Camden is an ugly mess of a suburb due North of Leicester Square - 10 mins on the northern line (get out at Chalk Farm station and avoid the crowds). Apart from a walk on Primrose Hill, the main reason for going there is the weekend market, Europe's biggest retailer on the basis of turnover. See our 'Markets' section for more details. Saturday is less busy than Sunday, though it gets really crowded in summer most of the time. There is NO reason to visit during the week.
For an interesting eating experience visit 'Belgo Noord' near Chalk Farm tube - part of this super-successful restaurant chain which has grown to rule a huge food empire. This is where it all started. Marine Ices nearby is reputed to serve the best ice-cream in London in its downmarket cafe. You can take canal trips from Camden lock on the Regent's canal to the Zoo and beyond. From Camden tube, Parkway curves down to the Regent's Park, which makes a nice walk back into town.