The Rediscovery of Camden Town, London

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Camden is where I spent my angsty teen years. Buying studded belts off of the market and listening to Indie Punk Rock in Underworld on a Saturday night. But I’ve only recently realised what a cool place it is for London visitors and backpackers!

Camden Lock

The shops are a massive draw to Camden with their famous markets. The Camden Market is a typical London market selling everything from printed phone cases to jacquard scarves.

Camden Market

But if you head into the Camden Lock area you get a lot more of an artsy, independent feel with handmade jewellery, quirky homewares and the best of hippie chic.

Camden Lock

Camden Lock

Even the shops on the High Street, selling big brand names like Doctor Marten and Converse, have an edgy store exterior with giant sculptures on the sides of buildings and graffiti art everywhere. It’s pretty cool.

Camden High Street

Camden High Street

Camden is big on events, so when I last visited, there was an Alice in Wonderland kids event on the High Street. There’s also a pretty cool outdoor cinema I’ve heard good things about, as well as street artists and performers.

Camden High Street

Camden Lock is big on food options with everything from healthy smoothies to greasy Chinese food on offer at the food stands, so you won’t go hungry.

Camden Lock

And if you head to Camden Lock on a Thursday night this summer, you’ll be able to soak up the atmosphere at the lovely Night Market! This is a collection of freshly-made world food vendors at cute stands, a live band playing swing music with a dance instructor close by and live artist events. Basically the best of Camden.

Camden Night MarketCamden Night Market

Camden Night Market

Camden Night Market

But my fave part is the canals, seeing the canal boats doing the locks and just generally people watching on the river front.

When I last visited, I took a stroll down Regents Canal towards Regents Park. You get to see pretty boats, the Pirate Castle and even animals peeking out from London Zoo! It’s a lovely little walk.

Regents Canal

Regents Canal

Regents Canal

Regents Canal - London Zoo

Overall, Camden is a pretty great place for backpackers as it’s a free day out, browsing the stalls, seeing the cool artwork and the pretty canal boats. What’s not to love?

Have you been to Camden? What did you think? Leave a comment below or tweet me @HeelsInBackpack!

Camden Lock

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