a citizen’s guide to City of London
say ‘hello’ to central London
It’s time to meet City of London – or 'the City' if you're feeling chummy. Picture centuries-old relics and the uber-modern, side-by-side, Roman remnants and sassy skyscrapers sharing the same postcode. History meets finance meets culture and food. The City of London is not just a district, it's a whole mood!
how to get into The City
From within London, The City is easy-to-reach – hop on the tube, take a bus, cycle or even stroll on over from practically anywhere. Major Tube stations including Bank, Monument and St Paul’s connect the City to the rest of London. For the more adventurous, River Bus services offer a refreshing alternative, letting you soak up some Thames views on the way.Coming in from London City Airport? Simply catch the DLR (Docklands Light Railway, for the rookies) to either Bank or Tower Gateway. Taking the scenic route from Heathrow Airport? Lucky you! There are more options for this than there are London pubs (almost). Grab the Elizabeth line to Tottenham Court Road and then switch to the Central line heading towards Bank. Or, for the more cosmopolitan, the Heathrow Express goes straight to Paddington. From there, you can jump on the Circle line right into the City of London – your destination is Tower Hill.
Time to unleash your inner tourist! Check out the Tower of London or climb the Monument for a selfie moment – say cheese for the pictures. And for some architectural eye-candy, feast your eyes on St Paul’s Cathedral or the Guildhall. Culture fanatics – make your way to the Barbican Centre for more artsy offerings.
skyscrapers and historic sites
Old meets new in The City of London. It's an overwhelming sky-high party with historical marvels in between. You’ve got the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater, the Scalpel and the Walkie Talkie Building, all shooting up into the sky. Sprinkled amidst these towering titans, you'll find timeless treasures like Mansion House and Guildhall.
London's most famous bridges
London’s bridges are more than just ways to cross the Thames, they're landmarks in their own right with some of the best views in the city. Here are our top five connecting the City of London to Southbank, Bankside and Southwark. Drumroll, please!
Tower Bridge: This isn't just your average river crossing; the ever-dramatic Tower Bridge is a Victorian marvel all her own. With towering Gothic architecture and panoramic glass walkways, she's every bit the royal queen. What else would you expect at the heart of London?
London Bridge: Don’t let its practicality fool you. London Bridge, the oldest of the bunch, is cemented (quite literally) into the city’s history. From medieval battles to the modern-day hustle, this old-timer's seen it all. Respect your elders and all that.
Millennium Bridge: Straight out of the future, the Millennium Bridge is unapologetically contemporary. Watch it cut across the Thames, a delightful contrast to the old-world charm of nearby St. Paul's.
Blackfriars Bridge: Often overlooked, Blackfriars is the sleek, minimalist sister of the bridge world. Its striking red pillars stand out, while its panoramic river views will leave you speechless.
Southwark Bridge: The sturdy and underappreciated Southwark Bridge is our final stop. It gives you an intimate glimpse into the heart of Shakespeare’s London – without the teeming tourist crowds.
shopping
Leadenhall Market isn't just a marketplace, it's a time machine. Steeped in history, it offers a uniquely Victorian shopping experience. If you're craving retail therapy, visit Oxford Street – central London's huge array of high-street brands and boutique stores will keep you browsing for hours.
For the best views of London, you've got to step up – literally. Fancy a head-spinning, panoramic view of London? Hit the Skygarden or scale the heights of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The city unfolds like a treasure map beneath you, the Thames a ribbon holding it all together.Craving a cocktail with a capital view? Swing by our cloudM rooftop bar at citizenM Tower of London and feast your eyes on the Tower, the Gherkin and the Thames.. Drink in hand, London at your feet – that's how we do it at citizenM.Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Soak up equally stunning views from London’s famous bridges (mentioned above) or wander down the Thames at sunset. It’s downright dreamy. Need a breather? Stroll southbound for a fresh perspective on the city. Savor London's most jaw-dropping city views from across the river at Southbank, where skyline gazing comes with a side of pure, do-not-disturb joy.
best views of London
For the best views of London, you've got to step up – literally. Fancy a head-spinning, panoramic view of London? Hit the Skygarden or scale the heights of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The city unfolds like a treasure map beneath you, the Thames a ribbon holding it all together.Craving a cocktail with a capital view? Swing by our cloudM rooftop bar at citizenM Tower of London and feast your eyes on the Tower, the Gherkin and the Thames. Drink in hand, London at your feet – that's how we do it at citizenM.Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Soak up equally stunning views from London’s famous bridges (mentioned above) or wander down the Thames at sunset. It’s downright dreamy. Need a breather? Stroll southbound for a fresh perspective on the city. Savor London's most jaw-dropping city views from across the river at Southbank, where skyline gazing comes with a side of pure, do-not-disturb joy.
