In this article, I present Camden TownLondon's famous alternative district!

Here you'll find

• A presentation of Camden Town
• What you can see in this neighborhood
• How to get there
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
• What you can see in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about Camden Town, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Camden Town: article summary

Camden Town: London's punkest neighbourhood!

The Camden Town district, more commonly known simply as Camdenis in north-central London, in the Camden district.

A must-see during a stay in the English capital, it's the most famous alternative district the city's punk, goth, skinhead and rock 'n' roll culture. Camden is home to the craziest styles and hundreds of quirky boutiques.

I'd like to introduce you to the neighbourhood and the things to do in Camden!

Camden Town presentation 

The name Camden Town comes from the Earl of CamdenCharles Pratt, who owned the manor house in Kentish Town and decided to make it his home. It became residential at the end of the 18th century, with the development of industry in the town.

The arrival train and the numerous transport facilities - notably the stables - contributed to its growth. Then, in 1816, with the creation of the Regent canalThis makes it an even more important point of passage.

Little by little, stores and stalls will replace the industrial facilities and Camden will be transformed into what it is today: a punk, alternative district, where the craziest styles of clothing and diverse cultures mingle.

During a visit LondonIt's a must-see neighborhood!

Facts and anecdotes about the neighborhood

Visit music has a prominent place in Camden Town, and some major artists have lived in the area:

• The punk band Madness and his most famous titles such as One Step Beyond or Our House
• The Clashwho made their first album in Camden and are a good representation of the local culture.
• The singer Amy Winehousewho died in 2011 in her local home, and whose giant statue can be admired at Camden Stables market.
• Pop singer Dua Lipawho grew up in Camden
• One of the best-known concert halls for the alternative rock scene is located here: the Roundhouse.

But that's not the only interesting thing about Camden! I can also mention :

• Camden Market is the 4th^e most visited place from London!
• Several great authors have lived in Camden, including Charles Dickens and George Orwell
• The barns and London's largest vestige of the industrial era
• The district is criss-crossed by a vast network of catacombsunfortunately closed to the public!

Let's take a look at what you can discover in this atypical part of the English capital!

What to see and do in Camden Town

A stroll through Camden Town is usually enough to satisfy any visitor. There's so much to see, with its colorful streets and its colorful characters. In stark contrast to other parts of London!

Here are a few must-do activities to discover in Camden.

Camden Town markets

Camden Market is the area's most famous market and is divided into 4 sub-markets between Camden High Street and Chalk Farm Road:

• Inverness market street which you come across when you leave the Camden Town subway station. You'll come across stalls selling clothes and souvenirs, as well as small street food stalls.
• Visit Stables Market set up in the old stables. It's the place to be for antique lovers, who can find little gems in this giant flea market. Also in the area, don't miss the Cyberdog boutique, with its cyberpunk universe and loud music!
• Camden Lock Market and Camden Lock Villagewith its accessories, jewelry, decorations and unusual objects, from both alternative and more classic styles.
• Kerb Camden MarketThe temple of street food, with its many food trucks and preparations from all over the world; you'll find trendy dishes and local classics to enjoy on the go!

Camden High Street

This is Camden Town's main street, and just stroll along it and you'll immediately get the feel of the area. Rock facades and eccentric decorations abound, and there are plenty of bars and boutiques to choose from. restaurants.

It is amusing to see real old-fashioned punks or goths mingling with tourists and less eccentric locals!

Along the banks of Regent's Canal

It is pleasant to walk along the banks of Regent's Canal in Camden Town. You'll pass houseboats and a host of ornate facades. To make the most of it, you can also opt for a canal cruise!

A taste of street food

As I was saying: street food is everywhere in Camden, and it would be a shame not to indulge in a few dishes: from classic fish and chips to hot dogs, tacos, pizza or meat and cheese sandwiches, there's something for everyone...at a low price!

It's a great way to eat out in the city. very low prices in the neighborhood!

Discover Camden's street art

For lovers of urban culture, Camden Town is one of the city's most attractive districts. The most beautiful graffiti are displayed on the walls, and you'll easily recognize some famous faces!

There are works of art all over the place, and you just have to wander around to come across a little gem!

Camden's nightlife

During the day, the crowds flock to Camden Town Market and its main shopping streets, but in the evening, they're more than welcome. it's the party that's king. Bars and restaurants come alive, and the music is in full swing.

If you're the party type, you won't regret spending an evening in Camden Town!

How do I get to Camden Town in London?

Camden Town is located in the North Londonbetween Primrose Hill and Hampstead, which don't have the same atmosphere at all!

You can access it easily via :

• MetroThe easiest way is to get off at Camden Town, Chalk Farm or Mornington Crescent on the Northern line.
• By bus, with routes such as 27, 29, 31, 134, 214 or 274

While the Tube is the most convenient way to get to Camden Town, it's often very busy. If you want to avoid the crowds, especially at weekends, take the bus!

Camden Town: opening hours and practical information

Here's some useful information to help you make the most of your visit to Camden Town!

Opening hours

Camden's stores are open every day, between 10 am and 8 pm.

In general, street food stalls start serving around 11h.

Practical information

It's easy to spend several hours in this neighborhood, depending on your appetite for rock culture and, more generally, alternative culture. Plan ahead at least 2 h.

During the day and in the evening, the area is not dangerous, but it's best to remain vigilant because pickpockets operate in the sector.

Finally, if you can, it's best to visit during the week, as weekends are extremely busy!

What to see and do in the area?

Here are a few suggestions for things to do after your Punk excursion in Camden:

• Take a quiet stroll through the Regent's Parkfar from the hustle and bustle
• Visit London Zoolocated in Regent's Park
• Cross the park to the unmissable museum Madame Tussauds with its wax statues of celebrities! Right next door, you'll find a museum dedicated to the famous detective Sherlock Holmes !

In this article, I present the Soho district in London, one of the liveliest in the British capital.

Here you'll find

• A presentation of Soho
• What you can see in this neighborhood
• How to get there
• Practical information: opening hours, reservations
• What you can see in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about Soho, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Soho: article summary

Soho: London's trendiest district!

The neighborhood Soho is located in central London, in the the West End of the capital. It's a must-see when visiting London, both for its unique atmosphere and for the many activities it offers.

Here it is!

Introducing Soho

The Soho district is a trendy district of the capitalknown for its mix of cultures and countless boutiques.

Urbanization began in the late 17th century, but never succeeded in attracting a large number of visitors. London's wealthy. By contrast, immigrant communities - French, Italian, Greek, Russian and German - flocked here, and it quickly became the most international of neighborhoods.

But it's as sex district that it became famous. Indeed, with the opening of Hooper's Hotel, a brothel, at the end of the 18th century, it was to become a mecca for the sex industry with countless sex shops and prostitutes on all 4 corners.

It's only from 1980s that a major clean-up was carried out. Prostitution gradually disappeared and the neighborhood changed. It attracts rock stars, artists of all kinds and luxury businesses.

Today, it's visited for its architecture, unique atmosphere and iconic landmarks. It's also a popular neighborhood for the LGBT communityfor its lively bars and clubs in the evening!

Facts and anecdotes about the neighborhood

• The name Soho comes from an exclamation made by hunters in the 15th century. When a prey appeared, they would shout So Ho!
• French Huguenots arrived en masse in the 17th century, and the area became known as the French quarter from London
• It's up to Marquee Club in Soho that the Rolling Stones played their first paying concert
• It was in a small Soho apartment on Dean Street that Karl Marx wrote part of his book Visit Capital
• Visit first functional television was presented in the Soho district in January 1926

What to see and do in London's Soho district?

There's so much to do in Soho! It's a lively, bustling neighborhood, and day and night, you'll find plenty to keep you busy. Here are the must-sees!

Shopping!

Most people, when they think of Soho, think of the Shopping. And that's only to be expected, since there are so many possibilities in the area!

You can explore Carnaby StreetA trendy pedestrian street with cutting-edge boutiques. This is where you'll find the Liberty boutique and its incredible half-timbered Tudor façade!

To the west of the district, you'll find the street Regent Streetwhich is the capital's most famous shopping street. For a long time, it was home to all the most luxurious stores in London!

Further north Oxford Street that awaits you, with stores more accessible than those on Regent Street. It's a pleasant place to stroll, with its wide thoroughfares.

And if fashion isn't your thing, Soho is home to a number of independent record shops on Berwick Street. You'll find a wealth of rock, punk, reggae and other music from the 70s and 80s in particular. As for Berwick Street MarketIt's a paradise for book lovers, with its many independent bookshops.

Admire Piccadilly Circus

Visit Piccadilly Circus is one of London's most recognizable buildings. It's a nod to New York's Time Square, with its large illuminated panels and pretty Eros fountain in the middle.

Day or night, it's the meeting point for many Londoners and tourists, who cross it at breakneck speed!

Cherchez les Nez by Rick Buckley

In 1997, the artist Rick Buckley decided to hide nose-shaped sculptures all over Soho, in response to the installation of surveillance cameras. There were 7 scattered around the neighborhood, but some have been removed. See how many you can find!

Take a stroll through Soho Square

If you prefer calm to hustle and bustle, there's nothing like a stroll through Soho Square. A pleasant green space for a well-deserved break. There are cafés, the French Protestant church and plenty of benches where you can relax and observe London life, far from the hustle and bustle.

Attend a musical

Soho is home to some of the city's best-known theaters, including (in addition to Piccadilly Circus) the Prince Edward Theatre and the Palace Theatre. The perfect place to catch a musical or concert, such as on Broadway. It's not for nothing that Soho is often compared to this New York neighborhood!

Visit Chinatown!

For a change of scenery, you can cross the Soho Chinatown. A real trip to China, with its many restaurants, Asian supermarkets and Asian souvenir stores. Perfect for a change of scenery, especially at night when everything's lit up!

How do I get to Soho in London?

London's Soho district is located in the borough of the City of Westminsterright in the center. It is surrounded by Oxford Street (to the north), Regent Street (to the west), Charing Cross (to the east) and Shaftesbury Avenue (to the south).

It's easy to reach!

• Visit metroThe easiest way is to get off at one of the following stops: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square. The lines that serve Soho are the Northern Line, the Central Line, the Bakerloo line and the Victoria line
• Visit busTake one of the many bus routes that serve the area. These include buses 55, 73, 98, 390, N8, N25, N55, N73, N98 and N207.

Soho: opening hours and practical information

Here's what you need to know to make the most of your visit to Soho!

Opening hours

Soho is alive day and night, and you can visit at any time of day. If you want to enjoy the light installations and feel the frenzy of the place, prefer evening visits.

Practical information

Like Camden TownIt's a district apart in the city! Don't miss it, and plan ahead for around 3 hours for a friendly little tour.

What to see and do in the area?

There's so much to see in the Soho area! Here are a few suggestions to keep you busy in the area:

• Visit British Museumwith one of the world's richest collections of artefacts. It's Britain's most visited tourist site!
• Visit National Gallery with its vast collection of works from the 13th to the 19th century
• The neighbouring Covent Gardenfor its famous covered market!
• The capital's largest square: Trafalgar Squaresplendid with its statues and monuments
• Visit M&M's World London located in the center of Leicester Square, for those with a sweet tooth!

In this article, I present London Underground to help you find your way around the British capital!

Here you'll find

• An introduction to the London Underground and its main lines
• How it works
• How to use it easily
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about the London Underground, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Metro London: article summary

London Underground: one of the largest networks in the world!

The London Underground is more commonly known as The Tube by Londoners. It's their favorite mode of transport, enabling them to move quickly from one part of the vast British capital to another.

When you come visit Londonyou'll definitely want to borrow it! Let me introduce you to it, so you don't get lost!

Introducing the London Underground

Plans to build an underground transport system in London date back to 1827, and the first station was inaugurated on January 10, 1863. This makes it the world's oldest subway!

To keep pace with the city's demographic growth and expansion, the metro has been expanded to include 11 lineswhich serve 272 stations in 2023. It's one of the most extensive networks, alongside those of Seoul, Shanghai and Beijing!

Subway stops are everywhere and easily identifiable, with a red logo in blue similar to a one-way street and the words underground (the other name for the Tube!).

Facts and anecdotes

• Every day, it is used by around 5 million passengersmaking it one of the busiest metros in the world
• Its network covers 400 km
• Despite its name, only 45 % metro stations are actually underground!
• The busiest station is Waterloowith over 85 million passengers / year
• In 2020/2021, the metro has welcomed more than 296 million passengers
• Some stations are decorated with superb works of art!

What are the London Underground lines?

The London Underground has 11 lineswhich serve the capital and the surrounding area. They are as follows:

• Line Bakerloo (Brown), from Harrow & Wealdstone to Elephant & Castle
• The line Central (Red) from West Ruislip to Epping
• The line Circle (Yellow), from Hammersmith to Edgware Road
• Line District (Green), to Upminster from Richmond, Wimbledon, Ealing Broadway, Kensington and Edgware Road
• Hammersmith & City (Rose), which runs between Hammersmith and Barking
• The line Jubilee (Grey), which runs from Stanmore to Stratford
• The line Metropolitan (Magenta), which runs between Aldgate and Uxbridge, Moor Park,Watford , Chesham and Amersham
• Line Northern (Black), from Morden to High Barnet, Mill Hill East and Edgware
• The line Piccadilly (Dark Blue) from Cockfosters to Heathrow and Uxbridge
• The line Victoria between Walthamstow Central and Brixton
• Waterloo & Cityfrom Waterloo stop to Bank

In addition to these 11 lines, there are two special lines: the DLR (Docklands Light Railway), originally designed to serve the docks, has 45 stations. And the London Overground which is similar to a TER network to get to the most remote neighborhoods.

It's vast! To help you find your way around, I'll explain how the London Underground works, and what makes it so special.

How does the London Underground system work?

London Underground operates with a zone systemThe tariffs vary according to the zone, but also according to the time of day. Here's what you need to know!

Zones

The London Underground network is divided into 9 zones. The two most useful are the 1 and 2over 90 % of tourist attractions.

Visit zone 6 is that of London's main airport.

Simply put, the more zones you cover, the more expensive your ticket. So it's important to know which zone you're going to when you buy your tickets.

Peak hours

In addition to zones, there are two price structures in this metro: peak and off-peak hours:

• Off-peak hours : a ticket that cannot be used before 9:30 a.m.
• Peak hours : a ticket that can be used even during rush hour

Of course, Peak tickets are more expensive than Peak-Off tickets.

Ticket prices

It's important to know that single ticket prices in London are very low. Travel starts at 4,90 £This can add up to a hefty bill for your stay. For example, a journey between zone 1 and zone 6 could cost you £14.90.

For this reason, you should opt for one of the following transport cards proposed below.

How do I buy a London Underground ticket?

You can easily buy your metro tickets in the stations, at the ticket office or at the automatic machines. But beware: it's often very busy in the busiest stations!

They are also on sale on the Internet, on the the TFL company (Transport for London) and in the city's stations.

Good to know You can also pay for your ticket with your Contactless CB directly on the transport entrance kiosks!

Which London Underground travel cards are right for you?

As I said, it's much better to opt for a travel card during your stay. You'll save both time and money.

Here are the 3 main options:

• The Oyster Card is London's official digital pass. It's a magnetic transport card that you simply load and beep at stations/on public transport. It can be booked online or purchased at automatic kiosks. It costs €5.70 + fare, with fares starting at £2.40/journey.
• The visitor Oyster Card is similar, but aimed at visitors. It also offers discounts on certain city attractions, and comes pre-loaded if you order it online!
• Travel Card, available in 1-day or 7-day versions. It allows unlimited use of transport in the zones selected. It's a paper card, with fares starting from £12.90 for 1 day in zone 1-2 and up to £64.20 for 7 days in zones 1-6. It's a great deal!

The choice will depend mainly on number of trips you plan to use the metro every day and the length of your stay.

The most practical for short stays is Oyster Card and saves 50 % compared with normal ticket purchases.

Is it possible to reach the city center from the airport by metro?

You can use the metro to reach downtown from the airport (and vice-versa) if you arrive at Heathrow airport. It is served (in around 45 minutes) by the Piccadilly line with 3 stops to reach the various terminals.

By contrast, the Gatwick is not served by the metro. You will have to take the Gatwick Express train to Victoria station.

For airports Luton and StanstedThere are no subways either, but trains make the journey to central stations.

What is the layout of the London Underground?

As soon as you arrive, you can purchase a subway map to help you find your way around the different stations.

Signs are very clear in the metro, with well-marked directions and traffic flow to avoid getting lost too easily.

Here is the overall plan, to give you an idea of the network:

London Underground: timetables, tips and practical information

Here's some information and advice on how to use the London Underground without stress.

Opening hours

On weekdays, the metro runs between 5 a.m. and midnightsometimes 1h on certain lines. On Fridays and Saturdays, the main lines (Central, Victoria, Jubilee, Piccadilly and Northern) operate 24 hours a day.

On Sundays, timetables are reduced on certain lines.

There are very little waiting between metros, with departures every 2 to 3 minutes.

Practical tips and information

• You can download the official application TFL Go for all timetables and easy route planning
• I advise you, if you can, to avoid rush hours because the trains are packed
• Please note the distance between the edge of the platform and the wagon when climbing: 20 cm between them!