Many think that Camden’s market culture is the spiritual twin of Brixton ’s, albeit a shade lighter. In its heyday, the market here was more trendy than Brick Lane and has been the origin of more musical talent than most British cities—from Madness to Soul to Soul, Ian Drury to Amy Winehouse.

These days Camden Market is the largest street market in the UK, attracting around 100,000 visitors every weekend. The Stables Market is home to many vintage clothes stalls and alternative clothing. Fight your way past the hordes of students and stylists and you’ll find plenty of interesting retro buys to spend your pocket money on. Scores of records, crafts, antiques, and bags of places to buy freshly-prepared food require that a whole day is spent in Camden stuck in an endless eat-shop-eat cycle. Heaving over the weekend, the market is best for mid-week visit to dodge crowds.