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The Tower of London from the river

City of London

City Tour, Skyscrapers, Bank of England and The Shard

From Tower Hill Station, this City of London loop passes Aldgate, the Gherkin, Leadenhall Market, the Bank of England, and the Cheesegrater before crossing London Bridge back to London Bridge Station — the City's ancient skyline and its modern one, face to face

ROUTE ESSENTIALS

Everything you need to set off

START

Tower Hill Station

FINISH

London Bridge Station (Station Approach)

DISTANCE

4 km

DIFFICULTY

easy

BEST TIME

Early Morning

FROM THE ROUTE

London, seen at street level.

Made for visitors who want the icons without losing half a day to planning. Pavements throughout, simple crossings and an Underground station at each end.

MAKE A DAY OF IT

Worth stopping for

Views

The Garden at 120

“The Garden at 120” is a rooftop garden and terrace on the 16th floor of the building at 120 Fenchurch Street. Open to the public, it offers a serene, green oasis and panoramic views of the City of London from above.

Views, Food & Dining

The Sky Gardens

Sky Garden (20 Fenchurch Street) is a landscaped public garden atop a skyscraper known locally as the Walkie Talkie. Visitors can walk through glass-enclosed and open-air gardens and terraces while enjoying free panoramic views across London’s skyline.

Historical Site

Mansion House

Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London. Built in the 18th century in a Palladian style, it is a ceremonial venue and part of the civic and financial heart of the City.

Landmark

The Gherkin – at 30 St Mary Axe

The Gherkin is a modern, glass-curved office tower in the City of London, formally known as 30 St Mary Axe. Its distinctive aerodynamic shape and striking presence make it an icon of London’s modern skyline.

Historical Site

The Royal Exchange

The Royal Exchange, located at the heart of the City of London, was established in the 16th century as a centre for commerce. Now it houses luxury retail, offices, and dining, while its grand façade and central courtyard recall London’s mercantile heritage.

Historical Site, Drinks & Pubs, Food & Dining

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is a historic Victorian market in the City, renowned for its ornate architecture, cobbled walkways, and diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and pubs. It’s a picturesque spot that often appears in films, blending heritage with modern retail and dining.

Landmark

London Bridge

Dating from 1209, this is London's oldest and most historic crossing and spans the River Thames between the City of London and Southwark. The original bridge lasted 600 years and had houses and heads on spikes, but today, you get views of Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the riverside skyline., 

Historical Site

Bank of England

The Bank of England, located in the City of London near the Royal Exchange, is the UK’s central bank. Established in 1694, it plays a pivotal role in national financial policy, monetary control, and economic stability.

Historical Site, Views

The Monument

The Monument to the Great Fire of London stands near the northern end of London Bridge. Erected to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666, visitors can climb its spiral staircase for panoramic views of the surrounding city.

Historical Site, Activities

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the city's most iconic and historic landmarks, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Over the centuries, it has served as a royal palace, prison, treasury, armoury, and even a zoo. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels and is famously guarded by the Yeoman Warders (also known as Beefeaters)

Landmark, Activities, Food & Dining

The Shard

The Shard is a striking modern skyscraper on the South Bank near London Bridge and London Bridge station. As Western Europe’s tallest building, it hosts offices, restaurants, a hotel, and observation decks offering expansive views over London.

at 3.2 km

London Eye

See the route from above with a 30-minute rotation over the Thames.

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London · 1.7 km · Central London Sightseeing

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London · 1.7 km · Central London Sightseeing

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London · 1.7 km · Central London Sightseeing

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London · 1.7 km · Central London Sightseeing

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