What to See in the City of London

If you're heading to London, don't forget to spend at least a day deep in the heart of the capital - The City of London!

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Curious about exploring the City of London?

In reality, the City should absolutely be on the top of any tourist's list when heading to London. Yes, you'll see your fair share of lawyers and investment bankers, but you'll also see the some of England's best pubs and most historic sites. Take time to explore the City - don't just visit a few top sights and skip out!

​Surprisingly, many people leave much of the City of London off of their London tour agenda, truly erroneously believing "the City" to be merely the financial and business center of the capital and not venturing beyond The Tower of London.

Entrance to the City of London

Plaque to William Wallace near St. Bart's Hospital, London

What to See in the City of London:
Fleet Street

Known as "the Strand" as it leads into The City from the West, and becoming "Fleet Street" upon passing that lovely dragon when it enters The City, Fleet Street is one of the greatest streets in all of London. Formerly home to the center of English publishing, and now largely populated by lawyers, history is around every corner in the heart of London. If you take my advice and stay in Covent Garden, this will be your easy walking path into your City adventure! ​

Fleet Street, London

Heading to England? Check out my First Timer's Guide to England

What to See in the City of London:
St Paul's Cathedral

The 17th-century masterpiece, rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire, looms large over the City, beckoning you down Fleet Street as you enter the City from the West. The tallest building in London until 1967, St Pauls remains once of the most recognizable buildings in the country.

St. Paul's (South facade)

Of course, the Cathedral was famously saved from yet another fire during WWII's Blitz, when Londoners saved it at the expense of their own home and shops, spending hours watching over the building with a bucket brigade.

St Pauls has played host to some of London's most memorable public spectacles, including the wedding of The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer (1981) and Winston Churchill's funeral (1965). 

It, too, is the final resting place of a number of England's most famous inhabitants in its gorgeous crypt, including Lord Nelson, The Duke of Wellington, and Sir Christopher Wren. Somewhat incongruously, the crypt does also house a truly lovely gift shop, which I really would highly recommend, if you're not too weirded out by the location.

St Paul's (West facade)

Tickets to St Pauls Cathedral

Tickets for entrance to St Pauls Cathedral are cheaper if you buy in advance directly through the St. Pauls website.

What to See in the City of London:
St Bartholomew-the-Great

If you're a fan of Four Weddings, you'll recognize St Bart's right away! ​

St Bartholomew-the-Great, The City of London

Constructed in the 12th century by a St Paul's clergyman to commemorate the recovery of his health after a bout of fever, St Bart's quickly gained a reputation as a healing place. The adjacent hospital which subsequently arose surrounds and towers over this quaint church, which actually - unlike its much larger neighbor, St Paul's, survived the Great Fire of 1666. 

Benjamin Franklin worked as a journeyman printer in what is now the Lady Chapel, during his youth. For fans of aristocratic history, Deborah Mitford married the man who would become the Duke of Devonshire here in 1941.

English churches have the best memorials

What to See in the City of London:
​The modern Sherlock's Reichenbach Fall

If you're a fan of the modern adaptation of Sherlock, you'll remember the infamous scene where Sherlock jumps to his "death" in the center of the City - the show's interpretation of the Reichenbach Fall - off the top of the great Hospital.

I'll admit that we actually stumbled upon the site when walking away from St. Bart's - as it's decorated with notes and little trinkets dedicated to Sherlock. If you enjoyed Sherlock, be sure to check out my post on other British detective shows you may enjoy!

Sherlock "suicide" spot, London

Wondering what to wear in London? Check out my list of all the essentials you'll need!

What to See in the City of London:
Ye Old Cheshire Cheese

Undoubtedly one of my favorite spots in Ye Old Cheshire Cheese is one of the coziest pubs in London - and it's not as touristy as you would think, as JK Rowling herself specifically mentioned in the Silkworm.

​Located just off of Fleet Street (there's an adorable, slightly illuminated sign pointing the way), you won't regret stopping by!

Ye Old Cheshire Cheese

Reborn after The Great Fire, since 1666, it's been serving out pints and fish and chips to some of London's greatest literary names, including Dr. Johnson and Charles Dickens. Today, you'll still find the cozy charm that attracted these men so many years ago, and at lunch, come to see the Pub's charming waiter (yes, there's just one), serving up lunch to a small group of business people taking a long lunch. There's a roaring (real, wood-burning) fire, a stuffed parrot, and very low ceilings. The restroom is in the basement down a perilous staircase that takes you into the bowels of the ancient building.

​Come by for a pint, at least!

In action at Ye Old Cheshire Cheese

What to See in the City of London:
​Millennium Bridge, London 

View from Millennium Bridge

Opening in the Year 2000, Millennium Bridge is - you guessed it - the bridge from Harry Potter that the Death Eaters make twist and spin...causing all the people to fall off into the Thames below. On the pragmatic side of your tour of the City, it'll connect you to the Southern side of the Thames, including The Globe Theatre. It also offers some of the best views of the City from its famous river.

What to See in the City of London:
​The Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the greatest sites in all England - and it'll definitely be on your touring agenda, (especially if you have the London Pass - the Tower alone nearly justifies the cost). Welcoming 3 million visitors a year, you certainly won't be alone during your visit, but you will enjoy your time. With construction beginning right after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, it's a stunning amalgamation of buildings spanning the history of England. It 100% makes sense to tie your visit to The City with your visit to the Tower, so leave yourself plenty of space on one side or the other to poke around to the sites above!

The Tower of London from the Thames

Traitor's Gate

Thanks for stopping by!

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The Bank of England

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