AS one of the world’s great cities, London boasts a rich history as well as a cutting-edge, modern culture. The juxtaposition of tradition and novelty, the old and the avant-garde, makes London a magnet for visitors from around the world.

But despite these many contrasts, London can be a blissful place filled with eclectic charms. While the city surely has no lack of scenic spots and world-class attractions, there are also plenty of ways to relax off the beaten tourist track. Here are some recommendations for how to kick-back in London like a real local.

Neighborhood stroll

Apart from can’t-miss destinations like the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, London is filled with tranquil parks, upscale boutiques and other hidden gems that are a pleasure to explore by foot.

Sitting on the north bank of the Thames River, the borough of Kensington and Chelsea is making waves for its skyrocketing real estate prices. But it’s also a district of elegant architecture, rich celebrity culture and an incubator for punk art.

Lovely Victorian mansions are scattered across the district, which is dotted with flower blossoms and trees. Oscar Wilde once lived in this area, as did Mark Twain, British painter William Turner and American artist James Whistler. Some of their former residences still stand today in this reclusive neighborhood. Through iron gates and wrought windows, one can have a peak at what once were the artists’ painting rooms.

The King’s Road, the main road in the borough, has left a deep impression on the history of British fashion. Lined with clothing, housewares and antique stores, this is where Vivienne Westwood, the godmother of punk fashion, opened her first shop, Sex, and where British designer Mary Quaint unveiled her first miniskirt.

Further north, the borough of Bloomsbury nurtures a thick academic air thanks to the presence of University College London, and the nearby bookstores and museums.

One must-see attraction in this neighborhood is the British Museum, which has an unparalleled collection of Egyptian mummies and Parthenon friezes. Be sure to set aside enough time for this fascinating place — or better yet, make a visit on Friday, when the museum stays open until 8:30pm. Audio guides are available to rent for 5 pounds (US$7.7) to help visitors better understand this treasure trove of human civilization.

Treat yourself to a play

Londoners are spoiled when it comes to top-quality theatrical entertainment. In 2014, a report by the Society of London Theatre and the National Theatre described the city’s theater scene as “enjoying a golden period … both artistically and at the box office.” London’s stages boast an unmatched variety, with everything from opera to puppet shows and children’s plays running on the more than 40 theaters found in the city’s West End.

Perennial hits like “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserable” continue their multi-year runs, to the delight of visitors and local theater-goers alike. At the same time, there are plenty of smaller theaters showing more experimental works. An open-air theater inside Regent’s Park offers outdoor performances against the backdrop of nature only during summer. If you are lucky, you may see big Hollywood names perform on the London stage, so do your homework and mark your calendar.

Theater tickets can be purchased via numerous websites, including comparetheatretickets.com. Ticket deals can also be found online through discounttheatre.com, or londontheatre.co.uk. If you’re an early bird and line up outside the TKTS booth on Leicester Square, you may get discounted tickets for shows on the same day — sometimes at very low prices.

The best seats are usually in the first three rows of the royal circle, and the first 10 rows of the stall section, although theaters differ somewhat in terms of seating layout.

Indulge in afternoon tea

Originating in the mid-1600s, the custom of afternoon tea is one of Britain’s greatest contributions to world gastronomic culture. It wasn’t until the 18th century though that this privilege of the country’s royal family began making its way to the masses. Today, countless Britons use afternoon tea as an opportunity to relax, socialize and entertain friends.

A typical afternoon tea includes British tea served with milk and sugar, sandwiches, bread and preserves, scones, pies and cakes. A number of luxury hotels in London serve some of the finest high teas. The Langham, for instance, was the first hotel to provide afternoon tea in 1865. Another iconic tea establishment is the Ritz London, where the Palm Court is always crowded with tourists. Here, reservations several days in advance are recommended.

Department store Fortnum & Mason, famed for its Charing Cross tea room, once visited by Queen Victoria, offers afternoon teas and a wide range of sets, including those for both vegetarians and diners with diabetes. Tea leaves are available for purchase and make great gifts.

BB Bakery in Covent Garden is also a popular option, particularly with female customers. The bakery also offers special bus and boat tours.

Peter Jones in Sloane Square is another favorite. It’s recommended to order a simple cream tea — which includes a scone — and then take a seat by the French windows to enjoy a terrific view of Chelsea, complete with the red brick pinnacles and marble turrets of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Spend the weekend at a market

If you happen to spend a weekend or two in London, pencil a market trip into your itinerary. The city is home to several maze-like markets crammed with shops, boutiques and stalls that are only open on weekends. Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is a chic haven for treasure hunting. Get off the Tube at Notting Hill Gate, and follow the stream until you spot the colorful houses made famous by the Hugh Grant film named after the area. Stalls line the road selling second-hand clothes, accessories, souvenirs, snack foods and all manner of antiques. Fashion boutiques selling clothing from independent labels are located in the rear of the market.

Camden Lock Market in Camden Town is a haunt for young rebels, punks and rockers. Famed for its avant-garde and unconventional culture, this is where many aspiring artists and designers head to start their careers.

Foodies are advised to check out Borough Market, where one can taste British cuisine at its finest. Situated under London Bridge, the market has been selling the freshest and best foods and ingredients for more than 300 years. Visitors can easily spend an entire afternoon here wandering through countless stalls.

The flower market on Columbia Road is a lovely place to visit early on Sunday morning, especially if you’re in the market for a fresh bouquet. As the largest open-air flower market in London, one can also find a wide variety of seeds, gardening tools and flower pots.

Covent Garden, which is opened daily, is another popular spot. Once home to a fruit and vegetable market, the area has been renovated into a hub of restaurants, delis, bars, cafes and boutiques.

Where to stay

Corinthia Hotel London

As a renovated government building, Corinthia Hotel London sits in the heart of London, near the Embankment tube station, just minutes’ walk away from Trafalgar Square. Apart from it some 300 well-equipped guest rooms and suites, the hotel has seven spacious penthouses. Each of these unique penthouses features a multi-room media system and a remote controlled fireplace. Penthouse guests can also enjoy personal butler service and wake-up calls with coffee or tea. (www.corinthia.com)

Threadneedles Hotel

Threadneedles Hotel brings guests into the economic center of the city. Located on London’s main financial thoroughfare, Threadneedle Street is home to several of the world’s leading financial institutions, including the Bank of England. The hotel’s 150-year-old building still maintains walnut walls and marble floors. The designers of the hotel have endeavored to preserve the building’s history while also including touches of comfort and modernity. (www.theetoncollection.co.uk)

The Langham

Opened in 1865, The Langham is one of the most luxury hotels in Europe. The hotel’s Palm Court is also the birth place of the English high tea. The hotel’s guest list includes Queen Victoria, Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde. (london.langhamhotels.com.cn)

Recommended apps

The Cloud: This app automatically searches for free-of-charge wifi connection near you, so you don’t need to aimlessly check for connections in cafes or restaurants.

Google Maps: A necessity when traveling abroad. You can also save a map of a city to check details offline.

Citymapper: This navigation app has detailed information on transportation systems in various cities. Updated information on London’s Tube lines are also available. With GPS services enabled, this app can help steer you in the right direct and alert you when to get off buses.