Lady’s City of London Walking Tour and Map

It’s time for another of my London walks. This self-guided walk in the City of London will take you to see everything from the landmarks to the narrow passageways. If you want to experience the best of the area, read on for A Lady in London’s City of London walking tour. There’s a map, too.

City of London Walking Tour

The heart of historic London, the City has some of the richest architectural history and most important heritage buildings in the UK capital.

This London neighborhood has treasures around every corner, and lots of lanes and alleys to get lost down.

The City is also home to some of London’s newest buildings and most exciting contemporary architecture. You’ll see a great mix while discovering the area.

City of London Walking Tour Route

My self-guided City of London walking tour will take you on a trip through past and present, big squares and little courtyards, historic halls and modern skyscrapers.

From Roman times to today, it will leave you with a lasting impression of how many layers there are to this neighborhood.

The route passes by plenty of places to eat and drink, so you can stop for a meal, snack, tipple, or tea on the journey if you want to.

Self-Guided London Walking Tour

This most historic of London walks starts at Blackfriars station. When you arrive, exit onto Queen Victoria Street on the north bank of the Thames and turn right to head into the City.

Walk up Queen Victoria Street and continue north on New Bridge Street. Don’t miss the beautiful facade of The Blackfriar pub as you transition from one street to the other.

When you get to Bride Lane, turn left and follow it as it curves around to Fleet Street.

On your left you’ll see St Bride’s Church, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren (of St Paul’s Cathedral fame) in 1672. Legend has it that the church’s tiered spire was the inspiration for the traditional wedding cake.

Once on Fleet Street, walk down and take in the historic buildings as you go. Make sure to turn around for great views of St Paul’s Cathedral behind you, too.

There are great historic pubs like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese here, so you can stop for a drink or a peek inside if you want to.

When you get to Johnson’s Court, you can either turn right to go in, or if it’s a weekday and you feel like exploring the Temple area, you can continue down Fleet Street and turn left into Inner Temple Lane or Middle Temple Lane.

Temple is relatively small and self-contained, so it’s easy to walk around and take in the highlights.

Whichever you choose, you can make your way to Johnson’s Court and continue your self-guided City of London walking tour when you arrive.

Walk up Johnson’s Court, a passageway leading to Dr Johnson’s House and the pretty courtyard of Gough Square in front of it.

The house was 18th-century writer Samuel Johnson’s home, and is now a museum. You can visit if you’d like to, or continue your walk by exiting Gough Square via Hind Court and Wine Office Court.

These alleys will take you out to Shoe Lane. Turn left on Shoe Lane, then right on St Bride Street. At the end, turn right on Farringdon Street, then take your first left on Ludgate Hill.

This street will lead you down to St Paul’s Cathedral with great views of it along the way.

Once at the cathedral, you can go in to explore or just admire it from the outside. Either way, continue your self-guided City of London walking tour up Paternoster Row, through Paternoster Square, and up Queens Head Passage.

When you read Newgate Street, turn around and take in the view of St Paul’s Cathedral behind you.

After you’ve enjoyed the views, turn around and turn right on Newgate Street. Follow it as it becomes Cheapside, then continue on Cheapside as it becomes Poultry and Mansion House Street.

Eventually you’ll reach the intersection where Bank station is.

As you go, you’ll pass by St Mary-le-Bow church, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and whose bells define being Cockney (which is to say that if you were born within hearing distance of them, you’re a true Cockney).

When you reach Bank, you’ll be surrounded by historic buildings. In front of you is the Royal Exchange, to your left the Bank of England. The Royal Exchange has a beautiful interior and is worth popping into.

When you’ve taken it all in, turn right and walk down Lombard Street, continuing as it becomes King William Street.

Follow it as it curves at Monument Station, then turn left on Monument Street to see the Monument to the Great Fire of London.

Another Wren creation, this towering column was built to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666 and celebrate the rebuilding of the City. It’s is a great one to climb for views over London.

When you’re finished, walk north up Fish Hill Street, cross over Eastcheap, and continue up Gracechurch Street. Eventually you’ll reach Leadenhall Market, which stood in for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.

Take some time to explore Leadenhall Market, then continue your self-guided City of London walking tour by exiting onto Leadenhall Street.

Turn right, then take a left on St Mary Axe. This street will bring you to The Gherkin, one of London’s most beloved modern skyscrapers.

Take it in, then continue east down Bury Street and turn right on Creechurch Lane. It will take you back to Leadenhall Street. Turn left and continue along it to the end, then turn left on Aldgate High Street.

Take a right on Jewry Street, following it all the way down as it becomes Crutched Friars, Cooper’s Row, and Trinity Square.

At the end you’ll find yourself in an open space in front of the London Wall and the Tower of London. The Tower Hill tube station will be on your left. Your self-guided City of London walking tour ends here.

City of London Walking Tour Details

More London Walking Tours

I’ve written tons more London walks and aggregated them in my London walking tours blog post.

There are other walks to explore in London’s Hidden Walks, too. You can get it here. There are additional ideas in my London walking books post as well.

I’ve also compiled all my central London walks into one convenient blog post. You can use it to find more walks near the City if you want to. Happy walking!

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