Fish Street Hill, Historic Gateway to London Bridge
Historic street leading to London Bridge, shadowed by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, blending centuries of London’s history.
Fish Street Hill is a historic street in the City of London, running from Lower Thames Street to Monument Street. Once a bustling thoroughfare leading to the original London Bridge, it has roots tracing back to Roman times and medieval fish markets. Today, it stands near the Monument to the Great Fire of London, blending rich history with modern office developments in the heart of London’s financial district.
A brief summary to Fish St Hill
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the nearby Monument to the Great Fire of London and consider climbing its 311 steps for panoramic city views.
- Explore Gracechurch Street and Lower Thames Street to experience the surrounding historic City of London streets.
- Look for the architectural contrast between modern office buildings and historic landmarks such as St Magnus the Martyr church.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
London Underground
Take the London Underground to Monument Station, served by the Circle and District lines. The station is approximately a 5-minute walk from Fish Street Hill. Trains run frequently, with fares starting around £2.50 using contactless payment or Oyster card.
-
Bus
Several London bus routes, including routes 15 and 17, stop near Monument Station on Lower Thames Street, about a 5-minute walk to Fish Street Hill. Buses run every 10-15 minutes during the day. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment with fares around £1.75.
-
Walking
From London Bridge Station, it is a 15-minute walk to Fish Street Hill via scenic routes along the Thames. The terrain is paved and accessible, suitable for most travelers.
Fish St Hill location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Fish St Hill
Ancient Origins and Roman Legacy
Fish Street Hill follows the line of a Roman road that led north from the original wooden London Bridge, marking it as one of the oldest thoroughfares in London. This route was pivotal for trade and travel, connecting the south bank of the Thames with the City. The street’s early name, ‘Bridge Street,’ reflects its direct link to the bridge, which was the only crossing over the Thames for centuries.Medieval Market Hub and Name Evolution
By the early 14th century, Fish Street Hill became known as ‘New Fish Street’ after the fishmongers relocated their market here from near Queenhithe Dock. This distinguished it from the ‘Old Fish Street’ nearby, which also had a significant fish market. The street bustled with shops and market activity, serving as a vital commercial artery leading to London Bridge. Over time, the name evolved to Fish Street Hill, first recorded in 1568.The Great Fire and the Monument’s Shadow
Fish Street Hill lies adjacent to the Monument to the Great Fire of London, erected between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the devastating fire of 1666 that started near Pudding Lane. The Monument, a 202-foot Doric column topped with a gilded urn of fire, stands at the junction of Fish Street Hill and Monument Street. The street itself was part of the original route down to Old London Bridge and witnessed the city’s rebuilding and transformation after the fire.19th Century Changes and Traffic Realignment
The opening of the new London Bridge in 1831 shifted traffic flow away from Fish Street Hill, as a new road, King William Street, was constructed to connect with the bridge. This bypass reduced the street’s prominence as a main thoroughfare, leaving it a quieter, narrower street lined with Victorian shops well into the 20th century. The awkward bend at its junction with Gracechurch Street remains a legacy of this realignment.Modern Developments and Urban Character
Since the 1970s, Fish Street Hill has been transformed by office developments, blending the historic street with modern architecture. While much of the original character has been replaced, the street retains its importance as part of the City of London’s financial district. Nearby landmarks include the church of St Magnus the Martyr and the Monument, offering a tangible connection to London’s layered history.Legacy and Cultural Significance
Fish Street Hill encapsulates centuries of London’s evolution—from Roman road to medieval market street, through disaster and renewal, to a modern urban environment. Its proximity to the Monument and London Bridge underscores its historical role as a gateway between the City and the south bank, making it a fascinating site for those interested in London’s rich past and dynamic present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.0 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Custom House
0.2 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
113 Cannon St
0.3 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.3 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Historic England
0.3 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
Cornhill Fountain
0.4 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.4 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Lloyd's of London
0.4 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.4 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.5 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Southwark Bridge
0.6 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
Trinity Square
0.6 km
Historic formal gardens honouring maritime sacrifice amid London's ancient heart and architectural grandeur.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.6 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.6 km
Medieval dual-nave church with 800+ years of history, royal relics, and remarkable resilience.
Trinity House
0.6 km
Five centuries of maritime heritage and seafarer welfare in a restored Georgian masterpiece.
Unmissable attractions to see
Pudding Ln
0.1 km
Pudding Lane: Historic street where the Great Fire of London ignited, shaping the city’s future and urban heritage.
Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr
0.1 km
A historic sanctuary at the foot of London Bridge, where centuries of faith and city life converge in a Baroque masterpiece.
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
0.2 km
Discover the whimsical Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture, a quirky landmark in London that showcases the city's creative spirit and vibrant history.
20 Fenchurch St
0.2 km
Iconic London skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie, featuring a stunning three-floor Sky Garden with panoramic city views and rooftop dining.
St Mary Abchurch
0.2 km
Discover the tranquility of St Mary Abchurch, a historic church designed by Sir Christopher Wren in London's financial district, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
0.2 km
Explore one of London’s best-preserved Roman private homes and bathhouses, revealing ancient luxury beneath the modern city streets.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
0.2 km
Explore the historic St Margaret Pattens in London, a serene church brimming with stunning architecture and rich history, perfect for a peaceful visit.
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
0.3 km
A peaceful historic garden oasis in the heart of London’s financial district, blending Gothic ruins with lush greenery and tranquil charm.
London Bridge
0.3 km
Discover the historic London Bridge, a stunning architectural marvel offering breathtaking views and a gateway to the heart of London's vibrant culture.
Lombard St
0.3 km
Discover Lombard Street, London’s medieval banking hub where historic signs and financial legacy meet in the heart of the City.
Change Alley
0.3 km
Historic passageway in London’s financial heart, where coffee houses sparked the birth of modern stock trading and commerce.
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
0.3 km
Historic Anglican church in London’s financial district, blending striking Baroque architecture with rich heritage and vibrant community life.
Leadenhall Market
0.3 km
Discover Leadenhall Market’s stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant heritage in the heart of London’s financial district.
St Michael Cornhill
0.3 km
Discover centuries of history, architecture, and music at St Michael Cornhill, a serene medieval church standing atop Roman London’s ancient basilica.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.4 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill offering seasonal classics and craft ales in a setting steeped in London's dramatic past.
Essential places to dine
14 Hills
0.4 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.6 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
George
0.7 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Madison
0.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Restaurant Story
1.0 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.0 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.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.5 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.6 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
St. John
1.6 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Lyle's
1.7 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.7 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.7 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Nomadic community
1.9 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Traders Gate
0.5 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
0.6 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Borough Yards
0.6 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
One New Change
0.8 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
0.9 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Middlesex Textiles
0.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.0 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.2 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Barbican Shop
1.2 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Spitalfields Market
1.3 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Commercial St
1.3 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Fashion St
1.3 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Sclater Street Market
1.4 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.4 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.5 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.1 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
0.3 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.5 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.7 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Moonshine Saloon
0.8 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
Nine Lives
0.8 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Bell
1.0 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Dirty Dicks
1.0 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.0 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Discount Suit Company
1.0 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.0 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Old School Yard
1.1 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Aviary
1.3 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.3 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
