Spots

Wedge-shaped Arts-and-Crafts pub by Blackfriars station — interior is the destination.

Victorian arcade, Diagon Alley in the films — empty on weekends, magical at lunchtime weekdays.

Working meat market since the 12th century — get there at 5am or never.

Tiny City pocket park with the Watts Memorial — ceramic tiles commemorating ordinary heroes.

Soho House Group's grand banking hall — nine restaurants, rooftop pool, members' club feel with hotel access.

33 rooms carved out of restored 18th-century houses in Clerkenwell — creaky floors, four-posters, roll-top baths.

See also: Bank of England Museum.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this tall column (which can be ascended to get a great view) marks the alleged site where the Great Fire of London broke out in September 1666.

The great domed cathedral of St Paul's, designed by Sir Christopher Wren to replace the Gothic medieval cathedral destroyed in 1666 in the Great Fire of London, was built between 1675–1710. Of the most famous London sights, St Paul's is the one most conveniently located for the B

Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower is today one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place

Constructed 1672-9 to a design by Sir Christopher Wren and regarded as one of the finest Wren churches. The 63 feet (19 m) high dome is based on Wren's original design for St Paul's Cathedral. The circular altar is by the British sculptor Henry Moore, and the kneelers are designe

Now permanently closed, will be replaced by new museum at the former Smithfield market site in 2026. The Museum of London Docklands remains open.

The Guildhall Art Gallery houses the City Corporation's art collection, and also runs special exhibitions throughout the year. During construction of the modern gallery, workers discovered the ruins of London's Roman amphitheatre. The gallery was redesigned, and now the Amphithea

Dr Samuel Johnson was the highly distinguished 18th-century "man of letters", best known for his comprehensive English Dictionary of 1755, but also for his prolific output of poems, essays and novels. Something of a "hidden gem", this small, independent museum is dedicated to him

Charts the history of the bank from 1694 to the present day. A highlight is the opportunity to handle a genuine bar of gold. Photography allowed, but no flash.

Quirky medical museum. Only open to the public for scheduled evening events.

This is where the world gold price is set twice a day.

This specialist small library houses an impressive range of books on graphic design, typography, bookbinding and papermaking. The books cannot be borrowed but can be photocopied or photographed (with permission). An essential visit for any graphic design student.

The main headquarters of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers and a Grade II* listed building.

Once a large thriving market, it has slowly been shrunk to a third of its size by development in the area. It features a good variety of clothing, crafts and food stalls/shops. Rather promisingly sellers have set up another market in a new space off Hanbury St nearby. Visit 66/68

An unpretentious cafe serving fried breakfasts and similar basic food 24 hr a day, and a great place for a late snack after you leave the Eat & Drink. Liverpool St is a safe area anyway but you cannot get safer than this for a late night meal, as at night you'll often see police

A traditional old style English eatery which has been in business here since 1757. Most of the food is cooked on an open grill in the corner. A very City of London experience!

Real ale, nice food and a relaxed atmosphere.

Grade II listed historic pub

Grade II listed pub

A gastropub modelled on a traditional countryside drinking establishment, with a hunting theme. The tables are actually old whisky barrels and the décor features several stuffed animals and trophies. Completing the pattern, the food is heavily game-based, with some seafood. Their

Small pub that serves real ale and craft beer from both major and local breweries.

A small and fairly ordinary Chinese restaurant by day, this turns into a heaving karaoke bar in the evenings. One of the most reliable places near Liverpool St to get a drink after midnight!

One of the better known pubs (although definitely no tourist trap) near Liverpool St, supposedly named after a Georgian dandy who let himself go on the death of his fiancée.

This claims to be one of London's oldest pubs, tracing it history to 1610, although it has been rebuilt since then. The eponymous Doctor Butler was a purveyor of "medicinal ale" who was appointed court physician to James I. Pubs selling his beer were allowed to display his portra

Part of the JD Wetherspoons chain in a converted bank. As is usual for the chain, it is fairly cheap with decent food and drink. The ex-bank building makes this pub a little grander and more spacious than most.

Fullers Pub

One of several pubs in Leadenhall Market where you can listen to insurance brokers from nearby Lloyd's talk business.

A Nicolson's pub rebuilt after it was burnt down during the fire of London.

A central bar that resides in the heart of the Gherkin. Catch your breath from the bustle of the City and enjoy a bit of al fresco dining. Food and drink available.

A pub with an art deco church built inside.

An old City pub establishment, rebuilt shortly after the Great Fire of 1666. All the monarchs who have reigned in England during the pub's time are written by the main door.

Pub that is popular with City workers. You will often find a crowd spilling out into the adjacent pedestrian area, particularly on Tuesdays-Thursdays when workers tend to come into the office more.

Cocktail bar with 360 views of London

Wine bar.

Wine bar and shop.

A massive club (think cathedral scale) that provides a more underground version of Ministry of Sound and hosts some of the biggest names in dance music, from Goldie to David Holmes to the Scratch Perverts. There are always big queues, so get down early if you can.