Our offices Get in touch

The 8 Best Things to Do in the City of London

The City of London is also known as the financial district, and is a reputable area of London for business.

The city within a city!

The City of London district is arguably one of the most historic and iconic areas in the whole of London. City of London is a mixture of historic landmarks such as St. Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge, and modern skyscrapers, giving the City of London it’s reputation as the financial district. Whether you're a travel enthusiast, a city tourist, a local explorer, or even a business owner, the area opens offers many activities that promise to enrich your life and work. Let's have a look at our top things to do.

Check out our virtual office addresses in London City

1. Tower Bridge & St. Paul’s Cathedral

London’s skyline just wouldn’t be the same without the iconic Tower Bridge and magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral. Have you had the chance to experience the charm of these incredible landmarks up close? Why not buy a ticket to Tower Bridge, experience the stunning views over the Thames, walk the glass floors, and listen to the brand new audio highlights tour? St. Paul’s Cathedral also offers the opportunity to explore, book your tickets, visit the ground floor, the crypt, and even climb up the stunning dome. A visit to these historic landmarks can give you a real feel for the history of the area.

Book tickets for Tower Bridge here.

Book tickets for St. Paul’s Cathedral here.

VHQ top tip – Our new Cheapside virtual office is just a 5-minute walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral!

2. Tower of London

Travel back in time as you wander through the historic halls of the Tower of London. This incredible landmark allows you to get up close and personal with the Crown Jewels, meet the ravens that inhabit the Tower, and visit the infamous prison that housed historic figures such as Guy Fawkes and Anne Boleyn. This landmark often hosts exhibitions too, such as the immersive gunpowder plot experience, taking you back through one of the most well-known stories in British History.

Book tickets for the Tower of London here.

3. Cultural experiences

The Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre are sanctuaries where the fine arts are celebrated. Whether it’s enjoying thought-provoking modern art or viewing a Shakespearean performance, cultural education takes centre stage at both of these gorgeous venues. The Tate Modern is free to enter, and offers an immersive art experience, and showcases contemporary and abstract art from those such as Pablo Picasso and Yayoi Kusama. Although admission to the Tate is free, some exhibitions will require a paid-for ticket, but hey, can’t put a price on art right?

Book tickets for the Tate Modern here.

Book tickets for the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre here.

Keep scrolling, it's just going to get better!

4. Shopping and dining

Experience the fantastic culinary delights and shopping available to you in The City of London. This area of London offers a wide range of global cuisines and artisanal goods that cater to every palate and preference. Indulge in some retail therapy at One New Change, or visit the beautiful Leadenhall Market which has been around since the 14th century! For a taste of luxury and fine dining, why not book a table at the famous Searcy’s at the Gherkin?

VHQ top tip – Did you know that our Lower Thames Street virtual office is just a 12-minute walk from the Gherkin? If you’ve taken advantage of one of its stunning meeting rooms, why not take a walk to the Gherkin for a stylish working dinner after?

5. River Thames

Imagine the breeze as you cruise along the River Thames or take a tranquil promenade on the Thames Path. These waterside activities provide a refreshing retreat from the city hustle. There is no better way to see the London skyline than by taking a boat tour along the Thames. Some tours offer a bar for the adults, and colouring activities to keep the children entertained. One thing is for sure when taking a boat cruise, you’ll escape the London traffic!

Book with City Cruises here.

Explore the sights of this historic area!

See the sights on a London Thames boat cruise

Cruise the Thames and see the sights!

The Barbican is a cultural hub in London City.

The Barbican observatory is a must-see.

Visit the incredible Globe theatre in London City.

The Globe will take you back in time!

6. The Barbican

The Barbican is an arts, learning, and conference centre in the City of London. This beautiful space has its own botanical conservatory, a green oasis amidst the hustle of the city—perfect for those missing greenery amidst all the skyscrapers of the City of London. The Barbican also offers a cinema that showcases the best of both classic films and new releases. Of course, a trip to the Barbican wouldn’t be complete without some fine food, and the Barbican offers just that, with 6 eateries and bars to choose from!

Plan your visit to the Barbican here.

7. Hidden gems

If you’re looking for things to do in the City of London on a budget, there are plenty of free hidden gems hiding themselves in the area. The Queenhithe Mosaic is a 30m long mosaic displaying London’s history, you can find this incredible historic surprise along the Queenhithe Dock and it makes for a great Instagram photo if nothing else!  The Roman Amphitheatre is an incredible hidden gem in the City of London. Archaeologists uncovered the ancient Amphitheatre walls in 1988 at the Guildhall Art Gallery site. Step into these well-preserved Roman ruins, where crowds once witnessed wild animal fights, public executions, and gladiatorial combats, admission to this incredible piece of history is completely free!

Check out more hidden gems here.

8. Business opportunities

So, we’ve covered the sights to see in the City of London, but it would be remiss not to mention the wealth of business opportunities available too. Have you considered the prestige a City of London postcode can add to your business? Virtual Headquarters offers four distinguished office addresses to choose from within this famous financial district. Imagine the advantages of associating your business with this well-respected powerhouse of business. With services such as dedicated telephone numbers, client meeting areas, and a trusted central location, Virtual HQ provides the credibility and reputation your venture warrants.

In conclusion, the City of London Borough holds experiences that cater to both the tourist and the entrepreneur. From the historic cobblestones that pave its streets to the glass giants and skyscrapers, the area is a perfect blend of the past, present, and future.

Alexandra handles all things marketing here at Virtual HQ

Alexandra O'Hagan

Marketing Executive

Recent blog posts