London Video Tour: The City

The City of London is one of the oldest parts of the capitol, as it is located where London was first founded almost 2000 years ago. The City of London roughly constitutes the same area that was mostly unaltered until the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th Century. Known as the "Square Mile", the City nowadays is roughly bounded by the River Thames to the south, Chancery Lane to the west, Charterhouse Street to the north, and the Tower of London to the east. Although the old City's gates are long gone, you can still see their location in the street names. Join us on this video tour as we explore the Tower of London, Leadenhall Market, the City's financial district, St. Paul's Cathedral and more!

The Tower of London

To the east of the City you'll find the Tower of London by the River Thames. The tower was built in 1066, and the imposing building still reflects its turbulent past. In its long years, the Tower has been a fortress, a state prison, and it was also used as a place of execution. Nowadays, the Tower of London is open for visitors. You can see the crown jewels, royal armor and of course the Tower's famous ravens here. Legend says that if the ravens were ever to leave the Tower, England would fall.

Leadenhall Market in the City

Leadenhall Market on Gracechurch Street dates back to the 14th century, and is one of the oldest markets in London. Previously a meat, game and poultry market, the covered market was redesigned in 1881 by Sir Horace Jones, who created a beautiful roof structure. This, coupled with the cobbled walkways and beautiful decorations, make it a popular tourist attraction. Nowadays, you can also find clothes shops and more next to the flowers and fresh produce that are still sold here. When walking through the market don't forget to look up: you can still see the hooks on the walls where fresh produce was displayed in Victorian times.

London & the River Thames

The River Thames passes the City of London to the south and runs through the center of Greater London. The Thames used to play a vital role in London's economy. Although this has changed in modern times, the river is still an essential part of the City. To explore the city in a different way, you can catch one of the riverboat tours that navigate the Thames. From the water you'll be able to see many of London's most famous attractions, such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Palace and more!

The Financial District City of London

The City of London is one of the most important financial districts in the world. You will find the offices of more than 500 banks at the Bank of England in the City. Mostly employed in the financial sector, there are over 300 thousand people working within the City's boundaries. As London's foremost financial and legal center, there are many people who visit the City on business.

Stay in a City of London Vacation Rental Apartment

Whether you're coming to the City of London for business or pleasure, you can relax after a long day and come home to a comfortable vacation rental apartment in the City. (http://www.nyhabitat.com/london-apart.... NY Habitat has both serviced and regular furnished vacation rental apartments in the area, where you can enjoy your stay in the City of London like a true local. Take for example this 1-bedroom vacation rental apartment in the City: http://www.nyhabitat.com/london-apart..., which is located just minutes away from the Tower of London. Or take this comfortable 2-bedroom apartment in the center of the City: http://www.nyhabitat.com/london-apart..., which lies close to St. Paul's Cathedral and several subway stops! Check http://www.nyhabitat.com/london-apart... for our entire selection of apartments in London.

Pudding Lane, the Great Fire of London & St. Paul's Cathedral

The Great Fire of London started right in City of London along Pudding Lane in 1666. Near Pudding Lane you can find the Monument to the Great Fire of London, which was designed by Christopher Wren. The 61-meter-tall monument (200 feet) commemorates the fire that destroyed much of the Old City of London, including St. Paul's Cathedral and over 13 thousand houses.

Modern Architecture in the City of London

Besides famous landmarks and historic old buildings, the City of London also houses some of London's most innovative contemporary buildings. Examples include the Lloyd's Building, the Heron Tower and the Gherkin Building. The City of London combines all the good of the old with all the innovation of the new. It truly is a place to see!

Don't forget to have a look at our other London neighborhood tour videos here:    • London Video Tour: Kensington & Chelsea  

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