Is Camden Town London Safe? Camden Town is a district that is located northwest of London. Camden, as it is often shortened to, is considered the administrative center of the London Borough of Camden.
This lively district was born in 1791. This once primarily residential district is now teeming with retail life. Near the end of the 20th century, entertainment industry businesses begin popping up all over Camden.
Camden Town is best known for its street markets that date back as far as 1974. The markets were once only open on Sundays, but their increased popularity and demand have led to market activities all week.
While Camden Town has always been a popular destination for locals, it has become more touristy over the last ten to twenty years. Small business owners were driven out with high rental prices and redevelopment, and in their places, popped up a range of vendors.
Each weekend, thousands of people visit the Camden Street markets, with access to all types of goods. To reach the markets, most visitors use the Camden Town Tube Station, which is located close to the street markets.
Those who have never visited Camden Town often have a lot of questions, which is why we put together this FAQ article.
Learning as much as possible about Camden Town will prepare you to enjoy your trip to Camden Town and everything the area has to offer as much as possible.
Is Camden Town London Safe?
Whenever you visit a new place, one of the first things you want to know is how safe the area is. So, are you taking a big risk? Is Camden Town safe for tourists, or anybody for that matter?
Thankfully, Camden Town is not a warzone of criminal activity. The crime rate is about what you would expect in any big city. There are some areas of Camden Town that have higher crime rates than others.
One risky place for criminal activity in Camden Town is right outside the Camden Station. It is best to avoid this area at night, especially. On the weekends, there is a heavy police presence, and drug use has become a problem in some areas.
If you choose to walk away from the main touristy areas of Camden Town, do so, but be vigilant. It’s always better to stick to more populated areas.
Most crimes happen after 11:00 pm. Petty theft is one of the top crimes in the area, so it is important to notice your surroundings and keep track of any belongings. Ideally, you should avoid carrying any valuables in Camden Town.
Keep expensive DSLR cameras out of sight if you are walking around the more less populated streets and be wary of strangers standing too close to you.
One of the reasons Camden Town has a moderate level of crime is due to it being a hotspot for tourists. Pickpockets, muggers, and scam artists prey on tourists because they are often easy targets, due to their excitement and distraction over the sights and sounds.
If you visit Camden Town or any large city for that matter, never travel alone. You are less likely to become a victim of crime when you are with friends. Also, make sure to only frequent areas that are well-lit and have plenty of people.
So to answer the question of is Camden Town London safe isn’t a straightforward one, as long as you stay vigilant, stay in populated areas, and use your common sense, you should be OK.
Is Camden Market Expensive?
Camden Market is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. It is a vibrant market that is full of all types of interesting shops and places to enjoy all kinds of cuisine.
Camden Market can be expensive, but there are also a lot of tourist traps that offer cheap souvenirs. If you are a bargain hunter and know how to price items, you will have fun haggling with the vendors and searching out true bargains from the overpriced.
The market has changed a lot over the last twenty years. Many years ago, there were a lot of artisans that had shops in the market. Today, many of the artisans have moved on, and in their place, have risen tourist shops that sell some of the same merchandise that can be found in any tourist attraction.
Some fine art shops sell goods that are worth a higher price. It takes a discerning eye to know the difference between true treasures and junk, so make sure to shop carefully.
Many people who visit Camden Market have stated they found it much more expensive than they thought. Most people mention that the clothing shops and touristy shops are the least expensive.
Is Camden Market Safe?
Camden Market is considered very safe for visitors. At night, the pubs can get a little rowdy and loud, but you should feel safe visiting the market.
Camden market is highly crowded, especially on the weekends. Sunday is the busiest day because all the vendor stalls are open.
As of today, Camden Market has over 1,000 vendors. Visitors should plan on being there for at least three hours to experience as much of the market as possible. Although you will need money to make purchases, carry no more than you need.
What Is Camden Market Famous For?
Camden Market is the fourth most visited attraction in London. One of the things Camden Market is best known for is its food. The best food vendors are found in the square, but you will pay more to eat here.
There are also quaint food vendor stalls throughout the market that offer pleasing food choices. There are tons of international food options, and you can typically get a tray of food for around 3 to 4 pounds.
Camden Market is also famous for its extensive diversity. You will see vendors here from all nationalities and cultures. There is something for every person and taste.
When visiting Camden Market, do not miss checking out Cyberdog. This is a place that needs no introduction. Its reputation proceeds this establishment. You will hear blasting techno music and see go-go dancers galore. People who visit here dress in interesting clothes, including spacesuits. It is a place you just have to see to believe!
What Do They Sell in Camden Market?
They say you can find just about anything in Camden Market, and most people will agree this is true. This vibrant market sells just about everything you can imagine.
As already mentioned, there are tons of food vendors in the market, especially on the weekends. As the night goes on, the food prices become less and less expensive. Here, you will find shops that sell the following.
Clothing
Unusual gifts
Arts and crafts
Souvenirs
Jewelry
Vintage goods
Books
CBD products
Leather bags
Gothic attire, jewelry, and home décor
Cigars
Carpets
Furniture
Records
Hats
Retro collectibles
Personalized gifts
And so much more!
You can truly shop until you drop in this prized London market. There is so much to see, do, and experience, you may need to visit the market more than one time to take it all in.
What Is the Roundhouse in London?
The Roundhouse is a performing arts/concert venue. Originally built in 1847, this circular building once contained a railway turntable.
For years, this building was used as a warehouse and became run down. In 1964, it reopened as a performing arts center. Since 2006, this iconic building has been the host of major awards ceremonies, concerts, and avant-garde productions.
The Roundhouse was named a National Heritage Site in 2010. Today, the Roundhouse is considered one of the most incredible venues for live musical performances. People from all over the world come to view its unique architecture that still holds pieces of the past railway turntable.
In the 1960s, the Roundhouse threw wild parties, complete with musical performances from up-and-coming acts. These Roundhouse parties helped to launch the careers of greats like Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and The Doors.
Where is the Amy Winehouse Statue in Camden?
A beautiful bronze statue of the late and great Amy Winehouse was unveiled in 2014 in Stables Market in Camden. The singer died in 2011.
During her life, Amy Winehouse was strongly associated with Camden Town and died in her home at Camden Square of alcohol poisoning.
The statue features Amy’s iconic beehive hairstyle and stands 5 ft 9 in tall. The artist, Scott Eaton, planned to first erect the statue in The Roundhouse, but accessibility was limited. It was decided the statue’s home would be Stables Market in Camden.
The statue was revealed by a friend of Amy Winehouse, in the presence of her friends and parents on what would have been her 31st birthday on September 14, 2014.
Many fans of Amy Winehouse make the pilgrimage each year to view her beautiful statue and honor her memory. She was a beloved icon of Camden and remains an honored treasure to the community here.
Conclusion
Camden Town is full of treasures that must be experienced. There is so much to see and do here. The more time you have to visit, the more you will be able to experience in this lively, hip town that has become a tourist destination for people from all over the world.
