Camden Town is famous worldwide for its bustling market, legendary music venues, and canalside walks. But beyond the crowds and neon shopfronts lies another side of Camden — a collection of tucked-away treasures, secret corners, and local favourites that most visitors never find. If you want to explore Camden like a local, here are 10 hidden gems in Camden Town worth discovering.
1. Chalcot Square – Pastel Perfection
Just a short walk from Camden Market, Chalcot Square is a pastel-painted circle of elegant Victorian houses. It feels like a world away from the busy high street. Amy Winehouse once lived nearby, and today it’s a peaceful spot for photos, picnics, or simply catching your breath after exploring the markets.
2. The Catacombs Beneath Camden Market
Most people never realise that a maze of Victorian tunnels lies beneath Camden Market. Once used for horses and goods during the area’s industrial days, the Catacombs aren’t usually open to the public, but guided tours and special events sometimes reveal this hidden underworld. Keep an eye on local listings for opportunities.
3. Camden Watch Company
Tucked away in Camden Stables Market, a business proudly associated with Camden. Their designs take inspiration form Camden and it’s architecture and its quirkiness. The watched are beautiful, unique, and their shop in Camden is full of choice. Don’t leave Camden Town without shopping for a new watch.
4. Regent’s Canal Towpath to Primrose Hill
Many visitors walk along Regent’s Canal near the market, but locals know that if you follow the towpath west towards Primrose Hill, you’ll escape the crowds. The path winds past colourful houseboats, street art, and waterside cafés — eventually leading to one of London’s best skyline views from the top of Primrose Hill.
5. Inverness Street Market’s Last Stalls
While Camden Market has become increasingly commercial, Inverness Street Market retains a touch of old-school charm. Once filled with fruit and veg stalls, today a handful of independent vendors still trade here — a small but authentic reminder of Camden’s market roots.
6. Green Note – Camden’s Intimate Music Venue
Camden is famous for big names like the Roundhouse and KOKO, but Green Note, on Parkway, is where you’ll find the soul of live music. This intimate venue is beloved by locals for its folk, blues, and acoustic gigs. Grab a candlelit table, order a drink, and discover tomorrow’s stars in a space that feels like a living room.
7. The Pirate Castle
Perched along Regent’s Canal, The Pirate Castle is a quirky, turreted boating centre that looks like it’s stepped out of a fairytale. It offers canal boat trips, kayaking, and community events. Many tourists walk right past without noticing, but for locals, it’s a place to connect with Camden’s waterways.
8. Arlington House & Gallery
Arlington House is Europe’s largest homeless hostel, with a powerful history tied to Camden’s social fabric. Inside, it also hosts a community art gallery showcasing works by residents and local artists. It’s a raw, eye-opening space that reflects Camden’s true character beyond the tourist trail.
9. Cecil Sharp House – The Home of English Folk Dance
This Grade II listed building on Regent’s Park Road is the headquarters of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. Beyond the grand exterior, you’ll find concerts, folk dance workshops, and archives of traditional music. A cultural gem that even many Camden locals don’t know about.
10. Meat The Vegans
Right in the heart of the market, this restaurant is a real good recommendation. You might not spot it immediately as you’ll more than likely walk past many other food stalls first, it’s worth walking a bit further to find it. Head to the Amy Winehouse statue, carry on a little bit more, and you’ll find this restaurant with some of the best flavours in Camden.
Top Sercrets
Camden Town is more than just punk T-shirts and touristy stalls. Behind the main attractions lies a neighbourhood full of history, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re hunting for quiet squares, underground tunnels, or candlelit music nights, these hidden Camden spots reveal a side of the area only locals usually see.
So next time you’re in Camden, wander off the beaten track — you might just find your new favourite corner of London.
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