8 Things to Do For a Fun Day in Camden Town

Step out of Camden Town Tube station and take a walk along Camden High Street, the neighbourhood’s busy thoroughfare. It’s here where you’ll get a feel for Camden’s anarchic spirit – take in colourful shopfronts, hear the buzz from tattoo parlours and enjoy street performers and buskers. You should be approaching Camden Market, but you’ll need to fuel up before you start shopping. There are some great brunch options in Camden, but if you’re looking to start your day the healthy way, stop off at Mildreds on Jamestown Road and fill up on one of the restaurant’s great vegetarian breakfasts. If this one doesn’t tickle the taste buds then you won’t need to walk far before finding an array of diverse restaurants and cafes to sink your teeth into.

With a full stomach, you now have the energy to explore Camden Market. It’s easy to while away the hours exploring the maze of stalls and vendors spread out along Regent’s Canal, under railway arches and even in former horse stables. You can buy everything here, from alternative fashion to retro antiques and handmade gifts. Don’t miss out on Cyberdog, a three-floor neon-lit shop dedicated to rave culture, complete with live performers. Be sure to book ahead for unique Camden Market tours.

When you do start feeling peckish again, Camden Market’s West Yard food hall serves up some of the best international street food in London. Culture Trip recommends picking up some halloumi fries from Oli Baba’s and – if the weather’s right – finding a spot along Regent’s Canal to sit and enjoy your food in the sunshine. For dessert, head to Chin Chin Labs to experience ice cream like you’ve never had it before: frozen with liquid nitrogen and served up in a variety of inventive new flavours.

After all that shopping, it’s time to relax. From Camden Lock, you can hop on a narrowboat and take a leisurely cruise along Regent’s Canal and soak in the sights of London in this unique and memorable way. The London Waterbus Company runs hourly trips that take you past pretty residential homes, through London Zoo – with the opportunity to enter the zoo at a discounted price – before finishing up at beautiful Little Venice, an idyllic canal area. A round trip from Camden Lock to Little Venice should take a little under two hours. Check out this Little Venice tour to book ahead.

For a little bit of cultural stimulation sprinkled into your day, head to Cob Studios & Gallery, the home for emerging visual artists. This is a visit for the curious and creative minds, the perfect stop to spark up some conversations on the most recent edgy art in the London scene. The gallery opened in 2011, and in the last few years has become an integral and iconic part of Camden’s artistic landscape by consistently showcasing new, emerging talent. If you’re looking for a place to discover the next generation of influential arts, The Cob Gallery is the place to go.

Camden’s many pubs will already be filling up at this time, especially on weekends. There are plenty of beer gardens to enjoy in the summertime, with the roof garden at Fest Camden, located in the Stables Market, particularly good. For something a little more rough and ready, head to The Hawley Arms, a favourite of the late Amy Winehouse, who lived in Camden.

Watching live music is the perfect way to round off your day in Camden. The neighbourhood has long been the city’s go-to for incredible gigs, with the likes of The Clash, Jimi Hendrix and, of course, Amy Winehouse having played some of their first UK shows here. Whether you want to vibe to jazz and soul at the iconic Jazz Café, check out a new act at the Roundhouse or dance the night away at KOKO, the options are endless.

Bubble tea popularity in London isn’t showing any signs of stopping. CUPP, a fantastic option based in Camden, has launched its first ever hot food offering, alongside its wide range of boba teas. The new menu pays homage to CUPP’s Taiwanese roots with a selection of delectable Asian-inspired dishes. A must-order is the Taiwanese Style Chicken – juicy, crispy chicken bites marinated in a blend of traditional Taiwanese seasonings, including plum salt – delicious!