Bow Lane - The City

City of London

Serviced Apartments City of London

“The City of London” is the original area from which the rest of what is now considered central London has developed. It is the heart of London and remains, along with New York, one of the major business and financial centers of the world. 

The City of London is not characterised by any particular architectural style, having accumulated its buildings over a long period of time. A few structures predate the Great Fire of 1666, notable exceptions including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Banqueting House. In itself, the City contains a wide variety of styles, progressing through Wren's late 17th century churches and the financial institutions of the 18th and 19th century such as the Royal Exchange and the Bank of England, to the early 20th century Old Bailey and the 1960s Barbican Estate. Notable recent buildings are the 1980s skyscraper Tower 42, the Lloyd's building and the 2004 Swiss Re building, known as the "Gherkin".

London's generally low-rise nature makes these skyscrapers and others such as One Canada Square and its neighbours at Canary Wharf and the BT Tower in Fitzrovia very noticeable from a distance. High-rise development is restricted at certain sites if it would obstruct protected views of St. Paul's Cathedral. Nevertheless, building work is underway for the 72-story "Shard of Glass", which will be one of the tallest buildings in Europe.

Although the social aspect is not quite as vibrant as some other areas of London it is far from dull in terms of restaurants, bars, and activities. There are a host of restaurants, with Italian, Indian, Chinese and many others all available. Just across the river from the world famous Tate Modern Gallery, and also home to the White Cube Gallery and the Barbican centre there is something for everyone in this area of London.

The City boasts excellent transport links via tube or bus to all other areas of London including the West End and Covent Garden, famous for their shopping, theatres and markets. A central location with lots to offer, The City of London is perfect not only for people with business in the area, but also tourists looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to the West End.  Given our wide selection of serviced apartments in the City of London and its excellent location you are sure to find something to suit.