The London Borough of Camden is a rich, diverse mix of creative lifestyles, most of which revolves around alternative culture. Today, the area is famous for expansive street markets, vibrant music venues and unequalled museums and theatres. The mazelike markets, selling everything from vintage treasures to unbelievable futuristic stuff, are a discovery in itself. Then again, attractions like Regents Canal & Park, London Zoo and various museums project the peaceful, elite side of Camden.

Get in and around

By Tube ( Visit Site )

The borough is served by the nearest Camden Town tube station on the Northern line. It opens up at the Camden High Street, which is less than a five minutes' walk from the famous markets. But due to the popularity of the area and congestion issues, the tube station is closed to outgoing passengers from Monday to Friday. On Sundays, the station remains open for exit only from 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm. On other days, passengers have to opt for Chalk Farm station or Mornington Crescent station. The Camden Town centre is also minutes away from Euston, King's Cross/St. Pancras and Kentish Town tube stations.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons/Sunil060902

By Bus

'Transport for London' operates bus services to Camden from almost all places in North or Inner London. The important bus stops are King's Cross and Euston, which have buses arriving from all over the city. A number of buses stop at the Mornington Crescent, Camden Town and Chalk Farm tube stations, linking them with central London. Another stop at Kentish town has buses running through Camden High Street along with independent routes to East London boroughs.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons/Green Lane

By Overground

If arriving in Camden from East or West London, using London Overground rail is most practical since others require going back to the centre and then coming back to Camden. Camden is connected by two stations, two on the North London Line (Camden Road and Kentish Town West) and other on the Watford DC Line (Euston).

By Rail ( Visit Site )

Camden borough is conveniently connected to other parts of London and Europe by three terminals to the North - Euston, St. Pancras and King's Cross.

Euston, which is at an ideal walking distance from Camden Town, connects the borough to, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Liverpool. The Euston station can be also be accessed via the Northern tube line.

St. Pancras International has trains from Nottingham, Leicester, Sheffield and Derby in addition to Eurostar trains to European countries.

King's Cross serves York, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Newcastle as well as outer suburban areas in the northern belt.

Walking

Walking is a great way to experience the true essence of Camden and its fun, lively atmosphere. So whether they are the green spaces, celebrated streets, alternative lifestyle or the stupendous architecture, walking helps you uncover the hidden gems scattered in the borough. Bring out Camden's unique take on London life by booking a guided walking tour of the Regent's Park & Canal, Camden Markets, nightspots, museums & galleries and historic areas.

Visiting the Camden Markets

Camden is famous for its leading-edge fashion designers, innovative musicians, gifted artists and electrifying nightspots but, most of all, it is known for its markets. These markets attract hundreds of thousands of visitors over the weekends that come to shop, hang out or just soak in the alternative lifestyle. The collection of six separate markets with local bars and restaurants forms the largest street market in UK.

• The Camden Markets are open throughout the week from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm with the exclusion of Electric Ballroom Market (open on Sundays only) and Camden Canal Market and antiques section of Stables market (open on Weekends only). The only day when all the markets are closed is on December 25.
• There are six different markets in Camden – Camden Lock Market, Electric Ballroom, Buck Street Market, Canal Market, and Stables Market.
• Weekdays are good time to visit the market, if you want to avoid the chaotic weekend crowds. Also, it is good time to utilize some of your haggling skills and grab those bargains.
• On the other hand, the true fervour of Camden spirit can be experienced only weekends when the streets are jam-packed with people, music is blaring and there is an impressive fusion of colours from every side.
• Shop at Camden Markets later in the day, when the shopkeepers are tired and ready to lower their prices.
• Enjoy shopping and treat haggling as a part of fun in Camden Markets. Both sides want an equally good deal, so learn where to stop and not take it too personally.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons/Grim23

Safety

Camden is notorious for its long association with drugs, especially cannabis and magic mushrooms. Peddlers usually offer drugs like weed or hashish to people on the streets. Remember to move on quickly because these drugs are illegal and also these peddlers are more interested in robbing your money if you sound too interested. Many undercover police have set traps to capture the dealers and you may inadvertently fall into one of them.

At night, walk around streets that are well lit, such as Camden High Street. If you feel apprehensive, it is better to take a taxi. While buying goods, remember to buy originals since fake versions are found in plenty in Camden. Fake electronics, DVDs, if bought, are of awful quality and they cannot be refunded either.

Emergency Contacts

• European emergency number: 112 (accident or any other emergency)
• Fire / Police / Ambulance: 999
• Camden Police Station: 101 (Metropolitan Police switchboard), Emergencies dial 999
• UK Narcotics Anonymous: 0300 999 1212
• Talk to Frank (Drugs Helpline): 0800 77 66 00
• Childline: 0800 1111
• Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 769 7555
• http://americanaddictioncenters.org/teen-treatment-guide/ - This is the most comprehensive teen substance abuse and treatment resource available on the web.
• https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ If you are based in Camden, USA, this is the government sponsored search engine of more than 20,000 drug and alcohol treatment providers, offering different methods and levels of care.