The first thing that strikes you about London is the city’s enigmatic vibe. There is never a dull moment here – one may run out of money but will never run out of things to do. A true melting pot, it is home to tourists, gastronomes, adventure enthusiasts, art connoisseurs, business tycoons and more. With an awe-inspiring history and culture, there is something for everyone in this magnificent city.

One can never predict what the day looks like in London – one moment the sun shines and the next moment it begins to pour. In spite of several mood swings, it welcomes tourists 365 days a year. Though summer is prime-tourist season since people can enjoy long sunny days; the cold winds and snow do not stop them from visiting either. It’s the sort of place that makes you fall in love with it – truly, madly, deeply in love with it.

Popular attractions like the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, and Leicester Square are always flooded with visitors, especially during the peak tourist season. But there are also those areas that most tourists miss out on due to lack of time. Listed here are a few places where you can enjoy the city’s relaxing yet entertaining side.

– Notting Hill: 

Escape the city’s hustle-bustle and see an altogether different side at Notting Hill – an area that hosts the city’s biggest street carnival. Tourists are seen in large numbers fanning their cameras to capture beautiful images of quirky, colourful buildings – after all, pastel pinks and vibrant reds make excellent backdrops! Head to a local bar and enjoy a chilled glass of beer or shop at the famous Portobello Market, a great place to collect vintage souvenirs. Whether you like to eat, click, shop or people watch, this is one part of London you cannot miss.

– Camden Town: 

Famous for its labyrinth open-air markets, quirky street shops and tattooed hippies, Camden has its own distinctive flavor – a vibe that gradually grows onto you. It is a mind-blowing mix of eclectic, unique and intriguing experiences that are sure to leave you spellbound.  Shop for quirky clothes and accessories or relish food from around the globe at its numerous eateries. If you’re into rock, punk and jazz, this sprightly market is surely the place to be at for its live music performances.

– Borough Market: 

A delight for gourmands, Borough Market is the largest vegetable, fruit, meat and seafood market in Central London. It is home to the finest quality ingredients and is flooded with foodies everyday. Interact with various traders or sample delicious foods from live counters. Walk in hungry and you will have ample to choose from.

– Carnaby Street: 

Home to independent cafes, British bars, chic boutiques and concept stores; Carnaby Street is a charming area located next to Soho. Walk around this quintessentially English street to experience the city’s infectious vibe.

– Gabriel’s Wharf:
Amidst the bustling South Bank lies Gabriel’s Wharf, the quaint creative hub for art and design lovers. Enjoy panoramic views of the stunning city skyline while sipping on a drink or indulging in some life-changing conversations at the wharfs cutesy cafe.

– Primrose Hill: 

Enjoy breath-taking views of Central London by climbing the steep slopes of Primrose Hill. Famous for its skyrocket residential rates, this area houses some prominent names. Relax at one of its cozy cafes and keep your eyes open for celebrities.

– Emirates Air Line:

Glide over the River Thames between Greenwich Peninsular and the Royal Docks to enjoy stunning views of East London and the O2 Arena. The best time to enjoy a ride in London’s first and only cable car is during sunset. Keep your camera ready to capture stunning views of the city from above. After your ride, head to the O2 Arena for an enjoyable meal as it stocks some of London’s finest fast food chains.

– Spitalfields Market: 

Set in the heart of London’s diverse neighborhood, Spitalfields is a treasure trove for visitors. Famous for its pop-ups, vintage shops, handcrafted items and food court, it is undoubtedly a great weekend destination to enjoy with the family. Art enthusiasts can also walk down the lane to Shoreditch and experience some quirky paintings by Banksy and the likes.

– St. Christopher’s Street: 

Located opposite the Bond Street Station, you will surely find it difficult to leave this place. Flanked by cafes and bars on both sides, picking a restaurant can be a tough decision. Keeping in mind the relaxing ambiance, be prepared to have never-ending conversations over lunches that might just turn into dinners.

– The Scoop – Near London Bridge:
An open-air amphitheater located near the London Bridge, The Scoop is a hotspot for entertainment all year round. Enjoy live performances, open-air plays, opera, film screenings and lots more over here. Their events are open to public and are free of cost. It is recommended to reach before time as the seating is on a first-cum-first-serve basis.