City of London

Things to do in the City of London

Thanks to its history, epic landmarks and general grandeur, the City of London is a stand-out destination for corporate events. Whether you're looking to expand your network or host a world-class conference, business travellers and event planners will find an inspiring mix of opportunities. After work, there's plenty to keep you occupied thanks to the many restaurants, hotels, shops, bars and entertainment on offer.

Event venues

Guildhall

With more than 800 years of history, the prestigious Guildhall offers grand halls, medieval architecture and state-of-the-art facilities that make it an elegant setting for high-profile gala dinners, conferences and brand events for up to 900 guests. The Great Hall in particular has been the annual setting for the Lord Mayor's Banquet since 1502, featuring stained glass gothic windows and dramatic high ceilings.

Barbican Centre

The Barbican Centre is Europe’s largest multi-arts venue which plays host to everything from business conferences and exhibitions to talks, music, theatre and dance. It's also a great place to host networking events. With a concert hall, cinema and contemporary meeting spaces for a range of visitor numbers up to 1,950, it offers event planners complete flexibility in a sought-after location.

Convene/etc.venues

Convene/etc.venues has 11 venues in first-rate locations across London, with seven of them in the City. Capacities range between 10 to 1,200 across its portfolio. The most recent addition, Convene Sancroft, St Paul’s, can host up to 1,200 guests. etc.venues 155 Bishopsgate is conveniently located next to Liverpool Street Station. Housed in one of London’s tallest skyscrapers, Convene 22 Bishopsgate provides 10 premium meeting spaces with panoramic views. The venue offers flexible business rooms, an auditorium for more than 300 guests and state-of-the-art technology. Expert teams also provide five-star service and exceptional catering to elevate every meeting, conference or corporate milestone.

etc.venues St Paul’s

etc.venues St Paul’s offers 20,000 sq ft of modern, flexible space, including a main suite for 400 guests, a striking galleria for networking and 14 additional rooms for conferences, exhibitions and meetings. There are also stylish breakout areas, in-house chefs and an on-site restaurant, all close to one of the most recognisable and iconic London landmarks.

Tate Modern

One of the world’s premier modern art galleries, the Tate Modern is located on the waterfront of the river Thames. Housed in a former power station, it can host events for up to 1,200 people in its iconic spaces, including the Turbine Hall.

Horizon 22

Horizon 22 is on level 58 of the tallest building in the City, offering stunning panoramic views of London. During the day it’s a public viewing platform which is free to visit, but at night can be hired out for events, delivered by Searcys, for up to 500 guests.

Experiences

Roman Amphitheatre

This attraction is a hidden gem that remained unseen for centuries. Located beneath Guildhall Yard and rediscovered in 1988, London’s only Roman amphitheatre was once a place for gladiatorial combat and public spectacles. Now, its well-preserved remains, including the stone entrance tunnel and arena walls, are open to visitors. Step back in time and learn about London's ancient past. Entry is free if you have a Guildhall Art Gallery ticket.

Tower of London

Learn about England's past and take in the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. The Tower is a World Heritage Site, which was once a royal palace, a fortress and infamous prison. Meet the ravens known as the Tower guardians, explore the medieval White Tower and discover the armoury. Take part in a Yeoman Warder tour to hear old tales of treachery. This historic venue also offers unique spaces for corporate events and private functions for up to 300.

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is a famous symbol of the London skyline, welcoming visitors from all over the world for worship, sightseeing and inspiring events. Attend a choral service, explore the historic crypt where national heroes rest, or climb the dome for panoramic views. Take a guided tour to learn more of the cathedral's history or attend one of the many special concerts arranged throughout the year.

Shakespeare’s Globe

With its Elizabethan-period architecture contrasting with its contemporary surroundings on the Thames riverside, Shakespeare’s Globe is one of the city’s most unique spaces. The Swan, its on-site bar and restaurant, can be hired for events of up to 450 with views of the river and St Paul’s cathedral.

Restaurants

Duck & Waffle

Enjoy a meal with a stunning view on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate. Duck & Waffle offers 24-hour dining with breathtaking vistas. Enjoy British classics and roast dinners, waffles, bar bites and late-night dessert cocktails. This chic spot is ideal for late-night business meetings, a post-work social, early morning breakfasts or elegant corporate dinners in a stylish setting.

Fazenda

Located a short walk from Liverpool Street Station, Fazenda is a contemporary, upscale restaurant offering Brazilian fare and specialised in the traditional Churrasco experience. The bar is on the ground floor leading up to the first-floor restaurant, with three luxurious private rooms that can be hired for events of up to 450 guests.

Eataly

As the name suggests, this restaurant is a must for Italian food lovers. With multiple dining areas, private rooms and a lively food market atmosphere, it’s a great choice for business lunches, networking, socials and team dinners. There's also a shop where you can purchase authentic Italian ingredients and recreate some of Eataly's signature dishes in your own kitchen.

City Social

This restaurant located on the 24th floor of Tower 42 offers a sleek dining experience with panoramic views. The modern British menu, curated by renowned chef Jason Atherton, is complemented by Social 24, a relaxed bar offering cocktails that are inspired by the city’s iconic landmarks. Whether you're hosting a quick business lunch or a social gathering, you'll find something on the menu to tempt you.

Hotels

Pan Pacific London

Pan Pacific London is a luxury hotel that's right in the heart of the City. You'll find premium meeting rooms, an infinity pool and high-end dining. With its world-class business facilities, it’s an ideal choice for executive stays and corporate gatherings. Retreat to spacious rooms, enjoy a spa treatment or spend time in the state-of-the-art fitness centre, all within easy access of London's attractions.

The Ned

A stylish blend of historic charm and modern luxury, The Ned offers 250 elegant rooms, a rooftop pool and multiple restaurants. The hotel decor is a nod to the glamour and extravagance of the 1920s. It’s a top pick for business travellers looking for a bold setting with excellent networking opportunities and its capacity for events of up to 200. Room bookings come complete with access to the fitness club and spa.

Club Quarters St Paul’s

This hotel is located in the historic area of Ludgate Hill, just steps from St Paul’s Cathedral. A stay here includes exceptional service, mid-century design and modern amenities. Its 237 serene rooms offer a flexible workstation which is ideal for business travellers and events for up to 500, while the warm wooden accents and rich colour palette are a nod to the building's history as a post-war office.

Club Quarters London City

Club Quarters London City is immersed within the area’s historic financial district and near Leadenhall Market, one of the oldest in London. Situated within a Grade II-listed building, it offers a range of modern rooms and suites with full amenities and an Argentinian steakhouse.

Hyde London City

Located within a historic building nestled among skyscrapers, Hyde London City offers a distinctly elegant urban experience. The hotel’s rooms have a bohemian style décor with views of the city, including the famous Old Bailey. Amenities include spa treatments, a fitness suite, a restaurant offering modern Turkish and a sophisticated underground that can be hired for private events for up to 100.

Travel information

How to get to the City of London

The City of London is well known for its status as a global business hub, as well as iconic landmarks, world-class venues and a melting pot of cultures. It also offers excellent transport links, making it easily accessible from various parts of London and beyond.

By Tube

The City is served by multiple London Underground lines, connecting visitors to key destinations:

• Central line: Liverpool Street Station.
• Circle and Metropolitan lines: Moorgate and Barbican Station.
• District and Circle lines: Cannon Street Station.
• Jubilee line: Bank and Monument Station.
• Northern line: Bank and Moorgate Stations.
• Piccadilly line: Liverpool Street Station.
• Victoria line: Liverpool Street Station.

By DLR

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) connects the City to East London and the Docklands area:

• Bank Station: Access to the DLR.
• Tower Gateway Station: DLR terminus.

By National Rail

Several National Rail stations serve the City, providing connections to various parts of London and beyond:

• Liverpool Street Station: Services to East Anglia, Essex and Stansted Airport.
• Farringdon Station: Thameslink services to destinations like Brighton and Bedford.
• Cannon Street Station: Southeastern services to Kent and South East London.
• London Blackfriars Station: Thameslink services and some Southeastern services.

By Bus

A comprehensive bus network operates throughout the City, with numerous routes connecting to central London and surrounding areas. Bus stations such as Aldgate and Liverpool Street provide interchange facilities.

Travel times to and from the City

• Heathrow Airport: Approximately 50 minutes via the Piccadilly line (one change).
• Gatwick Airport: Around 45 minutes via Thameslink (one change).
• St Pancras International (Eurostar): About 15 minutes via the Northern line.
• London City Airport: Approximately 30 minutes via DLR (one change).
• Canary Wharf: Around 20 minutes via Jubilee line (one change).
• Stratford (Westfield Shopping Centre): About 25 minutes via Central line.

Find more information about how to get around London as a business traveller in our business travel in London guide.

How we can help

As London’s official convention bureau, we help event professionals, meeting organisers and incentive planners unlock the city and create events to remember.

We can help you by providing:

• Free assistance: as a not-for-profit company, we don't charge for our services. Our experts share their entire wealth of knowledge and contacts with you for free.
• Impartial advice: we are independent and know London inside out. Our experts can help you discover venues, event agencies, unique experiences and activities for your event.
• Expert knowledge: we've supported thousands of delegates and helped them build world-class events. We've supported international congresses, conventions and conference teams to deliver inspiring events at scale.