An estimated 30 million people visit Camden and its famous market every year, drawn by counter-culture, curios, clubs and cuisine. It’s a bustling and labyrinthine place – these ideas will help you to navigate it all and make the most of your visit.

CAMDEN LOCK

A good place to start is the historic canal lock which was built in 1820. Join the throngs on the 175-year-old iron bridge watching narrowboats traversing the locks and waterbuses setting off for Little Venice. This is the Regent’s Canal, which runs between the Thames and the Paddington Basin, connecting with the Midlands via the Grand Union Canal. Along the towpath you may see rope-worn tunnel entrances from the time when horses were used to pull barges. If you peer into the water you may also see the ramps which were used to pull out any horse that had strayed too close to the canal.

WALKING TOUR

Embark on an extensive guided walking tour of the area to learn more about Camden’s history and the artists, actors and craftspeople that worked – and continue to work – here. Guides will show you the haunts of the rich and famous, point out buildings that had been an important part of the area’s industries (but now host TV studios, music venues or shops), and take you to the places where literary heroes once lived (or drank).

STABLES MARKET

Camden was once an important part of 19th-century London’s industry, for it was from here that vast amounts of goods were sent or received across the country via rail or canal. The latter required literal horse power and these beasts were stabled in vast red brick arches, which today host a plethora of stalls in Horse Tunnels Market, many of which sell vintage clothing or antiques. Just outside you’ll see a long and photogenic alley with a roof of hundreds of umbrellas beneath which are yet more independent shops.

WEST YARD

The varied collection of West Yard’s food stalls is set around the docks from where the aforementioned Little Venice waterbuses depart. You’ve a large 3choice of cuisines here. Among the best are Makatcha Street Kitchen (the beef rendang is particularly recommended) and the very popular Burger & Beyond. Grab something delicious and enjoy it beside the canal at nearby Hawley Wharf.

MUSIC PUBS

Camden Lock Statue of Amy Winehouse 4 Amy Winehouse loved the Hawley Arms, Madness regularly played at the Dublin Castle, Oasis and Blur began their feud at The Good Mixer. These are just some of the pubs around Camden Market that have a rich musical heritage. In the evenings you can still catch a great value live gig performed by artists who may well become the next big thing.

HAWLEY WHARF

If the weather is being a bit English then this newly completed four-storey building buzzes with 5independent stores and food courts. Enjoy Afghan street food at Two Lads Kitchen, indulge in a gourmet Tropidog hotdog and finish with a sweet treat from Chimney Cakes Lady. There are tables plus stools at a long bar overlooking the canal, on the other side of which are the MTV Europe studios.

STREET ART

The corner of Stucley Place and Buck Street – just off the main thoroughfare between Camden Tube and the market – is always a great place to see some colourful and imaginative graffiti. Interested in art that’s more 3D? Then you only need look up along Camden High Street, for here, attached to the walls, be giant dragons, boots, chairs and other objects that relate to the wares sold in the shops beneath. In the main part of the market there’s a beautiful bronze statue of Amy Winehouse that always draws a crowd of people posing for selfies.

MARKET HALL JEWELLERY

Constructed in 1991, this glass-roofed building manages to fit in perfectly with the Victorian architecture surrounding it. Inside is a warren of independent stalls, most of which sell a vast range of jewellery for all budgets. It’s worth taking some time to chat with the artisans here, many of whom will enthusiastically talk you through their various designs.

BABYLON PARK

Tucked beneath a railway arch and easily accessible from Hawley Wharf, this large subterranean amusement park contains London’s only underground 6 rollercoaster, plus an extravaganza of brightly lit games and rides. It’s the perfect place for toddlers, teens and fun-loving grown-ups, especially on wet weather days.