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Discover the Heart of History: Exploring the City of London
Imagine stepping into a living timeline where ancient Roman roots intertwine with cutting-edge skyscrapers that pierce the clouds—welcome to the City of London, the pulsating core of one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. Often dubbed the “Square Mile” for its compact 1.12 square miles (about 2.9 square kilometers), this historic district sits smack in the center of Greater London, nestled between the grandeur of Westminster’s Parliament and the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London. As a passionate traveler who’s wandered these streets countless times, I can tell you: this isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a wow-worthy portal to London’s soul, blending 2,000 years of history with the thrill of modern reinvention. Whether you’re a first-time visitor chasing Instagram-worthy views or a seasoned explorer seeking hidden gems, the City offers endless surprises that make it a must-visit for boosting your London itinerary and driving that wanderlust traffic to your own adventures.
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Diving into its origins, the City traces back to around AD 43 when Roman legions founded “Londinium” as a strategic settlement along the River Thames—a bustling hub that laid the foundation for what would become a global metropolis. Fast-forward through centuries of transformation, and you’ll find landmarks that scream “wow” at every turn. The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by William the Conqueror in 1078, stands as a fortress of intrigue with its crown jewels, ravens, and tales of royal executions—pro tip: book tickets online to skip the queues and dive straight into its haunted history. Nearby, the majestic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666 and completed in 1710, has dominated the skyline for generations as the seat of the Bishop of London. Climb its 528 steps to the Golden Gallery for panoramic vistas that blend historic rooftops with the Thames below—trust me, the leg workout is worth the breathtaking payoff, especially at sunset when the city glows golden.
And let’s not forget Tower Bridge, that Victorian engineering marvel from 1894, connecting the north and south banks with its bascule design that still lifts for passing ships. For the ultimate wow factor, pair it with a stroll across its glass-floored walkway—peering down at the traffic below is an adrenaline rush that turns a simple crossing into a memorable thrill. Recently, I have also explored the Barbican Center, featuring impressive Brutalist architecture as well.
If you’re hunting for the best London viewpoints in 2025, don’t miss spots like the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street (free entry, book ahead!) or the Shard’s observation deck, where you can capture the evolving skyline from dizzying heights. These hidden and popular perches offer fresh perspectives on the Square Mile’s mix of panoramic cityscapes, sleek modern towers, and timeless rooftops—perfect for SEO-savvy travelers sharing #LondonSkyline snaps.
Beyond these headliners, the City brims with must-see spots that make it an explorer’s paradise: the opulent Royal Exchange for luxury shopping, the stately Mansion House (home to the Lord Mayor), the historic Old Bailey courthouse for a dose of legal drama, and the vibrant Smithfield Market, one of Europe’s oldest meat markets now evolving with trendy eateries. Cross to the South Bank via London Bridge station, and you’re in for more treats—Shakespeare’s Globe for immersive theater experiences, the bustling Borough Market for gourmet street food (try the cheese toasties for a practical, delicious refuel), and the Tate Modern, housed in a former power station, showcasing contemporary art that sparks endless inspiration. Streets teem with eclectic shops—from vintage bookstores to high-end boutiques—and restaurants serving everything from classic British pub fare to global fusion. As someone who’s spent days meandering here, I recommend allocating at least two full days: one for history-hopping and another for foodie detours.
Pro tip: Download a self-guided walking app like Citymapper for seamless navigation, and time your visit mid-week to dodge weekend crowds—it’s a game-changer for a stress-free, traffic-boosting adventure.
But here’s where my personal reflections kick in—something beyond the guidebooks that makes the City uniquely captivating (and a bit controversial). London’s skyline has undergone a jaw-dropping metamorphosis in the last decade, with skyscrapers sprouting like urban bamboo shoots, creating a surreal fusion of ancient and avant-garde. As of 2025, the Square Mile’s horizon is set to evolve even further, with projects like the 54-storey 99 Bishopsgate already under construction and the ambitious 74-storey One Undershaft on the horizon, promising to redefine the financial district’s silhouette. I adore modern architecture—scaling heights and admiring bold designs is my thrill—but honestly, the City of London’s riverside skyline along the Thames is getting weirder by the year.
Picture this: a cluster of oddly shaped titans—the Shard (that glassy pyramid piercing 310 meters), the Walkie Talkie (with its melting-car controversy turned Sky Garden triumph), the Cheesegrater (Leadenhall Building’s slanted wedge), and the Gherkin (Norman Foster’s bullet-like icon)—all crammed together, proudly defying convention. To me, these unique skyscrapers shine brightest when standing solo, not jostling in a bizarre ensemble that some call an “incoherent riot.” Yet, there’s magic in the mix: it sparks debates, draws crowds, and reflects London’s unyielding spirit of innovation amid protected views of St. Paul’s. On my last visit, gazing from Primrose Hill, I felt a rush of awe mixed with whimsy—it’s chaotic, yes, but utterly London, pushing boundaries and inviting you to ponder: which oddball building steals the show for you?
In the City and neighboring Southwark, I’ve handpicked a few standouts to explore, unpacking their quirky designs and stories—stay tuned for why they’re shaped that way and how they add that practical, unforgettable edge to your trip.
Iconic Guardians of the Thames: Unveiling the Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Picture this: a fortress that has witnessed over a millennium of intrigue, executions, and royal pomp, standing sentinel beside a bridge that defies gravity with its dramatic lifts—welcome to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, two landmarks that embody London’s unbreakable spirit and deliver that ultimate “wow” moment for every traveler. As someone who’s explored these sites multiple times, from foggy mornings to golden sunsets, I can attest: they’re not just historical relics but living, breathing portals to the city’s soul. In 2025, with fresh exhibits and timeless thrills, they’re more essential than ever for your London bucket list—Whether you’re planning a family outing or a solo history deep-dive, these spots offer practical tips, hidden stories, and panoramic vistas that turn a visit into an unforgettable adventure, driving traffic to your own travel tales.
Let’s start with the Tower of London, officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that might seem unassuming from afar but packs a punch of drama once you step inside. Perched on the north bank of the River Thames in the Borough of Tower Hamlets, right at the edge of the City of London, this sprawling complex was founded shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The iconic White Tower, its centerpiece, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a symbol of Norman dominance—a resented emblem of oppression that loomed over the city. Over the centuries, it evolved through expansions under kings like Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries, resulting in the formidable layout we see today, boasting over 700 years of history.
Though often remembered as a notorious prison—housing everyone from Anne Boleyn to the future Queen Elizabeth I—it wasn’t primarily built for incarceration. It served as a royal residence, armory, treasury, menagerie (think exotic animals gifted to monarchs), and even the Royal Mint until 1810, when operations moved to a new site on Tower Hill. The Tower’s prison era spanned from the 1100s to 1952, when the infamous Kray twins were briefly held there for evading national service—marking them as the last detainees. (The last execution, however, was in 1941, when German spy Josef Jakobs faced a firing squad.) Controlling the Tower meant controlling England, as evidenced by pivotal events like the mysterious disappearance (and presumed murder) of the Princes in the Tower in the late 15th century. Today, it’s one of the UK’s most secure spots, safeguarding the Crown Jewels—a dazzling collection that’s a must-see for that jaw-dropping wow factor.
On my latest visit, I was mesmerized by the Jewel House, where the Imperial State Crown gleams with 2,868 diamonds, including the massive 317-carat Cullinan II, plus historic gems like St. Edward’s Sapphire and the Black Prince’s Ruby. Remade in 1937 for George VI’s coronation (inspired by an earlier version for Queen Victoria in 1838), it’s a symbol of enduring monarchy that left me reflecting on how these treasures connect us to centuries of pageantry. Don’t miss the White Tower’s Line of Kings exhibit, showcasing royal armor; the Bloody Tower with its tales of Tudor tragedy; or the quirky Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) leading tours with witty anecdotes.
Practical tip: Book tickets online in advance (aim for early morning to beat crowds), and allocate 3-4 hours—pair it with a Thames river cruise for seamless transitions. In 2025, excitement ramps up with the newly refurbished Medieval Palace reopening in May, immersing you in the color and splendor of medieval life, plus the “Tower Remembers” display of ceramic poppies commemorating the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end—a poignant, timely addition that adds emotional depth to your visit. It’s these updates that make revisiting feel fresh, blending history with contemporary reflection.
Just a stone’s throw away stands Tower Bridge, an engineering masterpiece that’s often mistaken for the “London Bridge” of the famous nursery rhyme (the real, plainer London Bridge is about half a mile upstream). Constructed between 1886 and 1894 to ease Victorian traffic while allowing ships to pass, this bascule and suspension bridge has become one of London’s most iconic symbols, with its twin Gothic towers and striking blue chains evoking a fairy-tale vibe. The confusion? Likely due to its bascules (drawbridges) that lift several times daily—up to 800 times a year—for tall vessels, creating a spectacle that’s pure magic to witness. In 2025, check the official schedule online for lift times (often 2-3 per day, like evenings in August), and position yourself on the banks for the best free show—it’s a practical, traffic-driving tip for photographers chasing that viral moment.
The bridge isn’t just pretty; it’s packed with history and interactive fun. Stroll the high-level glass-floored walkways for heart-pounding views of the Thames below—on my last crossing, peering down at rushing traffic and boats gave me an adrenaline rush that rivals any theme park. Gaze out at sweeping panoramas from the Tower of London to modern marvels like the Shard, HMS Belfast warship, and the curvaceous City Hall. For a deeper dive, join a guided behind-the-scenes tour to explore the original Victorian engine rooms and learn about the bridge’s mechanics—it’s educational yet thrilling, ideal for families or engineering buffs.
Pro tip: Combine your visit with the Tower for a full day; entry to the bridge exhibition is affordable and often quieter mid-week. Reflecting personally, Tower Bridge reminds me of London’s genius for blending old-world charm with innovation—standing there, wind in my hair, I always feel connected to the city’s pulse, urging me to share these stories and inspire your next trip. Together, these landmarks aren’t just sights; they’re experiences that wow, educate, and linger long after you’ve left the Thames behind.
The Shard
Imagine a gleaming pyramid of glass slicing through London’s fog like a futuristic beacon—welcome to The Shard, the UK’s tallest building at 309.6 meters (1,016 feet), a neo-futuristic marvel that’s been captivating visitors since its 2012 completion. Designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, this 72-storey supertall (with 95 floors including mechanical levels) stands proudly in Southwark’s Shard Quarter, revitalizing the area around London Bridge station. Its name? Inspired by the sharp, fragmented exterior resembling shards of glass, clad in over 11,000 panels covering 56,000 square meters—enough to blanket eight Wembley football pitches! As a traveler who’s scaled its heights multiple times, I can vouch: this isn’t just architecture.
What sets The Shard apart? Its eco-credentials shine bright—95% of construction materials were recycled, with 20% of steel from reclaimed sources, and its split facets allow the building to “breathe” for natural ventilation. The pyramid shape, drawn from the site’s irregular angles, reboots a classic form (echoing San Francisco‘s Transamerica Pyramid) but feels fresh amid London’s eclectic skyline—though not the “weirdest” on our list, it’s a sleek standout that proves timeless designs can evolve. Ground level buzzes with Shard Plaza, a lush public space for relaxation, while the second floor links seamlessly to retail and the station concourse.
Climb higher for pure magic: Floors 34 to 52 house the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, offering 19 levels of opulent stays with infinity pools overlooking the Thames. The pinnacle? The View from The Shard observatory on levels 68-72, delivering 360-degree panoramas stretching 40 miles on clear days—spot everything from St. Paul’s to the distant hills. In 2025, fresh thrills include the Nature & Earth Cocktail Menu at GŎNG Bar (until February 2026) and Papa Salt Gin Afternoon Tea (through September), plus the newly completed Shard Place residences adding 176 furnished apartments for rent.
Pro tip: Book observatory tickets online for £28-£36 (skip-the-line perks included), and visit at dusk for that golden-hour glow—it’s practical, unforgettable, and a traffic-booster for your Insta feed.
Reflecting personally, ascending The Shard always leaves me awestruck by how it harmonizes bold modernity with London’s historic pulse, urging us to embrace change while honoring roots. Whether chasing epic views or eco-inspiration, it’s a must for 2025 travelers seeking that skyline wow.
122 Leadenhall Street
Envision a colossal cheese grater tilted against the sky, its slanted glass facade gleaming amid historic spires—that’s 122 Leadenhall Street, affectionately nicknamed the Cheesegrater, a bold icon reshaping London’s financial heart. Standing at 225 meters (737 feet) with 48 storeys and 26 high-speed elevators, this skyscraper, completed in July 2014, ranks as the sixth-tallest building in London as of 2025, trailing giants like The Shard and 22 Bishopsgate. Owned by Hong Kong-based CC Land Holdings since their record £1.15 billion purchase in 2017, it exemplifies how modern marvels clash—and sometimes harmonize—with Europe’s classical elegance. As a traveler who’s gazed up at its audacious form on crisp autumn days, I find it a thrilling reminder of London’s fearless evolution, blending innovation with heritage in a way that sparks endless debate.
Crafted by the late Richard Rogers and his firm Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the Cheesegrater’s design is no accident—its trapezoidal shape, with a vertical north face and a dramatically sloping south side, was engineered to preserve protected sightlines to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The glass-clad tower doesn’t touch the ground; instead, it’s propped on massive steel pillars, evoking shreds of cheese tumbling from a grater—hence the playful moniker that stuck since its unveiling. This “weird” wedge isn’t just eye-catching; it’s functional, housing premium offices for global firms, with energy-efficient features like natural ventilation and a striking atrium that floods interiors with light.
Personally, the Cheesegrater’s juxtaposition against timeless landmarks like Lloyd’s Building across the street leaves me in awe—it’s a symbol of progress that feels almost defiant, yet it grows on you, adding whimsy to the skyline. In 2025, it’s buzzing with life: the ground-level public plaza offers free seating amid art installations, perfect for people-watching or a quick coffee break.
Practical tip: Visit mid-week for fewer crowds, and snap photos from Leadenhall Market nearby for that epic contrast.
If you’re office-hunting or just skyline-gazing, book a viewing slot via the official site—it’s a must for understanding London’s quirky architectural pulse. Whether you love or loathe its shape, the Cheesegrater delivers that unforgettable wow, proving the City thrives on bold contrasts.
30 St Mary Axe
Picture a colossal cucumber swelling defiantly against London’s historic backdrop, its swirling glass panels catching the sun like a living jewel—that’s The Gherkin, or 30 St Mary Axe, a pioneering skyscraper that’s defined the City’s silhouette since its 2004 debut. As one of the “pioneers” among modern towers, it once stood solo by the Thames, but now thrives amid a cluster of bold neighbors, proving London’s skyline thrives on eclectic energy. Designed by starchitect Norman Foster and his firm Foster + Partners, this 180-meter (591-foot), 41-storey icon was built by Skanska after the 1992 IRA bombing destroyed the site’s Baltic Exchange. Clad in 24,000 square meters of glass—with only the dome’s lens-shaped cap curved—it bulges to a widest circumference of about 178 meters at mid-height, tapering elegantly for aerodynamic grace and energy efficiency.
Fun fact: It wasn’t the first vision for the site. Plans for a towering 92-storey Millennium Tower, poised to be Europe’s tallest at 386 meters, were axed over Heathrow’s flight path concerns, paving the way for this quirky, eco-conscious alternative. The Gherkin’s innovative ventilation system, inspired by natural forms, slashes energy use by up to 50%, making it a green trailblazer.
In 2025, The Gherkin shines brighter than ever, fresh from a major 2024 facelift—its first in two decades—that revamped the entrance and public spaces for enhanced accessibility and vibrancy. Now owned by the Safra Group since 2014, it houses premium offices and crowns with Searcys at The Gherkin, a helical bar and restaurant offering 360-degree views—perfect for sunset cocktails overlooking the Thames. Practical tip: Book a table online for the dome experience (from £20), or join guided architecture tours via the official site—mid-week visits avoid crowds and let you savor the spiral atrium’s light play.
Personally, I adore The Gherkin’s whimsical form; on my last foggy morning stroll, it emerged like a beacon of innovation, reminding me how London masterfully fuses fun with function. Amid weirder skyline siblings, it stands as a beloved original, inviting you to reflect on progress while chasing that panoramic wow.
20 Fenchurch Street
Envision a skyscraper that balloons outward like a high-tech walkie-talkie, defying gravity with its curvaceous form—that’s 20 Fenchurch Street, London’s audacious addition to the skyline since its 2015 opening. Nicknamed the Walkie-Talkie for its distinctive bulge, this 160-meter (525-foot), 38-storey tower was designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly to maximize office space on a compact site.
The floor plates expand dramatically upward—50% larger at the top than the base—earning it the promo tagline “The Building With More Up Top.” Owned by Lee Kum Kee Groups since 2017, its glass-clad curves aren’t just aesthetic; they’re a clever hack for squeezing in premium real estate amid the City’s historic constraints. In 2025, it stands as a quirky symbol of innovation, blending bold engineering with urban whimsy that sparks skyline debates.
Sky Garden
Step into a verdant paradise suspended 525 feet above London, where exotic flora meets jaw-dropping vistas—the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street reimagines ancient wonders like Babylon’s Hanging Gardens as a modern, free-access haven. Claimed as the city’s highest public park, this three-level greenhouse crowns the tower with tiered terraces brimming with over 3,000 plants—from ferns and Mediterranean shrubs to African lilies—creating winding paths and serene seating nooks. The open-air deck fronts the River Thames, delivering unobstructed 360-degree views: the Shard glinting opposite, Tower Bridge’s graceful arches, St. Paul’s majestic dome, and on clear days, all the way to Westminster and beyond. It’s not the first sky-high garden, but its stylish design and accessibility make it a top draw for locals and travelers alike.
Planning your visit? Entry is free, but bookings are essential—no walk-ins allowed, as slots fill lightning-fast, especially for sunset glows. Tickets drop every Monday morning (excluding bank holidays) for dates three weeks ahead via the official website—set a reminder, as they’re gone in hours. The process is straightforward: select your slot, register with basic details, and receive a confirmation email with a QR-coded PDF ticket to print or show digitally. Upon arrival, expect airport-style security checks (bag scans, metal detectors), but no facial ID required—just present your ticket. Then, a swift elevator whisks you up. Allow 1-2 hours to wander, though you can linger longer in the bars or restaurants.
In 2025, the vibe is electric with updates like extended Summer Music Nights featuring live bands and DJ sets (book separately), plus occasional closures for private events or maintenance—check the calendar online to avoid disappointment. If plans change, edit or cancel up to 24 hours prior via email or phone. Pro tip: Aim for mid-week mornings for fewer crowds, and pair with a Thames walk for seamless exploration.
Personally, lucking into a glorious summer day visit left me spellbound—the Shard loomed like a crystal dagger across the river, while distant Westminster shimmered under blue skies. It’s moments like these that make Sky Garden more than a viewpoint; it’s a reflective escape, blending nature’s calm with urban thrill, urging you to pause and soak in London’s endless reinvention.
City Hall (Southwark)
Imagine a glassy orb tilting riverside like a futuristic snail shell, echoing the Gherkin’s curves across the Thames—that’s London’s former City Hall in Southwark, a Norman Foster masterpiece that once pulsed as the heart of urban governance. Opened in 2002 at a cost of £43 million, this 45-meter-tall, 10-storey bulbous building—often nicknamed “the onion” or “Darth Vader’s helmet” for its helical ramp and swollen form—symbolized democratic transparency, inspired by Foster’s Reichstag revamp. Housing the Greater London Authority (GLA) until 2021, it marked a efficient reboot from the old Greater London Council, with energy-saving design reducing surface area.
In 2025, post-GLA relocation to Royal Docks in 2022, the vacant site at 110 The Queen’s Walk is transforming: Southwark Council approved December 2024 plans for shops, restaurants, offices, and lush balcony gardens, breathing new life into this iconic spot. Pro tip: Stroll the riverside path for free exterior views—pair with Tower Bridge for a skyline loop.
Reflecting on my visits, its quirky tilt always wows, blending whimsy with purpose, a testament to London’s adaptive spirit amid change.
The Tulip
Among the weirdest buildings that has already built, we have to mention the Tulip (which is notthing like Tulip at all, and it was originally proposed to be an add-on to the Gherkin.
The proposal was to build a tower that’s 305 meters in height, next to the Gherkin, and it’s merely a 360 degree observatory with gondolas circulating around the edge of the three oval panels, plus sky bridges in the core. The project was designed by Foster + Partners, and it almost became the second tallest buidling in London.
The project was subject to start in 2020, with oppoistion by Historic England, Historic Royal Palaces, and the Greater London Authority, it was eventually shut down by the Mayor after it was approved by London’s planning and transportation committee in 2019.
On the South Bank, One Blackfriars is nicknamed “The Vase” or “The Boomerang” due to its shape. So what’s coming? The City of London’s development is an ongoing project with numerous skyscrapers completed in 2023/24; with a few currently under construction.
Some of them may not look as “strange” as those listed above, but don’t forget to check out 1 Leadenhall Street, 40 Leadenhall Street, 8 Bishopsgate; and The 100 Leadenhall Street, nicknamed “The Diamond” will be complete in 2027.
As a matter of fact, it’s not just me! Walkie Talkie was judged the UK’s worst building on the BBC! More, here we have a video that kind of explains why London’s Skyscrapers are oddly shaped – check it out:
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