Visiting the tourist attractions is something we will all do when we visit London,  but here are a few things to do that sometimes get overlooked and are seriously underrated…

• Go on an open bus tour, preferably on your first day. It’ll get you excited about all the sights, and will also give you a feel for finding your way around.  It’s the ideal activity for someone who is interested in the city’s people, and how they live their everyday lives. You’ll see more of what kind of shops are on offer, and can look out for a restaurant you like the look of for your evening meal.  You’ll also get an overview of the most historic and famous sights in the city, and an informative journey through the city’s most recognisable streets.

• If theatre’s your thing, check out The Secret Cinema Club.  They are a live theatrical group who re-enact famous films right on the city streets. A wholly different, immersing and exciting experience, this is innovative dramatics at it’s best.

•  How about lunch on the river?  London from the Thames is something truly spectacular.  There is a bizarre sense of peace and isolation yet an awareness of being in the middle of one of the busiest places in the world. Having lunch and watching the city sail by really is a fabulous way to spend the afternoon, and allows you to see a lot whilst doing very little! You can contact venue finding services to book tables on the best boats there are.

•  If you get lucky with the weather, explore some of London’s more private gardens.  There are secret landscapes tucked away in some of the most hectic parts of the city, and getting to know them gives you the option of escaping the hustle and bustle to catch your breath.  Have a look at The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, or Camley St Natural Park just behind St Pancras, or St Mary’s Secret Garden in Hackney.

• Take advantage of the food on offer. England has a reputation for just not knowing good food – we think that simply isn’t true. While we have had so many other cultures come together in one place, the cuisine has been getting more diverse, exciting and adventurous than ever before. Talk to a venue finding service to find out about the best meals your budget can buy in an area you’re interested in, and you’ll find some hidden gems with fantastic menus.