Location: City of London
Top Things to do in City of London
10 Things to do in City of London That You Shouldn't Miss
The crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market…in London, history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day is different for everyone: culture aficionados shouldn't miss the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. If you love fashion, Oxford Street has shopping galore. For foodies, cream tea at Harrod’s or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavor. Music and book buffs will love seeing Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum (at 221B Baker Street, of course).
Restaurants in London
1. Tower of London
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65,488 reviews
Discover London’s castle – a secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison where you can explore 1000 years of history. Prepare to be dazzled by the breathtaking, world famous Crown Jewels. Take a Yeoman Warder tour and hear captivating stories of pain and passion, treachery and torture. Meet the famous ravens and discover why they are known as the guardians of the Tower and marvel at the imposing White Tower, a magnificent example of Normal architecture at the heart of the Tower of London.
Reviewed By cherylmallen - Bristol, United Kingdom
We’ve always said we should go to see the Tower but have never got there. This time we did! Bought the tickets online and decided not to do the Beefeater tour glad we made that decision as the crowds were so big and we felt we’d not hear enough. We opted for the audio guides which we found very useful. So amazing to walk in the footsteps of all those historical people (I’ve probably read too much Hilary Mantel, Philippa Gregory, David Starkey and CJ Sansom!) Moved to see the red roses by the Chapel altar, as we’d just passed the anniversary of Anne Boleyn’s beheading. The whole place was clean, tidy and a credit to the people who care for these amazing palaces. Even the cafe. Well worth the entry charge, so glad we went and would do it again. Big tip get there early! Thank you
2. St. Paul's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,029 reviews
Rebuilt by Christopher Wren after the great Fire of 1666, St. Paul's has been the site of many historic state occasions; including Sir Winston Churchill's state funeral and the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. A busy working Christian community with several daily services at which all are welcome. St Paul’s also welcomes visitors with access to five levels of the Cathedral including the Whispering Gallery with its unique acoustics and the Stone and Golden Galleries atop the Dome offering breathtaking panoramic views over London. Multimedia guides in eight languages for adults and children are included with sightseeing admission as well as free guided tours to join upon arrival.
Reviewed By 448jw - Markham, Canada
We've visited many renowned churches around the world and while there're similarity it doesn't take away their own beauty! this church is amazing and their dome is also facinating! Climb the stairs and you can also reach the top (narrow stairs and the highest level) to get an amazing view of the city and the entire London Skyline!
3. Museum of London
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,737 reviews
Step inside the Museum of London for an unforgettable journey through the capital’s turbulent past. Discover prehistoric London, see how the city changed under Romans and Saxons, wonder at medieval London and examine the tumultuous years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire. Then venture into the Galleries of Modern London where you can walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor’s Coach. Free entry. Open Monday to Sunday, 10am - 6pm (galleries close at 5.40pm). Closed 24-26 December.
Reviewed By 989pezza - Oxford, United Kingdom
Fantastic museum; one of the best in London, and it's absolutely free. It traces the history of the capital from prehistoric times before it even existed as a city through the Stone Age, the Roman occupation, Medieval London, the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian periods, right through to the present day, plus everything in between. The earlier periods are housed on the upper floor then from Victorian London onwards, it's down to the lower floor. The whole pace is packed with interesting artefacts and well thought out displays. For me the star of the show is Victorian Walk: a superb recreation of a Victorian shopping street, featuring all the shops (and a pub) set up as you would expect to find them about 150 years ago. This is a 'must visit' museum, when in London.
4. St. Stephen Walbrook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Said to be the most complex and accomplished of Christopher Wren's churches (1672-79), the structure incorporates a large central dome and a cross-in-square plan, which recall the structures of Byzantium.
Reviewed By Escape716563
My Old School extendd the Invitation to all Old Boys to attend the inaugrial Christmas Carol Service in 2018 and, afterwards, mulled wine and hot mince pies! The same service was again held this year, 2019. St.Stephen Walbrook is the MOST beautiful church one could possibly imagine. It is well-worth visiting in its own right, if one finds oneself in London. The congregation sit in concentric circles around the central Altar which, l believe, weighs one ton of solid marble, St.Stephen Walbrook is steeped in history and is one of three in the area to have escaped the Great Fire of London. Close to the Mansion House, this is very much in the Financial District of "The Square Mile". W.G.
5. Bank of England Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 801 reviews
This fascinating Museum, located within the impressive walls of the Bank of England, tells the history of the Bank from its foundation in 1694 to the present day. Its unique collections of coins, banknotes and artefacts are supplemented by audio-visual and interactive displays. Visitors can even handle a real gold bar! Exciting new displays and exhibits have been added to the permanent galleries following a period of renovation.
Reviewed By Lara_UK_18 - Macclesfield, United Kingdom
BRILLIANT museum with FANTASTIC interactive displays and games which I saw the younger children enjoying and which even my 13 year old enjoyed (and I was told to 'go away' - typical of a teenager) as she engaged with them. Accessible for all ages as was evident during our visit. So something for those child free irrespective of age! Trail sheets for all ages (about 5 different age groups) available at reception which lots of children enjoyed (including myself!). Highly recommend. Place to park prams, nice loo facilities - no cafe but plenty of places nearby.
6. Lloyds of London
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By StephenCr0ss - Dublin, Ireland
Still one of the most funky buildings both inside and out. Very industrial fee throughout. The trading floor is huge. The old bell inside and museum also well worth a look. Recommended
7. Guildhall Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 419 reviews
Pre-booking required. Visit guildhall-art-gallery.arttickets.org.uk. The Gallery shows a changing display of about 250 artworks from its collection of paintings, drawings and sculpture, in addition to a programme of temporary exhibitions. The Gallery is also responsible for significant works of art held elsewhere including the monuments in the Guildhall, statues in the Old Bailey and further sculptures and the Harold Samuel Collection of 17th Century Dutch and Flemish Paintings at Mansion House, the Lord Mayor's residence. A rich variety of Victorian paintings can be seen as you enter the Gallery, displayed in original 19th century style. The collections illustrate the key artistic movements and influences of the Victorian period, from the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, to Orientalism, Classicism and narrative painting. The Gallery's collection of London paintings opens a window onto unusual, memorable and colourful scenes from the city's history.
Reviewed By 178ivorm - London, United Kingdom
To be frank I rarely write reviews of anything in London since I live here and keep my reviews for my travels, However, in this peculiar year my travels are restricted to London so it seems reasonable to write reviews. I regularly visit the Guildhall Gallery and had wanted to see the temporary exhibition before lockdown. So I am pleased to see it now. Limited opening. Book on-line. Controlled numbers. Toilets. Hand sanitizer. Very nice temporary exhibition-Enchanted Interiors. Limited part opening of the permanent galleries. You can see many of the great Victorian paintings but the many of London not yet back. Go again.
8. Old Bailey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By ian_dempster - Wigan, United Kingdom
I came across by accident when walking round the city. The old Bailey is a great building and I was just so pleased to see its iconic symbol on the roof.
9. Temple Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 671 reviews
Reviewed By Briantripadvising - Hale, United Kingdom
Ashamed to say never looked for this Knights Templar built church. It's worth going to see the tomb of William Marshall one of Englands' greatest knights. Located in Temple bar you can roam around the fascinating chambers of the great and the good? of the legal profession. Then have a good march along the River and and see what's on at Somerset House before selecting a coffee and cake at Fortnum & Masons. What a civilised and cultured few hours!
10. Guildhall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By 237jackr - Exeter, United Kingdom
We discovered this almost by accident, but very glad that we did. There are the remains of a Roman Amphitheatre in the basement - fascinating - and a really interesting Victorian art collection, including Rosetti and Millais. Well recommended.
