Come summer of 2012, the eyes of the world will be on London in anticipation of the Games of the XXX Olympiad.  For some travelers, embracing in the festivities will be the highlight of the summer.  But what about those traveling to London next summer who want to expand their itinerary beyond the Olympics? Enter Frank Laino, Executive Head Concierge at The Stafford London by Kempinski. Drawing on his more than 20 years of experience as a concierge in London, Frank has provided his top three suggestions for ensuring your visit isn’t just focused on the games.

• Head to the City Center – Believe it or not, the majority of the Olympic venues are not in central London.  Frank recommends incorporating London’s must-see neighborhoods into daily plans, including historical St. James and eclectic Soho, which will be largely unaffected. World-class shops, top restaurants and sights will be somewhat free of Olympic fanfare in Mayfair and Kensington as well.  Not sure how to get around the city? Frank recommends opting for public transportation as the roadways will be backed-up with traffic from the Games.

• Don’t Skip Dining & Theatre – London is one of the world’s dining and cultural capitals.  During the Games Frank recommends heading out of the heart of the city to Kensington, Notting Hill and Chelsea where one can still taste the city’s culinary delights. After dinner, take time to check out London’s West End theatres which will be open for business with new musicals including Matilda and Sweeney Todd.  Not unique to the Olympics, London theatre sells out quickly, so remember to book tickets as far ahead of time as possible.

• Take a Day Trip – Interested in escaping the Olympic crowds altogether for a day? Frank recommends heading outside the city limits to towns and sights including Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, and Stonehenge.  All just a short jaunt from the city via train, these cultural gems will offer respite from the hustle and bustle, and allow travelers to embrace the history of the UK.