The 2012 Olympics put the spotlight on London, and in particular on the massive revitalization that transformed the east of the city. Since then, activity in the capital has continued apace, with towering skyscrapers and an invigorated King's Cross rising alongside London's Olympic legacy.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park:

Under construction since the end of the 2012 Games, the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park reopened in its entirety in April 2014. In the south of the park you will find the stunning Zaha Hadid-designed Aquatics Center, probably the most elegant place to swim. Just beyond the bridge is the Orbit, Anish Kapoor's scarlet sculpture that dominates far-reaching views from its 80m-high viewing platform.

From here the park heads north, a vast landscape of sculpted gardens and waterways dotted with sporting venues, artwork, wild flowers, cafes and children's play areas. Grab the handy trail guides from the information desk near the entrance or join a comprehensive Blue Badge tour 

Saddle horse:

The new park gates mean it's now easier to jump to nearby Hackney. Neglected for years, today it embodies the rise of the east, with trendy restaurants, bars and shops that seem to open every day. London Fields and its refurbished outdoor pool form a chill spot, with Broadway Market to the south offering boutiques and cafes, and Kingsland Road to the west is the place to head for the best bars and nightlife.

Emirates Air Line and O2:

For a bird's eye view of all East London redevelopment you're spoiled for choice. If you have a head for heights and reasonably sturdy legs, Up at the O2 takes you to the top of the largest tent in the world where you can experience unique views of the Thames and all the new buildings lining it, not least the ever-expanding Docklands west skyscrapers.

For a quieter overview, hop on the Emirates Air Line  cable car in North Greenwich (near the O2) or Royal Victoria (next to the Royal Victoria DLR). Rising above the river, it offers views across the city, particularly the Thames Barrier and the City Airport. Right next to the Royal Victoria terminal is the Crystal , an interactive informative exhibit on urban properties in london and around the world.

The city:

East London does not have a monopoly on the new development in london. There always seems to be something going on in the City of London and 2014 saw two new additions finally opening their doors. Richard Rogers' Leadenhall Building (theleadenhallbuilding.com), also known as the Cheese Grater, so named for its unusual stepped wedge shape, is located directly opposite the architect's other famous landmark: Lloyd's of London. Not too far away, and dominating the London skyline, 20 Fenchurch St (20fenchurchstreet.co.uk) - or the Walkie Talkie - has a curved glass design which, was suddenly discovered in 2013, refracted sunlight to such an extent. point that cars fused together, resulting in the application of a non-reflective layer to block glare.

London Bridge & the Shard:

One of the most famous parts of London, the area around London Bridge, has been one of the least interesting for years. Recently, however, things have fallen into place - literally. The largest - and tallest - change in the area is the 310-meter-high Shard, Renzo Piano's pointed skyscraper, and the tallest building in Western Europe. The Shard contains offices, homes, restaurants, the Shangri-La hotel and the View from the Shard, three dizzying galleries that offer visitors unparalleled views across London.

Meanwhile, down to ground level, the food lover's paradise Borough Market is now firmly on the tourist activity list, which has had a ripple effect for the surrounding area, particularly near Bermondsey St, where the Traditional pubs nestle alongside reserve-well-in-advance restaurants. Just minutes east of here, weekend shoppers at Bermondsey's long-established antique markets now have some great lunch spots to choose from around Maltby Street Market, a mini Borough Market for those in the know.

King's Cross:

The largest urban regeneration plan in London takes place in King's Cross, once famous as the red light district of the city, but now in the middle of a 25-year redevelopment program. One of the first places to recognize the area's potential was the British Library, which moved here in 1997 and is still a highlight for visitors with its manuscript exhibits.

Next door, St Pancras Station is London's largest 19th-century Neo-Gothic building (yes, even bigger than the Houses of Parliament). Saved from demolition in the 1960s, it was restored in the early 2000s and is the terminus of national and international rail services. A drink in the Champagne Bar is a wonderful way to enjoy the architecture.

Not to be outdone, nearby King's Cross Station revealed a new face, after its ugly 20th-century additions to the 1852 building were removed to reveal its original Victorian magnificence. It now also houses an impressive steel-roofed atrium and is located on the recently opened King's Cross Square. Behind the station, in what had been an industrial desert (next to the home of a network of night clubs), major work transformed an area of ​​60 football fields into homes, offices, bars, shops and restaurants. The arrival of Central St Martins art college brought a creative energy, aided by the nearby Kings Place arts center complex. The Regent's Canal which flows through the area has been refurbished and has the fascinating London Canal Museum and the new Granary Square space on its banks. Be sure to visit the useful Kings Cross Visitor Center (kingscross.co.uk/visit-kings-cross) for more details.