The City of London: Square Mile of Sass, Skyscrapers, and Suits (Maybe Not That Many Suits These Days)
Ah, London. A city steeped in history, brimming with culture, and absolutely drowning in pigeons. But today, we're not talking about the sprawling metropolis that houses Big Ben and Buckingham Palace (although those are pretty cool too). We're diving deep into a curious little corner called the City of London, also known as the Square Mile.
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| What is The City Of London |
Not-So-Humble Beginnings (and Why It's So Small)
The City of London is basically the granddaddy of London. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD (when togas were all the rage), it was pretty much all of London for centuries. Think of it as the original hipster neighborhood – everyone wanted to be there. But then, London, like a teenager having a growth spurt, just kept getting bigger. The City, however, stubbornly clung to its Roman-imposed boundaries, resulting in the Square Mile nickname (it's actually a tiny bit bigger than that, but who's counting?).
Suits, But Also So Much More!
These days, the City is best known as a financial powerhouse. Stockbrokers with slicked-back hair and fancy watches (or maybe just Fitbits now) zoom around in sharp suits (or maybe comfy hoodies, work-from-home culture and all). The Bank of England, the London Stock Exchange – they all call the Square Mile home. But it's not all just money, money, money.
The City boasts historic gems like St. Paul's Cathedral, a magnificent church that'll make you feel like you're in a Jane Austen novel. There's also the Museum of London, a treasure trove of city history, and the Barbican Centre, an architectural marvel that looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
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Fun Fact That May or May Not Be Entirely True
Legend has it that the City of London has its own private army – not a bunch of guys in camo, but a flock of trained ravens. Apparently, if the ravens ever leave, then London will fall. Now, there's no evidence to support this (probably because ravens can't write), but it's a fun story nonetheless.
So, the City of London: a quirky mix of old and new, finance and fun. A must-see for any visitor to London (except maybe the ravens… they can be a bit judgmental).
FAQ
How to get to the City of London?
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The Tube (London's underground train system) is your best bet. Stations like Bank, Monument, and Cannon Street will put you right in the thick of it.
How much does it cost to visit the City of London?
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Most of the streets are free to explore! Entrance fees apply to some attractions like museums, but you can always find free things to do, like gawking at the fancy buildings.
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Is the City of London safe?
Generally, yes. London has a good police presence, and the City is a well-maintained area. But as with any city, use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
What language do they speak in the City of London?
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English, duh! But with London being such a melting pot of cultures, you might hear all sorts of languages being spoken on the streets.
Do I need a special visa to visit the City of London?
Nope! Visa requirements are for the entire country, not specific parts of it. Just make sure you have the appropriate visa for the UK.
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