Camden: Get to know this iconic neighbourhood
This buzzing district offers you an eclectic mix of great music venues, glorious restaurants, thriving markets and funky bars only moments from your doorstep.
During the day, you can lose yourself within the labyrinth of alleys that lead you to vintage stores and mouth-watering food stalls within Camden’s world-renowned market. At night, Camden comes alive, with foodies looking to wine and dine at the wide assortment of restaurants the hotspot provides. The weekends are no different, with the cobbled streets transforming into a hotbed for music lovers and club-goers alike.
Whatever tickles your fancy can most likely be found in Camden and with our luxury, student apartments, you’re situated just moments from all the action. But where do you begin? Let the team at Student Luxe help you out.
How to get around Camden
One of the perks of living in Camden is the phenomenal transport links that connect you to London and beyond. Situated in Travelcard Zone 2, slap bang on the Northern Line, you can take the tube into the heart of Central London, choosing between the Charing Cross and Bank lines, and return via an array of night buses that drop you on the high street. Camden Underground is also a short 5 minute walk from Camden Road Rail Station, which allows you easy access to locations not so easily accessible via tube on the Overground line – often in less time too. Be aware there may be an extra fee to pay for this Travelcard.
Closest things nearby
Our luxury, student apartments are situated in a prime location, a short walking distance from banks, supermarkets, coffee shops, pharmacies, universities and libraries. We’ve compiled a quick list of your essential places nearby.
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University College London
Regent’s University
University of Westminster
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Camden Town Library
Kentish Town Library
Pancras Square Library
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Glass Coffee
Camden Coffee Co.
Guy Gold Coffee Bar
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The House of KOKO
Near & Far Cocktail Bar
Cowshed, Primrose Hill
Odette’s Restaurant, Primrose Hill
Top Things to Do In Camden During The Day
The occasions you’re struggling to choose what to do with your day will be a thing of the past when you live in Camden Town. The city is brimming with fun daytime activities, where you can tour the striking street art and eat street food to your heart’s content – but that’s not all! Whether you’re strapped for cash or wanting to splurge a little, there’s so much to do in Camden you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are just a few of our favourite activities.
Go Shopping at Camden Market
Camden is famed for both the alternative style that their residents used to (and still) showcase, as well as their iconic market, which is located in its former stables. Camden Market, which back when it opened had only 16 stalls in 1974, now encompasses Camden Lock Village, Inverness Street Market, The Stables Market and Buck Street Village. Each market is unique in its own way, selling a variety of knick-knacks, crafts, artwork, souvenirs and vintage clothing to name but a few –perfect for an original purchase bargain!
Feeling peckish? Sample street food from all over the world
If you’re anything like us, sometimes, cooking just isn’t on the cards to happen – but you can’t be eating out of the cereal box for lunch everyday, and why would you when a street food extravaganza is located a stone’s throw away from you? Tempted yet? We think so. Head on down to either the Camden Stables, Camden Lock or Hawley Wharf where you can find an assortment of delicious international street food, allowing you to savour local cuisine from across the world, without needing to leave your hometown.
From spicy Indian curry to authentic, handmade Greek souvlaki wraps, traditional Colombian street food washed down with a hot cup of Ethiopian coffee. There’s also plenty of vegan options as well as gluten-free alternatives, like healthy Peruvian street food at Quinoa Arepa and V Burger for the best in vegan fast food. If you’re looking for something lighter, pay a visit to Stilvi Café on the weekend – it’s not a food stall but it IS a groovy cafe overlooking the river selling vegan doughnuts and we are sold on it.
Take a walk on Regent’s Canal towpath
Whether it’s a wintry walk or a warm, summer’s stroll, the Regent’s Canal towpath offers you a peaceful path to amble down with a cuppa. The Regent’s Canal connects the Thames with the Grand Union Canal and is pretty historic, with the first part of the towpath (Paddington to Camden) opening up over 200 years ago. The entire towpath runs from Paddington to Limehouse and is a cool 8.5 miles long – a great option for getting in your 10,000 steps per day!
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
If you’re looking for directions, we’ve found you a map to help you on your way. Click here.
Explore Camden’s street art scene
You don’t have to be an avid art fan to appreciate the stunning graffiti that Camden has to offer you. Situated a simple 5 minute walk away from Camden Market, the street art can be found in a variety of spots, in places such as Kentish Town Road, Hawley Street, Hawley Mews and Harmood Street.
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
Fancy learning a little more about the art you’re viewing? Why not book yourself onto a tour to really discover the meaning behind some of Camden’s most famous street art. Book a tour through Viator here.
Pay a visit to the statue of Amy Winehouse
It’s pretty common in Camden to come across some of Amy Winehouse’s favourite haunts. She lived in Camden Town until her death in 2011 and was a regular at The Hawley Arms, so much so that its alternate name is the ‘Amy Winehouse pub’. In fact, you can find loads of graffiti and messages dedicated to her in toilets at The Hawley Arms – but don’t worry, we aren’t pointing at you to visit the bathroom as part of our ‘to-do’ list. What we do think you should visit though, is Amy’s statue, created as a lasting tribute to her in the Camden Stables Market. You can find it at 407 Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AH.
Experience Cyberdog
Some call it a shop, others call it a daytime ‘techno rave’ but whatever your stance, it’s an experience not to miss – not that it would be difficult to miss, when there’s two mammoth robots greeting you as you enter, complete with throbbing dance music throughout the store.
Their flagship branch happens to be in Camden and offers three levels of clothing, ranging from cool streetwear to eye-catching rave and festival garments. Here you can shop whilst the DJ drops the latest beats, surrounded by dancers on podiums.
Enjoy sensational panoramic views at Primrose Hill
Offering phenomenal panoramas of London and beyond, Primrose Hill is an idyllic setting for catching up with friends, a picnic date or a relaxing spot to watch the sunset. Considered one of London’s best and most iconic viewpoints, Primrose Hill is an easy 10 minute stroll from Camden High Street and is close to a wealth of ‘bouji’ restaurants and cute cafes. It’s common to see a famous face around here too, with the likes of David Walliams, Daniel Craig and apparently (although we need to confirm this) Harry Styles as neighbours – so keep your eyes peeled!
Delve into the history and culture of Judaism at the Jewish Museum
If you’re a history buff or fancy topping up your religious knowledge, then we really recommend a trip to the Jewish Museum, which provides an engaging, educational and thorough depiction of Jewish culture and heritage. From stunning Jewish artefacts to captivating and informative displays, prepare to be transported on a journey of Jewish History from 1066 to the present day. You can book tickets here.
Top Things to Do In Camden During The Night
Camden not only offers you the perfect place to spend a glorious day out, but is renowned for its spectacular nightlife. In fact, it’s one of the most popular places for us Londoners and tourists alike to let their hair down and have a good time. Whether you’re a music lover, a party animal or prefer a more intimate night of comedy, Camden provides a wealth of options for you to choose from, easily located within minutes of each other.
Have a giggle at The Camden Comedy Club
Located in a room above The Camden Head pub (not The Camden Head in Angel), The Camden Comedy Club is open every night of the week and provides you an evening of belly laughs from some of the UK’s favourite comedians. Set within a cosy room, the club has seen the likes of Alan Carr, Russell Howard and Sara Pascoe perform at its venue and offers you a night of entertainment which ranges from free entry to as little as £10 per person.
Spin the decks at Pirate Studios
Whether you're an up-and-coming DJ, or prefer to just have a chilled night with your friends making music, Pirate Studios is an excellent option in the heart of Camden for music lovers. Open 24/7, the studio provides a self-service entry system allowing you the freedom to come and go as you please, with top-of-the-range equipment, an incredible sound system and groovy lighting to enhance your experience.
Enjoy a night of soul, funk and jazz at The Jazz Café
The Jazz Cafe is famous for its unforgettable nights of music, with exceptional musicians playing gigs on different nights of the week. You can choose to book a table and eat whilst you enjoy the incredible views overlooking the stage, or simply stand and enjoy the moment from the room below.
Student Luxe’s Top Tip
Camden is popular for gigs and live music, so if you're looking for other venues, check out the events at The Camden Roundhouse, The Camden Assembly, Electric Ballroom, KOKO and The Dublin Castle.
Tingle your taste buds with some exquisite cocktails at Near & Far Camden
Are you in Camden or Cali? It’s hard to tell after a few cocktails when you’re surrounded by the welcoming palm trees, a desert themed dining area and a heated rooftop terrace – helpful for when you can’t rely on the UK’s weather forecast. The interior of this cocktail lounge is chic, colourful and glamorous, with bright, neon signs and comfy, vintage furniture, offering ample places to relax with catchy music in the background. The bar offers a fine assortment of signature and classic cocktails and is ideal for those looking for gluten-free food – their entire menu is 100% gluten-free!
Sample a beer (or two) at the Camden Town Brewery
This wonderful beer hall is situated under the railway arches of Camden and provides good vibes and good times, with 24 beer taps for you to sample and helpful staff to advise you on pairing beers with your food. If you want to learn a little bit more about the history of brewing beer and even try some straight from the tank, you can book onto a brewery tour with your friends and have a great time! Buy your tickets here.
Happy exploring!
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