If you thought the City of London was all suits and no soul, take a trip to Barbican, home of the fabulous Barbican Centre. A leading UK arts complex, it houses a cinema, art gallery, theatre, dedicated workshop and learning spaces, and its own glorious conservatory where you can take afternoon tea. Tourist footfall in Barbican is further boosted by the Museum of London, so there's buzz and bustle even at weekends, when City bigwigs are home putting their feet up and enjoying a well-earned G&T. The trendy bars and restaurants of Shoreditch are only a short walk away, so there's never any chance of being bored during a trip to the Barbican area.
RECOMMENDED: London by area
