City Of London

The City of London is the financial centre of London and is home to The Stock Exchange, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Bank of England. It is one of the most profitable square miles of land anywhere in the world and is primarily known for 3 main commercial sectors: Finance, Insurance and Law. On a weekday 500,000 people commute to work in the city, but only 25,000 people officially live here. As a result it is virtually a ghost town on the weekends!
Despite the gleaming skyscrapers and shiny financial buildings, The City of London is one of the most historic parts of London. It was originally built as The Roman City of Londinium, sometime in 50AD. You can still see the remains of the Roman city today; including bathhouses, the outline of a Roman Amphitheatre and sections of the old Roman wall.
The City is also independent from the rest of London and is not classed as a London Borough, having been granted independence by William the Conquerer in 1075. It still retains its own local governance; including an independent police force and its own mayor. It is renowned for its bizarre traditions and rituals that date back hundreds of years. The City’s infrastructure was nearly totally destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666 and ‘The Blitz’ in WW2 and has been rebuilt many times.
It’s well worth checking out on your trip to London and hearing about the history of The City of London on one of our FREE London walking tours!

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First on our list of the best of the best things to do in the City of London is the famous Leadenhall Market. There has been a market on this spot in one form or another since the 14th Century and it was mainly known as a poultry market. The ornate roof was built in 1881 and Leadenhall became a thriving Victorian market, with a wide range of pubs and shops. Its cobbled walkways and glass roof make it an attractive place to shop, eat and drink or simply to relax. Famous visitors include John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and its the site of ‘The Leaky Cauldron’ in Harry Potter. We recommend settling in at the local cheese stall for a selection of excellent cheeses immaculately paired with outstanding wines.


You can find out more about the City of London on our amazing London Walking Tour!

Monday-Friday 9am-6pm (The gallery is still open on the weekends but most of the shops are closed.)

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Next on our list of the best things to do in London is Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge – not to be confused with London Bridge – is one of the most iconic landmarks in London, and the backdrop to many a postcard. Best of all visitors can pay to go inside the bridge. We recommend checking out the machine room and experiencing the glass-bottom floor!

10am–5:30pm

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Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. Originally intended as a Palace when it was built in 1068, it was quickly converted into a fortress and then became an infamous Prison in 1100. It has housed some of England’s highest-profile political prisoners. Many prisoners were beheaded or gruesomely hung, drawn and quartered. Hear all about it on our London Free Walking Tour which runs 11am and 2pm daily, Westminster Tube station!

Tuesday-Saturday- 09:00-17:30
Sunday-Monday- 10:00-17:30

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The next contender on our tour of The City of London is the improbable sounding Duck and Waffle. Located on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, Duck and Waffle isn’t cheap, but serves a delicious breakfast with stunning views. It’s open 24/7 so can be the perfect location for a breakfast date or a hangover-cure after a long all-nighter (as many of our tour guides will testify). After being whizzed up 40 floors on an escalator, you’ll find yourself confronted with a jaw-dropping view; the entirety of London laid out before your eyes. The restaurant’s signature is what it says on the tin: two waffles, crisp duck confit, a fried duck egg and maple syrup, heaven! This could be a lovely way to end your London experience before an early-morning flight.

24/7

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Step inside the Museum of London for an unforgettable journey through the capital’s turbulent past. Discover prehistoric London, see how the city changed under Romans and Saxons, wonder at medieval London and examine the tumultuous years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire. Then venture into the Galleries of Modern London where you can walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor’s Coach.
You can find out more about the Museum of London on our amazing London Walking Tour.

Daily 10am-6pm

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Monument is a gigantic column commemorating the Great Fire of London, which swept through the city on the 2nd-6th September, 1666. The fire started on Pudding Lane, at the house of Thomas Farriner, the King’s Baker. The fire is estimated to have destroyed 70,000 homes and much of the city’s infrastructure. Designed by the brilliant architect Sir Christopher Wren, the Monument was built between 1671-77. Wren also designed St Paul’s Cathedral and some of beautiful college buildings in Oxford and Cambridge (you can see them on our Oxford and Cambridge tours).There is a viewing platform at the top of the monument (311 steps up) where you can take in breathtaking views across the city. You can also book a tour of the area with one of our local guides!

Summer: April – September 9:30am – 5:30pm
Winter: October – March 9:30am – 5:00pm
Closed from 24th to 26th December.

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Last but not least on our list of the best things to do in City of London is a real treat. The City Social is the brainchild of famous chef Jason Atherton, who’s put together a classic European menu. Complemented by some of the best views of London anywhere in the city, cocktails and a meal in the City Social is a truly special event. Cheers!
You can find out more about The City of London on our amazing London Walking Tour!

Daily: Mon – Fri:12:00 – 14:30
18:00 – 22:30, Sat 17:00 – 22:30

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