What is Camden Town all about? The Definitive Guide

Camden Town is one of the most vibrant and iconic spots in London, and it’s become quite a popular tourist destination as well. Situated in the north of London, Camden Town is a hub of markets, bars, cafes and music venues – plus, you could try to do some street art. Camden is renowned for its live entertainment and alternative lifestyles. People flock to Camden Town all year round to enjoy the unique atmosphere it offers – something you will not find in any other part of London.In this guide we’ll take a thorough look at Camden Town, what it offers and how you can make the most of visiting it.

What is Camden Town?

Camden Town has a rich history, having been an important industrial area in the 19th century, once home to several factories. Its location on the Regent’s Canal was key in allowing it to develop rapidly as an industrial center during the Georgian and Victorian eras. With this industrial boom comes masses of workers, who settled in the area and helped to shape what we now know as Camden Town. The area then underwent further development following the opening of the Brunel-operated railway in 1848, making it an important commercial port. Following this, Camden developed into one of London’s leading live music and entertainment areas, with vibrant markets drawing tourists from around the world. Later on, several celebrities and famous public figures called Camden their home, adding to the area’s glamour and reputation. Today, it’s a bustling spot on the London map that appeals to a variety of people – locals, tourists, and students alike.

What is there to do in Camden Town?

There’s plenty to do in Camden Town to keep even the biggest of culture junkies occupied. One major activity is its markets: Camden Lock Market, Stables Market, Inverness Street Market, Electric Ballroom Market, and Camden Lock Village all offer a bustling atmosphere overflowing with vendors selling delicious street food and interesting trinkets.One can also visit the iconic Roundhouse Theatre, a reincarnated 19^th-century locomotive repair shed which now hosts concerts from world-famous acts; or The Dublin Castle, an Irish pub that hosted some of the first gigs from Arctic Monkeys, Blur and Amy Winehouse; or Proud Gallery for quirky exhibitions, which started its own music label, too. Not all activities in Camden Town have to cost money either; explore one of the many markets or locate yourself in one of its quirky streets, full of street art and atmosphere. You can also take a stroll along the Regent’s Canal or just hang out and people-watch at one of its busy terraces.

Where to stay when visiting Camden Town?

The beauty of visiting Camden Town lies in the fact that it sits right in the heart of North London, so there are plenty of accommodation options available to suit all sorts and budgets – from youth hostels through Airbnb’s to luxury hotels. The biggest hostel provider in the area is Safestay, which has two malls nicely located in Camden Town: Camden Palace Hotel (in our opinion one of the best hostels in London) and The Mermaid Hostel. These both feature rooms with private facilities and communal areas stocked full with books. Should you wish to stay somewhere a bit more luxurious and fancy a bit of pampering Royal National Hotel offers stylish bed and breakfast options at affordable prices. Meanwhile, The Bridge Hotel with its stylish rooms offers stunning views over North London’s skyline and a trendy restaurant. Last but not least is Point A Hotel Camden a rather contemporary hotel with chic rooms for around £50 per night.

Getting Around Camden Town

Camden Town is served by a number of transport links, making it easy to get around by public transport – or even on foot. There are several tube stations in close vicinity – including Chalk Farm Road (regulated by Northern line), Mornington Crescent (Northern Line), Camden Town (Northern Line), Euston (Northern/Victoria Lines) – each offering easy access to other parts of London. There are also several bus routes stopping nearby – such as Nos 24, 27, 29, 31, 46, 168, 188. If you don’t mind walking is otherwise good way of seeing everything around you while getting quickly to your destination. The area may seem quite confusing upon first arrival but don’t worry – long parallel streets will ease your navigation and soon you’ll be finding your way around like a local.

Conclusion

As you can see by now, there is plenty to do when visiting Camden Town – from shopping at one of its many markets to having drinks at its vibrant pubs and bars; from listening to its exclusive gigs at renowned venues to exploring the area’s rich history by visiting its iconic landmarks. No matter the type of tourist you are – soul-seeker or consumerist –s you will certainly discover something exiting about Camden Town. With that being said we hope our guide helped bring some clarity on what Camden Town is all about.