London in 10 tips, slightly different ways

Queen Elizabeth Rooftop & Garden

On the rooftop, surrounded by fruit trees and flowers, you can leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you at Queen Elizabeth Rooftop & Garden. This lush spot is one of London's finest rooftop bars and is tucked away near the better-known Southbank Centre. The view, with some of London's most famous buildings as a backdrop, is unrivalled.

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Looking for Banksy in Shoreditch

The hippest neighbourhood of the moment is undoubtedly the artsy Shoreditch. Besides boutiques, markets, restaurants and bars, the district is known for its street art, which include some of the earliest works by British street artist Banksy. For the best shopping, head to Redchurch Street, Brick Lane and Hoxton Street.

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Five floors of modern art at the Tate Modern museum

Modern art lovers will enjoy the Tate Modern museum, housed in a former power station. Not only the building, but also the collection is spectacular. Across five floors, you'll find almost every current trend in modern art. And the best thing is: like all museums in London, admission is free.

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Boutiques and pink coffee at Paddington

Shopping around Connaught Street in the Paddington area is a breath of fresh air compared to the hustle and bustle of London's high streets. Café Saint Aymes presents the traditional British high tea with pink coffee, blue milkshake and gold glitter cupcakes.

Stroll along the waterfront of Little Venice

The watery area around Robert Browning's Island is so picturesque that it has rightly been named Little Venice. Dining on a boat is one of the many possibilities here: for example, at the fish restaurant The Grand Duchess. Prefer to stay on dry land? In foodhall Pergola, under a canopy of green leaves, you can enjoy streetfood from all corners of the globe.

Vintage and antique shopping in Greenwich Market

On the Thames, in south-east London, picturesque Greenwich beckons. The old town is even a World Heritage Site. You can wander around and shop in the covered Greenwich Market. This is a great place to browse the market stalls, which offer a range of vintage, antique, curiosity and local and international delicacies.

Lose yourself in the lanes of Seven Dials

You can wander for hours along the Seven Dials lanes in Covent Garden, past boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Don't miss Neal's Yard. This colourful alleyway between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street is pleasing to the eye. The small terrace at Jacob the Angel coffee bar is a good place to sit.

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Taste street food at Maltby Street Market

At Maltby Street Market you can eat affordable and varied street food with the locals. You may have to search for it, as this intimate market is hidden in a side street under a railway bridge. The railway arches give the packed market its picturesque character. Sample goodies from all over the world at the welcoming stalls.

Picknick in Hyde Park

On a sunny day, what can be better than packing some food and drink and joining the Londoners for a picnic in Hyde Park? One of the best places to do this is near the boat rental kiosk at The Serpentine Lake. Are you ready for some action? Walk and admire one of the many monuments, rent a boat or take go for a swim in the lake.

Staying in London's best district

The CitizenM Shoreditch otel is right in the heart of London's most desirable district. The affordable rooms have a basic and sleek design. In less than five minutes' walk, you can reach various hotspots such as Boxpark, a shop and food paradise constructed from shipping containers, and the popular Peruvian restaurant Andina. 

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