The 20 best things to do in Camden

Leaping bronze horses decorate the entrance to the Stables Market, in a tribute to the beasts of burden who used to pull narrowboats down Camden canals. Nowadays, it's shoppers who'll be weighed down, after filling their bags with collectables, crafts, and vintage goodies at these indoor markets. Some of the old charm was lost in the venue's multimillion pound redevelopment in the 2010s, but it's still worth having a poke round these stalls for goodies you won't find anywhere else, from tiedyed hemp garms to CBD edibles.

Harnesses, neon, PVC, fake fur... the wildest trends in ravewear are the everyday stock-in-trade of Cyberdog, which has been a cornerstone of Camden market's fashion scene since its original stall opened in 1994. The owners named it after their pet chihuahua Chichi the Cyberdog; these days two rather more imposing gigantic silver cyborgs guard the shop's entrance. Glide down the escalator inside to browse a treasure trove of futuristic clubwear, shown off by podium dancers in out of this world fits.

Ceilidhs aren't just for weddings: in fact they're arguably even more fun without the risk of someone's drunk uncle fracturing your metatarsels. You can join the folk dance fun most Fridays at Cecil Sharp House, which has been a hub for folk culture since 1930. It's named after Victorian folk song revivalist Cecil Sharp, who worked tirelessly to preserve old traditions from the ravages of industrialisation. Now run by the English Folk Dance and Song Society, this Camden venue regularly hosts folk gigs, talks, films, dances and choir workshops. Prices are affordable and the atmosphere is welcoming to folk novices and seasoned performers alike. 

There's something deeply surreal about seeing exotic animals strut and preen in the middle of Camden but London Zoo does a stellar job of creating a little oasis of wild nature that makes the city feel miles away. These zoological gardnes have sat in the middle of Regent’s Park since Victorian times, but in recent times efforts towards conservation and animal welfare have gone up a notch. The penguins waddle down an authentic South American coastline (instead of the abstract spiral slide that apparently hurt their feet), the lions have their own African-like kingdom, and there's even a giant indoor rainforest inhabited by extroverted monkeys who'll cavort around over your head.

The round brick walls of this legendary Camden arts venue have been rocked by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and The Doors, as it hosted endless radical happenings, wild parties and beat poetry nights in its 1960s and 1970s heyday. That spirit continues today, with a line-up of gigs and shows that take advantage of the atmospheric brick curves of this historic building, originally built as a railway turntable. Go along to dance in a memorable setting, or check out its programmes designed to nurture a new generation of arty types.

Walking down Regent's Canal is a magical way to see Camden's prettiest bits. Start by entering Regent's Park from the west, near Lord's cricket ground, and walk east along the canal towpath that edges this green space, its water is overhung with weeping willows and inhabited by hordes of ducks. The beautiful red-painted pagoda-style boat Feng Shang Princess is moored here, with its glowing lanterns, and you'll pass the teeming aviaries of London Zoo too. Keep heading east and you'll come to Camden Lock, with its expanses of places to drink and relax by the waters' edge.

Way up on Finchley Road, Camden Art Centre has been quietly ploughing its own artistic furrow since 1965 (it was Hampstead Central Library before that). It used to provide arts and crafts classes to the local community; now it’s north London’s go-to for contemporary art by the likes of Haroon Mirza, Eva Hesse and Doris Salcedo. Camden also boasts a great bookshop, a lovely garden and an ace café.

Deep under Camden Market you'll find the UK's only underground amusement park. This cavernous space is full of neon-painted rides with a kind of loose space age rave aesthetic. Theoretically it's for kids but what adult can resist the lure of zooming along on an indoor rollercoaster, caterwauling in its hidden karaoke rooms, or settling old grudges on the dodgems.

On bonfire night or New Year's Eve, north Londoners scramble up this grassy hill for stellar views of fireworks exploding all over the city. But why wait for a special occasion? Climb its 210ft summit and you'll be able to spot landmarks including Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and St Paul's Cathedral - as well as working up a virtuous appetite that you can indulge in bougie local cafe Greenberry afterwards.

Camden is full of dark and dingy lairs for metal fans to drink, brood, and exchange haircare tips. Why not join them? Linger moodily among the religious icons at midnight-hued pub Our Black Heart. Head to storied pub The Dev for a crazed night of heavy metal karaoke. Or polish your piercings for a night at the scene's grand gothdaddy Underworld, a gloomy gig venue with dark vibes to spare.