Experience London with Hilton London Hotels

Check out some of the classics

It can be tempting to avoid the crowds of London's most famous sights. But are there some our concierges recommend as unmissable highlights?

My must-sees in London are the Tower of London and Tower Bridge Nicola Ehlinger of Hilton Angel Islington tells us.

The Tower of London is the city's castle, royal palace and prison. Visitors can take tours by day to see the crown jewels or if they dare a tour by night! Step inside Tower Bridge and explore the amazing views, especially through the recently added glass floor.

For something more contemporary, John Kortenray of the Bankside Hilton recommends the hustle and bustle of the famous Borough Market, one of London's trendiest attractions for foodies: The buzz of this market encapsulates the history and thriving food scene which London has to offer. It's one of the oldest food markets in London and you can enjoy everything from home-made sausages to locally brewed cider.

And if retail is your thing, there's one place that's a highlight for shoppers and tourists alike Harrods! suggests Aimee Sieczko of the Hilton on Park Lane.

Taking in some culture

Of course, for many a trip away is the perfect opportunity to take in the cultural highlights of a new city. London is famous for its many galleries, museums and theatres.

So, what would our concierges pick out at as the very best?

The Southbank Centre is always a winner. Something for everyone! recommends Sieczko.

Meanwhile, Robin Gordon of Hilton Canary Wharf highlights The National Gallery – It houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. It is on show 361 days a year, free of charge.

Several of our concierges pick out one world-famous venue, the Tate Modern. I always recommend the museums which have a history such as Tate Modern which is found in the former Bankside Power Station revealed John White of the Conrad London St James hotel.

Many of our guests visit the Tate as it appeals to everyone from families to young couples adds Kortenray. It always has a huge variety of exhibitions to choose from, exploring many different aspects of art.

Meanwhile, Ehlinger picks out a couple of lesser-known names: The City of London Museum next to the Barbican holds great secrets about the City within the City. I visit the Saatchi Gallery on Kings Road occasionally, and I am wowed by the quirkiness of this gallery every time.

Getting that perfect photo

Next we asked our concierges where we can find the most Instagram-able view in London – a stunning sight to make those back home jealous.

Nothing beats the heights of Britain's tallest building – The Shard. recommends Kortenray, sharing a view guaranteed to impress. The viewing platform gives panoramic views of our great city and gives people the opportunity to spot everything from Battersea Power Station to the London Eye.

A venue that combines height with the chance to relax was picked out by several concierges: The most Instagram-able view of London I think would be Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street. A unique space that boasts two destination bars and two beautiful restaurants, it spans three stories and offers stunning 360-degree views suggests Gordon.

Check out the free Walkie Talkie and head up for an hour of great views over the Thames and the south side of the Thames agrees Ehlinger. Or anywhere along the Southbank close to the bridge gives great panoramic photographs of the City.

But it's not all about height.

A trip to one of London's many parks might reveal that perfect photo. One of the best spots is the bridge in St James's Park with a view of the beautiful skyline including the London Eye on one side and Buckingham Palace on the other proposes White.

It has to be the top of the hill in Greenwich Park, where you can spot some of London's most famous buildings, including The Shard and Gherkin adds Sieczko. I'd also suggest a picnic!

Exploring something new

To get a real flavour of a city, many visitors yearn to see something little more off-the-beaten path. In a city the size of London, there's always something new to discover. And who better to let us know where to see the real London than our concierges?

Gordon suggests one of London's lesser known, but handily central districts: Little Venice, with its beautiful canals and waterways, can be found just to the north of Paddington. Positioned where the Grand Union and Regent's canals meet, this picturesque neighbourhood is home to quirky waterside cafes, cosy pubs and charming restaurants.

From canal boat rides to puppet shows, there are plenty of things to do in this charming London area.

Kortenray highlights a hidden gem full of cultural and culinary charms.

London visitors know all about Downing Street and Tower Bridge but very few have heard of the quirky Flat Iron Square in Bankside. Tucked in under the railway arches and the Grade II listed building Devonshire House, the space offers a cultural journey through food, music, entertainment and shops for trinkets and vintage clothes.

Meanwhile, Sieczko has a suggestion for those looking for some nature. Laden with all kinds of prettiness and botanical gems, Chelsea Physic Gardens is a wonderful place to visit – and for all age groups.

I would recommend Richmond Park, especially because visitors can see the deers adds White.

And Ehlinger have us a perfect suggestion seeing different parts of the city: All the London markets are truly spectacular. For antiques head to Portobello Road and Columbia Road Flower Market is great for the green fingered with some beautiful flowers and fresh plants.

A night out to remember

London's nightlife is legendary and home to some of the most famous venues in the world.

So, after a fantastic day checking the sights, where do our concierges suggest for some outstanding entertainment?

We love to recommend Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in Soho says Konstantinos Angelopoulos of the Hilton London Metropole.

London's live music venues are always good agrees White. as well as Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, which made its name as the first club to host American jazz musicians in the UK, the Piãno Kensington on Kensington High Street has live jazz 5 nights a week.

And that's not all. Head to the Roundhouse in Camden for some live music suggests Ehlinger. And for musical theatre, the latest five star show in the city is Hamilton. A must see.

Speaking of the big theatre shows, Gordon has a money-saving tip: Half price tickets can be found in Leicester Square at the TKTS ticket booth.

For a cultural evening, Kortenray suggests checking out Bankside: The area offers a cultural feast – after enjoying dinner at one of the many tucked away restaurants, visitors can explore the small, independent theatre companies which the area boasts, all within walking distance of each-other.

It's not just shows though, Gordon adds: Covent Garden is also in the West End - London's main theatre and entertainment area. Tourists fill its elegant, car-free piazza, home to fashion stores, crafts at the Apple Market and the Royal Opera House. Street entertainers perform by 17th-century St. Paul's Church, and the London Transport Museum houses some gorgeous vintage vehicles.

Some bonus tips!

So finally, what extra tips can our concierges give us on how to see the best of the city? Surprisingly enough, the Tube isn't their preferred way to get around.

I always suggest taking the bus instead. That way, you get to know how London fits together recommends Sieczko.

Avoid the queues in the Underground during peak hours agrees Ehlinger. The new Routemaster buses use biofuel so are green as well as only £1.50 per journey.

Top Tip – jump on the top deck and where possible, grab the front row for best views and people watching.