Having a
chip and pin card will really minimise hassle and give you alot more flexibility. For example you will be able to use the self service ticket collection machines and in restaurants and bars you wont have issues with the hand held machine they will bring to your table.
Tipping in UK and Ireland is no where near like in USA. It is not expected to tip taxis or tour guides for example but it is a nice gesture. The same in bars , restaurants and cafes, the bar tenders and servers earn a liveable wage, they do not have to rely on tips to make up their wage like in USA. Again tipping is a nice gesture but not expected.
In restaurants I would give round up and give a 10% tip, I dont tip bartenders.
For taxis I rarely tip, if I do, I would round up. For example if the fare is €8.60 I would hand the driver €10 and say thats ok, keep the change, but only if I felt the taxi driver gave exceptional service, ie helped me with luggage or was friendly and chatty. A note about Taxis in Dublin, most only accept cash and before 6pm there is €3.60 on the meter before you start your journey. After 6pm, the standing charge goes up to €4.80 I haven't been in a Taxi in London for a few years but they would have similar, and most likely only take cash.
I guess if you budget €50 / £50 per person per day in cash you would be fine. I would mainly use the card, but use cash for small purchases under €10 /£10 and for taxis.
Camden Market is amazing and I would easily spend 4 or 5 hours just wandering around. The easiest way to get there is to take the Tube, Northern Line. There are 2 routes on the Northern Line, both will bring you to Camden Town Tube Station, but on the way back you will need to check you are on the correct line to get back to your hotel.
When you up to street level you will be on Camden High Street. This is a very bohemian / offbeat / unconventional area. You will need to walk about 5 minutes up the road to get to the market areas. Alot of the shops on Camden High Street sell and display unconventional clothing, shoes,bags and other accessories.
This is the official website of Camden Market and gives great information about whats on , the shops and restaurants
https://www.camdenmarket.com/ There are also street food vendors so I would plan to eat lunch in the Camden Street Area.
There is a HOHO bus stop beside where I get my regular city bus home from the city centre. From what I see on a regular basis I would advise taking the Red GreyLine HOHO Bus.
1. They have agents on a regular basis at the bus stops in the city centre
2. They have live commentary from the bus driver or on board guide
3. The Red GreyLine HOHO Bus seems to be more frequent and have a better standard of bus vehicle.