The Historic City of London Walk

The Tower of London to St Paul's Cathedral through 2,000 years of history

3.5 km (2.2 miles) 2.5-3.5 hours Easy-Moderate

Start

Tower Hill Station

End

St Paul's Station

Best Time

Weekday morning (the City is quiet on weekends)

Stops

5 locations

The Square Mile — London's ancient walled city — packs 2,000 years of history into the smallest area imaginable. Roman walls sit next to Norman castles, medieval churches hide between glass skyscrapers, and the streets follow paths laid down before the English language existed. This walk connects London's most important historical sites while weaving through the hidden alleys and courtyards that most visitors never discover.

Route Map

The Route — 5 Stops

1Stop 1 of 5

Tower of London

Begin at William the Conqueror's 1066 fortress — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as a royal palace, prison, armoury, treasury, and zoo. The Crown Jewels are housed here, including the 530-carat Great Star of Africa diamond. Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) lead free tours every 30 minutes, telling tales of executions, escapes, and royal intrigue.

Insider Tip

Arrive when the gates open at 9:00 AM and go straight to the Crown Jewels — by 11:00 AM the queue can be 45 minutes. The Yeoman Warder tours start from the main entrance every 30 minutes.

2Stop 2 of 5

The Monument & Pudding Lane

Walk west to The Monument, a 62-metre Doric column designed by Christopher Wren to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666. It stands exactly 62 metres from the spot on Pudding Lane where the fire began in Thomas Farriner's bakery. Climb the 311 steps to the top for a 360-degree view of the City — you'll receive a certificate for completing the climb.

Insider Tip

The 311 steps are worth every one. Combined tickets with Tower Bridge save £3. The staircase is narrow — not for the claustrophobic.

3Stop 3 of 5

Leadenhall Market

Duck into Leadenhall Market, a stunning Victorian covered market with ornate cobalt blue, maroon, and cream ironwork. It's been a market site since the 14th century and was used as Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter film. Today it houses boutique shops, wine bars, and City restaurants — a secret oasis surrounded by towering offices.

Insider Tip

The entrance from Gracechurch Street is the one used in Harry Potter. Come at lunchtime on a weekday to experience the buzzing City atmosphere, but visit on a weekend for empty photo ops.

4Stop 4 of 5

Bank of England & The Royal Exchange

The heart of the financial world. The Bank of England has controlled Britain's money supply since 1694 — its free museum displays gold bars you can (try to) lift, historic banknotes, and a section of Roman mosaic found during construction. Across the road, the Royal Exchange (founded 1565) is now a luxury shopping arcade with a grand courtyard.

Insider Tip

The Bank of England Museum is free and rarely crowded. The gold bar weighs 13kg — most people can't lift it with one hand. Open weekdays only.

5Stop 5 of 5

St Paul's Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece, completed in 1710 after the Great Fire destroyed its medieval predecessor. The dome is one of the largest in the world — climb 528 steps to the Golden Gallery at the very top for the best panorama in London. The Whispering Gallery demonstrates an acoustic phenomenon: whisper against the wall and someone on the opposite side, 34 metres away, can hear you clearly.

Insider Tip

Visit at 5:00 PM for Evensong (free) — the choir is world-class and you experience the cathedral in its most magical state, lit by candles. No photography during services.

Premium PDF Guide

Get the Complete The Historic City of London Walk Guide

Our complete Historic City PDF guide includes a secret Roman London trail with 8 hidden ruins, the best pubs in the Square Mile ranked by a local, a complete Wren churches walking tour (51 churches!), and an after-dark City walk with ghost stories at every stop.

Offline map — no internet needed
Best photography positions marked
Restaurant & café recommendations

Download PDF Guide

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The South Bank Cultural Mile

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Notting Hill to Kensington Walk

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