From exploring Camden High Street to going to gigs at The Roundhouse, Camden is a place full of exciting things to explore and do. With a place as popular and big as Camden, figuring out how to spend your time there can get overwhelming. So I’ve decided to make a list of the 10 best things to do in Camden when you visit. Carry on reading to find out what they are!
10 Best Things to Do in Camden Town
1. Admire the Shop Fronts of Camden High Street
One of the main things Camden is notable for is Camden High Street. This high street is full of markets, quirky 3D store and restaurant signs, and street art. The Camden High Street shops are so pretty to look at that you can’t resist exploring the inside!
You may like: Where to Find Camden Street Art + Map
If you want to go vintage/thrift shopping, then head over to Rokit Vintage, Funkytownshop or St Cyr Vintage. More of a sneakerhead or Dr Martens fan? Shop at TOWER London, OFFSPRING or 4Feet. I’m confident that there’s a shop suitable for everyone with varying interests to explore at Camden High Street.
2. Get a Piercing (Or Tattoo) at Nemesis
Camden is home to tons of piercing and tattoo studios, but the one that has my heart is Nemesis. If you’re looking for things to do in Camden that are more…permanent, then getting a piercing or tattoo at Nemesis is the place to do so!
The only piercings I ever had before were in my two earlobes, which I got when I was a baby. But when I decided to finally get another piercing, Nemesis was the place that was always recommended to me by my friends. It was here that I got my very first piercing since I was a baby, and it was a nose piercing. A couple of years later, I also got my navel piercing done too! The staff was so lovely about the whole process. So if you want a piercing at a friendly studio in Camden, then Nemesis is the place to go!
3. Explore BOXPARK Camden
After more than 3 decades of trading, Buck Street Market (the original Camden Market) closed down in late 2019, reopened as Camden Market Buck Street, and then became BOXPARK Camden. Now, BOXPARK Camden features colourful shipping container exteriors with restaurants, eco-conscious brand stores and rooftop bars inside.
Although the previous Buck Street Market is missed by many, BOXPARK Camden has kept some of the old market vibes alive on the ground floor. Here, you’ll find some vintage and upcycled garment stores to shop at.
4. Walk Along Regent’s Canal
Regent’s Canal is a long canal, starting at Little Venice and ending at the Docklands. Walking along here is one of my favourite things to do in Camden because there are so many things you walk by. On the walk, you’ll find narrow boats, including the Puppet Theatre Barge showcasing puppet shows and Word on the Water, a 100-year-old book barge! You can also take this walk to get to London Zoo, Regent’s Park and King’s Cross.
You may also like: Kings Cross to Little Venice: A Self-Guided Regent’s Canal Walk
Walking isn’t the only option for touring Regent’s Canal; you can kayak, cycle and take a boat tour too!
Book here: Canal Boat Ride on Camden Lock
5. Go Comic Book Shopping at Mega City Comics
As a book lover, I couldn’t help but add book shopping as one of the best things to do in Camden! Mega City Comics is a comic bookstore featuring all kinds of comics, new and old. Whether it’s DC, Marvel, manga, or indie graphic novels, Mega City Comics is a comic nerd’s dream!
Mega City Comics also sells notebooks, Funko Pop! figures, posters, badges, calendars, and tons of other novelty items too!
6. Explore Camden Market
Right by Camden Lock Bridge, you’ll find Camden Market (Camden Lock Market, Camden Stables and Camden Market Hawley Wharf). In my opinion, one of the best things to do in Camden Market is to try street food! There are tons of street food stalls ranging from burgers, noodles, arepas, curries, hot dogs, meats, and rice. The stalls that always get me are Thai Street Food and Piadina Mia. Both have absolutely delicious food, and the portions are so worth it! Also, during Christmas, I love getting mulled wine from Camden Market!
Other than street food, you’ll find the famous colourful umbrella street here as well as anime and manga stores, merch stores, more vintage garments, jewelry, and accessories.
7. Immerse Yourself in EDM Culture at Cyberdog
When visiting Camden, it’s pretty impossible to miss Cyberdog. With its exterior featuring two 8-foot-tall robot statues on either side of the entrance, it’s hard to resist going inside. If you’re a fan of EDM, raves, or anything futuristic, then visiting Cyberdog is one of the best things to see in Camden.
With EDM and rave music blasting when you enter, Cyberdog features remarkable clothing for rave and festival-goers. It has a total of 3 storeys, with 2 of them filled with neon, metallic and reflective clothing, UV makeup and accessories, and even children’s clothes! The basement is an 18+ zone, and you can probably guess what it features. The futuristic vibe, DJ booth, and strobe lighting make Cyberdog a must-see place for EDM and rave lovers.
8. Go to a Gig at The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse used to be a railway engine shed and a warehouse before it reopened to become the performing arts venue we see it as today. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Camden at night, you should definitely go to a gig at The Roundhouse! Many iconic bands and artists have played live shows here, including Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Led Zepplin.
Back in 2019, I grabbed tickets to see Zak Abel perform at The Roundhouse and it was incredible!
9. Enjoy the Greenery at Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill
One of the main free things to do in Camden is to visit Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill. Regent’s Park has 400 acres of open space to explore and play around, including a playground for kids and a rose garden.
This is my favorite place to have a picnic in summer, especially at the top of Primrose Hill, as it offers a lovely view of London’s skyline.
For not-so-free things to do at Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, you can visit ZSL London Zoo, play tennis, and watch shows at the Open Air Theatre in the summer! I watched Noughts & Crosses at the Open Air Theatre a few years ago, and I loved it!
10. Visit the Amy Winehouse Statue
The late Amy Winehouse, who sadly passed away on July 23rd 2011, had a very close connection to Camden Town. It was home to The Hawley Arms, which she frequented; it was where she lived up until she passed, and it was also where she last performed with her goddaughter, Dionne Bromfield, at The Roundhouse.
Located in Camden Stables is a bronze statue of the late singer, to commemorate her life and her incredible contribution to music. This statue was unveiled back in 2014 and is a well-known location where fans pay their respects and take photographs. There are also many street art murals dotted all around Camden Town of Amy Winehouse that you will catch a glimpse of when you visit.
The Best Things to Do in Camden: Summary
If you love quirky things, then you would love Camden. From the market to the extravagant things you’ll find in Cyberdog, Camden is the best place to experience local living in London!
Have you ever visited Camden Town before? If so, what are your top picks for the best things to do in Camden?
More Camden + local London neighborhood guides:
- 15 Best Things to Do in Islington, London
- 10 Best Things to Do in Kings Cross London
- 25 FREE Things to Do Near London Bridge (coming soon!)
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