Free Things to Do in the City of London

Also known as the Square Mile, the City of London is actually a small area east of central London. This is London's financial and business center where you'll find suit-wearing bankers and stockbrokers dashing around. The area is quiet at the weekend when the workers aren't there. It's well worth a visit as it's packed full of historical buildings right next to modern skyscrapers. And, there are loads of things to do for free.

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The Ceremony of the Keys

The Ceremony of the Keys at The Tower of London is a 700-year-old tradition that takes place every night. Essentially it's locking all the doors to the Tower of London and the public is allowed to escort the warden, as long as they apply in advance.

As the Tower must be locked (it houses the Crown Jewels!) they never miss a night because you can't leave the door open, can you?

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The Museum of London

The Museum of London's mission is to inspire a passion for London. It documents the history of London from Roman times up to today. The museum features original artifacts from archeological digs and it hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

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The Bank of England Museum

The Bank of England Museum is a hidden treasure down a side road, off the Bank of England. One of the highlights is the opportunity to lift a genuine gold bar.

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Visit St. Paul's Cathedral for Free

St. Paul's Cathedral, London — © Laura Porter

St Paul's Cathedral in London sells tickets for visitors but there are ways to visit for free.

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The London Stone

London Stone, Cannon Street, City of London, UK — © Laura Porter

The London Stone is a fragment of a 3,000-year-old piece of limestone that for years was considered to be the symbolic heart of London. Its age and original purpose are not known, although it has been suggested that it was the point from which the Romans measured all distances in Britannia.

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Guildhall Art Gallery

The Gallery was established in 1885 to house and display paintings and sculpture belonging to the Corporation of London. Located in the historic heart of the City next to the medieval Guildhall, the present building opened to the public in 1999. As of April 2011, it is now free to visit the Gallery and Roman Amphitheater.

There are free Friday tours of the Guildhall Art Gallery and the Roman Amphitheatre showing highlights of the Gallery's permanent collection. The tours take place every Friday at 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm. Booking is not needed.

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Whitefriars Crypt

Whitefriars Crypt in the City of London is the remains of a 14th-century medieval priory that belonged to a Carmelite order known as the White Friars. Find out more including where to find it and how to see it for free.

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City of London Tourist Information Center

The City of London Tourist Information Centre is located opposite St. Paul's Cathedral where you can pop in and find out more about this fascinating part of town.

Address: St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8BX

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Temple Church Free Organ Recitals

Temple Church is the church of Inner and Middle Temple, two of England's four ancient societies of lawyers, the Inns of Court. There are usually free organ recitals on Wednesdays.

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City Music Society

City Music Society holds regular free lunchtime concerts at St Bartholomew the Great church and it runs a season of free winter concerts.