[6] The emergence of the industrial revolution in the 19th century meant Camden was the  North Western Railway's terminal stop in 1837.

At the end of the 20th century, entertainment-related businesses began moving into the area, and a Holiday Inn was built abutting the canal.

A number of retail and food chain outlets replaced independent shops, driven out by high rents and redevelopment.

The Dr. Martens' boot company global head office, including the design team, moved to Camden Town in 2017.

The markets are a major tourist attraction at weekends, selling goods of all types, including fashion, lifestyle, books, food, junk/antiques and more bizarre items; they and the surrounding shops are popular with young people, in particular, those searching for "alternative" clothing.

[21] After the area increased in popularity with the introduction of the markets the narrow platforms became dangerously overcrowded, particularly on Sunday afternoons.

[21] Mornington Crescent, Chalk Farm, and Kentish Town stations, within walking distance, remained open.

The restriction was extended temporarily due to escalator renovation,[23] and removed due to reduced traffic during the peak of the covid pandemic from 2020, but the Sunday afternoon closure continues, and outbound access is via a long spiral staircase instead of an escalator at other busy times when many market visitors arrive.

St Pancras International, Euston, and King's Cross terminals are within 20 minutes' walk of Camden Town.

[26] During the COVID-19 pandemic, from about March 2020 roadworks were carried out to make many side roads more suitable for cycling and reduce vehicle traffic.

The towpath links Camden Town to Angel and King's Cross to the east, and Regent's Park and Maida Vale in the west.

[31] Cycle counters on Royal College Street to the north of Camden Road railway station recorded over 375,000 journeys between August 2017 and July 2018.

The towpath is a pedestrian and cycle route which runs continuously from Little Venice through Camden Lock to the Islington Tunnel.

Boats depart every hour during the summer, heading westward around Regent's Park, calling at London Zoo and on towards Maida Vale.

A new park and walkway utilising the former railway alignment between Camden Town and Kings Cross was given planning permission in January 2023.

Associated Press Television News has its head office in a former gin warehouse near Camden Lock called "The Interchange".