The City of London dates back to around 50 AD and developed around the Roman settlement of Londinium. A medieval street pattern and remains of the former city stand alongside modern architecture. Different eras meet in the cityscape, rather than appearing only in separate historical accounts. This mix also makes it easy to find your way around: museums, green spaces and theatres are all within easy reach of one another.
Roman Traces on Two Walking Tours
The self-guided tour Roads to Rome explores Roman Londinium through 13 stops and surviving remains. There is an approximately 90-minute shorter route and a longer version of about two and a half hours. These times are estimates, so you can choose the option that fits the time you have planned for the walk.
The City of London Children's Trail offers a different perspective: each route takes about 45 minutes and includes three well-known landmarks and two hidden features along or near the way. The selection may change. Comparing the two options is especially useful in terms of timing: the trail routes are shorter, while Roads to Rome offers a longer version with additional stops.
Church Ruins, a Garden and Modern Architecture
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a green space among the ruins of a Wren church. St Dunstan was originally built around 1100 and is listed as a Grade I listed building. The church remains were transformed into a public garden, which opened in 1970. The church, its ruins and the green space make this a striking example of how a historic building has changed over time.
At the Barbican Centre, culture and the built environment together shape the character of the complex. Its offerings include art, music, theatre, dance, film and creative learning programmes. Two galleries, the Barbican Art Gallery and The Curve, complement the programme. Outside, the complex includes lakes, lawns and a network of elevated walkways, overlooked by towers and terrace blocks. More than 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees grow in the Barbican Conservatory; the plant collection may change.
Museums and Art with Historical Connections
The Bank of England Museum presents 300 years of history and explores, among other topics, the historic buildings of the Bank of England and the design of banknotes. At the London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE, visitors can enjoy free access to a Roman temple, an exhibition of Roman artefacts and an art gallery. Access arrangements may change. Contemporary art commissions respond to the archaeological site; this programme may also change.
The Guildhall Art Gallery houses the City of London Corporation's important art collection. From a gallery balcony, visitors can appreciate the scale of London's Roman amphitheatre. On a tour of the Guildhall, you can also learn how the City works, what role its Livery Companies play, and which historical events and memorials are associated with the medieval walls. The tour offer and its dates may change; check available times in advance.
Market History, Pubs and Getting Around
Livestock and meat have been traded for more than 1,000 years on the site of Smithfield Market, officially known as London Central Markets. The nearest stations include Farringdon, Barbican, St Paul's and Chancery Lane; check current station information before travelling. Another route, Historic Pubs in the City, visits some of the oldest and most atmospheric pubs in the Square Mile. Check access to individual pubs before visiting.
Food and drink options are spread across a range of places, including casual eateries and cafés for light meals and takeaway food, popular bars, rooftop restaurants, historic arcades and markets. Individual venues and offerings may change. Alongside its Roman and medieval traces, the City of London also reveals itself through cultural venues, market history and a variety of places to take a break.
Discover more destinations: Richmond Upon Thames, Waltham Forest, Camden, Westminster, Tower Hamlets, Kensington And Chelsea, Brent, Hillingdon
For the main travel overview: Greater London.
