Every part of London has its own unique character and inhabitants, from the cheeky humour of the Cockneys in the East End to the expensive tastes of the Sloanes in Kensington, Chelsea and Fulham. One particular area, though, is famous the world over. Of all the varied parts of the metropolis, Camden Town is the definitive London destination. It features a remarkable and diverse community and an engaging, eclectic mix of cultures, classes and attractions.

Alternative culture
Established as a residential district in 1791, Camden Town benefited from the development of the railway as well as its location on the London canal network. Industry has since given way to an attractive mix of entertainment, retail and tourism spots, including internationally renowned markets, popular pubs and restaurants, boutiques, antique shops and venues for music. Famous for its punks, the ambience in Camden Town is strongly associated with alternative culture.

Markets
Camden High Street is a busy shopping thoroughfare lined with shops, many of which are independent. However, it is the lively and bustling street markets, most of which date from the 1970s, that are at the core of Camden Town’s appeal. Here, antiques and alternative clothing can be found alongside fashion, books and food. The original Camden Lock market beside the Regent’s Canal began in 1973 in a former timber-yard, and what was started as a market for crafts now also sells books, jewellery and both new and second-hand clothing. Five more markets surround Camden Lock, including Camden Lock Village market. For fashion enthusiasts, Buck Street market is the place to be, and there is also an indoor market at weekends that features unique and unusual items in its trendy nightclub venue at the Electric Ballroom.

Inverness Street Market has operated as a small food market for more than 100 years serving the local community. Today, it operates both during the week and at weekends and has a selection of fresh vegetables and fruit alongside stalls selling delicious hot food and others that carry cheap fashion items. Here, visitors can buy London novelty souvenirs, African jewellery and handbags.

Bars and clubs
For edgy, loud music and exhilarating dance experiences, Bar Vinyl is ideal. This is part record shop and part bar, and at weekends the dance music reverberates around the neighbourhood. Mexican food and cocktails are a house speciality.

Nearby, The Good Mixer offers a peek at the sleazier side of Camden Town. Generally peopled by a mix of local traders, bikers, rockers and tattooed skinheads, this venue may have all the attributes of an old and slightly dingy pub, but the clientele are actually a very friendly, welcoming and easygoing crowd.

Landmarks
Originally built in 1847 as a place to service locomotives, the Roundhouse Theatre is now a venue for music and theatre, hosting renowned digital and contemporary classical music events and theatre performances. Historic buildings in the area include a number of churches, notably St. Pancras Old Church and St. Michael’s Church, and the Jewish Museum.

Formerly the Carreras Cigarette Factory, the striking art deco architecture of Greater London House has been faithfully restored and is an impressive example of early 20th century Egyptian revival architecture – a style that uses the imagery and motifs of ancient Egypt. It is mainly white, 550 feet long and features distinctive ornamentation in Egyptian style, including replicas of two gigantic effigies of black cats flanking the entrance.

Where to stay
Given the quirky nature of the area, the hostel accommodation here is cheap, cheerful and located right in the middle of the charming chaos that is Camden Town. There are plenty of apartments and hotels in London within easy reach of Camden Town that offer an exceptional range of choice places to stay.

Getting There
London is surrounded by five airports, all with available transportation into the City itself. London – Heathrow, Gatwick, City, Stansted and Luton.

Travelling to Camden by London Underground – use the Northern Line to Camden Town Station. If it is closed other stations close by are Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent. Click on Transport For London for more alternative routes including London's famous Red Busses.