SALT LAKE CITY — London is one of Europe’s most visited cities, so travelers who like to avoid long lines and thick crowds may need to get a bit creative. Here are seven experiences in London which give the true England experience without bogging travelers down with thronging masses of tourists.

See a play and wander around in Soho

Soho is a vibrant area with quirky stores, delicious restaurants, and an active theater scene. If a visitor to London plans to see a play, it’s probably going to be in one of Soho’s theaters.

An artsy day in Soho might include an afternoon of wandering around Chinatown and delving into quirky shops ranging from huge record stores to Harry Potter-themed novelty stores. Eat dinner in London’s restaurant epicenter and go see a play ("Mamma Mia," "Les Miserables," and more). Afterward, take some time to check out Soho’s nightlife before heading back to the hotel.

See a full listing of London’s plays on Visit London.

Stroll down Leake Street, wander the riverside, and see an IMAX movie in Waterloo

Waterloo is famous both for being across the river from Big Ben and for housing the London Eye, a famous Ferris wheel that provides sweeping views of the city. These destinations, often jam-packed with tourists, are not the only reason to visit Waterloo.

Leake Street, which is close to Waterloo tube station and right across Westminster bridge from Big Ben, is a tunnel which has been positively plastered with interesting graffiti art. Designated as a place to showcase urban street art, the tunnel is almost continuously being painted over. Spend some time exploring the tunnel and watching the artists paint. Diligent lookers might even discover a Banksy.

After spending some time in Leake Street Tunnel, go for a walk down the river Thames and appreciate the architecture and unique city views. Grab dinner and then head over to the Odeon BFI IMAX theater, a fantastic spot to catch the latest movies on a huge, overarching screen.

Enjoy Camden Market and see a jazz show

Camden Market is a quirky, lively marketplace with a wide variety of contents including food, artisan craftsmanship and cheap backpacks and clothes. Exploring Camden Market is fun and can eat up hours. There are also a lot of interesting stores and good restaurants in the Camden Town area, making it a nice place to spend an afternoon and evening.

Watch the Sunset at Primrose Hill and later on go enjoy a jazz show at one of Camden’s prominent jazz bars. See a full list of jazz bars in London here.

Gaze over London on the Monument and experience the architecture of Leadenhall Market

Delve into a different side of London over by St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. This region offers a fascinating variety of architecture that will be a delight to photographers and people who want to see a different side of London’s architecture.

Start at The Monument, which is close to London Bridge. This small, ornate tower serves as a permanent reminder of the great fire of London in 1666. Only 5 pounds for adults and even less for students and children, visitors can climb the 100 steps up to the top of the monument. There they can experience a viewpoint of London that is less frequently captured than views from the Shard and other famous viewpoints.

After, head toward Leadenhall Market. This street not only boasts restaurants and shops, but it also will provide a nostalgic experience for Harry Potter fans— it’s the site where the Diagon Alley scenes were filmed.

Meander past Leadenhall Market, and travelers will find a series of massive, modern skyscrapers that break up the classical landscape of London. Each of these buildings has been awarded a nickname associated with their general shape, like The Gherkin, The Walkie Talkie, and the Leadenhall Building.

See modern art at Tate Modern and watch a play at Shakespeare’s Globe

Tate Modern may be well-known, but it is big and often not terribly busy. Take a moment to check out the Millennium Bridge just outside, and then delve into this multi-story modern art hot spot. Most exhibits are free, and the museum boasts a variety of exhibits from famous modern artists to up-and-comers.

Take a break from modern art and see a Shakespearean play at Shakespeare’s Globe, which is right next door. See what’s on the agenda for the summer here.

Experience Greenwich University and watch the sunset

The University of Greenwich and its surrounding area make for an interesting place to visit. A bit of a tube ride from the touristy parts of London, Greenwich has less of a big-city feel (though it still almost in downtown London). Check out the University of Greenwich and its beautiful architecture and lawns, explore the Cutty Sark Museum, and poke around Greenwich Market.

After dinner, round off your day by watching the sunset at Greenwich Park (one of the best places to watch the sunset in the entire city). While at the park, consider delving through space and time at the Royal Observatory.

Watch the sunset from the top of the Shard and visit Shoreditch

The Shard may be a bit more touristy, but it’s often not terribly busy. Visit England’s tallest skyscraper at sunset and watch the sun sink over the horizon behind a sprawling landscape of buildings that permeates as far as the eye can see.

Afterward, get dinner in Shoreditch. This vibrant area is known for its fascinating street art, delicious restaurants, and active nightlife. Spend a night in Shoreditch and get to know locals and tourists alike.

Have more suggestions for people traveling to London? Comment them below.

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