The '''City of London''' [http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk], also known as "''The City''", or "''The Square Mile''" (after its approximate size), is the area of London that originally lay within the ancient city walls. This part of Central London is not as big a tourist destination as the West End, Westminster or the South Bank, but is a must for anyone wishing to explore and understand London.
Go during the week. No shops and almost no restaurants are open on the weekend. It's hard to believe how dead the area is on the weekend and it can barely be stressed enough that if you are in the City on a weekend, it will seem like the movie 28 Days Later. This though could be a blessing if you want to wander around the place at your own pace, admiring the architecture and character of the streets and buildings! You may also come across the filming of a TV advert, TV programme or even a film at this time.
Understand
Although London grew from this area, the official City did not change in size and the borders of the City of London have barely changed in centuries (they still follow the line of the old city walls to a great degree). The walls around the city, originally built by the Romans, have now largely disappeared (several vestiges still remain, one of the largest of which can be seen outside the Museum of London, another just near the Tower of London) but various place names and streets hint at their prior existence. Locations such as Aldgate, Bishopsgate, Ludgate and Moorgate mark where the main gates were in the city walls.
The City of London is not a London borough and has an ancient and unusual local governance, with rights and privileges greater than those of anywhere else in the United Kingdom. The local authority is the City of London Corporation and the chief position is the Lord Mayor. Whilst the rest of London has the Metropolitan Police, the City of London has its own police force.
The City of London does not include Tower Bridge or the Tower of London - they are in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. A number of bridges over the River Thames do connect the City with Southwark and the two oldest of them - London Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge - are unusual in that the City of London's boundaries include the whole span of the bridge (the border otherwise runs along the middle of the Thames). Small statues of Dragons (sometimes described to be Griffins) mark the boundary of the City on most roads. Map of the City with its wards [http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/about_us/voting/wards/ward_boundaries_map.htm].
The City is the world's leading centre of international finance. In British parlance, "The City" often refers to the financial sector, just as Americans might refer to "Wall Street". This area contains 255 foreign banks, which is more than any other financial centre. It also is home to the Bank of England and houses other institutions such as Lloyds and the London Stock Exchange. Every weekday hundreds of thousands of employees come into the City to work in small and large business and financial institutions.
The City has a very small resident population which, despite a recent increase, is little more than 8,000 people. At weekends the area can resemble a ghost town, with empty streets, closed shops and cafes.
Get in and about
The City of London is served by a variety of public transport options. The following is a brief summary of services; for full details the reader should consult the Transport for London [http://www.tfl.gov.uk] Journey Planner.
From the Airport
Underground services are connected to all major London airports, as well as Express train services that take you directly to some of the main stations in the centre of London. Check this London Airport transportation [http://www.britainexpress.com/London/airport-transport.htm] site for more information.
When arriving into Heathrow, luggage could cause a bit of trouble on the crowded underground and bus services. Check out minibus rentals [http://www.dot2.com] as a cheap alternative to taxis.
By tube / underground
'''Bank''' (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City lines and the DLR) and '''Monument''' (Circle and District lines) stations - linked by an underground walkway. Bank, near the Bank of England, is perhaps the most central to access the City of London.
'''Barbican''' (Circle, Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan lines), '''Moorgate''' (Circle, Hammersmith and City, Northern and Metropolitan lines) and '''Liverpool Street''' (Central, Circle, Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan lines) - in the north.
'''Chancery Lane''' and '''St Paul's''' (both Central line) - between the north and the south.
'''Blackfriars, Mansion House, Cannon Street''' (closed Su), '''Tower Hill''' (for Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and Fenchurch Street ''National Rail'' station) (all Circle and District lines) and '''Aldgate''' (Circle, District and Metropolitan lines) - in the south.
On foot
Once in the City, its small and compact nature means travelling on foot between attractions is possible and advised. You can quite easily get lost and miss out interesting features if new to the City. The street pattern is particularly chaotic in some parts (being medieval and unplanned) and there are many fun shortcuts and routes that take you away from main roads. Buy and bring a detailed map!
By train
'''Barbican''', '''Blackfriars''' (to/from Gatwick and Luton airports), '''Cannon Street''' (closed Sa, Su and public holidays), '''City Thameslink''' (to/from Gatwick and Luton airports, no tube), '''Fenchurch Street''' (tube: Tower Hill), '''Liverpool Street''' (to/from Stansted Airport) and '''Moorgate'''. All also tube stations except City Thameslink and Fenchurch Street.
By boat
An increasingly popular way of travelling through London, by both tourists and residents, is by boat on the Thames itself. The City can has two piers from which regular services operate to and from: '''Blackfriars Millennium Pier''' (in the west) or '''Tower Millennium Pier''' (in the east).
See
The City sustained a great deal of damage from German bombing during the 'Blitz' of World War II, so there are far fewer older buildings than one might expect from so ancient a settlement. The Great Fire of London in 1666 also fairly comprehensively destroyed the City's medieval building stock. Nonetheless, many interesting older buildings remain, including the domed St. Paul's Cathedral (heroically saved by firefighters when it was bombed during the Second World War), nineteenth-century buildings at Leadenhall, Smithfield, and Spitalfields, the Gothic-style Guildhall, many monuments (including one built to remember the Great Fire of London), and the Temple Inns of Court. Remarkably, the City also retains its medieval street pattern, which you do not find so clearly preserved in other large British city centres. You will find many narrow streets, passages, courtyards, etc between the main thoroughfares.
Guide to attractions by the City of London Corporation [http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/01F38950-E266-4E37-A47B-536DE77622A6/0/LH_SQ_visitorattractions.pdf].
Landmarks
Bank of England. he Old Lady of Threadneedle Street. ube: Bank. ttp://www.bankofengland.co.uk/. See also: Bank of England Museum.
Mansion House. ube: Mansion House. ttp://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/mansion. y appointment only for visits by organised groups (minimum 15 maximum 40). Official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, completed in 1753.
Monument. ube: Monument. ttp://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/monument. losed until December 2008. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this tall column (which can be ascended to get a great view) marks the alleged site where the Great Fire of London broke out in September 1666.
Old Bailey. entral Criminal Court. etween Holborn Circus and St Paul's Cathedral, tube: St Paul's then follow signs. 44 (0)20 7248 3277. ttp://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/our_services/law_order/central_criminal_court.htm. -Fr 10AM-1PM 2PM-5PM. No bags, cameras, drink, food or mobile phones - no facilities for safekeeping. hildren under 14 not admitted. This is the probably the most famous criminal court in the world, and has been London's principal criminal court for centuries. It hears cases remitted to it from all over England and Wales as well as the Greater London area. The present building dates largely from 1907 (a new block was added from 1970 for more modern facilities) and stands on the site of the infamous medieval Newgate Gaol. The Central Criminal Court is of course best known today for its association with John Mortimer's ''Rumpole of the Bailey'' character, novels and television series. Daily case listings are available at [http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/].
St Paul's Cathedral. ube: St Pauls. 44 (0)20 72468357. ttp://www.stpauls.co.uk. -Sa 8.30AM-4PM. _9, __8 concession, __3.50 child (7-16), __21.50 family. isits@stpaulscathedral.org.uk. The great domed cathedral of St Paul's, designed by Sir Christopher Wren to replace the Gothic medieval cathedral destroyed in 1666 in the Great Fire of London, was built between 1675 - 1710. The cathedral is also famous for its ''Whispering Wall'', as well as it's stunning view over the city.
For budget travelers it is possible to get in for free. The cathedral is open to the general public for free at it's midday service. Visitors that get in at this time won't be escorted out. To get to the top you must however hold a valid ticket.</see>
Tower Bridge. echnically not in the City. ube: Tower Hill. 44 (0)20 74033761. nquiries@towerbridge.org.uk. ttp://www.towerbridge.org.uk/. xhibition 10AM-5PM. ridge free, exhibition __6. Magnificent 19th century bridge, decorated with high towers and featuring a drawbridge. The South Bank area sits to its west, and the regenerated Butler's Wharf area of shops, reasonably priced riverside restaurants and the London Design Museum lie to its east. For a small charge you can get the lift to the top level of the bridge and admire the view: this includes a visit to a small museum dedicated to the bridge's history and engineering.
Tower of London. echnically not in the City. ube: Tower Hill. 44 (0)8444 827777. isitorservices_TOL@hrp.org.uk. ttp://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/. arch-October Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su-Mo 10AM-5PM, November-February Tu-Sa 9AM-4PM, Su-Mo 10AM-4PM. dult __14.50, child 5-16 __9.50, concession __11, family (2A+3C) __42. Internet[http://www.hrp.org.uk/webcode/content.asp?ID=228]/phone: __1 cheaper but __3 transaction charge). Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower is today one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house. In the winter you can skate on the dry moat. The Tower contains enough buildings and exhibits to keep a family busy for a full day, with plenty of both warlike and domestic contents. Entry is expensive but Beefeaters, who are all retired sergent majors from the British Army, provide guided tours for free as well as ceremonial security. See history come alive - go to the '''Ceremony of the Keys''' at the Tower of London. This ceremony, the locking up of the Tower, has been performed every night at 10PM for 800 years. It has never been missed and was only delayed once - when the Luftwaffe bombed the Tower. Begun by Edward I to lock the soldiers in the tower so they didn't wreak havoc, these days it is ostensibly to lock people out. Tickets are free but MUST be prearranged. See the website for details.
Churches
The City of London, considering its small size, has a huge number of churches in its area. Some, but by no means all, are listed below.
All Hallows by the Tower. yward Street. ube: Tower Hill.
Christ Church. ournier Street, E1 6QE. ube: Liverpool Street. 44 (0)20 7859 3035. ttp://www.christchurchspitalfields.org. The restoration of the nave was completed in September 2004, and this church is still a striking building designed by Sir Nicholas Hawksmoor with a particularly tall, pointed spire. Hawksmoor's design was significantly altered in the 19th century, and present continuing restoration is intended to restore it to Hawksmoor's original vision. Christ Church was built as part of the 50 Churches for London project
St Magnus the Martyr. ower Thames Street.
St Margaret Pattens. ood Lane and Eastcheap.
St Mary-at-Hill.
St Mary le Bow. heapside. ttp://www.stmarylebow.co.uk/.
St Stephen Walbrook. 9 Walbrook.
Temple. nner Temple Lane. ttp://www.templechurch.com/. A small realm of serenity in the midst of the typical turmoil. It used to be the court of the Templar Knights. You can still visit the beautiful Romanesque church, which is one of the oldest ones in London.
Museums and Galleries
Museum of London. ondon Wall (NB this is a street!). ube: Barbican (walk south) or St Pauls (walk north). 44 (0)870 444 3852. ttp://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/. aily Mo-Sa 10AM-5.30PM, Su noon-5.30PM. ermanent and temporary exhibitions: free. Special exhibitions: adult __5, concession __3, child 0-15 free. Established in 1975, the Museum of London explores the various threads of London's archaeology, history and culture throughout its more than 2,000 year old existence. Free and - like the city- endlessly fascinating! (The Museum now also has an offshoot in the Docklands. Cafe, gift shop and disabled access.
Bank of England Museum. hreadneedle Street. ube: Bank. 44 (0)20 76015545. useum@bankofengland.co.uk . ttp://www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum/index.asp. -F 10AM-5PM. ree.
Barbican Centre. ilk Street. ube: Barbican. 44 (0)20 76384141. nfo@barbican.org.uk. ttp://www.barbican.org.uk. The largest arts centre in Europe.
Guildhall Art Gallery. uildhall Yard (off Gresham Street). ube: Bank, St Paul's, Mansion House, Moorgate. 44 (0)20 73323700. uildhall.artgallery@cityoflondon.gov.uk. ttp://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/leisure_heritage/libraries_archives_museums_galleries/guildhall_art_gallery/. -Sa 10AM-5PM Su noon-4PM. dult __2.50 (Fr and after 3:30PM: free), child 0-16 free.
Sir John Soane's Museum. 3 Lincoln's Inn Fields. ube: Holborn. ttp://www.soane.org/. u-Sa 10AM-5PM. ree. Groups must reserve and may need to make a donation. Sir John Soane was an architect.
Others
The City's business is not cathedrals or museums, but banking. The upside? The City offers some of the most fascinating '''modern architecture''' in London, and this alone makes a tour of London's financial institutions and markets worthwhile, even if you're not an investment banker. The bad news is that very few of the buildings are open to the public, although some do have "open weekends" at certain times of the year. The annual '''Open House Weekend''', is when many London's most famous buildings (including many of those in the City) are open for public tours.
Baltic Exchange. t Mary Axe. ext to the Swiss Re Tower. ttp://www.balticexchange.com/. The world's main marketplace for ship broking.
International Petroleum Exchange. t Katherines Dock. ube: Tower Hill. ttps://www.theice.com. One of the world's largest energy futures and options exchanges and is in . The Brent Crude marker which represents an important benchmark for global oil prices is traded here. It also houses the European Climate Exchange, where emissions trading takes place.
Lloyds of London. Lime St. ttp://www.lloyds.com. The headquarters of world's most famous insurance market, housed in a bizarre, Matrix-like glass-and-steel building designed by Richard Rogers, with all support services (lifts, ventilation, etc) suspended outside.
London Stock Exchange. aternoster Square. ttp://www.londonstockexchange.com. After leaving its brutalist skyscraper on Old Broad Street, the London Stock Exchange now resides on Paternoster Square. Dating back to 1698, it is one of the world's oldest and largest stock markets.
London Bullion Market Association. 3-14 Basinghall Street. ttp://www.lbma.org.uk/. This is where the world gold price is 'fixed' twice a day.
London Metal Exchange. 6 Leadenhall St. ttp://www.lme.com/. The LME is the leading centre for non-ferrous metals trading. It is also the last financial market in London which still retains open outcry trading.
London Stone. annon Street. ube: Cannon Street. A little known and arguably little cared for yet intriguing item.
St Bride Printing Library. ride Lane, EC4Y 8EE. 44 (0)20 7353 4660. ttp://www.stbride.org. u noon-5:30PM, W noon-9PM, Th noon-5:30PM. This specialist small library houses an impressive range of books on graphic design, typography, bookbinding and papermaking. The books can't be borrowed but can be photocopied or photographed (with permission). An essential visit for any graphic design student.
Swiss Re. he Gherkin. 0 St Mary Axe. ttp://www.30stmaryaxe.com/. Designed by one of Britain's leading architects, Sir Norman Foster, and recipient in 2004 of the Stirling Architectural Prize for Best Building.
Willis Building. 1 Lime Street. The most recent addition to the City's skyline - and right opposite Lloyds of London.
There are many, many more interesting buildings, monuments, places and antiquities in the City than those listed above.
Do
Lord Mayor's Show. ttp://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/business_city/lordmayor/lmshow.htm. nnual, normally November. The ceremony celebrates the appointment of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London. It is one of the great annual processions held in all London.
London Walks. ttp://london.walks.com/. Consider going along on one of the many excellent guided tours of the City, often with an evocative theme for example ghosts or Jack the Ripper.
Tower of London Ice Rink. ube: Tower Hill. ttp://www.toweroflondonicerink.com.
Eat
There are a great many number of bars, coffee houses, cafes, restaurants and even public houses, mainly catering for the City workers during the week (and therefore most likely to be closed at the weekend). During the week (and during good weather) you can find some outdoor eating areas in places, such as on Walbrook.
Drink
Pubs
Clubs
Fabric. 7a Charterhouse Street. ube: Farringdon (last trains about midnight). 44 (0)20 73368898. ttp://www.fabriclondon.com/. _10-16. Pricey Uber-trendy hotspot boasting world class soundsystem and its own record label
Sleep
Budget
The Hoxton Urban Lodge. 1 Great Eastern Street. ube: Old Street. 44 (0)20 75501000. nfo@hoxtonhotels.com. ttp://www.hoxtonhotels.com/. rom __30 web purchase.
St Paul's Youth Hostel. 6 Carter Lane. ube: St Paul's. 8707 705764. tpauls@yha.org.uk. ttp://www.yha.org.uk/find-accommodation/london/hostels/london-st-pauls. orm from __18.95 including breakfast. 6 rooms for 2 people and 3 singles.. Small hostel converted from one of the City's oldest buildings. Cheap for Central London accommodation, range of room sizes, basic facilities.
Travelodge London Liverpool Street. Harrow Place. ube: Liverpool Street. 8719 846190. ttp://www.travelodge.co.uk/find_a_hotel/hotel/hotel_id/44/LondonLiverpoolStreet. _80.
Mid-range
54 Boutique Hotel. 4 Queen's Gate, SW7 5JW London. +44)(0)207-761-4000. nquiries@fiftyfourboutiquehotel.co.uk. 44 (0)207-761-4040. ttp://54boutiquehotel.com.
Cadogan Hotel. 5 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SG London. 44 (0)20 7235 7141. ttp://www.cadogan.com/. nfo@cadogan.com. 44 (0)20 7245 0994. Cadogan is a classic Edwardian townhouse hotel, provides comfortable elegant 5 star hotel accommodation & service. The hotel is at the midpoint of two opulent worlds, in London's SW1, on Sloane Street, between Knightsbridge and Sloane Square.The Cadogan Hotel
Splurge
Malmaison London. harterhouse Square. ube: Barbican, Farringdon. 44 (0)20 70123700. ondon@malmaison.com. ttp://www.malmaison-london.com/. Great location with attentive staff.
Andaz Liverpool Street London Hotel. 0 Liverpool St, London. 44 0207 961 1234. nfo.londonliv@andaz.com. 44 20 7961 1235. ttp://london.liverpoolstreet.andaz.com. rom __120. A concept casual luxury hotel. No two bedrooms the same. Features ipod rentals and 5 restaurants
Buy
Although not noted for the best shopping opportunities in London (these are securely held by the West End), the City nonetheless retains an above average shopping offer, having a large, relatively affluent and captive crowd of City workers right on their doorstep. Avoid shopping during lunchtime hours, if you can, as this is the time when workers are looking to do the same, in their thousands. Again, at weekends many outlets will be closed. A number of retail venues stand out:
Leadenhall Market. ff Gracechurch Street, tube: Monument. ttp://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/our_services/markets/leadenhall.htm. A number of shops, but is worth visiting for its architecture and old-fashioned cobbled streets.
Royal Exchange. ube: Bank. Situated opposite the Bank of England, the Exchange houses a number of upmarket outlets, including Tiffany's and Mont Blanc. Part of the exterior was recently featured in the film ''Bridget Jones' Diary'' (at the end, when Bridget runs after Mark along a snowy street).
Spitalfields Market. echnically not in the City. ff Bishopsgate, tube: Liverpool Street. ttp://www.spitalfields.org.uk. Once a large thriving market, it has slowly been shrunk to a third of it's size by development in the area. But, it still features a good variety of clothing, crafts and food stalls/shops. Rather promisingly sellers have set up another market in a new space off Hanbury Street, nearby.
Get out
Go south, crossing the River Thames via the Millennium Bridge, to access the central part of South Bank, home to the Tate Modern gallery and Shakespeare's Globe theater. Or head west down Fleet Street then Strand towards Trafalgar Square and St James's, home of the British government and royal family.