Hans Ulrich Obrist

Sitting pretty in the middle of Hyde Park, the Serpentine is an absolute must for contemporary art lovers no matter what’s on the agenda at the moment. Check out the yearly Pavilion designed by the most famous architects in the world. If you can’t swing a ticket to their wild & wonderful Summer Party, the free gallery entrance ticket is sure to soothe the pain. 

The V&A is instantly calmer than its neighbouring Science and Natural History museums. On a warm day crowds gather to paddle in the elliptical courtyard pool. Inside there is always something new to discover. The blockbuster fashion exhibitions (Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Balenciaga) are definitely worth the entry price, but visitors shouldn’t miss highlights in the permanent collection including Renaissance works by Botticelli and statues by Michelangelo. Exit through the gift shop – the best museum store in London.

Second only to the Serpentine Pavilion knees-up, the London art world’s next big bash is preview night at the Summer Exhibition. The RA’s patchwork submission-based show has been going since 1769 and is wonderfully accessible. Yet the big focus on the exhibitions means a lot of people don’t know that Michelangelo’s Taddei Tondo (the artist’s only marble sculpture in Britain) is in the permanent collection. You’ll also find next-level jamón sandwiches at José Pizarro’s café Poster Bar.

It’s worth taking a day to explore Exhibition Road: there’s the V&A, the Natural History Museum (its unique collection of dinosaur skeletons is a must with kids), and next door, the Science Museum. It may be completely insane during school holidays but it’s a wonderful space, with a focus on interactivity that means there are things to push and play at every turn. The flight simulator and live exploding science shows are as much fun for adults as children. Teenagers will get lost in the gaming gallery.

Serving everything from light snacks and small plates to the main event, Restaurant Fondation Beyeler is the ideal place for lunch. Whether you're hankering for a tarte flambée or the oxtail ragout, or you're in the mood for a midday wine, rest-assured that this little spot in the park is far from just your ordinary café. 

Exhibitions here take in Japanese culture from all angles. There could be replica bowls of noodles and plates of sushi that look good enough to eat or bright Pop Art designs painted straight on to the walls. Either way, restaurant Akira upstairs serves beautiful bento boxes and the shop is packed with gift ideas – from animal- topped Legami pens to edamame-shaped chopstick rests. Keep your eyes peeled for designer Paul Smith who visits regularly for inspiration.

Walk, or jog, or prance, or run. Kensington Gardens is the perfect piece of green to ground yourself in the city.