The City of London—aka the City, or the Square Mile—is the oldest part of London. It’s home to London's financial center today, but the City’s ancient pedigree can still be seen in its Roman walls and the London Mithraeum (a Roman temple). Other cultural and historical attractions range from St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Barbican Centre to the UNESCO–listed Tower of London and Leadenhall Market. While it’s worth planning a sightseeing excursion, one of the best things to do in the City of London is to get lost in its atmospheric backstreets.
As a bustling financial center, the City of London is often jam-packed on weekdays and quiet on weekends (though major attractions like the Tower of London are almost always busy). It’s worth visiting during one of the district’s festive events. A particular highlight is the Lord Mayor’s Show in November, when the City commemorates the annually elected Lord Mayor's first day in office with a parade. You can also attend the London Marathon in April or take part in Christmas services at St. Paul’s.
The City of London is supremely well-connected, and it couldn’t be easier to get there via public transportation. Its major transit hub is Liverpool Street Station, served by the London Underground (including the Elizabeth line), the Overground, and multiple mainline trains. Mainline trains also serve Blackfriars, Cannon Street, City Thameslink, Fenchurch Street, and Moorgate stations, and there are nearly a dozen other Tube stations in the district. Buses, taxis, and even riverboat services offer other ways to get there.
Although the City of London doesn’t have any large-scale parks to its name, it does offer visitors access to a tantalizing network of secret gardens and hidden green spaces. Some of the best parks and gardens to seek out include St. Dunstan in the East (located within the ruins of a historic church), St. Paul’s Churchyard, Postman’s Park (known for its Victorian–era memorial to those who sacrificed their lives to save others), and the Barbican Conservatory.