Camden

Photo of a barge in Camden-Brent

One of the most scenic and unique ways to see London is on the water—not from one of the ubiquitous tourist boats that take you up and down the Thames but from a colorful narrowboat cruising leisurely along Regents Canal, offering views of the city that cannot be seen from anywhere else. Fortunately, there are a few services in northern London that afford you this chance—and, of course, there are more than a few  accommodations in London to make your stay even more spectacular.

London’s waterways used to be the highways of the city, allowing transportation to some of the most famous and frequently visited sights. Boatmen would row passengers on long, narrow boats and “leg it” through tight tunnels, using their feet to propel off of low ceilings. Nowadays, these trips continue to take visitors past stunning views in style, including Lords’ Cricket Grounds, the London Zoo and Lord Snowdon’s aviary in Regent’s Park, the gardens in St. John’s Woods, the beauty and serenity of Maida Vale and celebrated Camden Locks. Read the entire story here…»

Camden Lock Market London

In London, summer is the perfect time to forego high street fashion chains and head to outdoor markets for one-of-a-kind finds. This city certainly has a lot to choose from: the perennial favorite, Portobello Road between Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove; the edgier Spitalfields Market not far from the City; the sprawling stalls of Brixton and Brick Lane. But nothing compares to Camden Market for sheer size and cool surroundings—and a stay in a nearby NY Habitat London apartment is a sure way to feel like you’ve not only seen the city but lived it…and you’ll have the packages to prove it!

Okay, so it’s easy to mistake Camden Markets for the site of an outdoor concert. They are crowded, especially on weekends—but that’s all part of the charm. Navigating, however, is quite another story.
Camden can appeal to shoppers of every stripe. For antiques, there’s Camden Passage Market, which is a lot like the Victoria & Albert Museum without walls. For club gear, t-shirts, trainers and knock-offs—all of it pretty cheap, at least by British standards—head to The Camden Market, closest to Camden Town Tube stop, and Camden Canal Market, with the added bonus of a nice view and a few canal-side cafés when all that shopping becomes a bit overwhelming, which it inevitably will. Stables Market, farther from the Tube, has some of the most original offerings. Gathered near the back, by what used to be the horse hospital, are independent artists and craftspeople, as well as a two-floor antique mall and scattered food stands. Read the entire story here…»