London Financial Districts Guided Tour With Thames Cruise

From coffee houses to Coutts: a history of finance in London

  • When 3 PM Wednesday and Friday; 3 PM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting in April
  • Duration 3.5 hours
  • Meeting Point The Gherkin
£36 per adult
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  • Local experts

    Personal stories and insider travel tips
  • Worry-free booking

    Flexible scheduling and refunds
£36 per adult
review-star
  • Local experts

    Personal stories and insider travel tips
  • Worry-free booking

    Flexible scheduling and refunds

Highlights

  • See the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange, and more as you learn how they shaped global finances.
  • Marvel at architectural gems like the Gherkin and Leadenhall Building, a testament to London's economic prowess.
  • Cruise down the River Thames to admire London from the water.
  • Learn how historical practices like livery have shaped the city's financial landscape.
  • Snap a photo of the strikingly modern skyline of Canary Wharf.
  • Visit financial institutions like the London Stock Exchange to learn how London influences the world’s finances.

What you'll do

Explore the history, architecture, and culture of a leading financial world capital right in the heart of London. Our tour begins at the Gherkin, a skyscraper whose glass facade has become an icon of the London skyline.

As your guide leads the way, you’ll explore the commercial landmarks of the City of ...

Explore the history, architecture, and culture of a leading financial world capital right in the heart of London. Our tour begins at the Gherkin, a skyscraper whose glass facade has become an icon of the London skyline.

As your guide leads the way, you’ll explore the commercial landmarks of the City of London. From Leadenhall and Lombard Streets, home to the distinctive wedge-shaped Leadenhall Building and Lloyds of London, we’ll continue to the Royal Exchange, a merchant center first opened in the 1500s, now a mall preserving stunning architecture.

You’ll also get to check out the new London Stock Exchange in Paternoster Square. And don’t forget our guided boat ride on the Thames! During the cruise, you’ll get to see more of the London skyline, including the Shard and Tower Bridge.

Our London financial district tour concludes in Canary Wharf, a major business district in London’s East End. Here, you’ll admire Jubilee Park, a picturesque urban park known for its unique water features, and One Canada Square, the U.K.’s third tallest skyscraper.

Itinerary

  • The Gherkin

    An iconic skyscraper marking the financial heart of London

  • Leadenhall and Lombard Streets

    Home to the striking Leadenhall Building, Lloyds of London, and more

  • Royal Exchange

    An architecturally stunning financial landmark turned shopping mall

  • Bank of England Museum

    Covering the country’s rich history of banking

  • Guildhall

    Headquarters of the City of London Corporation and a center of governance for the city’s financial activity

  • London Stock Exchange

    The new exchange in Paternoster Square

  • Thames River cruise

    A scenic boat ride featuring must-see sights like the Shard and Tower Bridge

  • Canary Wharf

    A London neighborhood with a big impact on the modern financial landscape

  • Jubilee Park and One Canada Square

    A green oasis in the heart of Canary Wharf featuring the U.K.’s third tallest skyscraper

Plan your trip

Accessibility

This tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Tour ending point

This tour ends at Canary Wharf.

Refund policy

We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Meeting point

Meet your ExperienceFirst tour guide at  25 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8AA, opposite to the “Slug & Lettuce” restaurant.

FAQs

How much walking is there?

This tour covers around about 3 miles.

What is the rescheduling policy?

We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.

When should I get there?

Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.

What if it rains?

Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.

Are gratuities included?

Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.