The ancient square mile of London, defined roughly by the walls of the Roman city, is a curious mixture of streets and lanes with medieval names, state-of-the-art finance houses and no fewer than 38 churches, many of them, including St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Don’t miss the City’s old markets: Smithfield still operates as a meat market, Leadenhall is in many ways more attractive than Covent Garden, while the former fish market of Billingsgate offers a great view of the once busy Pool of London.
Old Billingsgate Market
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Take a 40-minute audio tour of the church, which dates from Saxon times.
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This Lutheran church has its own choir, the St Anne’s Singers. Lunchtime concerts are held on Mon and Fri.
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Liveried doormen greet visitors to this excellent museum, housed in a marvellous building designed by Sir John Soane. A variety of material is on display, including 45 bars of gold bullion at the centre of the 1930s rotunda. There is a map of the City’s financial institutions and an electronic trading desk similar to those used by dealers today.
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The cultural jewel of the City, owned, funded and managed by the Corporation of London, the Barbican is a modern building of some complexity. Music, dance, theatre, film and art all take place here, with top visiting performers and artists. Opened in 1982, the arts complex is part of a major development covering 20 acres and flanked by 42-storey blocks of flats. Access from the Barbican tube station is along a marked route above ground level, passing the Museum of London and looking down on the church of St Giles Cripplegate. This church, dating from 1550, is a lone survivor of World War II bombs.
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Top-notch cuisine from southwest France. Pick three or four “taster” dishes, such as squid or cassoulet, from four themed sections, or there is a five-course gourmet “tasting” menu, including wines.
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For around 900 years the Guildhall has been the administrative centre of the City of London. City ceremonials are held in its magnificent 15th-century Great Hall, which is hung with banners of the main livery companies. In the Guildhall Library are rotating displays of wonderful historic manuscripts and an intriguing collection of watches and clocks, from the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers – some from 1600.
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On the east side of Guildhall Yard is the Guildhall Art Gallery, two floors of paintings of varying quality and enormous interest. Many are associated with the City, and there are a number of highly romantic 19th-century paintings, including pre-Raphaelite works. With the aid of a computerized cataloguing system, it is possible to view all the Guildhall’s 31,000 prints and paintings.
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A lovely pub dating from 1682 serving a good choice of wines, as well as beer and bar food.
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This 62-m (202-ft) monument by Sir Christopher Wren is the world’s tallest free-standing stone column. Its height is equal to the distance from the baker’s shop in Pudding Lane where the Great Fire of London began in 1666 – the event that it marks. Inside, 311 stairs spiral up to a viewing platform; when you return to the entrance, you will receive a certificate to say that you have made the climb.
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Fun conveyor-belt sushi bar in Liverpool Street Station.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
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Chucho ValdésAs part of the London Jazz Festival the legendary Cuban jazz pianist Chucho Valdés gives a rare UK performance at the Barbican Centre, playing solo and with quartet and big band. Read more
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London Jazz FestivalThe London Jazz Festival returns with a sensational mix of UK and international performers, appearing at the Southbank Centre, the Barbican Centre and other venues around the city. Read more
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Fashion v SportThe Fashion v Sport exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum looks at the relationship between the two, and features sportswear, street fashion displays and advertisement campaigns. Read more
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UEFA Champions League Group G: Arsenal v Dynamo KievArsenal play Dynamo Kiev in the group stage of the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium. Read more
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