Camden Markets ★☆☆
The largest collection of markets in Greater London
The best bit-of-everything agoloerations of flea markets and crafsts stall comes along with a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene (many original punk rockers played in the old factories here).
If you can't find something at the 1,000 stalls, shops, and restaurants here, it probably doesn't exist in the U.K.
There are actually several neighboring markets: the primary Camden Lock Market (more than 100 stalls), the Stables Market (with lots of cool old railway tunnels now hosting stalls), Buck Street Market (the one with the green sign that says "The Camden Market"), and the Electric Ballroom (a 1950s-era nightclub that also acts as an indoor market on weekend days—mostly music and film).
The old canalside Canal Market—known since 2008 as Camden Lock Village—is being redeveloped as Hawley Wharf.
The markets are open daily, though best on the weekends.
Camden Markets Tours
Meet your local guide at Camden Town tube station before heading to explore the sprawling market and former stables; here you can sample some of the best international cuisine from innumerable food stalls that set up shop every morning, or you can explore shops that cater to very niche subcultures. There are also shops dedicated to selling authentic Persian rugs, handmade fairy lights, pop culture goods from Tokyo, and so much more in the expansive Camden market, that it can be hard to know which way to turn.
After you have had your fill of the market your local guide will lead you further along the canal, pointing out the street art dedicated to Amy Winehouse who lived in the neighborhood on the way to the charming community of Primrose Hill. This was the home of Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes when they lived in London and also Frederick Engels; today the attractive hidden away street exclusively has independent shops, cafes and restaurants, including a local grocer, butcher, florist, bookshop, French delicatessen and fine wines shop. This is an excellent place to stock up on a selection of cheese and wine before heading up to the top of Primrose Hill, which as the highest hill in London offers some pretty spectacular views of the city.
If you happen to be in London on New Years Eve or any other major holiday, this is an excellent vantage point to beat the crowds that line the Southbank to see the fireworks. Once you’ve properly relaxed and taken in the sites of the city your local guide will lead you back towards Camden Town via Chalk Farm, pointing out where the best places to see live music are in the many music venues and clubs of the area.
