Within modern Greater London lies a small city with a rich and unique history: the City of London. This area, which forms the historic heart of the British capital, has been a centre of power and influence since its foundation by the Roman Empire more than 2,000 years ago. Today, the City is a global financial centre and one of the wealthiest and most influential areas in the world, with its own identity that distinguishes it from the rest of London. Here, the British monarch must ask permission to enter, and the City has its own mayor, its own laws and its own police force, characteristics that highlight its autonomy and prestige.
The Private City of London Tour invites you to discover the origins of London while exploring the most important landmarks of this unique area. During this historical tour, you will relive the key moments that have shaped the history of the City, from the arrival of the Romans to the devastating Great Fire of 1666 and the bombings during the Second World War. Throughout the centuries, the City has demonstrated remarkable resilience, rising from the ashes on numerous occasions and becoming a place where modernity and history coexist in fascinating harmony.
The tour begins at the exit of Tower Hill Underground Station, opposite the main entrance of the CitizenM hotel. From here, you will head towards the magnificent Tower of London, a medieval fortress with more than a thousand years of history that has witnessed numerous historical events. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower has served as a royal residence, prison, place of torture and site of executions of notable figures such as Thomas More and Anne Boleyn. Today, the Tower of London houses the Crown Jewels, a collection symbolising the wealth and power of the British monarchy.
The tour continues to the iconic Tower Bridge, a bascule bridge and masterpiece of Victorian engineering. From here, you will have the opportunity to admire the River Thames and reflect on the vital role it has played throughout London’s history. The tour then takes you to Monument, a 61-metre-high Doric column erected in memory of the Great Fire of London in 1666, a disaster that destroyed much of the city but also marked the beginning of an era of reconstruction and renewal.
The next stop is Leadenhall Market, a historic market that originally served as a place for trading hides and meat and has now been transformed into a lively area of restaurants and bars. Its cobbled passageways and unique atmosphere have been used as filming locations, including scenes from the Harry Potter film series. This location is a perfect example of the contrast between medieval architecture and modern life in the City.
Walking through the picturesque medieval streets of the City, the tour offers a fascinating contrast between the old and the contemporary. Modern skyscrapers rise alongside dark brick buildings and narrow lanes, creating a unique setting that reflects the evolution of the city over the centuries.
The tour also includes a visit to The Royal Exchange, the original site of the London Stock Exchange, which is now home to luxury shops. From here, you can admire the impressive architecture and explore the financial history of the city, with a privileged view of the Bank of England, a building that not only serves as the country’s central bank but also houses one of the largest gold reserves in the world.
The private tour ends at the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral, an impressive Anglican cathedral known for its monumental dome. The cathedral has become a symbol of resilience and hope, particularly during the Second World War, when it survived the bombings that destroyed much of the surrounding city.
This tour of the City of London will not only allow you to discover the highlights of its rich history, but will also give you a deeper understanding of how this small yet powerful area has become a globally significant financial and cultural centre. Join us on this journey through time and discover the fascinating history and architecture of the City of London, where every stop reveals a unique aspect of its valuable heritage.