City of London: Roman History and Culture

The City of London dates back to around 50 AD and developed around the Roman settlement of Londinium. Its medieval street pattern, remains of the former city and modern architecture together shape the character of the area. If you are considering the City of London as a destination for a hotel stay, your interests can help set the focus: Roman history, for example, or buildings and green spaces, art and performances, or the history of markets and pubs.

Discover Roman traces on foot

The self-guided tour Roads to Rome explores Roman Londinium through 13 stops and still-visible remains. The tour has an approximately 90-minute shortcut and a longer version lasting about two and a half hours. This lets you choose between two different timeframes when planning your day; both tour durations are approximate.

Another option is the City of London Children's Trail. Each route takes around 45 minutes and includes three well-known landmarks and two hidden gems located along or near the route. The route’s composition may change. The comparison makes the different formats clear: one focuses on short discoveries divided into individual routes, while the other is a tour of Roman sites.

Church ruins and green space

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a green space set among the ruins of a Wren church. St Dunstan’s Church was originally built around 1100 and is listed as a Grade I building, the highest category of British listed-building protection. Its remains were converted into a public garden, which opened in 1970. This is a place where church history meets the later use of the ruins as a garden.

Architecture and culture at the Barbican

The Barbican complex combines striking architecture with outdoor spaces: it includes lakes, lawns and a network of elevated walkways overlooked by towers and terrace blocks. The Barbican Centre’s programme features art, music, theatre, dance, film and creative learning opportunities. The Centre includes two art galleries, the Barbican Art Gallery and The Curve.

The Barbican Conservatory also adds its own distinctive note to this combination of architecture and nature: it is home to more than 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees. The plant collection may change. Museums, green spaces and theatres are within easy reach in the City of London, so you can take these different interests into account when planning your stay.

Museums, art and Guildhall

The Bank of England Museum presents 300 years of history, including the historic buildings of the Bank of England and the design of banknotes. The London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE offers free access to a Roman temple, an exhibition of Roman artefacts and an art gallery. Access arrangements may change; check the current conditions before your visit. Contemporary art commissions at the Mithraeum respond to the archaeological site and may change.

The Guildhall Art Gallery houses the City of London Corporation’s significant art collection. From a balcony in the gallery, visitors can appreciate the scale of London’s Roman amphitheatre. A guided tour of Guildhall explains how the City works, the role of its Livery Companies, and the historical events and memorials associated with its medieval walls. Check the dates before your visit, as the tour schedule may change.

Smithfield Market, pubs and food

The site of Smithfield Market, officially London Central Markets, has been used for livestock and meat trading for more than 1,000 years. The stations considered closest to the market are Farringdon, Barbican, St Paul's and Chancery Lane. Station information may change; check it before travelling if needed.

The route Historic Pubs in the City visits some of the oldest and most atmospheric pubs in the Square Mile. Check access at each pub before visiting. The City’s food and drink options range from casual venues and cafés serving light meals or takeaway food to popular bars and rooftop restaurants; historic arcades and markets are also among the locations mentioned. Individual venues and offerings may change.

Discover more destinations: Hounslow, Lambeth, Bexley, Ealing, Merton, Redbridge, Hillingdon, Tower Hamlets

For the broader travel overview: Greater London.