggestive of a stateside soul bar. It's hard to recommend one thing off their menu - everything I've had has been delicious! Not to mention their cocktail menu is pretty darn good. The focal point is the huge bar boasting a plentiful selection of whiskies - after you've eaten grab a drink and watch the nightly live music. They also have branches in Shoreditch and Brixton - so basically all the cool ends of London are covered!
The Cheese Bar
Who doesn't like cheese?! That's probably what the guys at The Cheese Bar said when they decided to open up a restaurant dedicated to the stuff. The Cheese Bar pretty much does what it says on the tin, serving up cheese-centric dishes in the heart of Camden Stables Market. If you're really looking to gorge, they do bottomless raclette on Wednesdays for £20 per person for 90 minutes of all the cheesy goodness your heart could desire.
Live Music and Nightlife in Camden
Camden has a rich music history, with so many major gig venues calling the neighbourhood home. I love Electric Ballroom which I've been frequenting since I was a teenager - some of my favourite live acts there have included Tom Odell and The Kooks. Top tip: stop by Cafe Metro afterwards - the unassuming hole-in-the-wall eatery doesn't look like much, but serves the most delicious steak baguettes dripping in garlic and chilli sauce. You'll be sceptical, but trust me, they're good!
The biggest music venue in the area is The Roundhouse (pictured), by Chalk Farm station. It's known for it's diverse programming, with plenty of community initiatives and educational programmes as well as a great lineup of live acts. I've seen so many amazing artists here over the years, including Johnny Marr, Freya Ridings, and even One Direction.
Iconic music venue Koko has recently reopened in Mornington Crescent, with a mix of live music and club nights. It's also home to a new musically-minded members club, The House of Koko. Whilst I spent many a night here in my youth, I've not visited since the reopening, so please report back!
On a slightly different note (gettit?), one of London's most famous jazz venues, The Jazz Cafe, also calls Camden Home. Again, this is one I've not had the opportunity to visit, so let me know if you go!
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I’d forgotten how much I love Camden until I saw this! Love your photos!
Haydy || Squibb Vicious