10 Best Things To Do In Camden, London

things to do in camden
Angelyn
Angelyn 
Updated
| 6 min read

Popular among tourists and all sorts of people, Camden is a residential area offering a mix of famous markets, live music venues, and delicious cuisines that one should not miss when visiting this side of London. Away from the hustle and bustle of the town is an Instagram-worthy canal, historical museums, and enough green spaces that allow people to be with nature and see Camden in a different light. Whether you’re looking forward to walking around Camden like a Londoner or if you wish to explore discreet attractions away from the common crowds, it is always better to make plans before reaching your destination. For a perfect experience on your next holiday trip to England’s capital, read on for a list of the best things to do in Camden, London.

1. Shop till you drop in Camden Market

Camden Town Streetcorner -- 2015 -- London, England
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user J.Ligero & I.... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

With over a thousand food stalls, unique shops, and cafes, a visit to this thriving market offers a one-of-a-kind adventure one should experience when visiting Camden. Popularly known as Camden Lock, this place allows you to enjoy mouth-watering food and drinks after strolling around the shops that sell crafts, fashion clothing, and other local produce. Keep discovering great finds along the Asian alley and anywhere along the two streets of Camden High Street and Chalk Farm Road. Although open seven days a week, expect big crowds during weekends where most stalls are operating and joining the hustle and bustle on the streets.

Camden Market

Address: 54-56, Camden Lock Place NW1 8AF London, UK

Website: Camden Market

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

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2. Have a glimpse of a writer's life in Charles Dickens Museum

Charles Dickens Morning Room - Joy of Museums 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joyofmuseums used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Take a peek at what life was like during the Victorian era inside the family home of Charles Dickens while visiting this house museum dedicated to one of the world’s greatest storytellers. With over a hundred thousand artifacts, visitors are bound to experience what it feels like to be a writer and learn the private world behind the author’s bestselling novels. Occupying a typical Georgian house with a terrace, its interior is filled with well-preserved artifacts, including the elegant dining room and the desk where Dickens worked. After touring inside the house, drop by the cafe and gift shop for some souvenirs or fall in love with the beautiful garden outside.

Charles Dickens Museum

Address: 48-49 Doughty Street, London, WC1N 2LX

Website: Charles Dickens Museum

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon - Thu)

Price: 9.50 GBP (13.37 USD)

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3. Learn about history in The British Museum (from USD 59.32)

things to do in camden | learn about history in the british museum

Holding the title of United Kingdom’s largest museum, The British Museum is a public institution that commemorates art, culture, and human history. Go on a tour to see artworks, artifacts, and antiquities from every era and over the world. Admire the breathtaking glass ceiling as soon as you enter the museum then reward the history buff in you by browsing the huge collection of Ancient Egypt, Greek, and Roman relics laid out in each of the galleries. With a wide range of displays covering different periods of history, visiting more than once is recommended to fully explore the whole museum.

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London: British Museum Guided Tour

Duration: 2.0 hour

863 reviews

4. Enjoy the city views on Parliament Hill Viewpoint

Parliament Hill, London
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chesdovi used under CC BY 2.5

Make your way to this open parkland for a one-of-a-kind experience. Marvel at the panoramic views of the capital’s skyline up on the hill that is considered the highest point in London with a height of 98 meters (322 feet). Climb the hill for a morning jog or simply take time to walk around. Prepare a picnic basket and enjoy the scenery with your family or friends while feeling the cool breeze from the lush greens covering the expansive land. Offering views of prominent landmarks such as Canary Wharf, London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, especially during reasonable weather, the popular hill is a must-visit site when in London. Plus, it’s a great place for flying your kites.

Parliament Hill Viewpoint

Address: Heath Lodge, Hampstead, London NW5 1QR

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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5. Discover London through the King's Cross (from USD 24.95)

things to do in camden | discover london through the king's cross

Satisfy your curiosity and thirst for discovery while exploring the grounds of this expansive station, which is part of the mass transportation system of Central London. Underneath the impressive roof is the famous Platform 9 ¾ of the Harry Potter series together with 12 other platforms that one can use to visit different destinations between London and North. Enjoy observing your surroundings while having a nice meal in any of the coffee shops and eateries scattered around the whole station. For a more exciting adventure, you can also check out some nearby attractions from the tube station such as King’s Cross Square, St Pancras railway station, and The British Library.

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London: Kings Cross Alternative City Discovery Game

Duration: 2 hour

3 reviews

6. Heal your soul with music in The Underworld

Underworld, Camden Town, NW1
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ewan Munro used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Experience nightlife in London while enjoying live alternative rock music in this underground club situated in the basement of a building directly opposite Camden Town tube station. Meet up with your travel buddies and be welcomed by the club’s old-school ambiance as you sing along to some of the best rock bands on the planet in an up-close and personal setting. Party all night long and have a glass of cocktail or beer to keep you pumping during the gig of your favorite artist. It is good to note that the venue is not that big and can be packed on weekends, so plan your night out accordingly.

The Underworld

Address: 174 Camden High St, Camden Town, London NW1 0NE

Website: The Underworld

Opening hours: 11pm - 3am (daily)

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7. Admire the architecture and sculptures in Sir John Soane's Museum

Sir John Soane's House Museum, London
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rory Hyde used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Formerly the home of Sir John Soane, this house museum offers visitors a huge collection of artworks that are well-preserved and carefully restored in memory of the Neoclassical architect. Discover his eclectic perspective which can be seen in the decorative ornaments and artifacts displayed in every corner of the house including those from Roman, Greek, and Egyptian antiquities. If you wish to know anything about the items or the history of the building, you can ask the friendly staff who are all welcoming and open to share detailed information. Entry is free but timed tickets must be booked online, so make sure to visit their official website before going to the museum or queueing outside the building.

Sir John Soane's Museum

Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn, London WC2A 3BP

Website: Sir John Soane’s Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: Free

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8. Experience the nightlife with Camden Pub Crawl (from USD 17.0)

Taste some of London’s finest brews and spend time with other pub crawlers who want to experience the eclectic neighborhood of Camden Town in this one-of-a-kind pub pass. Meet your host and enjoy visiting up to five bars and pubs scattered in London’s oldest and most iconic nightlife areas while enjoying free drinks, challenging games, and crazy crowds. Party the night away while meeting new friends, take special drink discounts, and get enough insider tips for your next night out. Participants must be aged 18 or over and the dress code must be followed for a hassle-free pub crawl.

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Camden Pub Crawl in London

Duration: 7 hours

4 reviews

9. Feast your eyes on the masterpieces in Kenwood House

Kenwood House 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user MrsEllacott used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Treat the artist in you and spend time exploring world-class art collections in this hidden gem located on the edge of Hampstead Heath. You will be surrounded by beautiful gardens as soon as you reach its vicinity. Explore its great interior which includes the Neoclassical-style library that is rich with well-preserved artifacts. Learn about the in-depth history of the displays and the architecture of the house from the knowledgeable staff and let your kids enjoy the expansive green space when the weather is fine during your visit. After a day of touring around, drop by the gift shop to buy souvenirs or check out the cafe for sumptuous snacks that are available for an affordable price.

Kenwood House

Address: Hampstead Ln, Highgate, London NW3 7JR

Website: Kenwood House

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

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10. Experience unique water activities in The Pirate Castle

200704-33 - Les canaux de Camden - Pirate Club
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user user:ArséniureDeG... used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Have a day of fun with your loved ones as you visit this fully accessible community center that offers a wide array of outdoor activities that kids and those young at heart will surely love. Explore Regent’s Canal in the heart of Camden Town while joining a boat cruise or spend the afternoon paddling on a kayak to know more about the canal’s history through the informative boat handlers. Witness a different London from the water by visiting several other attractions such as Regent’s Park’s zoo, which is reachable after a short skip through “Little Venice.” If you are not a fan of water activities, other exciting pursuits such as rock climbing and cycling are available to keep you busy on your visit.

The Pirate Castle

Address: Gilbey’s Wharf, Oval Rd, London NW1 7EA

Website: The Pirate Castle

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

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Come and discover the beauty of Camden

An epicenter of all things alternative, Camden has the charisma to attract travelers who want to enjoy the harmony of busy streets, mouth-watering delicacies, and a thriving music scene. At the same time, this place knows the importance of preserving history as its museums and notable landmarks are easily accessible to remind everyone of the past that makes the district what it is today. Spice up your itinerary and try out the best things to do in Camden, London, to experience the best of both worlds on your next visit.

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An outdoor enthusiast who treats the summits and pristine beaches of the Philippines as her protected playground, Angelyn is used to traveling on a budget and is a certified travel deal hunter for...Read more

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