Contrary to a couple of innocent beliefs, London and The City of London aren’t the same thing. London applies to the entire metropolis that covers the whole capital, while The City of London, otherwise known as the Square Mile, is a small area within the central sector of London, jam-packed with fascinating history, as well as its own government and other unexpected quirks.
From its Roman roots as Londinium to the renowned glass skyscrapers of modern London, there are so many fabulous things to do across The City, and here are some of the absolute best.
1. Visit the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral
As one of London’s instantly recognisable landmarks, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a famed outline against London’s iconic skyline and a treasured part of British and London history. Continuously enchanting its visitors with a heady mix of history, mind-blowing architecture, and spectacular views, if you’ve never paid a visit to London’s beloved cathedral, then this is your sign to do so! To read our all-encompassing guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral, click here, and nab tickets here.
📍 The Chapter House, St Paul’s Churchyard, EC4M 8AD
2. Take in stunning views of the city at the Sky Garden
As more and more viewing platforms pop up across the city, the Sky Garden is one of the OG hotspots and remains one of the most unique in the city. Explore the gorgeous gardens while taking in the stunning, panoramic views of London.
Best of all, you can access the Sky Garden for free, making it great if you’re looking after the pennies. There’s also a bar, restaurant, and beloved DJ nights if you’re keen on taking this must-try experience to the next level. Book your spot here.
📍 Sky Garden Walk, Walkie-Talkie building, 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 8AF1.
3. Channel your inner royal at the Tower of London
The Tower of London is the capital’s legendary castle that’s nestled on the Thames, directly next to Tower Bridge making it great spot if you’re a tourist looking for some of the city’s best landmarks. There is so much to do inside this historic World Heritage Site, that it almost calls for its own round-up.
From the dazzling Crown Jewels to the castle’s sinister ravens that guard the grounds, it’s the perfect day out for the whole family, especially if you’re all history buffs! There are even some fantastic tours and events available if you’re looking for something extra memorable.
📍 Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB
4. Travel back in time and take part in the Gunpowder Plot
Whilst we’re on the topic of the Tower of London, there’s an all-new attraction located nextdoor that retells the story of the Gunpoweder Plot, and you’re placed directly into the heart of the action. The Gunpowder Plot Experience takes you back in time to 1605 London, for you to be a part of the most notorious plots to change the course of British history.
Meet mysterious figures, go on undercover missions and embark on daring escapes, all guided by talented actors. To get your tickets for this unmissable immersive experience, click here.
📍 8-12 Tower Hill Vaults, EC3N 4EE
5. Dive into some art and culture at The Barbican
The Barbican is a fascinating place with a rich history, taking its name from the fortified outpost or gateway built for protective purposes, which was situated in the area from the time of Roman occupation. The modern, brutalist Barbican we know today was built in the 1950’s, as a way to fill the void in the City of London created by the Blitz. As well as its striking architecture, there’s an art gallery, a gigantic green house, cinema, theatre, plus so much more.
📍 Barbican Arts And Conference Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS.
6. Head sky-high for a delicious meal at Duck & Waffle
If you’re on the hunt for some of the best panoramic views in London, then it doesn’t get much better than Duck & Waffle. With playful and perfectly executed comfort food throughout their menu, enjoy a fantastic meal looking over the glistening City of London.
The sky-high restaurant is open 24/7, but we recommend heading here for golden hour, come dawn or dusk! For more information on this adored eatery, click here for our full article on the hotspot.
📍 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
7. Enjoy some pints at The Old Bank Of England
Before Canary Wharf was a thing, the City of London was renowned for its banking industry, hense why Bank station is located smack-bang in the centre of everything. While it still remains a epicentre for business, a lot of the banks have relocated, and one has even been turned into a legendary boozer. Down a couple of pints and soak it all up with some top-notch pub grub at The Old Bank Of England.
This popular pub is located in the old Law Court’s branch of the previous Bank of England, which operated from 1888 to 1975. As for today, this lavish pub boasts stunning interiors, an incredible collection of London-themed trinkets, as well as a converted double-decker bus that’s been turned into a bar. To find more, check out our article here.
📍 194 Fleet Street, EC4A 2LT
8. Discover London’s Roman roots across The City
There are so many museums and cultural centres across the capital that delve into London’s Roman past. With the entire City of London making up the ancient city of Londinium, we recommend checking out the Roman wall that’s available to view across the city, including a visitors centre.
However, if you’re looking for something with a little more insight into life in Londinium, pay a visit to London Mithraeum (pictured above), which is a mind-blowing Roman temple that was once the place of worship for a cult dedicated to the god Mithras.
9. Explore the church ruins of St Dunstan in the East
This stunning ruined church is now one of the the most beautiful parks, not only in the City, but the entirety of London! The bombed-out ruins of the church of St Dunstan in the East has become an adorable retreat for workers in The City, in which the gorgeous architecture has been completely taken over by the natural world.
Trees grow through windows and vines wind themselves around the gothic walls, making it an incredibly popular spot for snapping up some pictures. Check out our article on this place for more information.
📍 St Dunstan’s Hill, EC3R 5DD
10. Tuck into London’s swankiest Sunday roast at The Ned
As one of London’s newest hotels and members clubs, The Ned exuberates luxury and that’s evident throughout the entirety of this seductively swish property. Boasting seven restaurants and three bars, you could spend an entire week delving into the culinary gems scattered across this fantastic hotel.
The main attraction on their star-studded line-up is definitely Ned’s Feast, their weekly Sunday roast extravaganza where you can expect limitless lobster, oysters, and roast classics with all the trimmings. For more information and bookings, visit their website. If this offering is a little over-budget and bougie-bouge, check out or full round-up of the best Sunday roasts in London.
📍 27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
11. Wander around the magnificent Leadenhall Market
Famed for its stunning blend of Victorian and contemporary design, as well as featuring in the Harry Potter films, Leadenhall Market is a must-visit for Potterheads and architecture nerds alike! Not only was it used to depict Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, but this place is steeped in incredible history.
Nowadays, you can find an awesome selection of shops, restaurants, and pubs, which makes it the perfect place to explore and have some well-deserved fun. To find out more, read our article here.
📍 Gracechurch St, EC3V 1LT
12. Have a cocktail (or two) at Discount Suit Company
Walk past this unassuming bar and you might confuse it for a run-down suit shop, but that’s exactly what they want you to think! Discount Suit Company is a fantabulous speakeasy and secret bar that will transport you back to yesteryear. Although small in size, this place makes up for it with its mighty cocktails and expert mixology, perfectly enjoyed with the killer soundtrack that’s all on vinyl! For more information on Discount Suit Company, including how to get in, click here.
📍 29A Wentworth St, E1 7TB
13. Meander down a sightseeing river cruise along the Thames
Sometimes, you’ve got to suck it up and be a tourist for the day; this is London after all! One of the best ways to see the city is by hopping on a river cruise down the Thames, with one of the most popular places for embarkment is Tower Pier in the City of London. As well as the go-to hop-on-hop-off option, you could also treat yourself to a dining cruise or one with a scrumptious afternoon tea.
📍 Tower Millennium Pier, EC3N 4DT
14. Witness the wonderful collection at Guildhall Art Gallery
There are so many spectacular galleries in London that visiting them all is quite the unsettling challenge. If you’re eager to see as many as possible, be sure to visit this lesser-known art museum in the heart of the capital. Guildhall Art Gallery proudly displays The City of London’s forever-growing art collection, with the Victorian-built museum housing some of the UK’s greatest artists, as well as London’s Roman Amphitheatre if you’re interested in extending your tour of the relics of Roman Londinium.
📍 Guildhall Yard, EC2V 5AE
15. Check out Europe’s tallest free viewing platform
We’ve mentioned the Sky Garden, and we’ve mentioned a sky-high restaurant, but Horizon 22 takes the cake when it comes to unmatched views of the London skyline. Make your way up to the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, which is the second tallest building in the city after The Shard, and you’ll be standing on the highest viewing platform in Europe that’s completely free to visit.
📍 22 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4BQ