Welcome to the “Square Mile!”
This tour will take you through the oldest streets in London—from the Roman settlement 2,000 years ago to the newest (and tallest!) buildings in Europe.
Follow us as we lead you to the most historic pub in all of London, through the financial heart of the United Kingdom, and along the glorious and picturesque River Thames.
- Tour Description
- Sights Covered
- Meeting Point and Schedule
- GPS-Led Audio Version
- Other Free London Tours
- Things to Do in London
Starting with a stroll along the ancient underground river Fleet, with a mid-point stop at Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St. Paul's Cathedral, and a grand finale at Her Majesty’s Fortress, The Tower of London, this tour manages to squeeze two millennia worth of time into one easy-to-handle two and a half-hour jam-packed excursion!
Travel down medieval alleyways and discover hidden gems.
A great adventure through London, encompassing world-famous sites as well as areas off the tourist-beaten track, our City of London Tour will take you from the origins of our capital straight through to the modern day—without missing anything in between!
- St. Paul's Cathedral: One of the most famous churches in the world, St. Paul's Cathedral is the masterpiece of architect Christopher Wren. Completed in the early 1700s, it has been the site of many significant events, including the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill and the wedding of Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Lady Diana Spencer.
- The Tower of London is one of the oldest buildings in London, a historic fortress, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this iconic landmark has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury.
- The Bank of England: The world's second-oldest central bank, the Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom and the model for many central banks around the world. Stand on top of the Bank's vaults, which currently hold 310 tonnes of solid bars of gold!
- Royal Courts of Justice: In constant use since the 1880s, The Royal Courts of Justice remains a pivotal institution in the UK’s legal landscape, combining historical significance with ongoing judicial functions.
- Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese: One of the oldest, best-known, and family-friendly pubs in London, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese has hosted some of the biggest names in London's history: Dickens, Conan Doyle, and P.G. Wodehouse, just to name a few.
- London Bridge: Likely the most famous bridge in the world, London Bridge sits on a site that has held a crossing over the River Thames since AD42. The medieval Bridge was famously 'falling down,' and here, your guide will tell you why!
- Tower Bridge: This iconic symbol of London spans the River Thames with its distinctive bascules and towers. The bridge is a draw bridge, and you may get the chance to see it open on one of our summertime afternoon tours.
- The Monument: Hear the story of the most devastating fire to sweep through our city: The Great Fire of London in 1666. Opened to the public in the 1670s, it is still possible to visit today.
- River Thames: Winding its way through the heart of London, this river is a vital waterway that has shaped the city's history and culture for centuries. Its iconic landmarks, such as Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, line its banks. At the same time, its waters have witnessed the ebb and flow of historical events, from Roman settlements to modern-day celebrations.
- HMS Belfast: Across the water, you will see the HMS Belfast, a former Royal Navy cruiser serving as a floating museum moored on the River Thames in London.
- Cheapside is the historic site of London's medieval marketplace, which lends its name to the various roads throughout the area.
- Mansion House: The official residence of the Lord Mayor of London.
- St. Bride's: An iconic church with a rich history dating back to the 6th century. The current structure, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was completed in 1675 after the Great Fire of London and is said to have inspired the design of traditional tiered wedding cakes.
- Dr. Johnson's House: This fine Georgian townhouse dates from the 18th century and was once the home of Dr. Samuel Johnson, who is credited with writing the first comprehensive English dictionary with the help of a feline friend. See a hidden statue that is the highlight of many of our visitors' trips.
- Temple Bar: Did you know that there is a 2,000-year-old City inside our city? This marker shows the boundary lines into the fiscal and governmental districts of the City of London.
- St. Clement Danes: Built by master architect Christopher Wren in the late 17th century, this unassuming church is now the official site of worship for the Royal Airforce. See the damage, left unaltered, that was done to it during the bombing campaigns in World War II.
- St. Mary-le-Bow: The church is famously associated with the "Bow Bells," whose sound traditionally defined true Cockneys—those born within earshot of the bells.
- The Shard: Still a bit controversial, The Shard, standing at 310 meters (1,016 feet), dominates the London skyline as Western Europe's tallest building. Its sleek glass facade and pyramid-shaped summit offer breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks, making it a popular tourist attraction.
- *(Sundays and Mondays Only) The Garden at 120: Finish with a visit to this beautiful rooftop garden with sweeping views over the London skyline! Note that at busy times, there may be a small wait to access the garden.
Find out more about these sites by reading our Self-guided City of London Tour or take our more extensive anytime audio tour.
DETAILS FOR THE CITY OF LONDON TOUR:
- Tour begins from just outside Temple Underground Station (map).
- The tour ends near the Tower of London
- Monday and Sunday: Tour lasts 3 hours
- Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: Tour lasts 2.5 hours
- Total walking is about 3km (1.5 miles). There are no public restrooms on the tour. This tour wheelchair and pram accessible.
GPS-ENABLED AUDIO TOUR VERSION
If you can't take our guided walk when it's offered, or you prefer to go it alone, then consider our GPS-led audio tour of the Old City of London.
You can take this tour any time, day or night, though we think daytime on a workday gives you the best feel for the area.
Here is a sample of the tour.
Here is how it works:
- Purchase an Audio Tour
- Receive a confirmation email with all the details.
- Enjoy the tour(s).
In addition to the audio version of the Old City of London Tour, we also have the following audio tours.
- Royal London (Westminster)
- Harry Potter Locations
- Jack the Ripper
- Greenwich
- Rock N Roll London
- Oxford
- Public Bus #11 (temporarily rerouted - unavailable)
You could also visit our main London audio tours page for more samples and information.
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