To shine a light on what defines a cultural hotspot, we have tapped a couple of individuals to show their city through the eyes of a local, highlighting several of the lesser-known spots alongside their favourite urban green spaces that provide respite from the hustle and bustle. 

For those who are visiting from out of town, let’s face it, there is more to see from London than Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace which, with the help of Maria Maleh, the Co-Founder of Hamster FC, we’re going to detail in the following alternative city travel guide, ‘City Limits’. 

Given the size of the capital, Maria Maleh, who has been a resident since 2011, helped us to peel back London’s layers and dive deeper into the spaces, stores, galleries, bars and activities that visitors and long-time inhabitants alike can indulge in. Maria has highlighted the hidden gems that you won’t find in your typical tourist brochure, striking a balance between conventional and some more off-the-beaten-path recommendations by venturing to Greenwich Peninsula Golf Range, Stepney City Farm and Roman Road market. 

• Greenwich Peninsula Golf Range – I think if you said to someone that you played golf during your visit to the capital of the United Kingdom, they would probably just cast you off as a loon. Greenwich Peninsula’s Golf Range sits on the bank of the Thames and allows you to hit golf balls to your heart’s content. 
• Stepney City Farm – Situated in the heart of Tower Hamlets, Stepney City Farm does everything its name suggests: it’s a working farm in one of London’s many thriving boroughs, describing itself as a ‘rural oasis’. There are many elements to the farm including a popular farmers market every Saturday, allowing adults and children the chance to meet various farm animals and providing educational programmes to the community. Lastly, Maria drops in that the farm cafe, ‘The Allotment Kitchen’, is a personal favourite spot of hers.
• Cody Dock – Community-led regeneration at its finest and a very wholesome picture of people from all backgrounds rallying around for the good of the local ecosystem and human spirit. Cody Dock is home to a number of facilities and activities including open gallery space, outdoor classrooms and birdwatching.
• Three Mills – The wonderful green spaces of Three Mills allow you to just escape and breathe momentarily. Also, it is home to a historic piece of art called ‘Reaching Out’, the first statue of a black woman by a black artist that depicts a normal everyday person as they go about their business, as many of London’s inhabitants do.
• Roman Road Market – Spanning over 150 years, the Roman Road market is a real East End icon famed for its diverse street food offering, quality homeware and affordable fashion. 
• Bow Creek – In a historically industrial part of London, the last thing you would expect is a wildlife haven, but Bow Creek provides a tranquil release from the surrounding city. Head over to the wharf and meet the locals, from newts and water scorpions to flocks of birds.