This underrated area is perfect for a day trip if you’re young & broke
THE UK’s capital is one of the priciest cities in the world, making it
tricky to explore if your bank balance is already in the red.
But there’s one corner of London that’s the perfect budget day out- especially if you’re a broke Gen Z.
Camden in North London has long been a magnet for young Brits, from the punk scene in the 1980s to Britpop fans in the 1990s, to the Indie kids of the Noughties.
After the heyday of the Hawley Arms and bands like the Libertines, the
area lost its cool status to the likes of Hackney and Shoreditch in the east of the city.
But, it is now having a resurgence thanks to its wide range of live music venues – which Camden has managed to maintain while other areas face mass closures thanks to rising costs and noise complaints.
Great nightlife and budget-friendly – the perfect combination for anyone under 25 years old.
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To see just how affordable it really can be, I attempted to spend a day in Camden without spending more than £25, while still enjoying great food, drinks and attractions.
I started off wandering around the world-famous Camden Market, one of the largest markets in London where even on a budget, there is plenty to see and do.
Stalls sell everything from vintage costume jewellery and slogan t-shirts for a tenner, to the usual I Love London souvenirs.
Camden has always been known for its unique clothes stores and these days, it still has plenty of second-hand clothing.
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Rokit and Traid both have stores on the high street and the market is also home to The Vintage Collection, which stocks Britain’s ‘largest collection of non-worn vintage from the 30s to the 90s,’ – which is great fun to look through.
Or if you’re looking for a bit of art and culture, The Camden Arts Centre offers free entry into its galleries and gardens six days a week.
All that perusing had got me hungry, but thankfully the market has a massive selection of food options with over a hundred food stalls from around the world.
When it comes to food, I opted for the TikTok viral Funky Chips that sells boxes of chip shop-style chips loaded with Indian and Mexican-style toppings.
They weren’t the cheapest, as the nacho chips covered in cheese, onions and jalapenos set me back £9.60 – they were filling and worth every penny.
There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your street stall food near the market without needing to book or spend extra money.
The market is also home to past Camden resident Amy Winehouse’s statue, which still attracts fans from all over the world 15 years after she passed away.
Having filled my stomach, I was looking for some entertainment so headed for The Elephants Head in the heart of Camden high street, which offers free regular live music events.
On the day I visited, the venue was hosting bands from around the UK, with the Brighton band Cade drawing in the biggest crowd of the day, both inside and outside the venue.
The venue also offers two pints for £12.50, meaning it is a great budget-friendly spot for young people. Where else could you enjoy four hours of free live music?
Of course, if you’re looking for big nights out with a bigger budget, then Camden also houses several huge music venues, including KOKO, the Jazz Cafe and the Roundhouse.
For those looking for some peace, the Regents Canal offers a quiet escape from the bustling crowds of the high street with its colourful longboats, buskers and street art.
This is a prime spot for young people during summer as it is filled with independent cafes, offering other great, cheap lunch alternatives.
If the weather is on your side, it is also worth visiting the neighbouring Primrose Hill, for its panoramic, skyline views of the capital.
Once afternoon turned to evening, I headed to The Lock Inn to take full advantage of their 2-for-1 cocktail deals and rooftop bar.
The deal means you can get two quality cocktails costing £13.95 or just £6.97 every Monday – Friday during Happy Hour.
If cocktails aren’t your bag, head down to The Dublin Castle for affordable pints and more live music or DJ sets.
This popular boozer is known for its ties to Amy Winehouse, with many of her early gigs being here, and these days it attracts an eclectic mix of local locals and fans of the Back To Black star.
It had been a long day, with shopping, TikTok-famous food, a gallery, live music, park hangs and evening cocktails – and how much lighter was my wallet? Just £23.
Not bad for 12 hours in one of the world’s priciest cities.
For more on budget breaks, here are the best cheap destinations to visit every month and the free things you can do there.
And the Sun’s Travel Editor’s top hacks for having the cheapest EVER break with Hols From £9.50.