Join The Charterhouse for an evening exploring the unique atmosphere of the historic ‘hidden’ courtyard gardens with live music and food.
With warmer days ahead (fingers crossed!), we're itching to embrace the outdoors once more. Picture yourself al fresco dining, admiring hues of wisteria and discovering new events, concerts and shows.
Here are just some of the top things to do in the City of London this May 2026.
1. A literary festival around Fleet Street (12 to 16 May)
Across five days, the Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words will feature over 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.
The theme this year takes inspiration from the famous opening lines of Charles Dickens’s novel, A Tale of Two Cities: ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness'. The festival is also an opportunity to discover the self-guided City of London literary walking trail.
Promotional Banner for the Festival of words, with a blue background and the dome of St Pauls to the right.
2. The 90s are back. Make them last forever with this exhibition
‘1996’, a free exhibition at the Barbican Music Library, brings back the 90s in all their iconic glory: music, fashion, football and the faces that made Cool Britannia cool.
Expect to see original costumes worn by the Spice Girls, previously unseen Oasis memorabilia, photography by Jill Furmanovsky and Derek Ridgers, and personal items from record producers and DJs Paul Oakenfold, Dave Pearce and Judge Jules are presented in a new exhibition marking thirty years of Cool Britannia.
Open Monday to Saturday. Free.
1996 Exhibition at the Barbican Music Library
3. Stories, skills and people with London Craft Week (11 to 17 May)
For one week, discover the stories, skills and people behind crafted objects, fashion, furniture, architecture and beyond at London Craft Week.
Some of the City of London’s livery companies will demonstrate their craft such as:
- a free afternoon of demonstrations by highly skilled craftspeople at Plaisterers’ Hall (Wednesday 13 May)
- on Thursday 13 May, Living Legacies at Leathersellers’ Hall: a free showcase of endangered crafts in the UK
- free demonstrations by the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers at Painters’ Hall (14, 15 and 16 May)
- a guided tour on Letter carving in the Square Mile with The Masons’ Company (Friday 15 May)
- a free afternoon exhibition showcasing the incredible restoration of Barts North Wing on Friday 15 May
- a hat-making symposium for endangered crafts (16 and 17 May) by The British Hat Guild in collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers
- And many more events to enjoy
London Craft Week with The Plaisterers' Company
4. 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, 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.
Photo Credit: Niki Gorick Photography
5. Relax in the City over the Bank holiday weekend
With not one but two bank holidays Mondays this month (4 and 25 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.
St Dunstan in the East
6. 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 some of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in the City of London to find inspiration for your next sunny day out in the City.
Madison's rooftop terrace at One New Change
7. Learn more about London’s Jewish culture, history and communities
On Sunday 10 May at the Barbican Centre, the Medieval Jewish London History Day offers a programme of expert talks, a walking tour and family activities, to explore one of the capital’s lesser-known communities: the Jewish population that settled in the City towards the end of the 11th century and lived there for more than 200 years, until the Expulsion of 1290.
And during Jewish Culture Month, the ‘Revealing the Medieval Jewish Cemetery’ exhibition at the London Archives reveals a lost medieval burial ground, forgotten lives, and new research overturning long-held myths (18 May to 13 June).
The London Archives is in Clerkenwell (between Farringdon and Angel), just outside the boundary of the City of London.
An image of the historic site of a Jewish Cemetery at the Barbican Estate - Photo Gaby Morris
8. Visit the pop-up weekend markets at Leadenhall Market (9 and 31 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.
Leadenhall Market’s Saturday SoLo Craft Fair (Saturday 9 May), on the second Saturday of each month, brings together carefully selected independent artists and makers. From jewellery and art to home accessories, textiles and children’s toys, the focus is on high-quality, handcrafted pieces
And on the last Sunday of each month, The Vintage Furniture & Flea Market (Sunday 31 May) gathers traders bringing mid-century furniture, antiques, retro homeware, lighting, rugs and one-off pieces that add character and unique flair to homes.
Another reason to visit the City of London on a weekend!
Leadenhall Market's Saturday SoLo Craft Fair
9. Find engaging activities for the whole family in the City
Keep the kids entertained with these exciting and educational activities happening across the City of London this month.
Second Saturday at Guildhall Art Gallery (9 May): Every second Saturday of the month, a revolving programme of family activities may have you heading into the Roman Amphitheatre and hearing tales of Roman conquests, or creating crafts from the Victorian paintings surrounding you.
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 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.
Young Archaeologists: Unearthing Roman London (Thursday 28 May) at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE: Step back in time and become an archaeologist for the day. Handle real Roman artefacts, examine the clues they hold, and discover what they can tell us about life in Roman London nearly 2,000 years ago. Aimed at children aged 5–11, though all ages are welcome.
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.
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.
Sculpture in the City 14th Edition walking tour.
10. Spend a fabulous 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.
The Royal Exchange – Fortnum & Mason –Photo Helen Lowe
11. Amble around these art displays and exhibitions
Whether you’re an art lover or history obsessed, the City of London has more fascinating exhibitions, galleries and museums to explore than you think!
Here are just some of the ones we would recommend exploring this May.
Beatriz González at Barbican Art Gallery (closing on Sunday 10 May): This major exhibition is the first UK retrospective of ground-breaking Colombian artist, Beatriz González. Bringing together six decades of González’s work – from the 1960s to the present – this exhibition celebrates the artist’s extraordinary and dynamic practice.
Jock McFadyen with Jem Finer: Underground (and Surface): Step into the sensory world of London’s Tube in Guildhall Art Gallery's immersive exhibition by Jock McFadyen RA and Jem Finer of The Pogues.
Room with All Existing Words at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE: Above the ancient Temple of Mithras, Dutch artist Mark Manders explores how history is continually rewritten, revealing what is preserved, what is lost, and what remains unresolved. Free exhibition, open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Londoners on Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924: In this free exhibition at The London Archives, explore the history of law and order in London, from the medieval period to modern times. The London Archives is located in Clerkenwell (between Farringdon and Angel), just outside the boundary of the City of London.
America and London at the City of London Heritage Gallery: Marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this display celebrates the political, cultural and diplomatic links that have connected the United States and the City of London over more than two centuries.
Installation view, Beatriz González, Barbican. Credit - Barbican Art Gallery, David Parry © Beatriz González
12. 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.
Photo Credit: City of London Corporation
13. 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. Please note the archaeological site is located in the basement of an office block. The only access is via a staircase (2, 9 and 3 steps).
Billingsgate Roman House and Baths.
14. Queer East Festival at the Barbican Centre
Running over multiple venues in London, and at the Barbican Centre in the City, Queer East is a cross-disciplinary festival showcasing boundary-pushing queer cinema, live arts, and moving image work from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities.
Queer East Festival at the Barbican
15. Join a fascinating and free lunchtime talk at the London Centre (every Friday)
Every Friday, head to the London Centre for a free lunchtime talk every Friday from 12.30 to 1pm, to learn about London’s historical and physical development, brought to life through giant model of central London and The City of London model and accompanying exhibitions.
Free lunchtime talks take place every Friday at the London Centre.
16. Enjoy a folk/early music lunchtime concert at Barts North Wing (20 May)
Intesa Duo brings together folk and early music repertoire in the Great Hall at Barts North Wing on Wednesday 20 May.
Intesa was formed in 2023 at the Royal Academy of Music by Lucine Musaelian and Nathan Giorgetti, with the goal of celebrating the viol’s combination with the voice. Intesa is an Italian word meaning “understanding”, or a meeting of minds.
This ethos of collaboration is embodied in the duo’s programming, where folk and early music are placed side-by-side, bringing together European and Armenian traditions through narrative and self-accompaniment.
The Great Hall at Barts North Wing. Photo Matthew Andrews.
17. Get ready for fun with padel table tennis at St Paul’s Cathedral Churchyard
St Paul's Cathedral Churchyard has become home to one of London's most exciting up-and-coming sports: padel table tennis!
Think table tennis, but where you can bounce the ball off the walls around you, share a laugh with your mates and fall in love with this brilliant twist on a classic... all in one of the city's most iconic settings.
Part of London Sports Festival, delivered by Central London Alliance.
18. 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.
Cocktails and Waffles at Savage Garden: Expect indulgent waffles, bottomless cocktails, and a buzzing rooftop atmosphere with live DJ sets that turns brunch into a full-on experience.
Saturday Bottomless Brunch at 1 Lombard Street: Sip your way through free-flowing Bubbles, Beer, and Aperol Spritz, while enjoying a delicious spread of seasonal sharing mezze. For your main event, take your pick from a perfectly cooked Steak, a decadent Lobster Roll, or a classic Egg dish.
Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate by Gordon Ramsay: Pop along for a delicious brunch at Lucky Cat featuring their signature dishes and bottomless prosecco. Available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Saturday brunch Paradiso at 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.
Weekend Brunch at Florattica: Dine in a venue inspired by East London’s textile industry and the local 17th century French Huguenots’ silk woven floral patterns. Saturdays and Sundays.
Saturday Brunch at Engel (Royal Exchange): Enjoy live music, breathtaking architecture and a champagne brunch at Engel.
Cocktails and Waffles at Savage Garden
