London

As a baggy jean'd, skate shoe wearing teenager of the late 90s, Camden was the ultimate weekend haunt. It was the one place you could get anything you wanted that you couldn't get anywhere else. Camden holds many memories of my latter teenage years; I got a couple of my first piercings there, bought most of my clothes there, my first pair of DMs, and had a good couple of nights out, to be brief.

From the moment you step out of the tube station and amalgamate yourself with the rest of the crowd, you realise you've stepped almost into another world. As the manic mass of bodies surround you, you realise there is no point in fighting the flow and allow yourself to be swept away into the tide.

The first thing that hits you is the variety of people - individuals from all walks of life; Hippies, Punks, Skate Kids, Goths, to name but a few. An abundance of colours, languages, fashions, hair-styles, and personalities come together to form what makes Camden ‘Camden'.

Camden actually consists of three separate markets, with the largest being the world famous Camden Lock Market.

With a large focus on alternative fashions, if you're looking for an independently produced trend-setting fashion garment from one of the many designers based here, or you're looking for a straight-jacket to put the finishing touches to that ‘one of a kind' ensemble for that party next weekend, Camden Lock Market is the place for you. Hundreds of stalls make up the markets alone, not including the more permanently fixed shops such as Punkyfish, with its vividly coloured pop-punk styles, and Black Rose which specialises in Goth fashions. The Arches, toward the back of the market, are fantastic for those one of a kind finds. Here you'll find second hand garments which are great for the continuing vintage/retro trends. Within the Arches, you will also find an army surplus store with both new and second hand goods, a bric-a-brac section, and a selection of furniture sellers.

Though fashion and clothing is in an obvious abundance throughout the markets, Camden is also fantastic for a wide selection of other items. From furniture, to jewellery, to candles and incense, to antiques and works of art, Camden really is the one place for those things you just cant find anywhere else.

A hard days shopping leaves you with two things; an empty wallet, and a hungry tummy. Camden is in no way short of a place to eat. Within the main market itself is a plethora of International foodstuffs. As you walk through the main food aisle, you will be attacked from every angle by sellers trying to sell their delicacy to you. No trip of mine to Camden is complete without a dish piled with Sweet and Sour Chicken and Noodles (all for only £3.50). If you prefer a lighter bite, crepes are available from several stalls, and for the caffeine kick you'll undoubtedly need there are several coffee stalls throughout.

For the budget conscious, almost all of Camden is open to haggling. Whether you're purchasing a £5 ring, or a £50 one-off dress, dont be afraid to bargain with the stall seller. Though some are stubborn in their approach to retail, many will willingly knock you down a pound or more, given a little persuasion.

Aside from the popular daytime activities, Camden is also home to many great pubs and clubs. Camdens music scene is second to none with countless famous bands playing here including Placebo, Radiohead, Sheryl Crow, and Madness. Underworld, located below The Worlds End pub, is a fantastic music venue which hosts a consistent stream of up-and-coming and already popular bands. The pub itself is fantastic for a pre-gig beverage or two, with an amazing atmosphere that screams ‘Camden'. However, if youre only around Camden for a weekend or so, make sure you visit the Electric Ballroom. The EB on a Friday night hosts ‘Sin City', a club night focused on rock, metal, and alternative, attracting a vast yet unique crowd. Staged on two floors, the main floor is for those of you who like your rock a bit heavier, ala Marilyn Manson, with very scantily clad ladies dancing in cages, while the second floor allures those of you who like your rock with a bit more glitter and glam. If you prefer your night out to be a bit less alternative, and a bit more bubblegum, then head to the EB on a Saturday night for the ‘Shake' club night. With a variety of DJs playing everything from 70s, 80s, and 90s disco, to todays best RnB beats over 3 floors, the Electric Ballroom really does cater for all tastes.

Though Camden is open 7 days a week, make your visit on a Saturday or Sunday, and you'll get the most of your experience. Come during the day to experience the insanity and buzz of the Markets, and come during the evening for a night out you wont forget!