History & Highlights

Old City of London Free Tour

Roman walls and medieval lanes between the skyscrapers

9.5/10(411) · Bookable via Civitatis

Quick answer

Yes, it is free: no ticket, you tip the guide at the end. Old City of London Free Tour meets at St. Paul's Cathedral next to the two red telephone boxes, lasts about 2h30 and is guided in English; rated 9.5/10 from 411 reviews on Civitatis.

Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.

The 'Square Mile' hides its two thousand years well: Roman walls surface between office towers, churches rebuilt by Wren after the Great Fire wedge between glass facades, and lanes with medieval names still follow their original routes. Meeting by St Paul's Cathedral next to the two red telephone boxes, this tour finds the ancient city the commuters walk past every day.

From the Guildhall to Leadenhall Market and the Monument to the Great Fire, your guide traces how a Roman trading post became the world's financial capital — plague, fire and Blitz included.

Tour highlights

St Paul's Cathedral exterior
Roman London Wall
Guildhall
Leadenhall Market
Monument to the Great Fire
Tower of London views

Meeting point

St. Paul's Cathedral next to the two red telephone boxes

Google Maps OpenStreetMap

After the tour

Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter8.8/10(4,804 reviews)from€102

London Eye Tickets9.1/10(4,779 reviews)from€35

See all activities in London

This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Old City of London Free Tour really free?

Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.

Where does the Old City of London Free Tour start?

The tour meets at St. Paul's Cathedral next to the two red telephone boxes (St. Paul's Cathedral next to the two red telephone boxes). The exact meeting point and how to spot your guide are confirmed in your Civitatis booking.

How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?

It lasts around 2h30 and is guided in English. One booking covers up to 6 people; larger parties need a private tour. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.