City of London Guides offer daily, weekly and monthly walks around the City of London, led by the official City tour guide experts.
With warmer days ahead, we're itching to embrace the outdoors once more. Picture-perfect scenes of al fresco dining, the mesmerising hues of wisteria painting The City and the thrill of discovering incredible new events, concerts and shows awaits.
Here are just some of the top things to do in The City of London this May.
1. Discover The City’s newest Literary Festival (14 to 17 May)
Across four days, The Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words will feature 40+ events bringing together bestselling authors, journalists, broadcasters, and screenwriters to explore the power of words – from investigative journalism to fiction, history, and storytelling in the digital age.
Promotional banner for the Fleet Street Festival of Words
2. Explore The City on foot for National Walking month
May marks National Walking month, and if you have decided to take on the challenge of walking a bit more, The City has some fascinating trails to follow to help you lose track of time and get out in the fresh air.
Beyond the iconic landmark sites in The City of London there is a multitude of fascinating stories, hidden alleys, Roman ruins and unexpected places to explore on foot. You can explore these yourself or join a tour with a City of London Guide.
And while you're out and about, don’t miss the launch of the London Sports Festival at Guildhall Yard on 22 May. It’s a free, fun event open to everyone, with hands-on sports installations giving you a taste of what’s coming up this summer.
Promotional image for Mission: Impossible - Fallout City Chase Self-Guided Walk.
3. Relax in The City over the Bank holiday weekend
With not one but two bank holidays this month (5 and 26 May), we have our fingers crossed for the warmer weather to stay and give us all a day out in the sun.
For those looking to explore some new attractions or attend an event check out what’s on in The City.
Sabine at Leonardo Hotel.
4. Enjoy Stunning Views at Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Thanks to the Vintners, good wine has been flowing in The City since the 12th century. Where else can you drink and dine while gazing at iconic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and The Shard?
Read our guide to 11 of the top rooftop bars and restaurants in The City of London to find inspiration for your next sunny day out in The City.
© Wagtail
5. Visit the pop-up weekend markets at Leadenhall Market (10 and 25 May)
Leadenhall Market’s popular series of free-to-enter vintage furniture, fashion and craft weekend markets are back this month in its stunning glass-covered cobbled walkways. This month they are taking place on Sunday 10 May and Saturday 25 May.
Promotional image for Leadenhall Market series of pop-up weekend markets
6. Spend a luxurious Saturday at The Royal Exchange
A building that has shaped much of London’s commercial history, The Royal Exchange has over 450 years of stories to tell and is a fascinating building to visit. It is now open on a Saturday!
You can pick from Engel's Champagne Brunch, relaxing in elegance throughout the afternoon with Kiani Tea's Afternoon Tea (a Persian spin on a British classic), drinks on Fortnum & Mason’s outdoor terrace or as evening falls, savouring Chef Dana's haute cuisine at the Jang Saturday Dinner.
Engel at The Royal Exchange.
7. Amble around these wonderful displays and exhibitions
Whether you’re an art lover or history obsessed, The City of London has tons of fascinating exhibitions and museums to explore every month. Here are just some of the ones we would recommend exploring this May.
Pewter Live 2024 (13 to 15 May): A chance to tour the historic Pewterers’ Hall and see displays of pewter both ancient and modern. Working Pewtersmiths will be on hand to discuss their work and explain their craft.
Heritage Gallery Exhibition: City Bridge Foundation (until 25 September 2025): This display explores City Bridge Foundation, a historic charity whose origins date back to the 12th Century.
Evelyn De Morgan: The Modern Painter in Victorian London (until 4 January 2026): One of the most remarkable artists of her generation, Evelyn De Morgan, has returned to Guildhall Art Gallery this year in a major exhibition that premieres two newly restored artworks.
Black Sound London at the Barbican Music Library (until 19 July): Explore over 100 years of British black music in Black Sound London, a free, interactive exhibition tracing its journey from the underground to the mainstream.
The Art of Craft at Crane Court Gallery (until 30 May 2025): This year Crane Court Gallery will participate in London Craft Week with an exciting and engaging curated selection of artists and makers working across a diverse range of mediums.
Encounters: Giacometti x Huma Bhabha (8 May 2025 to 24 May 2026): Featuring sculptures from Bhabha and Giacometti, this unique show at the Barbican spans nearly a century of art, exploring the body, trauma, and human resilience.
Evelyn De Morgan: The Modern Painter in Victorian London at Guildhall Art Gallery.
8. Head to the Garden at 120 to see beautiful Wisteria in bloom
Explore The City of London's largest public rooftop space, freely accessible without the need for booking. Situated atop the Fen Court building at 120 Fenchurch Street, The Garden at 120 offers stunning 360-degree views of The City and greater London from its perch 15 storeys high.
Credit to City of London Corporation.
9. Visit one of Roman London’s most fascinating remains
Beneath the curious old pathways of The City of London lies Billingsgate Roman House and Baths, a rich piece of Roman history surviving 2,000 years of building, fires and bombings, and are one of Roman London’s most fascinating remains. First built around A.D. 150 then extended a hundred years later, it was occupied right through to the end of Roman London in the early 5th century A.D.
Public tours of the ruins take place on Saturdays between April and November and advance booking is required.
Billingsgate Roman House and Bath.
10. Find fun and engaging activities to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays
Keep the kids entertained with these exciting and educational activities happening across The City of London this month.
Second Saturday at Guildhall Art Gallery (10 May): At their next Second Saturday, Guildhall Art Gallery are celebrating Turner's 250th anniversary by giving families the opportunity create a Turner landscape inspired diorama (bring a shoebox!) or mini-zine.
Half-term activities at Guildhall Art Gallery (28 May): Decorate your own wearable set of wings or create your own crown inspired by mythical creatures and Storm Spirits in their latest exhibition ‘Evelyn De Morgan: The Modern Painter in Victorian London’.
Monster Art Club: Get creative at the Barbican Library every Saturday from 2 to 3.30pm. This free event provides all the materials for drawing, colouring, and imaginative crafting - perfect for budding artists of all ages.
Sculpture in the City Family Trail: Embark on a free sculpture hunt across the City! With 17 sculptures waiting to be discovered, this vibrant trail combines art and adventure. Pick up a map at The City Information Centre or download a digital version online.
Rhyme Time at Artizan Library: Every Thursday from 10 to 10.30am, bring your little ones (under 5s) to a free lively session filled with action songs, musical instruments, and puppets.
Half term activities at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE (27 May): Through music, drama and interactive storytelling you will uncover hidden stories about Roman myths, gods, history and the mysterious Temple of Mithras.
F1 Arcade: Feel the adrenaline of the Formula 1 track at this immersive racing experience. Located in One New Change, the F1 Arcade offers simulators designed for drivers aged 7 and up, with multiple skill levels to suit everyone from beginners to pros. When you’re ready to refuel, the menu has something for everyone, from burgers to family-style sharing plates.
Barbican Family Film Club: Enjoy Saturday mornings filled with family-friendly films.
F1 Arcade by St Paul's.
11. Experience a new multi-sensory exhibition at the Barbican (22 May to 31 August)
Feel the Sound with the Barbican's bold new multi-sensory exhibition experience that explores our relationship to sound and embraces a world of listening.
The Barbican Centre. Photo Credit: Max Colson
12. See one of the UK’s most influential jazz artists live at Guildhall (23 May)
A captivating evening is in store as Guildhall Jazz Orchestra welcomes back renowned pianist and composer Nikki Iles, one of the UK’s most influential jazz artists, as guest director.
Promotional image for Guildhall Jazz Orchestra with Nikki Iles
13. See Edward Picton-Turbervill at Painter Stainers’ Hall (28 May)
Experience a wonderful concert from City Music Foundation artist Edward Picton-Turbervill, part of the livery lunchtime concert series.
Promotional image for City Music Foundations performance with Edward Picton-Turbervill
14. Join a fascinating and free lunchtime talk at the London Centre (every Friday)
Join NLA for a free lunchtime talk every Friday from 12:30 to 1pm at The London Centre to learn about London’s historical and physical development.
Free lunchtime talks take place every Friday at the London Centre.
15. Exquisite new flavours have arrived at Fazenda Bishopsgate
Among the latest additions, guests can savour a refined take on the classic Prawn Cocktail elevated with Fazenda’s signature flair - and the opulent Grilled Lobster, a whole lobster grilled to perfection and finished with garlic and parsley butter. These seafood highlights offer a sumptuous complement to Fazenda’s renowned tableside Churrasco Experience.
Fazenda has also reintroduced a much-loved favourite: their Creamy Mushrooms side dish. Bathed in a rich garlic and rosemary-infused sauce, this returning delight has been a staple request from devoted guests.
© Fazenda Bishopsgate
16. Explore London’s literary past after hours – with a glass of prosecco in hand (22 May)
Step inside Dr Samuel Johnson’s 17th-century townhouse, where the great lexicographer compiled his legendary Dictionary of the English Language in 1755.
Dr Johnson's House in the City of London.
17. Ease into the afternoon with the Afternoon Meze Club at Leydi
Running Monday to Friday from 3 to 5pm, enjoy an endless spread of Turkish-inspired mezze - fluffy bread, bold flavours, and fresh ingredients, all designed for grazing at your own pace.
To top it off, they’re pouring half-price cocktails throughout, so you can sip, snack, and settle in for a couple of hours. Whether you’re catching up with friends or taking a well-earned break, this is the perfect mid-afternoon escape.
Afternoon Meze Club at Leydi.
18. See acclaimed pianist Jason Moran for a special one-off concert (9 May)
Composer and jazz pianist Jason Moran is performing at the Barbican this month with music he has created inspired by the late artist Noah Davis – the subject of the Barbican's major exhibition in the Art Gallery.
Musicians and Aspiring Musicians
19. Go for brunch in The City of London
Find places in The City perfect for catching up with friends on a Saturday over some delicious food and drinks.
Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate by Gordon Ramsay: Pop along for a delicious brunch at Lucky Cat featuring their signature dishes and bottomless prosecco.
Rake's Cafe Bar: Experience Rake's Cafe Bar for new brunch where grooves meet gourmet. Expect a Saturday fusion of Disco, House, and Balearic beats with top DJs, gourmet dishes, and the ultimate vibe for your weekend.
1 Lombard Street: Every Saturday 1 Lombard Street have two sittings for their famous Bubbles, Steak and Lobster Bottomless Brunch.
Florattica: Dine in a venue inspired by East London’s textile industry and the local 17th century French Huguenots’ silk woven floral patterns.
Engel: Enjoy live music, breathtaking architecture and a champagne brunch at Engel.
1 Lombard Street.
20. Declutter and Donate at a ‘Give and Take’ Day (24 May)
It is spring cleaning season and what better inspiration to clear out your unused items, than heading to a ‘Give and Take Day’ at Portsoken Community Centre. Donate clothes, shoes, toys, books, kitchenware, and small electrical items and take the time to browse through the donations to see if you want to pick up something new.
This event is a fantastic way to declutter, reduce waste, and support your community.
Previous Give and Take Day at Portsoken Community Centre.
21. VE Day 80th Anniversary at Leadenhall Market (8 May)
From 3 to 6pm, head down to Leadenhall Market for a vibrant 1940s-inspired street party set against the stunning backdrop of one of The City’s most historic landmarks.
Step back in time and soak up the vintage atmosphere with live music and performances that’ll have you dancing in the street, plus traditional games and activities for all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of all things vintage, or simply looking for a joyful afternoon out, there’ll be something for everyone.
Leadenhall Market.
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