Experiences
Things to Do in Camden
Markets, music and the canal: London's most unruly neighbourhood, best explored on foot.
In short: our top picks are Camden Market, Regent's Canal towpath and The Roundhouse. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Camden runs on noise and crowds, and it is better for it. The market sprawls across three sites and a thousand traders, the canal offers a calmer walk towards Little Venice, and the live-music heritage is written into venues like the Roundhouse and the Jazz Cafe. It is scruffy, loud and endlessly browsable. Eat your way through the street-food stalls, then let the neighbourhood’s bars and pubs take the evening.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Camden Market | Camden |
| Regent's Canal towpath | Camden |
| The Roundhouse | Camden |
| ZSL London Zoo | |
| Jazz Cafe | Camden |
| Primrose Hill | Primrose Hill |
-
Editor’s choice
Camden Market
Why we pick itMore than a thousand traders across Stables Market, Camden Lock and Hawley Wharf, London's most famous market for vintage and street food.
street food and vintage market
-
Regent's Canal towpath
Why we pick itOne of London's most underrated walks, following the canal past narrowboats from Camden Lock towards Little Venice.
canal walk
-
The Roundhouse
Why we pick itA former Victorian railway engine shed turned landmark performing-arts venue, host to legends from Bob Dylan to Patti Smith.
music and arts venue
-
ZSL London Zoo
Why we pick itOne of the world's oldest scientific zoos on the edge of Regent's Park, a short walk from the market.
zoo
-
Jazz Cafe
Why we pick itAn intimate Camden institution for live soul, funk, hip-hop and jazz most nights of the week.
live music venue
-
Primrose Hill
Why we pick itA ten-minute walk from the market to one of London's finest skyline views, laid out across the city below.
viewpoint
Before you book
Camden Town is the obvious tube, but Chalk Farm sits closer to the Roundhouse and the Stables end and saves the high-street crush. Weekdays are far calmer than the shoulder-to-shoulder weekends. Primrose Hill is a ten-minute walk for the best skyline view in the area.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Camden Market is our editor's choice: More than a thousand traders across Stables Market, Camden Lock and Hawley Wharf, London's most famous market for vintage and street food. Camden Market, Regent's Canal towpath and The Roundhouse lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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