If you’re a tourist, chances are, you have St Paul’s Cathedral on your list. This stunning landmark is something you should not miss, but I’m here to tell you that there’s even something more to explore around.
As a local who’s spent countless afternoons walking on these streets, I’ve familiarised myself with the different things to do rather than just visiting the cathedral itself. From markets to peaceful gardens, you have it.
So, if you’re looking for things to do near St Paul’s Cathedral, here’s the answer you need. Check out this list of activities and places to visit for a hassle-free trip.
Explore food at the Borough Market
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Address: London SE1 9AL, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +442074071002
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: £11 – £30 per person
If you’re more of a foodie type and want to explore London flavours, then you should pin the Borough Market on your map. It’s just a few minutes from the Cathedral, so pretty convenient.
Get to taste freshly baked breads, street foods, and the famous artisanal cheeses offered by different stalls. There are also fresh produce, seafood, and some international bites you might want to try.
This is more of a Londoner market experience, so if you want to feel more like a local supporting locals, then it’s worth visiting.
| Pro Tip: Visit the market on a weekday afternoon or Saturday morning to avoid crowds so you can appreciate your food trip adventure. |
Stroll across the Millennium Bridge
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Address: Thames Embankment
Contact Details: +442076063030
Pricing: Free
The Millennium Bridge, with its stunning architecture, is something you should not miss. It has that gorgeous view of the River Thames and some landmarks like The Shard and Globe Theatre.
Many people stroll here, especially those who came from St Paul’s Cathedral and want to go to the Tate Modern on the other side. You get to exercise a bit while enjoying scenic views of London.
No worries because the wobble issue of this bridge has already been sorted out, so you might as well enjoy that relaxing walk.
| Pro Tip: The bridge can get slippery during rainy days, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes. |
Shop at Leadenhall Market
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Address: Gracechurch St
Contact Details: +442076063030
Pricing: £30+ per person
Another market on our list is Leadenhall Market. It’s a Victorian-inspired covered market with a lively vibe. You can shop, drink, or eat here, with lots of vendors available.
Due to its stunning architecture, the market has been used as a filming location for famous films like Harry Potter. If you’re a Potterhead, then you’ll feel very familiar with this place.
What’s even more amazing is that below the market lies the remains of London’s Roman basilica. This is why it became the city’s historical market.
| Pro Tip: Opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about the history and architecture of the market. |
Chill at Paternoster Square
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Address: Paternoster Square.
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Pricing: Free
For a relaxing and slow-paced activity near St Paul’s Cathedral, Paternoster Square is the place to go. This public square won’t tire you as it’s just a few walks away and won’t cost you much since there is no admission fee.
Just be prepared to spend some money because there are food stalls and retail shops that’ll tempt you. But aside from the food, you might want to appreciate the famous Paternoster Square Column and the overall architecture of the square.
As you explore this area, you’ll see city workers coming here to grab lunch or snacks. If you’re lucky enough to visit it in December, the place has a Christmas Market with legit reindeer.
| Pro Tip: Better visit the square in the afternoon or at night, as it has great lighting that comes with the glowing Cathedral in the background. |
Learn about gin-making at City of London Distillery
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Address: 22-24 Bride Ln
Contact Details:
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: £125 per person
Not a foodie-type but a gin-lover? Then the City of London Distillery should be on your list. However, if you want to maximise your experience here, I recommend booking a guided tour.
The tour will show you how gin is made, from the distillation process to the manufacturing stage. Even more amazing, you get to taste award-winning varieties, perfect for connoisseurs.
You’ll also appreciate the aesthetic bar with warm lighting and modern design. It would be such a memorable stop on your trip.
| Pro Tip: This distillery tour can be demanding, so make sure to book your tour early, especially if you plan on going on weekends. |
Get in touch with nature at the Barbican Conservatory
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Address: Silk St
Contact Details: +442078702500, [email protected]
Pricing: Free admission, donations are welcome
The Barbican Conservatory is perfect for garden lovers or even just those who want to taste a bit of nature in the middle of the city. It’s the second-largest conservatory in the city, next to the Princess of Wales at Kew Gardens.
You’ll see different varieties of plants and even ponds here paired with the stunning garden design. This is a must-visit if you want to take a rest on the busy streets of London.
Good thing? Admission is free, but you still need a ticket so you can get inside.
| Pro Tip: Plan your visit here accordingly, especially because tickets are released in advance (a month early) and the conservatory isn’t always open to the public. |
Appreciate the views from the Sky Garden
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Address: 1, Sky Garden Walk
Contact Details: +443337720020
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Pricing: From £11.50 per person for early morning tickets
For more breathtaking views of the city, head to the Sky Garden. It’s a public space spanning three floors with flowers, trees, and shrubs, ideal for garden enthusiasts.
If you want to maximise your time here, you can visit the restaurant to dine or grab a drink at the bar while enjoying the view of the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, and The Shard.
You can go inside for free, but you need a booked ticket in advance.
| Pro Tip: The best time to go here is either early in the morning or at sunset for a more scenic view. |
Shop and ship at One New Change
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Address: New Change
Contact Details: +442070028910
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: From £30 per person
Just a 2-minute walk from St Paul’s, One New Change is a must for shoppers. You can find lots of boutique shops, bars, and eateries, where you can spend some time with your friends.
If you want fresh air, you can go directly to the rooftop terrace. It’s free and gives you a panoramic view of the city – perfect for your IG posts.
Be sure to visit it if you want that high-end urban experience.
| Pro Tip: Use the wide-angle lens of your camera to take snaps of St Paul’s Cathedral from the rooftop. |
Dare yourself at the London Bridge
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Address: London EC4R 3TN
Pricing: Free
For a real flex of your London trip, you must not forget about the London Bridge Experience. This historic river crossing has that modern structure and great views that you’ll surely appreciate.
It might not be as dramatic as the Tower Bridge, but the views matter the most. It’s also a nice starting point if you want to go to the Monument to the Great Fire of London and Borough Market.
| Pro Tip: For great photo opportunities, start from the North side toward the South of the bridge so you can get that lovely view of Tower Bridge and The Shard in one frame. |
Relax at St Dunstan in the East
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Address: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD, United Kingdom
Contact Details:
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: Free
St Dunstan in the East is a 12th-century Anglican church that became a public garden. You might want to visit it if you’re into history.
You’ll see its ruins from the Great Fire of London and the Blitz in World War II. However, the damages became the place’s main highlights, which soon became a beautiful garden.
Admission is free and just a 20-minute walk from St. Paul’s – a must-visit for a calming break.
| Pro Tip: The place is perfect for a coffee or book break, so make sure to go here as early as you can before it gets crowded. |
Explore history at the Tower of London
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Address: Tower Place West, 5 Great Tower St
Contact Details: 0333 320 6000, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Pricing: Free
The Tower of London is another historic location that’ll satisfy your historian side. You’d get to visit this place that became a royal palace and a prison years ago.
Here, you can see the medieval White Tower and the famous Crown Jewels. If you’ve been reading about England’s past, the tower will bring goosebumps as it also became a place for royal executions.
| Pro Tip: Make sure to book your tour in advance, and if you have plans to explore the Crown Jewels, make sure to go there early, as the queue can build up. |
Go to The Shard
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Address: 32 London Bridge St
Contact Details: +443444997222
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: From £28.50 per person
The Shard is another location where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. It’s in fact the tallest building in the UK, and from here, you can even see Windsor Castle, given the skyline is clear.
Aside from the view, you should also visit The Shard for its top-tier restaurants and bars. If you’re with your partner, better yet, have a romantic date here for a memorable trip.
Opt for a sunset visit so you can get that golden-hour view and still see the city lights at night.
| Pro Tip: You need a ticket to get inside, but if you want to avoid the ticket cost, book a table at one of their restaurants or bars. |
Dine at The Old Bank of England Pub
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Address: 194 Fleet St
Contact Details: +442074302255
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: From £5 per person
For a fancy experience, The Old Bank of England Pub has you. It has that dreamy chandelier, high ceilings, and ornate interior that’ll make you feel like you’re in a mansion.
You can order a British meal here or explore their classic gin and tonic. Their famous king prawn and avocado salad is one of the favourites here. You can also try their pint of Guinness.
If you go to their courtyard, you’ll see a double-decker bus, perfect for photo opportunities.
| Pro Tip: No matter how full the bar is, don’t sit on the high chair as it’s not that comfortable. |
