These giant spectral cylinders are great at different times of the day but my favourite time is around dusk when the buildings in the city start to light up. The Gherkin and the new Shard building are framed in the lowest ring then the shifting colours of the sky are almost split in the following ellipses.

Camden Passage is a picturesque street filled with antique, vintage and contemporary shops.

The AA is Britain's oldest school of architecture, but anyone can take advangte of the great work going on there. You can catch really interesting public lectures and free exhibitions throughout the year. There are also occasional installations and event launches, a bijoux cafe and brilliant bookshop. A great place to hang out with the builders of the future.

Probably my favourite building in the city, and right in the heart of it. There are always interesting events happening here, across art and music, and you can drink in the courtyard during summer

Get on the list for tickets and surprise someone who will appreciate the 'village of books' upstairs in particular.