Camden City Info

Things to do

London borough of Camden » City Info » Travel Tips

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 maze-like 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 the quiet, elite side of Camden.

Get in and around

When you arrive in London by air at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton airport, you can go to Camden either by rail, bus or underground.

Travelling in Camden

One can roam around Camden using various means of public or private transport. If you prefer public transport to go anywhere in Camden, then use the facilities provided by Transport for London. Tube, train, bus, water taxi, taxi, you name it, travelling by TfL is the easiest way to get around Camden!

Visit Transport for London for Tube and Rail maps, Bus maps, Santander Cycle maps, River maps, Congestion Charge maps, Oyster Ticket Stop map, visitor and tourist maps etc.

Hiring a private car in London can turn out to be a nightmare if your trip is not planned correctly. Roads in London are congested, and parking can be challenging at times. According to government rules, private vehicles should pay congestion charges in some parts of London, including the Borough of Camden. Thankfully, there is no congestion charge in Camden Town.

If you prefer train travel, several rail and tube lines from King's Cross, St Pancras and Euston stations will take you straight to Camden. Heathrow and Gatwick airports also have direct rail links to Camden.

London Underground

Camden Town tube station is near the markets and other attractions. Other tube stations like Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent are within walking distance. On Sundays, Camden Town station is overcrowded on weekends, so take more precautions while travelling on weekends.

Rail

Camden Road railway station is a London Overground station situated near Royal College Street and Camden Road. It is on the line from Stratford in the East and Richmond station in the West. The nearest National Rail station is Kentish Town, and St Pancras and Euston terminals are within walking distance.

Bus routes

'Transport for London' operates bus services to Camden from almost all North or Inner London places. Camden is an important hub for London Buses. Many bus routes serve Camden Town, some offer 24hrs service, and some are night but routs.

Roads

Parts of Camden Road, Camden High Street and Camden Street are designated as red routes on which vehicles may not stop for any reason.

Cycling

TfL and Camden Council maintain cycling routes and infrastructure. The CycleStreets mobile app provides all cycling-related information throughout the U.K. The London-wide Santander Cycles cycle hire scheme operates in Camden Town.

Regent's Canal

Regent's Canal runs through the north end of Camden Town. The canal offers pleasure boat trips from Camden Lock, and the waterbus service operates between Maida Vale and Camden. The canal's towpath is one of the busiest cycle routes.

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, famous streets, alternative lifestyle or spectacular 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 fashion designers, innovative musicians, gifted artists and electrifying nightspots, but it is known for its markets. These markets attract hundreds of thousands of visitors who shop, hang out, or soak in the alternative lifestyle over the weekends.

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. Remember to move on quickly because these drugs are illegal, and the peddlers are more interested in robbing your money if you sound too interested. Undercover police have set traps to capture the drug dealers.

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

  • Police, fire or ambulance service 999
  • UK's national emergency numbers 112 / 999
  • Anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321
  • Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
  • Electricity (UKPN) 0800 31 63 105
  • Gas (National Grid Gas) 0800 111 999
  • Water (Thames Water Leakline) 0800 316 9800 / 0800 714 614
  • Environment Agency (Floodline) 0345 988 1188