London Camden Town Tourist Map

Camden is north London's loudest neighbourhood: a sprawl of markets on the Regent's Canal, and a run of music venues that have launched bands since the 1970s. Camden High Street leads from the Tube to Camden Lock, where the markets begin, and on to Chalk Farm Road. It is crowded, scruffy in places and best taken at a slow pace, with food stalls at every turn.

Camden Market is several markets in one, spread around the lock and the old railway stables, selling street food, vintage clothes, records and souvenirs seven days a week. In the Stables Market stands the bronze Amy Winehouse statue, unveiled in 2014. From the lock, the London Waterbus runs along the canal through Regent's Park and past London Zoo to Little Venice.

Music is Camden's other draw. The Roundhouse, an 1847 railway engine shed on Chalk Farm Road, is now a major concert and arts venue. The Dublin Castle on Parkway is a small pub stage where Madness and Amy Winehouse played; the Jazz Cafe is a few doors along, and the Electric Ballroom sits by the Tube. Towards Primrose Hill, Cecil Sharp House is the home of English folk music and dance.

When to go: weekday mornings for the markets without the crush; weekends are busiest, and evenings belong to the venues. Waterbus sailings are fewer in winter, so check times before you go. On busy Sunday afternoons Camden Town station can be exit-only, so leave from Chalk Farm or Mornington Crescent. Stations: Camden Town (Northern line) for the High Street and markets, Chalk Farm (Northern line) for the Roundhouse, and Camden Road (Overground, Mildmay line).