Things to Do in Camden Market

Sometimes it amazes me how much London has changed over the years. Camden Market was once the epicenter of alternative culture in London, with a tangle of stalls selling all things goth and punk. But today it’s more organized and has something to offer those of us who don’t tend to dress in spikes and chains. If you want to know more, today I bring you A Lady in London’s guide to things to do in Camden Market.

Camden Market

Camden Market is a maze of interconnected markets in north London. From canal-side food markets to stalls in historic tunnels, the area is home to over 1,000 shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, and museums.

It’s a fun place to spend a day browsing the wares and stopping for food and drinks. There’s so much to see that it’s a feast for the senses.

From the Horse Tunnel Market to the Italian Alley, Egyptomania to Camden Lock Place, West Yard to Stables Basement, there are a lot of areas to explore in the market.

There are things to see indoors, outdoors, upstairs, downstairs, and all around. And it’s buzzing from day to night.

How to Get to Camden Market

Camden Market is easy to get to as well. You can take the Northern line of the tube to Camden Town, from where it’s a short walk to the market area.

If you’re coming from the north, Chalk Farm tube station is also near the markets and tends to be less crowded than Camden Town station.

Camden Market Hours

Camden Market is open every day from morning until late, so it’s easy to go whenever you have time. Weekends get crowded, so if you can go on a weekday it will be a bit calmer.

Once in Camden, you’ll discover a lot of things to do in Camden Market. From shopping to eating, browsing to drinking, this maze of shops and stalls has a lot to tempt the senses.

1. Shop at Camden Market

The main event here is shopping, so I’ll start my guide with that. From the Horse Tunnel Market to Egyptomania, the market offers a lot of different areas with stores and stalls.

They sell a range of goods, including vintage clothing, jewelry, handmade accessories, art, posters, and bath products. There are still some stalls selling the goth and punk wares the market was originally known for, too.

2. Eat

Beyond shopping, one of the best things to do in Camden Market is eat. There are a lot of great stalls, cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants offering cuisine from around the world.

North Yard has transformed into a dining destination in recent years, and there are grocers, cafes, and delis everywhere.

West Yard has long been home to stalls selling all kinds of food and drink. It’s a great place to graze or pick up a fresh-squeezed orange juice to power you though your shopping.

West Yard also has some good restaurants, bars, and pubs along its perimeter, so it’s a fun place to sit and stay a while. The people watching is great if you can get an outdoor table on a sunny day.

Also worth visiting are places like the Italian Alley. This narrow brick corridor is home to five restored railway arches housing restaurants and bars. It’s a fun place to indulge your taste buds if you’re in the mood for all things Italian.

Not far away, a covered lane full of Asian street food vendors is the perfect spot to get your fix of cuisine from the Far East.

3. Explore Camden Market

When you’re done shopping and eating, there are still plenty of things to do in Camden Market.

Walking around and taking in the decorated shopfronts on Camden High Street is a must. From giant shoes to painted facades, this street has long been famous for its larger-than-life decor.

There are also museums and galleries to explore in Camden Market. One of the most unique is the Vagina Museum.

It claims to be the world’s first brick-and-mortar museum dedicated to vaginas, vulvas, and the gynecological anatomy. It offers rotating exhibitions, too.

Just outside the market, there’s great street art in Camden. It’s worth popping onto the high street and side streets like Hartland Road to take in the colorful murals and pretty pastel houses around the area.

And that’s to say nothing of the canal. The market lies on Regent’s Canal, and walking or boating along the waterway is a fun way to spend time.

You can go all the way to King’s Cross in one direction and Little Venice in the other. The canal even goes through the zoo in Regent’s Park.

4. Enjoy the Nightlife

If you want to turn your day of exploring into an evening out, one of the most exciting things to do in Camden Market is take advantage of the nightlife. I’ve spent many a night out here, and it’s always a fun time.

From live music to mini-golf, there are a lot of fun options here. Bars like Lockside Camden and pubs like Dingwalls are good places to get drinks, and there’s a roof terrace with views of London.

5. See the Amy Winehouse Statue

There’s a lot of music history in Camden, and singer Amy Winehouse was one of the area’s most famous residents. In 2014, artist Scott Eaton unveiled his bronze Amy Winehouse statue in Camden Market.

Today visitors and locals flock to the area near North Yard and the Stables Market to pay homage to the star and photograph the statue. If it’s a busy day, be prepared to wait your turn.