Area Guide | London City

The City of London

Often referred to as the Square Mile, the City of London is the historic heart from which the rest of the city has spread over the centuries. You can still find the remains of the Roman London Wall in the area, which dates back to around 200 AD.  

The City of London is also the historic trading and financial district of the capital. It is home to the Bank of England headquarters, along with the London Stock Exchange and Lloyds of London, among many other well-known financial institutions.  

Across the 1.12 square miles of this district, you’ll find some of London’s most well-known landmarks, making it a hugely popular destination for tourists. St Paul’s Cathedral, Guildhall, the Royal Exchange, and the Barbican are some of the main attractions, along with the world-famous Smithfield and Leadenhall markets.  

What about living there? Only around 8,000 people count themselves as residents of the City of London. The volume of residential properties there is one of the lowest in the city, and its heavily built-up location means that you don’t find many new developments springing up compared with other areas. Still, for those who do live and work in the City, the area has plenty to offer if you want to be right in the heart of the action. 

Property options 

The City of London runs alongside the river Thames, and this is where you’ll find some of the most sought-after residences in the district. Modern, prestigious developments are scattered among historic, elegant properties to create the classic London skyline mix of old and new.  

The Barbican is also a popular place to live in the City, having been hailed as the greatest example of urban architecture in the post-war period. It is home to around 4,000 people, from families to single-resident households. 

Flats are the most common property type in the City of London and, as you would expect from such a distinguished and exclusive area, property prices are high, with rental values to match.  

Living in the City of London 

As mentioned above, there is so much to see and do in the City of London, whether you want to go all the way back to the city’s Roman roots at the Museum of London, explore the area’s wealth of religious history starting at St Paul’s Cathedral and onto the multitude of ancient churches, or check out the more modern additions to the Square Mile. 

The local amenities cater to the large workforce of the area, meaning you won’t be short of places to eat and drink. Some of the best-known restaurants you can enjoy include Sushisamba, Duck and Waffle, Sweetings and Coq d’Argent, but there’s a cuisine for every taste and every mood.   

Much like Canary Wharf, London’s more modern financial district, the vibe at the weekend can be very different compared to during the week. Unlike Canary Wharf, though, the area attracts more tourists, so there will always be something to see and do throughout the year. In terms of transport, you can get around easily on foot, while to head further afield there are multiple tube stations, train stations including the City Thameslink, and regular bus and river services.