10 Best Things to Do in Camden Town

One of London’s most beloved retail precincts, Camden Market has been drawing shoppers with its riot of colours, flavours and sounds since 1974. Here, you’ll find indie traders peddling artisan wares alongside punk rock vendors, Mexican grocers and pioneering street-food stalls.

Located along Regent’s Canal, this bargain hunter’s paradise is a universe unto itself thanks to its magic shops, crystal emporiums and one-of-a-kind decor hubs. Visit SCUM for skate decks, Cannapower for CBD goodies and Min’s Retro for vintage clothing dating back to the 80s.

Set in a former railway engine shed, The Roundhouse has been wowing audiences since the swinging 60s when it played host to 1 of only 2 UK shows by Jim Morrison and The Doors. Today, the venue is widely considered one of Camden’s musical cornerstones thanks to major events like the BBC Electric Proms and the iTunes Festival.

This curvaceous architectural beauty delivers non-stop gigs, with everyone from The Clash and David Bowie to Otis Redding and Patti Smith having graced its venerated stage. The theatre also serves handmade cocktails and freshly baked vegan pastries at its on-site bar and cafe.

Conveniently situated within walking distance of Camden Town tube station, the Jazz Café is an award-winning music joint that dazzles with its atmospheric live shows, 7 days a week. Here, you’ll enjoy everything from Amy Winehouse tribute shows and Brazilian rappers to jazz saxophonists, gospel-blues crooners, and seasoned disco divas like Evelyn “Champagne” King.

The venue’s inviting first-floor restaurant serves swanky cocktails and tasty meals (while giving you one of the best seats in the house). Try the miso marinated monkfish or the jack fruit tacos before ordering a round of Palomas to wash it all down.

Peppered with ritzy Regency townhouses and grand Victorian terraces, elevated Primrose Hill offers a sweeping vista of the London skyline from its lush and leafy namesake park. This picnicker’s paradise draws throngs of sun-seekers on the warmer days of the year, where you’ll find every man and his dog with a blanket and an icebox.

Wander the neighbourhood’s affluent streets and discover multicultural delis and hip gastropubs next to luxury boutiques and quaint little tea rooms. Make sure you stop by historic Chalcot Crescent when you’re strolling about – its candy-coloured houses make the perfect Insta photo.

Take to Camden’s whimsical waterways to view the borough from a completely different vantage point. Regent’s Canal is one of the capital’s best-kept visitor secrets – an atmospheric channel that flows past Victorian architecture, the London Zoo and the vibrant Camden Market.

Wander along the towpath to marvel at a colourful collective of narrowboats, or board one open to tourists for a picturesque afternoon cruise. Afterwards, grab a waterfront table at one of Regent’s Canal’s popular eateries such as the Two Lads Kitchen which serves delicious Afghani street food.

Located in the well-heeled neighbourhood of Hampstead, Camden Arts Centre is a free contemporary gallery that’s renowned for its rotating exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists. This thought-provoking venue has shown work by Hendrickje Schimmel, Zeinab Saleh, Allison Katz and Mohammed Sami across the spectrum of textiles, posters, paintings and drawings.

Camden Arts Centre hosts special events throughout the year, so be sure to check their website calendar. Their on-site shop stocks plenty of items including books, homeware and original artworks – from signed etchings to studio pottery.

With roots reaching back to 1667, The World’s End is a historic Camden landmark that draws punters to its duo of bars and mezzanine balcony for Czech beer and big-screen sports. Downstairs, The Underworld hosts some of the best live rock gigs London has to offer with acts spanning metal, punk, psychobilly, hip hop and alternative.

Big-name artists that have graced the stage here include Foo Fighters, Sepultura, Queens of The Stone Age and Radiohead. There’s also a top-notch menu dishing up Camden’s finest pizza – try the Rock the Parma 12-inch with gooey mozzarella.

Unlike anything else you’ll find in Camden, Cecil Sharp House is home to the English Folk Dance and Song Society. The society aims to preserve and foster traditional pastimes including maypole dancing, barn dancing, fiddle playing and acapella choirs. Across the year, the venue hosts performances and get-togethers like the Ceilidh Club Dance and the Big Folksy Singalong.

After you’ve had your fill of all things English, shake it up a little by feasting on international dishes at one of a number of nearby restaurants. Try the Feng Shang Princess Floating Restaurant for Pan-Asian cuisine or Rossopomodoro for authentic Neapolitan.

Spanning 410 acres across inner north-west London, Regent’s Park is 1 of 8 expansive beauty spots that was originally used by the British Royal Family for recreation and hunting. Boasting formal gardens, tree-lined footpaths and a number of children’s playgrounds, it’s the perfect place to read a book, enjoy an ice cream or simply soak up the sun.

Admire more than 12,000 roses in Queen Mary’s Garden: a horticultural haven that blooms to life in June. Alternatively, take a rowing boat across the park’s glassy lake, or visit the award-winning Open-Air Theatre to watch musicals and Shakespeare plays.

Comedy night at the Camden Head pub showcases belly-busting entertainment in comfy and casual surroundings. Featured by the BBC, the Evening Standard and Time Out magazine, this laugh-a-minute club has hosted some of the biggest names on the live comedy circuit including Rosie Jones, Tom Ward and The Office’s Stephen Merchant.

Grab a pint and take in emerging talent and established acts under the venue’s iconic neon sign. From stand-up performers to improv groups, Camden Head always delivers an unforgettable time.