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The City of London is the financial district in the capital of the UK, London. It’s also called the Square Mile because it covers 1.1 square miles along the River Thames, stretching from the Tower of London to the Temple Church and Chancery Lane.
This area is considered the ancient core by which the rest of London was built around. It holds around 2000 years of history – going all the way from the Roman period. It has its own government (with origins preceding the Parliament) headed by a Lord Mayor and an independent police force called the Met Police (short for Metropolitan Police).
In this article, you’ll learn more about the City of London – specifically what it can offer travellers like you. Although it’s generally a financial hub, there are many places to eat, drink, shop and explore. Your trip to Greater London should not be without a trip to its very heart, the City of London.
The History of The City of London
The City of London, or The City, is considered a municipal corporation – one of the 33 boroughs that make up the Greater London metropolis. It is led by a City Corporation and is deemed as the oldest local government in Britain. Geographically, The City is part of Middlesex. However, its status allowed it to thrive with autonomy – allowing it to even have its own police force.
The history of The City dates back to the Roman times. It used to be called Londonium – an area that started as a settlement and soon grew into a walled city. A millennium later, King Edward the Confessor decided to build an abbey on the west side of the royal palace. It was called the “west minster” and soon evolved to be known as Westminster.
Over the years, the City of London has evolved to match modern times but you can still see remnants of the old city around Liverpool Street station. Portions of the city’s wall remain standing today – with the entrances evident in Bishopsgate, Aldgate and Moorgate.
A Look at the City of London Today
The City of London houses a powerful financial district, including the Bank of England, the London Stock Exchange and the Royal Exchange. It’s also where you’ll find St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mansion House, the College of Arms, the Guildhall, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Temple.
Given the prestigious institutions in The City, it’s not surprising that it’s always filled with people. Hundreds of thousands commute to The City for work while tens of thousands are there to visit. They use the bus, subway and train stations to travel from all over Greater London.
While the City is always filled with people, there are hardly any who live there. Most people migrated out to the suburbs, making the population go from 127,869 (1851) to 7,375 (2011).
Although this is the case, the City of London still has things to offer.
The Food: International Food and Buzzing Bars
With the top international businesses thriving within The City, it’s not surprising to find a variety of international cuisines nearby. Every street offers a selection of restaurants and bars, ranging from dining options with a view like Darwin Brasserie, Coq d’Argent and Duck & Waffle to Michelin-starred restaurants like the La Dame de Pic, Club Gascon and City Social. Other notable options include Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, Hawksmoor, Paternoster Chop House, Sweetings, Simpsons Tavern, Blacklock City and many more.
Food markets at the Bloomberg Arcade and KERB Gherkin also offer the best street food options London has to offer.
You’ll also see some of the oldest bars and pubs in London. Among the options include the City of London Distillery bar, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Iris, Puttshack Bank and Viaduct Tavern. If you prefer cocktails, head out to Simmons, Dirty Martini and London Cocktail Club.
For the best wine, go to Humble Grape. If you’re feeling a night of live music, head out to Oriole or Eastcheap Records.
The Culture & Arts: Hidden Gems, City Museums and Gardens
There’s a reason why tens of thousands of visitors come to The City. There are several notable places to visit including St Paul’s Cathedral, The Monument (reminiscent of the 1666 Great Fire of London), Old Bailey, Barbican Complex, Tower Bridge (the glass walkway!) and many more.
You can also enjoy modern skyscrapers like “The Walkie-Talkie”, “The Cheesegrater” and “The Gherkin.” The Tower of London also offers various areas to explore like the prison, palace and zoo.
For a cultural experience, head out to the Bank of England Museum, Dr Johnson’s House (home of renowned writer Samuel Johnson) and Guildhall Art Gallery and Library. You can also visit museums like the Billingsgate Roman House and Baths, Roman Amphitheatre, London Mithraeum Bloomberg Space and the Museum of Philatelic History.
After the museum, feel free to explore beautiful gardens like the Sky Garden, Garden at 120, St Dunstan in the East, Barbican Conservatory, Moor Lane Community Garden and Barber Surgeons Garden.
The Shopping Experience: High-end Markets and Trendy Stalls
Shopping is fun in The City – mostly because you get a lot of selections to choose from. The Leadenhall Market is a great place to start. It’s where can shop for food, clothing or historical pieces. Incidentally, this place was used as the set for the Diagon Alley scenes in the famous Harry Potter films.
Other shopping options can be found at the weekly Friday Up Market (high street purchases), The Royal Exchange (jewellery) and the Old Spitalfields Market (skincare, chocolates and other trendy items).
Must-See Events and Activities: Historic Tours, Free Events and Fairs
Join walking tours to visit key places and get information about the history of The City. You just have to follow the guide and they’ll get you to the places that would make the trip worthwhile.
If you prefer going at your own pace, there are a couple of events and activities you shouldn’t miss. One is the Ceremony of Keys that happens every night at the Tower of London – a tradition that’s been going on for the past 700 years.
You can also enjoy a free show of incredible art pieces at the annual Sculpture in the City event. These are displayed in public spaces across The City. Keep an eye out for them so you can see the impressive works of artists.
The Goldsmiths’ Fair involves hunting for treasures while the Culture Mile (between Farrington and Moorgate) and the Bishopsgate Institute hold free events and performances. You’ll be delighted to see talented artists performing for the crowd.
Where to Stay While in the City of London
With what you know about The City, it’s time to decide where you want to stay. Maximise the places you can visit by getting the perfect space to stay after trekking around the city. Fortunately, the City of London is well connected. You can book a stay in the surrounding areas without worrying about a complicated commute.
City Relay manages properties in and around the City of London. Take a look at this beautiful property in Charing Cross.
Lovely Charing Cross Apartment
This one-bedroom apartment is on the 2nd floor and features a comfortable living room, luxurious bathroom and modern kitchen. It’s located within the Charing Cross area – a few minutes away from local restaurants, cafes and the Charing Cross and Embankment station. It’s the perfect starting point to explore the City of London.
Do you want to see more properties in London? Check out City Relay’s property listing. Let us help you book great accommodation to make your trip to London as enjoyable and convenient as possible. Contact us for more details on the best accommodation options.
