City of London

The City of London, known worldwide as "The Square Mile", is one of the most extraordinary places on earth — a tiny city within a city, covering just 2.90 square kilometres, yet wielding a financial influence that reaches every corner of the globe. As the historic core of London, it has been continuously inhabited since its founding as Londinium by the Romans around 47 AD, making it one of the oldest urban settlements in Britain.
At its heart lies the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange, and the London Stock Exchange — institutions that have shaped the world economy for centuries. The skyline tells the story of two eras living side by side: the magnificent dome of St Paul's Cathedral rises alongside the audacious modern architecture of the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater, and the Walkie-Talkie. Few places in the world offer such a striking dialogue between past and present.
Beyond finance and architecture, the City rewards those who explore on foot. The Victorian splendour of Leadenhall Market, with its ornate iron and glass roof, transports visitors to another era, while the ancient Guildhall speaks of a tradition of civic governance that predates Parliament itself.
The City of London is bordered by Tower Hamlets to the east, Hackney and Islington to the north, Camden and Westminster to the west, and Southwark across the River Thames to the south. Despite its tiny population — the smallest of any London borough at just over 15,000 residents — it welcomes over half a million workers every weekday, transforming from a quiet weekend retreat into one of the busiest financial districts on the planet.