26 Aug 8 Reasons To Visit Camden Town When You’re In London

You just booked your flight to London and are trying to figure out what you should see first. Oh, you want to look at the Houses of Parliament from the London Eye, before having dinner in West End? Trust me – you can do better than that!

There’s nothing wrong with trying to make your London photo album look like a postcard, but there is more to the city than red double-deckers and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Once you’ve eaten enough greasy fish&chips and taken enough selfies pretending to be leaning against the Big Ben, consider venturing out of the centre and escaping street vendors selling “I ❤ London” T-Shirts. Not sure where to go? Hopefully my list of eight reasons to visit Camden Town while you’re in London will make things a little easier.

[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]1. It’s quirky![/custom_headline]

If I had to use one word to describe Camden Town, I’d have to say “quirky”. From elaborate graffiti – including a few Banksy gems – to stores covered in statues of dragons and angels, this area of London is a real feast for the eyes. Camden Town is a place like no other and it definitely won’t get lost among memories of London’s popular tourist hotspots. Don’t leave your camera at home – there is a photo-worthy piece of street art at every corner!

[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]2. It’s cheap![/custom_headline]

Full of students, out of touch bohemians and friendly punks, this area of London is well known for its affordability. For London standards, that is – I don’t think there’s a single place in London that could be classified as “cheap” unless you’re a billionaire. In which case, maybe you should visit Chelsea instead… and invite me to dinner. But if your stash at Gringotts is more Weasley than Potter (muggles, read: if you’re poor), this is the place to be. Don’t believe me? Check out my article about 5 free things to do in Camden Town – the list includes food and art galleries, so you definitely won’t be bored!

In fact, Camden Town might be the perfect place for you to set up camp while you’re in the Big Smoke. I know you can get some good deals in London with Venere – hostels like St. Christopher’s Inn won’t put much of a dent in your budget and this particular one comes highly recommended by TripAdvisor!

[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]3. It’s accessible![/custom_headline]

Camden Town is very well connected – you can just hop on the Northern line (black) and get off at Camden Town station or take a 15 minute stroll from Euston, which you can get to by Northern or Victoria (light blue). There are a number of buses running to and fro, including the 29 which can take you all the way to Trafalgar Square in the heart of London and runs all night long as N29!

[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]4. It’s studenty![/custom_headline]

Due to being so well-connected and relatively cheap, Camden Town is the place many students from around London call home. I would know – I live in the area as well and would not have it any other way! While this might not be a big plus for everyone if you’re a twenty-something passing through London, there are only a few places where you will be surrounded by so many people your age.

[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]5. It’s wild![/custom_headline]

Largely due to the local demographics, Camden Town is infamous for its amazing nightlife. There are enough traditional pubs, hole-in-the-wall bars and quirky clubs to keep you busy for months on end! I am working on an article about Camden nightlife, so keep an eye out for that.

In the mean time, let me give you two recommendations at least. First head over to Fifty-five Bar for some delicious cocktails – they have 2-4-1 offers all night long on Sundays and have a great deal on hot wings (aka my kryptonite) every Wednesday! Afterwards, spend the night partying at Proud, a fantastic gallery-cum-club which hosts regular burlesque nights and amazing live concerts.

[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]6. It’s fashionable![/custom_headline]

Not sure what to wear on your big night out? The markets around Camden Town have got your covered! I’m a huge sucker for all things vintage and weird, which makes it the perfect shopping spot for me. Not only can you get some incredible deals – cuddly faux fur coats for £10, anyone?! – but you can also find some rare vintage treasures. To my dismay, the markets in the area are becoming increasingly touristy but I guess that serves me right for raving about them to everyone?

[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]7. It’s cosmopolitan![/custom_headline]

London is one of the most multicultural cities on this planet and Camden Town is no exception. From Indian delis to Afro-Caribbean hair salons, the streets of this area can transport you to a different part of the world every step of the way. On a typical day out in Camden Town you can visit China for a light dim sum for lunch, hop over to Tibet to buy juniper incense for your flat and finish the day off with a caipirinha in Brazil – all the while walking no more than 200 metres. Now that’s what I call smart travel!

[custom_headline type=”left, center, right” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”true”]8. It’s yummy![/custom_headline]

Camden Town’s international character is reflected in its wide breadth of food offerings. You can find delicacies from opposite sides of the planet in neighbouring stalls – Italian pizza is arranged in neat circles next to Middle Eastern falafel, while Chinese stir-fries sizzle away alongside to Indian curries. The wide selection of mouth-watering specialties from all over the world will definitely leave you full and never bored.

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I could go on and on, but if I haven’t convinced you with these reasons to visit Camden Town by now I likely never will… which is a shame because the area is riddled with fabulous travel bloggers like myself and other lovable weirdos! If you’re ever in the area, drop me an email via my contact form and I will be sure to give you some more great tips. Don’t forget to check out my post about five free things to do in Camden Town!

Have you ever been to Camden Town? Would you add it to your London itinerary or even stay there during your visit? What are your favourite lesser-known areas of the British capital?