Finsbury Square: Historic Green Oasis in London's Financial Heart
A historic and tranquil green square in central London, blending rich heritage with modern commercial vibrancy.
Finsbury Square is a 0.7-hectare public square in central London, established in the late 18th century on former Moorfields marshland. It features a grass bowling green, mature trees, and is surrounded by a blend of historic and modern office buildings, including the London Metal Exchange and university campuses. A tranquil green space amid the bustling City, it has a rich history including early balloon flights and literary landmarks.
A brief summary to Finsbury Square
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to experience the lively atmosphere of office workers enjoying the green space and nearby cafes.
- Check out occasional farmers’ markets held in the square for local produce and artisanal goods.
- Explore the surrounding architecture, from historic office buildings to modern sustainable designs.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Bunhill Fields and Finsbury Circus for a broader historical walk.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground and Rail
Reach Finsbury Square via Moorgate or Liverpool Street stations, both within a 5-minute walk. These stations provide frequent underground and national rail services connecting central London and beyond. Expect travel times from central London of 10–20 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from £2.50 to £5.00 depending on zones and time.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve City Road and surrounding streets near Finsbury Square, including routes 55, 243, and 214. Buses run frequently throughout the day with fares around £1.75 using contactless payment. The nearest stops are approximately 2–5 minutes’ walk from the square.
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Cycling
Cyclists can access Finsbury Square easily via dedicated bike lanes on City Road. Nearby Santander Cycle docking stations at Moorgate and Finsbury Square provide convenient bike hire. Cycling times from central London locations average 15–25 minutes depending on starting point.
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Car
Driving to Finsbury Square is possible but subject to London’s Congestion Charge and limited parking. An underground NCP car park is located beneath the square, offering paid parking. Travel times vary widely with traffic, typically 20–40 minutes from central London. Parking fees range from £5 to £30 depending on duration.
Finsbury Square location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Finsbury Square
Origins and Historical Evolution
Finsbury Square was developed between 1777 and 1791 on land formerly known as Finsbury Fields, part of the drained Moorfields marsh outside the City of London walls. Originally used for archery and militia exercises, the area evolved from open fields into a formal square designed to emulate the West End’s sophisticated atmosphere near the City. The square was reportedly the first public space in London to be permanently lit by gas. Throughout its history, Finsbury Square has witnessed notable events such as the first successful hot air balloon flight in England by Vincenzo Lunardi in 1784, who ascended here accompanied by a cat and a dog.Architectural Landscape and Urban Context
Surrounding the square are a variety of buildings reflecting different eras, from early 20th-century office blocks like Triton Court and Royal London House to modern sustainable office developments such as 10 Finsbury Square. The London Metal Exchange occupies a prominent building on the west side, while the University of Liverpool’s London campus and the Bayes Business School (formerly Cass Business School) are located on the east side, integrating education into this commercial hub. Many original 18th-century structures were lost to wartime bombing and redevelopment, but the area retains a blend of neo-classical and contemporary architecture.Green Space and Recreational Features
At its heart, Finsbury Square offers a peaceful retreat with a six-rink grass bowling green, mature trees, and landscaped gardens above an underground car park. The park is a favored spot for office workers and visitors to relax, picnic, or enjoy occasional farmers’ markets. The landscape design incorporates native grasses and old-growth trees, creating a natural, textured environment that contrasts with the surrounding urban density.Modern Revitalization and Amenities
Recent redevelopment efforts have enhanced Finsbury Square’s public space by integrating new amenities such as a co-working and conference centre, retail outlets, a supermarket, and food and beverage options. The square’s design includes elliptical oculi that bring natural light to the subterranean facilities, while outdoor breakout spaces provide pleasant social areas. These improvements aim to serve the daily influx of commuters and office workers during the week, while expanding leisure opportunities on weekends.Connectivity and Surrounding Attractions
Finsbury Square is strategically located near major transport hubs, including Moorgate, Liverpool Street, and Old Street stations, offering excellent underground, overground, and bus connections. The nearby areas include Finsbury Circus, Bunhill Fields, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Islington and Shoreditch, known for their boutiques, galleries, and cultural venues. The Elizabeth Line’s extension to Liverpool Street has further boosted accessibility, linking the square directly to Heathrow Airport and eastern London.Cultural Footprints and Legacy
Historically, Finsbury Square was home to notable institutions such as Lackington’s Library, once the largest bookshop in London, dubbed the Temple of the Muses. The square also hosted the City of London Yeomanry in the early 20th century. Today, it balances its rich cultural heritage with a dynamic role as a commercial and educational center, embodying London’s blend of tradition and innovation.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
0.1 km
Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
182 Bishopsgate
0.5 km
Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.6 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
Northumbria University - London
0.6 km
Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
London City wall
0.7 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval London City Wall, a monumental symbol of the city’s enduring history and resilience.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.8 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.8 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
0.8 km
Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.8 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
Cornhill Fountain
0.8 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
Christ Church Spitalfields
0.8 km
Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, an iconic Anglican church in the heart of London.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
0.9 km
Discover Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK, where rich history and stunning architecture meet in the heart of London.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.9 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Shoreditch Church
0.9 km
Explore Shoreditch’s historic Palladian church, a sanctuary of Shakespearean theatre heritage and architectural grandeur in vibrant East London.
St Anne & St Agnes Church
0.9 km
Discover the serene St Anne & St Agnes Church, a historical Anglican gem in London, offering stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails at The Cocktail Club near Old Street, a must-visit for nightlife seekers in London.
Museum of Methodism
0.3 km
Explore the rich history and enduring legacy of Methodism at John Wesley’s House and the Museum of Methodism in London’s historic City Road.
Finsbury Circus Gardens
0.4 km
London’s oldest and largest City green space, a historic and tranquil urban oasis blending heritage, nature, and modern design.
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
0.4 km
Explore the tranquil Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, a historic cemetery in London housing the graves of literary giants and influential figures, amidst beautiful greenery.
Liverpool Street
0.4 km
A historic and bustling transport hub linking London’s financial heart with vibrant East End culture and beyond.
XOYO LONDON
0.5 km
Discover XOYO London: A dynamic nightlife venue with live music, eclectic events, and a stylish bar perfect for an unforgettable night out.
Spital Square
0.5 km
Discover Spital Square, a serene Georgian enclave in vibrant Spitalfields, where history and culture weave together in East London's heart.
The Old Blue Last
0.5 km
Discover London's lively music scene at The Old Blue Last, a vibrant bar and live music venue perfect for an unforgettable night out.
Dennis Severs' House
0.6 km
Step into a candlelit Georgian townhouse and journey through centuries of Spitalfields’ silk-weaving heritage in a uniquely immersive theatrical museum.
Floripa
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant fusion of Brazilian culture and London nightlife at Floripa, where creative cocktails and lively music meet.
Barbican Centre
0.6 km
Europe’s largest multi-arts centre, a Brutalist architectural icon and vibrant cultural hub in London’s Barbican Estate.
Village Underground
0.6 km
A vibrant East London cultural hotspot blending live music, street art, and creative community in a historic warehouse setting.
Spitalfields Charnel House
0.6 km
Discover the haunting medieval charnel house beneath Bishop’s Square, a rare glimpse into London’s past where thousands of souls rest beneath the modern city.
The Craft Beer Co. Old Street
0.6 km
A beloved Old Street pub offering an exceptional craft beer selection and knowledgeable service in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.
Shoreditch
0.6 km
East London's creative playground where street art, markets, and nightlife collide in authentic, ever-evolving style.
Essential places to dine
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.6 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Lyle's
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
0.8 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
The Clove Club
0.8 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
14 Hills
1.0 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Madison
1.1 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
St. John
1.1 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.1 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Nomadic community
1.2 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
La Dame de Pic London
1.3 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Brawn
1.4 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
George
1.9 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Sea Containers Restaurant
2.0 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
0.6 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Commercial St
0.8 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Middlesex Textiles
0.8 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.8 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
The Royal Exchange
0.8 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
DPUS Designer Outlet
0.9 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
The Truman Brewery Markets
0.9 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Luna & Curious
0.9 km
Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
1 Poultry
0.9 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Fashion St
0.9 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
0.9 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
1.0 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Backyard Market
1.0 km
Discover handmade treasures and vibrant street culture at Backyard Market, Brick Lane’s creative heart.
One New Change
1.0 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Smithfield Market
1.1 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Aviary
0.1 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Flight Club Shoreditch
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Dirty Dicks
0.5 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.6 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
0.6 km
A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.6 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Nightjar Shoreditch
0.6 km
Step into Nightjar Shoreditch, a hidden gem where Prohibition-era cocktails meet live jazz in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting.
Ballie Ballerson London
0.6 km
Dive into London's most playful cocktail bar with glowing ball pits, inventive drinks, and unforgettable nights in Shoreditch.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.7 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.8 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Tonight Josephine - Shoreditch
0.8 km
Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for pink neon vibes, creative drinks, and unforgettable themed brunches.
Nikkis Bar - Shoreditch
0.8 km
Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for its bottomless brunch, drag shows, and nostalgic party vibes in a colorful, tropical-inspired setting.
Happiness Forgets
0.8 km
Discover expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy, candlelit basement bar with a welcoming no-standing policy in the heart of Hoxton Square.
Discount Suit Company
0.9 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Shoreditch
0.9 km
Experience East London's vibrant nightlife with inventive cocktails and bold Japanese-inspired art at The Cocktail Club Shoreditch.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
