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Things to do in the City of London - friend sin a low lit bar with cocktails

A guide to Fridays in the City

Make the most of Transport for London’s discounted Friday travel exploring the City of London

Looking for the best things to do on a Friday? with off-peak fares all day, every Friday from 8 March to 31 May, there’s never been a better time to celebrate the end of the week in the City of London. Whether it’s a leisurely day out with family to keep the kids entertained, a moment of respite for busy city workers to lunch or socialise after work, or a fun-filled afternoon for adventurous tourists, the City of London promises an array of experiences as the weekend kicks off.

Scroll down to find a comprehensive list of City’s top picks for the ultimate Friday out.

Lunchtime bites and after work celebrations

Rake’s Café Bar
Just by Liverpool Street station, Rake’s relaxing atmospere is ideal for breakfast, lunches, dinners and crafted cocktails after work.
14 Hills
14 Hills is a glamourous restaurant and late night bar with unparalleled views of London, located on the 14th floor of 120 Fenchurch Street.
Florattica Rooftop Bar
Florattica is a hidden oasis situated 11 floors high above the fast-paced City in The Minories, East London.
Rosslyn Coffee – Tower 42
Rosslyn is a collection of three award winning high volume specialty coffee shops located within the City of London.
The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at The Royal Exchange
Serving up a seasonal and contemporary menu The Fortnum's Bar & Restaurant sits in the al fresco-style surroundings of the Royal Exchange’s spectacular central courtyard.
Barbican Lakeside Terrace
The Lakeside is the perfect place to relax, soak up the sunshine and enjoy a cup of coffee surrounded by iconic architecture.
One New Change
The City's newest and largest retail centre, near St Paul’s Cathedral.
Festival Gardens
This popular lunchtime spot has benches which surround a central lawn and adjacent to a peaceful fountain.
Traditional pubs for a drink in the City
Madison
A glamorous rooftop bar on top of One New Change - a restaurant, cocktail bar, and an outdoor terrace with stunning views of the City of London.
Rosslyn Coffee – Queen Victoria
Rosslyn is a collection of three award winning high volume specialty coffee shops located within the City of London.
Rosslyn Coffee – London Wall
Rosslyn is a collection of three award winning high volume specialty coffee shops located within the City of London.
Eastcheap Records
Based a stone’s throw away from Monument Station, Eastcheap Records is home to live music, cocktails, food and good times in the heart of City.
City of London Distillery
A working gin distillery in the City of London. Pop-in to the bar for an award-winning Whitley Neill Gin cocktail - or book ahead to distil your very own personalised gin, or learn about gin making techniques with a tour and tasting.
Parks and green spaces in the City of London
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil picnic spot or somewhere for quiet contemplation, here are some of the City’s greenest spaces to seek out.
Silverleaf
Located on the 3rd floor of Devonshire House, Silverleaf is one of the first independent cocktail bars to be part of a luxury hotel offering.
Eastway Brasserie
This East End brasserie is the answer for those looking for a relaxed London dining experience.
Swingers City
Swingers City is just a stone’s throw away from the Gherkin in central London. Plunge into an 1920s English countryside inspired golf club with its elegant clubhouse, rolling greens and first-rate hospitality to discover epic crazy golf, amazing cocktails and delicious street food.

For the culture connoisseurs

Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre
Discover a fine art collection spanning 400 years and sept into the ruins of London's Roman Amphitheatre
Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London Exhibition
Celebrate the work of artist and specialist wood engraver Anne Desmet, at this new exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery from 12 April to 8 September 2024.
The Conservatory x Ranjani Shettar
Cloud songs on the horizon is the artist’s first major institutional show in Europe and will feature five new, large-scale suspended sculptures across the entirety of the Conservatory space.
Soufiane Ababri: Their mouths were full of bumblebees but it was me who was pollinated
Moroccan-born artist Soufiane Ababri will transform The Curve for his first solo exhibition at a major UK institution.
Barbican Centre
The Barbican is an international arts and learning centre, pushing the boundaries of all major art forms including dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts.
DREAM-BRIDGE-OMNIGLYPH by Leo Robinson
This new installation is inspired by the Roman Temple of Mithras discovered on the Bloomberg site during the 1950s.
Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge
Investigate the genius of Christopher Wren and his ever-enquiring mind in this new exhibition at St Paul's Cathedral - said to be Wren's masterpiece.
London’s Roman Amphitheatre
The London's Roman Amphitheatre is an interactive and educational attraction, which allows you to dive into the ancient history of Roman London.
City of London Guides – Daily Guided Walks
City of London guides offer daily, weekly and monthly walks around the City of London.
Barbican Cinemas
Discover the latest new releases alongside a curated programme of international cinema, ScreenTalks, and family events, from celebrated filmmakers to ground-breaking and under-heard voices from past and present.

Family day out

F1 Arcade
A thrilling new F1® racing experience designed to make you feel like a champion.
Sculpture in the City
Sculpture in the City is an annual sculpture park that uses the urban realm as a rotating gallery space.
City of London Children’s Trail
Take a tour of the City of London's landmarks with Draco the Dragon following three child-friendly walking trails. A perfect free, family day out.
Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience
Experience a Martian Invasion in London with this never-before-seen interactive adventure.
The Gunpowder Plot
Immerse yourself in the world of The Gunpowder Plot as you join Guy Fawkes, and his co-conspirators as they plot to assassinate King James I.
The Tower Bridge Cat Trail
02.01.2024 31.10.2024

The Tower Bridge Cat Trail

Tower Bridge
Inspired by 'The Tower Bridge Cat' and the characters from the award-winning books, families are invited to complete our interactive Trail as they make their way through Tower Bridge.
Tower of London
Discover London’s castle – a secure fortress, royal palace, infamous prison and execution site where you can explore 1,000 years of history.
Sensory Wellbeing
Focus on your mind and body with the Sensory Wellbeing experience at the Pan Pacific.

For the first time visitor

Sky Garden
The Sky Garden is one of the most exciting additions to London’s skyline and dining scene.
Cheese at Leadenhall
Cheese at Leadenhall is an independent speciality Cheesemongers with a casual dining Restaurant, Wine & Port Bar.
Searcys at The Gherkin
Searcys Helix restaurant at The Gherkin offers sky-high contemporary dining with majestic views across the city.
Horizon 22
Horizon 22 is London's highest free viewing platform. Located on Level 58, the viewing platform offers 300-degree views of London, showcasing its most iconic landmarks.
City of London Distillery
A working gin distillery in the City of London. Pop-in to the bar for an award-winning Whitley Neill Gin cocktail - or book ahead to distil your very own personalised gin, or learn about gin making techniques with a tour and tasting.
The Garden at 120
Visit the City of London’s largest public rooftop space - free to visit and no booking required. The Garden at 120 is located atop the Fen Court building at 120 Fenchurch Street.

Exhibitions. Events. Food & Drink.

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