A great place to start the day if you are in South London is Federation Coffee in Brixton Village. The food is great and so is the coffee. This is a very chilled place where you can get both and indoor and outdoor experience (even though the whole place is under the Village roof).

The Thames is not traditionally the prettiest river but it has its moments. Here it is turning pink in a sunset this summer. Its the reason the city is here and I like how in moments of real importance it rises to the occasion. For the golden Jubilee the queen floated down it with hundreds of boats, it was an amazing sight, like vikings setting out for battle. Good river spots - North Bank Savoy Gardens, Royal Festival Hall.

Outside of the major players (Tate, V&A, RA) this is probably the best programmed gallery in London

The walk along the South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge will take you past a plethora or interesting sights and cultural hotspots. There's always something interesting going on too.

The best things in London can be spied from this seat. Fact.