Symbols of the City Audio Tour: Two Thousand Years of London

London, England
Duration1h 30m - 2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

The City of London packs nearly 2,000 years of history into a single square mile, and most of it is hiding in plain sight. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll follow the area's story through its overlooked details. You'll also discover how the City's unique powers of self-governance, its livery companies, and its coffeehouses shaped the modern world.

You'll head through Postman's Park, where a remarkable memorial honours ordinary Londoners who died saving others, then wind through the Goldsmiths' Garden – a bombsite turned green space – where two neighbouring livery halls share a centuries-old grudge dating back to World War II incendiary bombs.

You'll stand in Guildhall Yard, where a medieval Great Hall, a Roman amphitheatre, and William the Conqueror's original city charter occupy the same site. You'll then follow the medieval market street of Cheapside, whose side streets – Bread Street, Milk Street, Friday Street – still bear the names of what was once sold there.

What's included

  • Directions to the starting point so that when you're in the right place, the tour will start
  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Smartphone and headphones

What to expect

  1. Guildhall
    Pass by
    You’ll pass by the Guildhall, the historic ceremonial and administrative centre of the City of London, renowned for its magnificent Great Hall and centuries of civic history. Please note that entry to the building is not included in this tour.
  2. Pass by
    You’ll pass by the Bank of England, the United Kingdom’s central bank, founded in 1694 and known for its pivotal role in the nation’s financial history. Please note that entry to the building and museum is not included in this tour.
  3. Leadenhall Market
    Pass by
    You’ll pass by Leadenhall Market, a beautifully restored Victorian market known for its ornate architecture, boutique shops, and appearance in several films. Please note that entry to the market or any purchases made inside are not included in this tour.
  4. Pass by
    You’ll pass by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths' Garden, a peaceful public garden maintained by the historic Goldsmiths’ Company, offering a tranquil green space in the heart of the City of London. Any costs related to visiting the garden or surrounding area are not covered in this tour.
  5. St Mary Aldermanbury Garden
    Pass by
    You’ll pass by the St Mary Aldermanbury Garden, a peaceful garden occupying the former site of St Mary Aldermanbury Church, with landscaped grounds that commemorate the church’s rich history. Any costs related to visiting the garden or surrounding area are not covered in this tour.
  6. St. Lawrence Jewry
    Pass by
    You’ll pass by the St Lawrence Jewry, the official church of the City of London Corporation, renowned for its elegant Wren-designed architecture and centuries of civic history. Please note that entry to the church is not included in this tour.
  7. St. Mary Le Bow Church
    Pass by
    You’ll pass by the St Mary-le-Bow Church, one of Sir Christopher Wren’s finest churches, famous for its distinctive steeple and the legendary Bow Bells associated with true Cockneys. Please note that entry to the church is not included in this tour.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at in front of the Café Nero at 30 Newgate Street. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends in the Leadenhall Market.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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