The City of London

London
The City of London featuring skyline, a city and a sunset
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

Things to do


The City of London Hotel Deals

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 ¥26,194 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥26,194
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,540 reviews)
An amazing hotel!
"Had an amazing stay! Would 100% stay again in the future! Amazing service and room. The hotel is in a perfect place in between a train station and the tube station making everywhere accessible. There is also a taxi rank out the front of the hotel. Perfect stay! We were also really lucky and had a ..."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
Apex City of London Hotel
Apex City of London Hotel
4 out of 5
1 Seething Lane, London, England
The price is ¥37,234 per night from May 24 to May 25
¥37,234
per night
May 24 - May 25
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location and comfortable room"

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Apex City of London Hotel
Apex Temple Court Hotel
Apex Temple Court Hotel
4 out of 5
1-2 Serjeants Inn, Fleet Street, London, England
The price is ¥33,983 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥33,983
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,311 reviews)
"Nice place tucked away off Fleet Street. Decent sized room and service was good."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Apex Temple Court Hotel
Tower Suites by Blue Orchid
Tower Suites by Blue Orchid
4 out of 5
100 Minories, London, England
The price is ¥27,582 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥27,582
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (910 reviews)
"Reception was great and so helpful"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Tower Suites by Blue Orchid
Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s
Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s
4 out of 5
10 Godliman Street, London, England
The price is ¥34,889 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
¥34,889
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,180 reviews)
"Amazing! Super friendly staff and excellent location. Very comfy beds. Only issue was the hot water isn't consistent and gets too hot randomly. They just had an incident where the hot water stopped working altogether for one morning (which was fixed immediately) but could be due to that. Otherwise ..."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s
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 ¥27,121 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥27,121
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Would stay again
"Courteous staff. Great breakfast options. Well positioned for walks in central London. Would stay again."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Club Quarters Hotel London City
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 neighborhoods around The City of London

London featuring markets and street scenes as well as a family

Shoreditch

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

Brick Lane and Columbia Road Flower Market 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 featuring signage, heritage elements and markets

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colorful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. 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

Enjoy the fascinating museums in Kings Cross St. Pancras. Russell Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at King's Cross & St. Pancras Underground Station or Russell Square Underground Station to see more of London.

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

London City Centre

5/5(33 area reviews)

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are a few top attractions in London City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning river views, and acclaimed art galleries.

London City Centre
Bloomsbury showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Bloomsbury

4.5/5(1,203 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

Travelers to Soho praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Oxford Street and Soho Square.

Soho


The City of London