London is one of the world’s great cities and has always been a popular tourist destination, but the summer of 2012 will be an unusually exciting time in the British capital. While the events surrounding the Olympic Games will be a tremendous draw for visitors, London offers many other fascinating and entertaining attractions that definitely should not be missed either.

The early summer of 2012 will see the reopening of the newly renovated Covent Garden in central London with its world class selection of shops, restaurants, markets and entertainment venues. Enjoying the view of Covent Garden Plaza while sitting on the Opera Terrace is a favorite London activity, that has been made even more special with the opening of several newly designed restaurants which visitors are sure to enjoy. Brasserie Blanc and Indigo restaurant highlight the many additions and feature menus sure to tempt any palate.

Camden Town by the canal is a delightfully fun section of London featuring markets, restaurants, pubs, theaters and cinemas. Always a bustle of activity, the area is also home to the alternative fashion scene and features shopping opportunities unmatched anywhere in the world. On weekends the Camden (Buck Street) Market and adjacent Inverness Street Market are thriving hotspots offering young and old excitements of every type. Shopping of any possible type is on every street, or tourists can simply stroll through the area and soak in the delightful atmosphere.

Summer 2012 will also see the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in central London. Special celebrations are planned for every corner of the city, with a display of the royal diamonds at Buckingham Palace being among the most anticipated. The Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames River will feature hundreds of water vessels of every description. The Queen herself will be aboard the royal barge which will be part of the flotilla celebrating her 60th year as Britain’s reigning monarch.

Just across from the St. Pancras Station, visitors to London this summer will be able to relax in the luxurious setting at the House of Nations in Kings Cross as they watch the summer games’ events on large high-definition screens scattered about the venue. This will be one of the more glamorous Olympic pop-ups about town and shouldn’t be missed.

Add to all of this her hundreds of museums and parks and the summer of 2012 in London will be one to remember. Remember to apply for a Platinum card and make the most with spending a great time in summer London 2012.