City of London Travel Guide (London/England/United Kingdom/Britain and Ireland/Europe)

Introduction to City of London
List of Places to Visit in City of London
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of City of London: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of City of London
Best Things to Do in City of London: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for City of London
Food and Drink Scene of City of London
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in City of London: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in City of London: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of City of London
Best Time to Visit City of London
Do’s and Don’ts of City of London
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in City of London
- Health in City of London
Getting to City of London: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in City of London
Where to Go Next from City of London: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to City of London

City of London, also known as The Square Mile, is the historic financial district of London, England. This small area is packed with architectural marvels, cultural institutions, and scenic vistas that attract millions of visitors every year. In this tour guide, we’ll take a closer look at what makes City of London a must-visit destination, from its museums and landmarks to its food and drink scene and beyond.

List of Places to Visit in City of London

Here are the top places to visit in City of London:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The British Museum: This world-famous museum has a vast collection of artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Egyptian mummies.
The Tower of London: Discover the history of the Tower of London, which was once used as a royal palace, a prison, and a fortress. This landmark also houses the Crown Jewels, including the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: This iconic cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century and boasts a stunning dome, intricate mosaics, and beautiful stained glass.
Museum of London: Trace the story of London from prehistoric times to the present day through interactive exhibits, including the recreated Victorian street and the Great Fire of London exhibit.

Natural Attractions of City of London: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Thames Path: Take a leisurely stroll along the Thames Path and enjoy the views of iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the Shard.
Sky Garden: Head to the top of the Walkie-Talkie building for panoramic views of London from the Sky Garden, a stunning public garden and observation deck.
Golden Lane Estate: This impressive housing project designed in the 1950s by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon features a community centre, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a 16mm film theatre.
St. Dunstan in the East: Enjoy a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city at this ruined church-turned-garden.

Hiking/Biking Routes of City of London

City of London may be an urban jungle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some outdoor activities. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes to explore:

Greenwich Park: Take a bike ride or walk through the park and take in the views of the Canary Wharf and the Thames River.
Lea Valley Walk: Follow the Lea River from the Olympic Park out to the countryside on the Lea Valley Walk.
Regent’s Canal: Walk or bike along Regent’s Canal from Little Venice to the Docklands and enjoy the colorful houseboats, parks, and street art along the way.

Best Things to Do in City of London: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there are plenty of things to do in City of London. Here are some of the best activities and tours:

City of London Walking Tour: Discover the history and architecture of City of London with a guided walking tour that takes in landmarks such as the Bank of England, Guildhall, and the Royal Exchange.
Boat Tour of the Thames: Take a boat tour down the Thames and take in the sights of London, including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
Street Art Tour of Shoreditch: Explore one of London’s coolest neighborhoods on a street art tour of Shoreditch, home to some of the city’s best graffiti and murals.
450ft Abseiling Experience: Get a bird’s eye view of the city, whilst abseiling from the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit.

Week-Long Itinerary for City of London

If you have a week to explore City of London, here’s how you can make the most of your time:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit The Tower of London and Tower Bridge, and then walk along the Thames Path to the Shard.
Day 2	Explore the British Museum, followed by a stroll through the nearby Covent Garden.
Day 3	Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and walk over the Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern.
Day 4	Hike or bike through Greenwich Park, and then visit the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark.
Day 5	Discover the Museum of London and take a walk through the nearby Barbican Estate.
Day 6	Take a boat tour down the Thames and then explore Shoreditch and Brick Lane.
Day 7	Relax at Sky Garden and have dinner or drinks in the nearby Old Street and Hoxton areas.

Food and Drink Scene of City of London

City of London has a vibrant food and drink scene, offering everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Fish and Chips: This classic British dish can be found at virtually every pub in the city.
Pie and Mash: This traditional London dish consists of a meat-filled pie served with mashed potatoes and green parsley sauce.
Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding: A Sunday roast is a classic British meal that typically includes beef, vegetables, and a Yorkshire pudding.
Bubble and Squeak: This dish is made from leftover roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes pan-fried until crispy.

Local Beverages

Pimm’s: A classic British summer drink, Pimm’s is a gin-based beverage mixed with fruit, herbs, and fizzy lemonade.
London Dry Gin: London has been producing gin for centuries, which is why it’s no surprise to find many microdistilleries scattered throughout the city.
Craft Beer: London’s craft beer scene is thriving with loads of local breweries and pubs selling locally produced brews.

Where to Stay in City of London: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, there’s no shortage of accommodation options in City of London. Here are some top choices:

The Ned: A grand hotel housed in a restored 1920s building with nine restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool, and a spa.
YHA: This hostel chain offers budget-friendly accommodations with shared and private rooms, as well as social events and activities.
Rest Up: A stylish and affordable hostel in the heart of Elephant and Castle with amenities such as a bar, café and games room.
Premier Inn: A value hotel chain in the UK with clean, modern rooms and central locations.

What to Buy in City of London: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From quintessentially British souvenirs to unique local products, here’s what to buy in City of London:

London Tea: You can’t leave the city without picking up some London Tea, a refreshing blend of black tea, bergamot, and citrus.
Union Jack Souvenirs: Pick up a souvenir or two with the iconic Union Jack design, whether it’s a keychain, magnet, or T-shirt.
Borough Market Treats: From artisanal cheese to handcrafted chocolates and fresh pastries, Borough Market is the perfect place to pick up some locally made treats.
Flower Market Bouquets: Visit the Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday and pick up a beautiful bouquet to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of City of London

When visiting City of London, it’s important to be aware of local customs and etiquette. Here are some tips:

Tipping: It’s customary to tip around 10-15% in restaurants and cafes, and to round up the fare for taxis.
Queuing: British people love to queue, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself standing in line for everything from museums to ice cream.
Respect the Royal Family: While not everyone is a fan of the monarchy, it’s generally considered polite to show respect when discussing the royal family in public.

Best Time to Visit City of London

City of London can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is between March and November when the weather is milder and there are more outdoor activities on offer. The summer months of June to August are also the busiest, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of City of London

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to City of London, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

Take public transport: City of London has excellent public transport options, including the Tube, buses, and trains.
Check out the free museums: Many of the city’s top museums, including the British Museum and the Museum of London, are free to enter.
Try the local cuisine: From fish and chips to pies and mash, don’t leave London without sampling some of the city’s classic dishes.

Don’t:

Stand on the left side of the escalator: In London, people stand on the right side of the escalator and walk on the left.
Forget to bring an umbrella: London is known for its frequent rain showers, so be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat.
Be loud on public transport: It’s considered rude to talk loudly or play music without headphones on public transport in London.

Safety and Health

City of London is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Here are some safety and health tips:

Safety in City of London

Watch out for traffic: With narrow streets and heavy traffic, it’s important to be cautious when crossing the road.
Avoid walking alone at night: Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Keep an eye on your belongings: Pickpocketing can be a problem in busy tourist areas, so keep an eye on your bag and wallet at all times.

Health in City of London

Stay hydrated: London can get quite hot during the summer months, so be sure to drink plenty of water.
Wear sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, it’s important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Take precautions against air pollution: London has high levels of air pollution, so consider wearing a face mask or avoiding high traffic areas if you have respiratory issues.

Getting to City of London: Transportation Options and Logistics

City of London is well-connected to the rest of London and the UK by public transport. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near City of London

Heathrow Airport: One of the busiest airports in the world, Heathrow is located 20 miles west of City of London and is accessible by train, bus, and taxi.
Gatwick Airport: Located 29 miles south of City of London, Gatwick airport is easily accessible by train, bus, and taxi.

Bus Stations Near City of London

Victoria Coach Station: Located in central London, Victoria Coach Station is the hub for long-distance bus journeys throughout the UK and Europe.
Liverpool Street Coach Station: Located in the heart of City of London, Liverpool Street Coach Station offers bus connections to various UK destinations.

Other Options

Train: City of London is easily accessible by train, with several major stations including Liverpool Street, Fenchurch Street, and Cannon Street.
Car: If you’re driving to City of London, be prepared for heavy traffic and limited parking options.

How to Get Around in City of London

City of London is a compact area that can easily be explored on foot or by public transport. Here are some options:

London Underground: The Tube is the fastest and most convenient way to get around London, with several stations located in City of London.
Buses: London’s buses offer a more scenic way to see the city, with several routes running through City of London.
Bikes: London has a bike sharing program, Santander Cycles, with docking stations located throughout the city, including in City of London.

Where to Go Next from City of London: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time in London, consider taking a day trip from City of London to nearby destinations including:

Cambridge: Just an hour away by train, Cambridge is home to the University of Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and the River Cam.
Oxford: A two-hour train ride from City of London, Oxford is known for its medieval architecture, prestigious university, and excellent museums.
Brighton: Travel an hour south to Brighton, a seaside town famous for its pebble beach, the Royal Pavilion, and the Brighton Pier.

Conclusion

From historic landmarks and world-class museums to outdoor adventures and delicious cuisine, City of London has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a week-long trip or just a short visit, this tour guide can help you make the most of your time in this wonderful destination.