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Things to do in and Around Camden

Seeing the whole of London in two days is a pretty impossible task. This city is sprawling with districts to explore and no two are the same. Basing yourself in the borough of Camden is a great start to making the most of 48 hours in London. This area is full to the brim with exciting things to see and do and the atmosphere is buzzing whether it’s day or night. When staying in Camden for two days in London, making a plan for the rest of your precious time in the city is essential. Use this tried and tested 48 hours in London itinerary for things to do in Camden and beyond! You’ll get to know a few special parts of the city as well as see some of its greatest sights. 
 
 

Day 1 in London from Camden Town

Primrose Hill

While Regent’s Park is one of the grandest of London’s Royal Parks, over on the other side is an even more beautiful spot for a sunny day near Camden — Primrose Hill. Just a 20 minute walk from Camden High Street to the prettiest spot on the hill, on a clear morning it’s definitely worth the wake-up stroll for some great views over London in a green and peaceful setting.  
 

Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Check out the street art

Camden is famous for many things, street art being one of them. The graffiti is inspired by countless different themes and it’s all switched up pretty regularly, but you’re guaranteed to see at least some that will blow you away.
 

Camden street art
Camden street art © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Shopping at Camden Market

When in Camden, you can’t not visit the famous Camden Market, one of the best markets in London. Vintage clothes, jewellery, souvenirs, vinyls, posters, homeware… Everything is so unique you could spend hours getting lost in the maze of stalls. Just remember to bring cash if you plan on making any purchases. Also, beware of any pickpockets that might be hanging around the area. In fact wherever you are in London, it’s best just to keep your wallet hidden well away. Find out more about Camden Market here.
 

Camden shopping
Things to do in Camden: shopping at the markets © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Lunch at KERB Camden

One of the best times to be in Camden Market is when the hunger pangs kick in and it’s time to stop for something to eat. There are so many delicious options at Kerb Camden that choosing between them takes serious consideration. Loaded mac and cheese from the Mac Factory, vegan pie and mash from Young Vegans, one of the best burgers in London from Burger and Beyond and WAY more. Whatever kind of food or cuisine you fancy, Kerb Camden is every foodie’s heaven. Find out more here.
 

Camden international food
Things to do in Camden: eat international food © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Tube to Covent Garden

Once you’re done indulging in a metre-long hot dog or whatever you finally decide on, why not get a taste of central London for the afternoon? Take the Northern line from Camden Town down to Leicester Square and stroll a couple of minutes over to Covent Garden. The atmosphere around this area is always buzzing. Street performers are doing their thing almost every hour, there are tons of pubs and bars to stop for a drink, plus the overall atmosphere has a fun, London feel. It’s a great little area to check out, and nearby to loads more of the city’s best sights.
 

Covent Garden
Things to do in Camden: Go to Covent Garden © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Views from Southbank

Looking over the River Thames, Southbank is one of our favourite spots for a drink or a stroll. Just a 15 minute walk from Covent Garden through some proper London sites including Trafalgar Square. To get to Southbank you’ll need to walk over the Golden Jubilee Bridge where you’ll get views of the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and more — a great spot to see multiple attractions all in one go! 
See the Southbank skateboarders go for it in the undercover skatepark and stop for an al-fresco drink at the Southbank Centre if it’s not raining. If you’d prefer to see more of London, stroll half an hour down to Vauxhall Underground Station to see more stunning riverside views. You could even take a ride on the London Eye or see the London Dungeons if you fancy it — it’s all just minutes away. 
 

South Bank
South Bank © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Belushi’s for food and drinks

Getting back to Camden from Southbank is easy, just cross back over the bridge to Embankment station, hop on the Northern line and get off at Mornington Crescent (the nearest station to the hostel). If you opt for a walk along the river, from Vauxhall Underground Station it’s just 20 minutes to Mornington Crescent, taking the Victoria line to Euston and changing to the Northern line.
Have a tasty and cheap dinner at Belushi’s with a beer or cocktail to go with it. Think big, juicy burgers, sharing platters, chicken wings and more to set you up for a night out in Camden.
 

Belushi's London
Belushi’s London © Courtesy of Belushi’s

 
For guests staying at St Christopher’s, you won’t just get 25% off food at Belushi’s, but there are even 2 for 1 drink discounts all day, every day. 
 

Party to Live Music 

Camden’s live music scene is one of the best in London. Kick off the evening with drinks and dancing to the live music at Belushi’s. Then make your way over to KOKO, Jazz Cafe, Electric Ballroom and many more insane Camden venues for an awesome night out. The borough is famous for its nightlife so you can’t miss out on it! Check the venues’ websites to see what live music might be playing while you’re in London as you may need to buy your tickets in advance.
 

Live music
Things to do in Camden: Check out live music © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 
 

Day 2 in London from Camden Town

Tube to Free Museums

After you’ve filled up on the free hostel breakfast, make your way over to southwest London to check out the Natural History Museum. Don’t underestimate London’s more touristy attractions — this spot is one of the best for good reason. Entrance to the museum is free all day, everyday, and there is so much to see and do there. Spend a few hours exploring the different collections and get that great photo of Hope the Whale up the steps from the Hintze Hall. The museum is always adding more exciting exhibitions so even if you’ve been before, there’s bound to be something new to discover. Find out more here.
 

Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Lunch in Notting Hill

Notting Hill is one of the prettiest pockets of the city that we highly recommend if you’re planning 2 days in London. Full of colourful houses and pretty cobbled mews, the area is also known for its variety of delicious lunch options. Head to Electric Diner for all-day breakfast, Mam for Vietnamese food or Farmacy for healthy vegan options. These are just a few of our favourite lunch spots in Notting Hill, but sometimes the ones you stumble upon with no research whatsoever end up being a surprising delight!
 

Notting Hill
Notting Hill © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Portobello Road Market

What’s a trip to Notting Hill without checking out the world’s largest antiques market? Portobello Road is one of our favourite markets in London. There are over 1,000 dealers specialising in all sorts from vintage fashion to bric-a-brac. Plus, you’ll often find strange but talented street performers doing their thing around the area. Make sure you check the market’s website for more info about what’s on for each day of the week. The half-day Thursdays are a particular one to bare in mind. Fridays and Saturdays are the best days to visit, with most of the stalls in full swing and hot food stalls set up to give it an even more exciting market atmosphere. Find out more here.
 

Portobello Road
Shopping at Portobello Road © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Kensington Gardens

One of London’s 8 Royal Parks, Kensington Gardens, is a lovely place to sit back and relax on a sunny day. Marvel at Kensington Palace, check out the Albert Memorial or explore the Serpentine Gallery if you’d like — Kensington Gardens lends itself to all weather. You can even walk over the Serpentine into Hyde Park next door, another great park to visit when the sun’s shining for a buzzing atmosphere on a summer’s day. 
 

Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 

Fish and Chips at Poppie’s Camden

So we’ve established that Camden is a great place for foodies. When it comes to fish and chips, it’s home to one of the best. Get back on the Northern line to try Poppie’s Fish and Chips at the top of Camden High Street. The fishy formula cooked up here is award-winning. So if it’s an authentic ‘chippy’ experience in London you’re looking for, Poppie’s is the place. Plus they only use responsibly-sourced ingredients — another winner in our books. Find out more here.
 

Fish & Chips
Things to do in Camden: eat fish & chips © Courtesy of Shutterstock

 
Looking for somewhere to stay in Camden? 
Check out St Christopher’s Inn
 
 

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Things to do in Camden

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