Leonardo Hotels' Guide to The City of London

A global city, London is one of the World’s most popular tourist destinations. However, the actual City of London district itself is concentrated into just one square mile of this broader metropolis. This small area still has tons to offer, with a wealth of culture, landmarks and activities to dive into.

To help you navigate this bustling hub, here is our guide to the top things to do, see and eat in the City of London. Looking to stay right in the centre of the action? Stay at our City of London hotel.

What to do in the City of London

Museums

Steeped in history and brimming with culture, it will come as no surprise that the centre of the UK’s capital has a wide range of museums to explore.

We all know the Great British weather can be unpredictable, to say the least. But visiting a museum is a fun, fascinating day out that the whole family can enjoy – no umbrella required!

The Museum of London is a great place to learn more about a range of subjects; it is the largest urban history collection in the world, with over six million objects on display. Better yet, it’s free! 

For a deeper dive into the ancient history of London, the London Mithraeum is a great place to experience the wonders of the Roman Empire first-hand. Discovered in 1954 during a building’s construction, the site of the museum was a mysterious temple for a Roman God and is arguably the most famous 20th-century Roman discovery in London.

However, if art is more your thing, take a trip to the Guildhall Art Gallery. This gothic building is home to changing display of over 250 artworks from its varied collection, there’s something for everyone.

Sightseeing

London is home to some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks, from historical sites to modern marvels. Some of the must-see attractions include:

• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• The Millennium Bridge
• Monument to the Great Fire of London
• The Gherkin
• The Old Bailey

Free Things to See and Do

While London living can be pricy, it is possible to enjoy the city without breaking the bank!

The UK’s capital is home to an abundance of quirky and interesting markets to explore. Leadenhall Market, a beautiful covered Victorian market, is right in the heart of the City of London. From Monday to Friday you will find stalls selling flowers and fresh food, along with a plethora of shops, restaurants and pubs.

There are also many parks in London, contrasting the urban landscape with plenty of luscious greenery. Visit the beautiful and historic St Dunstan-in-the-East Church Gardens. This enchanting and tranquil garden is in the WW2 ruins of a historic Anglican church, originally built in 1100.

For a public space with a difference, visit the Sky Garden. This garden is 35 floors up and boasts a 360-degree view of London. Book a free visit and experience all that London’s highest public garden has on offer.

Want to stay in the vicinity of one of the city’s most famous landmarks? Book a room at our London Tower Bridge hotel.

Where to eat in the City of London

London is a truly multi-cultural city, and this is reflected in its dining scene. No matter where on Earth your taste buds are trying to take you, the City of London will get you there!

If you’re in the mood for East-Asian cuisine, try Brigadiers or Kym’s. Brigadiers is a favourite of the locals, offering a combination of barbeque-style Indian cooking, retro interior, and great drinks. If this popular Indian doesn’t take your fancy, look instead to Kym’s. You’ll find small and sharing plates with interesting takes on Chinese classics.

If European dining is more your thing then City Social or Duck & Waffle are for you. If you visit City Social, you’ll find trendy and tasty European fine dining in art-deco surroundings. For something more casual, Duck & Waffle offers modern twists to continental dishes.

For something closer to home, Culpeper or Sweetings fit the bill. Both serving British cuisine, these two spots offer a fun twist on traditional pub food. Whether enjoying great seasonal and local food in Culpeper or immersing yourself in the 130-year-old history of Sweetings, British classics have never tasted so good.

Book a hotel in the City of London and start planning you trip to the capital. Planning a stopover in London before catching a flight? Visit our Heathrow Airport hotel.