Fergusbrandon

Camden is the location in London which is famous for its market. And this is not all, as the markets attract more than 100,000 visitors every weekend making it one of the most visited and London’s attractions. Camden is the place to shop for funky and trendy clothes and there are also shops selling original gifts from independent designers. This place can be called as shopper’s paradise as anything you wish for is here. And the Camden High Street is lined with various shoe stores.

Camden is within easy reach from all major hotels in London and all you have to do is take either a bus or underground to avail Camden from The Montcalm London Marble Arch Hotel, M by Montcalm London tech City Hotel and from all other major london city suites. London has so much to offer to its visitors and Camden is just a part of that. If you are done with sightseeing or just want a break, Camden is the perfect place to hang out. The popularity of the place is so major that, it stays all packed during the weekends with locals and party goers owing to the good nightlife it provides.

Being a visitor you need to keep this in mind that Sunday is the busiest day in Camden so visiting it during the weekdays can be the best choice for you as you will be able to avoid the crowd and browse through stuff without any rush. However, if you want to     experience Camden in full swing, then, weekends are the best time and you will also get all shops and stores with plenty to see and buy too.

The Major Markets Of Camden

Camden High Street is where, the stores and shops are all lined up and you just have to head north from Camden Tube station and you will see the vibrant life of the market with pubs, restaurants, and shops.  To find more shops and public places, you will have look for them along Chalk Farm Road just under the railway bridge. This same road leads to Chalk Farm Tube station. Camden market is divided into other smaller markets and each of them has different style and scene.

Camden Lock Market

This market marks the beginning in the early 1970s and is also the original Camden market. Earlier it only used to be a craft market. However, things changed over the time and now it has loads of things to offer to its visitors. It has shops selling jewelry, clothes and also unusual and quirky gifts. Both indoor and outdoor areas are available with food stalls selling lip smacking delicacies right next to the canal.

Camden Stables Market

The largest of all the Camden markets is this one with over 450 stalls and shops selling vintage items like home ware and clothes. There are lots of accessories options too. If you are looking for better options to get food then, this one will not disappoint you as more than 50 food stalls are here selling food from all around the world. There is a lingering nostalgia to this place as some stables market are just converted warehouses and all are linked by cobbled walkways.  

Camden Canal Market

Though this area suffered a serious setback in 2008 after a fire but, it has now again opened for business and also improved its layout or the better. As the name is suggesting, the market is located next to Canal Bridge on its right side. It is one of the smaller markets selling fashion, gifts, and other accessories. If you want to get a look at this market and buy some stuff, then, be there anytime from Friday to Sunday.

Electric Ballroom

This one is the weekend special market and is held only in the Electric Ballroom music venue. Also, if you take a tube to Camden, this market is quite close to it on Camden High Street. On alternate Saturdays, you can catch either a film or music fairs in Electric Ballroom Market with a small admission charge. On Sundays, you will find this place decked with 60 indoor stalls dedicated to clothes and selling items include Goth, vintage, and funky gear.

Inverness Street Market

One of the oldest amongst all the Camden market, this one started around 1900 and used to be just a vegetable and fruits market serving local community. However, you can now get souvenirs and bargain clothing from this market too. There are restaurants and bars lined up in the streets around the market making it a complete package and good place to shop. Drop in at the pub, the Good Mixer at far end of the street. It is often visited by local bands being their popular drinking joint.

Buck Street Market

From the large sign board placed outside, people think this one to be the main Camden market. It is the first large market you will come across from Camden Town tube station and carries further down the road covering all other major markets. You will also hear the locals calling this place The Cages owing to the metal grills surrounding it. The stalls and shops are quite close to one another so be careful as there are also chances of pickpockets. About 200 stalls are there selling fashion items and accessories.

Tips To Stay Safe

You will have to carry cash as most the London markets allow cash purchase. However, you can limit the amount you are carrying and do not carry more than you want to spend that day. Keep wallets inside the bag and keeping the handbags close to yourself is a safety move. This way you can keep pickpockets at bay.

Giving money to beggars is a strict no as they are there every day with their sad stories hanging outside Camden Tube station. Carrying your identification everywhere is not necessary for Britain so leave them at hotel when it is not necessary. Keeping in mind all these factors will help you have a pleasant time at Camden market.