Camden Market

Last weekend, I went to check out Camden, home of the Camden Markets. There are actually multiple markets, including the Horse Tunnel Markets, Camden Lock Markets, Inverness Street Markets, and more. However, the area is usually just referred to by Camden. It's all well and good that way, because even though I was aware I was walking into different markets, I couldn't tell you which I was in at any point of time.  Everything is connected, and man, the area is confusing!

 When you get off the Underground at Camden, you are immediately surrounded by shops, markets, and a ridiculous amount of people. It doesn't help that we went on a Saturday, of course! The markets only take cash, so get some before you get there- you don't want to have to wait in one of those ATM queues!

Along the main street, the stores are bright and inviting. Some are your normal mall shops, like Gap and Starbucks, while others are specialty and one-of-a-kind.

The best thing about the main street is the decorations on the buildings. Dragons, giant shoes, guitars, and lions. The area is definitely catering towards the younger crowds- who of course are absolutely everywhere, especially on the weekend!

Some of the markets are outdoors and near the main street, but those are mainly the stalls with the same things you can buy at any other market around the city. The special things are inside the market, and trust me, worth the chance of getting lost in the maze.

There are hundreds of stalls, selling everything you could imagine. I only looked around, but am planning to go back on a weekday to do my Christmas shopping. The size and intricacy of the area, along with the number of people, can be really overwhelming. Definitely not a place to loose track of where your purse is!

 Camden is a part of the London Canal Network, which means we were provided with the interesting experience of watching boats go through the locks. I wouldn't say that it is worth a trip over just to see it, but if you do what we did, and relax at a bar overlooking the lock, it is cool rsght to see.

 First, the lock is filled with water, up to the level of the canal on the side with the boat.

 When it is filled, the boat goes into the lock, and the water level goes down again. When the level is even with the water on the other side, the boat goes through. I wouldn't say it is the most convenient way to travel around, as the whole thing took about 15 minutes. I have a feeling that is something they don't tell those people who bought tickets for the canal tours- sure it may be a 3 hour tour, but how much time do you sit and wait??

Personally, the thing I loved most about the area was the food. Inside the markets, there are at least a hundred different food vendors from around the world. As with the rest of the market, the vendors only take cash. But, the food is cheap (compared to London prices), and quite tasty. The most exciting thing for me? Mexican! Yumm I miss my quesadillas... 

 Overall thoughts? Great shopping area, and worth the stop when you are visiting London. Skip the chain shops, and let yourself get lost in the markets. Grab some food and relax along the lock. Just do it during the week, or you are not going to feel a moment of peace!