London is one of those cities that can sometimes take a while to let you in on its secrets, as a visitor it’s easy to be distracted by the obvious big-ticket tourist attractions but never really get to see what makes London one of the cities that sets the agenda for the rest of the world.

To get under the skin of London you need to actively engage, immerse yourself in one of the myriad of different neighborhoods and really live like a local - even if it’s just for a few days.

Just on the Eastern edge of London’s central business district, Hoxton is a good place to start.

Rent an apartment through Airbnb, sign up for a weekly pass to the Boris bike hire scheme and you’re good to go!

Where to eat breakfast

• The Breakfast Club - big breakfasts done really well. Great coffee too.
• The Book Club - very cool, turns into one of the areas best bars later in the day.
• The Ginger Pig Cafe - best place for your protein fix, very good steak, eggs and spinach, perfect way to start the day.

Where to get coffee

• Ozone - a New Zealand operation, sets the standard for good coffee.
• Shoreditch Grind - an espresso bar overlooking the Old Street roundabout.
• Look Mum No Hands - bike geek heaven. Awash with lycra-clad cyclists, includes on-site repair workshop.

Where to eat lunch

• Salvation Jane - an antipodean-style cafe serving up relaxed and casual food at its best.
• Shades Jerk Chicken - a van that sets up in Hoxton Street every Saturday and occasionally during the week. Locals happily queue for jerk chicken, rice and peas.
• Rochelle Canteen - a hidden gem, you need to find a discrete door and buzz for entry, but it’s worth the effort. Only open mid-week, the menu changes daily and the food is spectacular.
   

Where to eat dinner

• Song Que - Kingsland Road has a myriad of Vietnamese restaurants to choose from, Song Que is one of the best. Cheap and cheerful.
• Rivington Grill - quality british food they surprisingly also offer take-away. Pick up some fish and chips and sit in the sun in Hoxton Square.
• Tram Shed - One of the newer offerings from celebrity chef Mark Hix, the ultra simple menu gives you two choices, chicken or steak. The food is good and worth going just to admire the massive Damien Hirst centerpiece - a cow and a chicken preserved in a tank of formaldehyde.
   

Where to drink

• Nightjar - speakeasy-style underground bar. Not easy to find but the high-end cocktails are worth it.
• George & Dragon - The gay scene in London’s East End is a bit more edgy and alternative. Start your night here to set the tone - wear your skinny jeans.
• Paper Dress - by day this is a vintage clothing store, but at night it turns into a hipster bar. Genius.
   

Where to dance

• East Bloc - small but perfectly formed gay club where the young guys go to dance.
• Joiners Arms - relaxed and friendly gay bar, grungy and sexy.
• Plastic People - serious clubbing, check the website to see whether what’s playing that night is up your alley.
   

Where to stay
If you don’t fancy an Airbnb apartment, or if you’re only in town for a short visit, here’s a couple of hotels in the area which might work for you.

• Hoxton Hotel
• Crowne Plaza
• Andaz Hotel