Camden Market

Explore London’s vibrant cultural bazaar and street food heaven at Camden Market

Camden Market is a colourful mix of everything that makes London fun. You’ll find vintage clothes, handmade crafts, bold art, and street food from all over the world. With over 1,000 stalls, you can easily spend hours wandering around looking for cool finds, tasty snacks, or just soaking up the atmosphere.

It’s a place to explore, eat, and experience a totally different side of London.

Highlights:

• Explore the Stables Market, a maze of vintage shops, striking fashion, and nods to Camden’s most famous local, Amy Winehouse.
• Try street food from around the world, with over 50 stalls serving everything from birria tacos to bubble waffles.
• Take a walk along Regent’s Canal for a quiet break away from the busy crowds.

Tickets & Prices

Camden Market is free to enter. You can walk around, browse the shops, and enjoy the atmosphere without paying anything up front. It’s a pay-as-you-go setup, so you only spend money on what you choose to buy.

Some nearby attractions might charge entry, but the market itself is open to everyone.

Thinking of taking a canal boat ride from Camden Lock? Tickets usually cost between £10 and £15 per person, depending on the route and how long the trip is.

Tours

If you want to get more out of your visit, there are a few fun ways to explore Camden.

The Camden Pub Crawl by Strawberry Tours is a favourite for night owls. It includes entry to several bars and clubs, plus some excellent drink deals.

You can also go at your own pace. Many people walk along the canal toward King’s Cross or up to Primrose Hill for a quieter side of the area.

For music lovers, there are walking tours that focus on Camden’s rock and punk history. You’ll see the spots where legendary bands played and learn about the artists who helped shape the scene.

Opening Hours

Camden Market is open every day from 10:00 AM until late, including bank holidays.

For a more relaxed visit, go on a weekday before noon. Here’s a quick guide to Hawley Wharf opening times:

• Food Halls: Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
• Retail Shops:
  • Monday to Wednesday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

All areas remain open on bank holidays.

Most stalls start winding down in the early evening, but many nearby restaurants, pubs, and venues stay open much later, especially on weekends.

What to See and Do

Camden Market is packed with things to see, eat, and explore. Here’s my insider guide to help you enjoy one of London’s most famous places.

Dive Into the Stables Market’s Alternative Universe

The Stables Market is Camden’s largest and most iconic section, set in a former horse hospital and stable yard.

Its cobbled walkways and old railway arches are packed with vintage shops, handmade jewelry, bold artwork, and streetwear you won’t find anywhere else.

One of the standout spots is Cyberdog, a futuristic rave shop with blasting music, neon lights, and wild fashion. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s worth stepping in just for the experience.

Near the entrance, you’ll also find the statue of Amy Winehouse. Born and raised in Camden, her presence is still deeply felt, and fans often leave small tributes in her memory.

Feast Your Way Around the World

One of the best things about Camden Market is the food. It’s now one of London’s best street food spots, with global dishes in one place.

Head to Hawley Wharf and the West Yard if you want the biggest selection. My go-to move is to walk a full loop before picking anything.

Some of the top picks include Baba G’s Bhangra Burgers (their poppadom nachos are brilliant), The Mac Factory for mac and cheese lovers, and Meathead’s birria tacos, which usually have a long line for good reason.

Also check out Lulu’s Schnitzel, Karachi Cheesy Naan Melt, and Pino’s Warung for tasty Indonesian food. For dessert, go for Humble Crumble or the fun, over-the-top treats at Hans & Gretel.

Top tip: If you’re with friends, split up and each queue at a different stall, then meet by the canal to share everything.

Shop the Eclectic and the Eccentric

Camden is full of quirky shops and stalls. You’ll find vintage clothes at Collectif, handmade shoes at Embassy London, anime figures at Anime House, and homegrown hot sauces at London Chilli Co.

For eco-friendly fashion, check out Buck Street Market near the tube station. Over at Camden Lock Market, local artists sell custom crafts, from painted shoes to silver jewelry.

Haggling is common, especially for leather goods. Start low, be polite, and don’t pay full price unless you really want the item. Watch out for fake branded stuff at outdoor stalls.

Explore Entertainment Venues and Experiences

Try quirky mini-golf at Junkyard Golf Club or watch a film at Curzon Cinema if you want to get away from the crowds. For something more relaxing, Fountain Of You offers massage treatments, and Self-Retreat runs yoga sessions.

The market also hosts fun weekend workshops like baking classes, art sessions, and beer tastings. Check the Camden Market website or app to see what’s on during your visit.

Families can enjoy seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and kid-friendly raves. Don’t miss the canal-side photo booth for a fun and affordable souvenir.

Hunt for Hidden Gems Among the Tourist Traps

Some parts of Camden are tourist-heavy and full of mass-produced goods. But if you know where to go, there are still plenty of local treasures to find.

• Avoid the High Street just north of the tube station. It’s crowded, repetitive, and known for pushy vendors.
• Use side streets and canal paths to skip the worst of the crowds and find quieter market corners.
• Check out local favorites like The Constitution and The Engineer pubs, the craft stalls at the back of Camden Lock, or Curzon Cinema for a quiet break.
• Don’t miss the “grill by the Nutella stall” for what many locals call the best steak baguette in London.

For fewer crowds, go on a weekday before noon. Arrive between 8 and 9 AM for quiet walks and serene photos.

Directions

The easiest way to get to Camden Market is by tube. Most people arrive via Camden Town station on the Northern Line, but it gets very busy on weekends and sometimes operates as exit-only.

A good alternative is Chalk Farm station, which is just a short walk from the north end of the market. You can also use Camden Road Overground station, but it’s slightly farther away.

Several buses stop nearby, too. Routes 24, 214, 274, and 393 all serve the Camden area.

If you’re coming from central London, walking or cycling along Regent’s Canal is a great option.

The canal path is scenic and often quicker than taking the tube, connecting Camden with Little Venice and Islington.

Nearby Places

Regent’s Park: A peaceful royal park with lovely gardens, an open-air theater, and London Zoo. It’s a calm, green escape just a short walk from Camden.

Primrose Hill: Just north of the market, this grassy hill offers amazing views of London’s skyline. It’s a great spot for a picnic or a short walk after exploring the market.

The British Library: Located near St. Pancras, it’s one of the biggest libraries in the world. Don’t miss the Treasures Gallery, where you’ll find things like the Magna Carta and handwritten Beatles lyrics.

King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard: A modern shopping and dining area in a restored Victorian setting. It’s stylish and polished, offering a very different vibe from Camden.

Hampstead Heath: A huge park just a short bus ride away, with walking trails, wild swimming ponds, and Parliament Hill for more amazing city views.

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. The Stables Market used to be a horse hospital. Horses working on the canals and railways were treated here. The horse statues around the market are a tribute to that history.
2. Camden Lock played a big role in the Industrial Revolution. It was a key spot for moving goods between canals. The market only began in the 1970s when artists and makers started renting out old warehouses.
3. Amy Winehouse worked in Camden before she was famous. She stayed in the area throughout her career. Her local pub, The Hawley Arms, is still a popular stop for fans.
4. A major fire hit Camden Market in 2008. It damaged a large part of the area, including Camden Canal Market. It’s now rebuilt and known as Hawley Wharf.
5. Cyberdog started out as a tiny market stall. Now it’s a three-floor rave shop with flashing lights, loud music, and even robot performers. It’s one of Camden’s most famous spots.

History:

• 1791: Regent’s Canal is constructed, transforming Camden into an important transport hub for goods moving around London.
• 1854: The North London Railway establishes a goods yard and interchange at Camden, further cementing its industrial importance.
• 1854-1856: Horse hospital and stables built to care for working horses from the railway and canal. This complex later becomes the Stables Market.
• 1970s: As Camden’s industrial significance declines, artists and craftspeople begin renting cheap workshop space in the disused buildings.
• 1974: The first Camden Lock Market is officially established, focusing on arts and crafts.
• 1980s: Camden becomes a center for alternative culture, especially punk and goth subcultures, with independent music venues flourishing.
• 1990s: The market expands significantly as Camden gains international recognition as a counterculture hotspot.
• 2008: The 2008 fire mostly impacted the Camden Canal Market, while Hawley Wharf’s regeneration was accelerated by the 2017 fire.
• 2014: The Amy Winehouse statue is unveiled in the Stables Market, commemorating the local singer who had died three years earlier.
• 2019: Buck Street Market opens in shipping containers, focusing on sustainable retail and dining options.

FAQ

Map & Address

Camden Market is located at

Camden Lock Place,

London NW1 8AF

United Kingdom

The market spans several interconnected areas around Camden Lock, between Camden High Street and Regent’s Canal. The closest tube station is Camden Town on the Northern Line.