How to spend a day in Camden

How to spend a day in Camden

There are lots of things to do in Camden, making it a fun place to visit for both locals and tourists. This bustling and eclectic area is known for its nightlife, markets, and peaceful canal where you can watch the world go by. With so many options it might be difficult to decide how to spend your time in this part of the capital but we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you plan a great day out – this is our guide on how to spend a day in Camden.

In this guide
  1. Things to do in Camden
    1. London Waterbus Company – A unique view of the area
    2. Tomb Raider: The Live Experience – Camden's immersive experience
    3. Babylon Park – Take a trip to outer space
  2. Where to grab lunch
    1. Jamon Jamon – All your tapas favourites
    2. My Village Café – Veggie Mediterranean spot
    3. Mildreds – Global vegan recipes
  3. Places to shop
    1. Camden Market – Bustling and eclectic market
    2. Out on the Floor – Camden's original record shop
    3. Cyberdog – Big name in rave fashion
  4. Drinks before dinner
    1. The Spirited – Creative rooftop cocktails
    2. All About Eve – Themed cocktail bar
    3. Camden Beer Hall – Top place for a pint
  5. Eating dinner in Camden
    1. Feng Shang Princess – Floating Chinese pagoda
    2. Andy's Greek Taverna – Homemade Greek food
    3. Namaaste Kitchen – Award-winning Indian restaurant
  6. Have a big night out
    1. Koko – Legendary music venue
    2. The Underworld – Favourite for alternative music
    3. Roundhouse – Buzzy music venue

Things to do in Camden

London Waterbus Company Camden London Waterbus Company Little Venice
London Waterbus Company Camden
londonwaterbus.com
London Waterbus Company Little Venice
londonwaterbus.com
London Waterbus Company Camden London Waterbus Company Little Venice

A unique view of the area

Get to Camden Town in style with a cruise from the London Waterbus Company. 45 minute cruises run every day between Camden and Little Venice in both directions. Take in the canal scene with commentary from your knowledgeable guide. This is a peaceful way to get a brand new perspective on London.

  • West Yard, Camden Lock Market, Camden Lock Place, Camden Town Blomfield Road, Paddington
    London Waterbus Company Camden
    West Yard, Camden Lock Market, Camden Lock Place, Camden Town
    London Waterbus Company Little Venice
    Blomfield Road, Paddington
  • London Waterbus Company Camden
    londonwaterbus.com
    London Waterbus Company Little Venice
    londonwaterbus.com
  • London Waterbus Company Camden London Waterbus Company Little Venice

Tomb Raider: The Live Experience

Camden's immersive experience

Immerse yourself in action at Tomb Raider: The Live Experience. During this energetic and immersive experience you'll go on an adventure with Lara Croft, journeying around the world as you tackle puzzles, gather relics, and brave the zip wire. Groups of all sizes are welcome here and there's a bar on-site for after the experience.

Babylon Park

Take a trip to outer space

Located in Camden, Babylon Park offers a family-friendly, space-themed amusement experience suitable for all ages, from young children to adults. This colourful indoor park boasts a variety of attractions including roller coasters, bumper cars, and numerous other rides. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a range of entertainment options such as vending machines, fairground games, and arcade games. 

Where to grab lunch

Jamon Jamon

All your tapas favourites

Get some tasty tapas at Jamon Jamon. This cosy restaurant is filled with lush plants and there are lots of small plates to choose from. All the favourites are on the menu like paella, patatas bravas, tortillas, and prawns with chilli and garlic. Complete a meal with sangria or Spanish wine or beer.

My Village Café

Veggie Mediterranean spot

My Village Café is a cosy and eclectic Mediterranean spot that's a popular place to eat in Camden. Food here is 100% vegetarian with plenty of vegan choices too. The atmosphere is friendly and the eye-catching decor brings a taverna to mind. Diners can expect dishes like mezze, salads, and wraps, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Mildreds

Global vegan recipes

Vegan diners can enjoy a meal at the Camden branch of Mildreds. The spacious dining room and bar is bright and modern but pavement tables are available too. Here you can sample globally-inspired plant-based recipes like burgers, noodles, and quinoa bowls along with signature cocktails. There’s a menu for children too.

Places to shop

Camden Market

Bustling and eclectic market

For street food plus bohemian fashion, jewellery, gifts, and accessories, look no further than Camden Market. This heaving shopping hotspot is home to a varied range of independent vendors with something for everyone. Head to the Stables section for niche fashion and jewellery styles. Pubs and eateries are also part of the market.

Out on the Floor – A day in Camden
Out on the Floor
Out on the Floor – A day in Camden
Out on the Floor
Out on the Floor – A day in Camden
Out on the Floor
Out on the Floor – A day in Camden
Out on the Floor
Out on the Floor – A day in Camden
Out on the Floor
Out on the Floor – A day in Camden
Out on the Floor
Out on the Floor – A day in Camden
Out on the Floor
Out on the Floor – A day in Camden
Out on the Floor

Out on the Floor

Camden's original record shop

Out on the Floor is the oldest record shop in Camden Town and is well worth a visit for music lovers. You can buy and sell records across the entire musical spectrum here but the store focuses in particular on reggae, ska, rocksteady, and other genres originating from Jamaica. This unique record shop has its own record label as well.

Cyberdog

Big name in rave fashion

Check out Cyberdog for leading alternative and festival fashion. This distinctive store has two massive robots at its entrance and the interior feels like a club with low lights and pounding music. Unique styles are sold for men, women, and children, plus a huge range of club accessories to get you noticed.

Drinks before dinner

The Spirited – A day in Camden
The Spirited
The Spirited – A day in Camden
The Spirited
The Spirited – A day in Camden
The Spirited
The Spirited – A day in Camden
The Spirited
The Spirited – A day in Camden
The Spirited
The Spirited – A day in Camden
The Spirited
The Spirited – A day in Camden
The Spirited
The Spirited – A day in Camden
The Spirited

The Spirited

Creative rooftop cocktails

For some of Camden’s most creative cocktails, visit The Spirited. This rooftop bar gives you striking views of the area plus a friendly atmosphere. There’s also a broad choice of inventive beverages with memorable names and novel ingredients like CBD or kiwi and sage syrup. Classic cocktails, beer, and wine are also available.

All About Eve

Themed cocktail bar

Retro lovers should visit All About Eve. This 1950s themed bar is the ideal spot for a cocktail in Camden. It’s quirky and comfortable, with distinctive decor and a heated outdoor terrace. Sample wine, beer, and classic cocktails here or join one of the events like comedy clubs and cabaret nights.

Camden Beer Hall

Top place for a pint

Camden Town Brewery is a favourite across London and you can visit Camden Beer Hall, the brewery’s tap room, to discover what it’s all about. 24 different taps are available with a changing selection of beers running the whole gamut of flavour, plus wine, soft drinks, and alcohol-free beers from other breweries.

Eating dinner in Camden

Feng Shang Princess – A day in Camden
Feng Shang Princess
Feng Shang Princess – A day in Camden
Feng Shang Princess
Feng Shang Princess – A day in Camden
Feng Shang Princess
Feng Shang Princess – A day in Camden
Feng Shang Princess
Feng Shang Princess – A day in Camden
Feng Shang Princess
Feng Shang Princess – A day in Camden
Feng Shang Princess
Feng Shang Princess – A day in Camden
Feng Shang Princess
Feng Shang Princess – A day in Camden
Feng Shang Princess

Feng Shang Princess

Floating Chinese pagoda

Unique Chinese restaurant Feng Shang Princess is great for special meals. This floating pagoda is moored on Regent’s Canal and its colourful exterior catches the eye. The interior is equally attractive and you can view the canal from the comfortable dining room. Set and à la carte menus of popular Chinese dishes are served.

Andy's Greek Taverna

Homemade Greek food

Andy’s Greek Taverna is a restaurant classic in Camden. Open since 1967, this family business has a welcoming atmosphere and serves homey Greek comfort food. There are traditional favourites on the menu like spanakopita, stuffed peppers, and moussaka. Greek wines and spirits like ouzo are available to complete an authentic meal.

Namaaste Kitchen – A day in Camden
Namaaste Kitchen
Namaaste Kitchen – A day in Camden
Namaaste Kitchen
Namaaste Kitchen – A day in Camden
Namaaste Kitchen
Namaaste Kitchen – A day in Camden
Namaaste Kitchen
Namaaste Kitchen – A day in Camden
Namaaste Kitchen
Namaaste Kitchen – A day in Camden
Namaaste Kitchen
Namaaste Kitchen – A day in Camden
Namaaste Kitchen
Namaaste Kitchen – A day in Camden
Namaaste Kitchen

Namaaste Kitchen

Award-winning Indian restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant Namaaste Kitchen is an award winner. The space is chic and modern and it serves up vibrant recipes from across India. Lots of gluten-free and vegan options are available too. Watch the chefs at work as you sample familiar and more imaginative dishes, plus distinctive original cocktails and non-alcoholic mixes.

Have a big night out

Koko

Legendary music venue

Reopened in 2022, Koko is a classic Camden venue for parties and live music. Located just moments from Mornington Crescent station, the spacious venue hosts a wide variety of acts spanning multiple genres. Book an area for a club night to get the VIP experience whilst listening to top acts like Idris Elba.

The Underworld

Favourite for alternative music

Nestled beneath The World’s End, The Underworld is one of Camden’s leading alternative music venues. From alternative rock to death metal, there’s loads going on including club nights. Live acts who have played at this intimate underground venue include Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes, Placebo, and Foo Fighters.

Roundhouse

Buzzy music venue

There’s a lot happening at Roundhouse but it’s arguably best-known for its wide-reaching live music shows. This Grade II listed building is a former Victorian railway shed. Now it’s a venue that has hosted acts as diverse as Bob Dylan and George Michael. Discussions, comedy shows, and film screenings take place here too.

Send suggestion

Did we miss something in this guide?

Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.