The City of London Travel Guide

London
The City of London featuring a sunset, skyline and a city
Discover a compelling blend of modern culture and rich heritage in London’s financial heart.

The City of London is the capital’s business hub and home to many of its most iconic historical landmarks, notably St. Paul’s Cathedral. Gaze up at skyscrapers, wander through pleasant plazas and visit some of the legendary attractions that have made London famous.

Also known simply as the City or the Square Mile, this district roughly follows the former limits of the first Roman settlement of the area known as “Londinium.” The City retains elements of its medieval character, but many of its historic structures were destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. Learn about this devastating event at the Monument to the Great Fire of London. Gaze up at the monument’s 202-foot (62-meter) tall column and ascend the 311 steps to the top for an excellent view.

To the west of the monument is St. Paul’s Cathedral, an emblem of London’s recovery from the Great Fire. Although there has been a place of worship on this site for over 1,400 years, the current incarnation dates back to the late 17th century. Learn about the genius of architect Sir Christopher Wren, who designed this landmark church with its iconic dome. Inside, view intricate stone carvings and exquisite mosaics.

Browse the upscale boutiques housed inside the Royal Exchange, a former trading and commerce center. Visit the adjacent Bank of England, one of the oldest banks in the world, and its fascinating museum. The museum exhibits artifacts from the bank’s collections, including coins, prints, books and photographs, some of which date as far back as Roman times.

Relax in some of the district’s small squares, such as Finsbury Circus. Admire its bandstand and watch locals on the bowling green.

Check out the eclectic range of stores found in the One New Change shopping center. Head to the center’s public roof terrace for lovely views of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The City of London is at the heart of the metropolis of London. It is well-connected to the surrounding London area by the London Underground.

Enjoy your visit to the neighborhood where London was born.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in The City of London

Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's
4 out of 5
24 Ludgate Hill, London, England
The price is ₹10,730 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
₹10,730
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
Convenient location
"Comfortable and convenient"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's
Apex City of London Hotel
Apex City of London Hotel
4 out of 5
1 Seething Lane, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹11,769 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹11,769
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
Home from home
"Great welcome, super gym and bar is good"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Apex City of London Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel London City
Club Quarters Hotel London City
4 out of 5
7 Gracechurch Street, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹12,077 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹12,077
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Excellent location. Great facilities"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Club Quarters Hotel London City
Tower Suites by Blue Orchid
Tower Suites by Blue Orchid
4 out of 5
100 Minories, London, England
The price is ₹12,185 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
₹12,185
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (818 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Tower Suites by Blue Orchid
Apex Temple Court Hotel
Apex Temple Court Hotel
4 out of 5
1-2 Serjeants Inn, Fleet Street, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹13,754 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹13,754
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,174 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed. Room was quiet even though I was next to the lift. Lovely coffee in room."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Apex Temple Court Hotel
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
4 out of 5
8-14 Cooper's Row, London, England
The price is ₹13,333 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
₹13,333
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,473 reviews)
"The room was great and had a nice view. It did have a leak from the roof by the window and steadily leaked on the floor which we brought to the staff’s attention but that didn’t affect my husband and I. We just wanted to make sure they knew about it. My only complaint was that my last night there, ..."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around The City of London

London showing street scenes and markets as well as a family

Shoreditch

4/5(72 area reviews)

Shoreditch High St and Brick Lane are top sights in Shoreditch, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Shoreditch High Street Overground Station or Old Street Underground Station to see more sights in the area.

Shoreditch
London showing heritage elements, markets and signage

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colourful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Covent Garden Market or Royal Opera House while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Covent Garden Underground Station to get around town.

Covent Garden
Kings Cross St. Pancras showing interior views and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Kings Cross St. Pancras

Kings Cross St. Pancras is highly notable for its fascinating museums, and you might want to visit top sights like Russell Square and St Pancras Chambers. See more of London by jumping on the metro at King's Cross St. Pancras Underground Station or Russell Square Underground Station.

Kings Cross St. Pancras
Carnaby Street which includes a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

London City Centre

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in London City Centre. Top attractions like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are major draws. Catch the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

London City Centre
Bloomsbury showing street scenes and heritage architecture

Bloomsbury

4/5(1,172 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Bloomsbury. Check out top attractions like The British Museum and Russell Square, and jump on the metro at Euston Square Underground Station or Russell Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

Bloomsbury
Soho

Soho

Soho is beloved for its fantastic nightlife. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Oxford Street and Soho Square.

Soho


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