Lombard Street: London's Historic Financial Heart
Step into Lombard Street, the historic financial artery of London where medieval banking roots meet modern finance in the heart of the City.
Lombard Street in London’s City is a narrow, historic street that has been the centre of British banking and finance since the 12th century. Named after the Lombard merchants from Northern Italy, it became the financial powerhouse of London, housing goldsmiths, bankers, and insurers. Today, it blends rich history with modern financial institutions and notable landmarks like the Gresham Grasshopper and St Edmund’s Church.
A brief summary to Lombard St
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Look for the famous Gresham Grasshopper sign at number 68, a symbol of Sir Thomas Gresham’s legacy.
- Visit nearby St Edmund, King and Martyr church to appreciate its Wren-designed architecture and banking community ties.
- Explore the surrounding Bank Junction area to discover other financial landmarks like the Bank of England Museum.
- Take a moment to imagine the street’s medieval atmosphere with its historic hanging signs and narrow lanes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central, Northern, or Waterloo & City lines to Bank Station, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to Lombard Street. The station is well-served with frequent trains, and the area is fully accessible. A single journey costs around £2.50 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including 8, 11, 23, and 26, stop near Bank Junction, a short walk from Lombard Street. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with fares starting at £1.75 using contactless payment. Note that traffic can affect journey times, especially during peak hours.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber can drop you directly at Lombard Street. Travel times vary depending on traffic but typically range from 10 to 25 minutes from central London locations. Expect fares starting around £10.
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Walking
If you are already in the City of London, walking to Lombard Street is convenient and enjoyable. The terrain is flat with paved streets, suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair users. Walking times vary but typically range from 10 to 20 minutes from nearby attractions like the Tower of London or St Paul’s Cathedral.
Lombard St location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Lombard St
Origins of London’s Banking Hub
Lombard Street traces its roots back to the 12th century when Lombard merchants from Northern Italy settled in London, introducing advanced banking practices to England. These enterprising traders established the street as the centre of finance, laying the foundations for what would become the City of London’s financial district. The street’s name itself honors these medieval pioneers who brought European banking innovations to the capital.Historic Financial Landmarks and Symbols
Throughout its history, Lombard Street has been home to many prominent banking firms and goldsmiths. Notable is the iconic 'Gresham Grasshopper' sign outside number 68, symbolizing Sir Thomas Gresham, a key financial adviser to Tudor monarchs and founder of the Royal Exchange. The street’s buildings often featured medieval-style hanging signs instead of numbers, reflecting the era’s trading culture. Nearby, the church of St Edmund, King and Martyr, rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, stands as a spiritual landmark for the banking community.The Evolution Through Centuries
By the 17th century, Lombard Street was regarded as the 'Wall Street' of London, hosting early incarnations of major banks like Barclays. The street also played a role in social history; for example, in the 1800s, Smith, Payne & Smiths Bank was located here, and its manager famously held a dinner party that influenced literary history. Over time, the street evolved but retained its financial prominence, with institutions like HSBC maintaining offices nearby well into the 20th century.Atmosphere and Modern-Day Character
Today, Lombard Street remains a narrow, bustling thoroughfare that combines its medieval heritage with contemporary financial activity. Visitors can glimpse historic architecture alongside modern offices, while the street’s quaint scale contrasts with the towering skyscrapers nearby. The area is rich with stories of merchants, bankers, and goldsmiths, evoking the sounds and scents of a bygone era when horse-drawn carriages and early commerce shaped London’s economy.Nearby Attractions and Cultural Context
Lombard Street is situated just off Bank Junction, placing it at the heart of London’s financial district. Nearby landmarks include the Bank of England Museum, the Royal Exchange, and historic churches such as All Hallows on the Wall. The street’s proximity to these sites offers visitors a deep dive into London’s financial and cultural heritage, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and finance aficionados alike.Legacy and Significance
Lombard Street’s legacy as a financial centre is enduring. It symbolizes the origins of modern banking in London and reflects centuries of economic development. The street’s historic signs, churches, and stories of influential bankers provide a tangible connection to the past, while its continued role in finance underscores its importance within the City. Lombard Street remains a living monument to London’s evolution as a global financial capital.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.1 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Cornhill Fountain
0.1 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
113 Cannon St
0.2 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.2 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.3 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Lloyd's of London
0.3 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
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.
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.
Custom House
0.5 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.5 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.5 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
0.6 km
Medieval survivor where Viking legend, plague history, and literary fame converge in a Gothic gem.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
0.6 km
Discover Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK, where rich history and stunning architecture meet in the heart of London.
Liverpool Street
0.6 km
Explore the vibrant heart of London at Liverpool Street Station, a historic transport hub with modern amenities and access to iconic attractions.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Change Alley
0.0 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
0.1 km
Historic Anglican church in London’s financial district, blending striking Baroque architecture with rich heritage and vibrant community life.
The Royal Exchange
0.1 km
A historic neoclassical landmark in London’s financial heart, blending centuries of commerce with luxury shopping and fine dining.
Royal Exchange
0.1 km
London’s historic Royal Exchange: a grand neoclassical hub where centuries of commerce and culture converge in the heart of the financial district.
St Michael Cornhill
0.1 km
Discover centuries of history, architecture, and music at St Michael Cornhill, a serene medieval church standing atop Roman London’s ancient basilica.
St Mary Abchurch
0.1 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.
Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
0.2 km
Historic crossroads where London’s financial legacy meets neoclassical grandeur and luxury shopping in the heart of the City.
Mansion House
0.2 km
Explore Mansion House, the grand Palladian residence of the Lord Mayor of London, rich with history, art, and ceremonial splendor.
Bank of England Museum
0.2 km
Explore over 300 years of British financial history and try lifting a real gold bar at this free, interactive museum in the heart of London’s financial district.
Threadneedle St
0.2 km
Discover Threadneedle Street, the historic financial artery of London, home to the Bank of England and centuries of economic heritage.
St Stephen Walbrook
0.2 km
Discover the serene beauty and historic grandeur of St Stephen Walbrook, Wren’s architectural gem with its iconic dome and modern artistic altar.
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
0.2 km
Discover the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras beneath Bloomberg’s headquarters in a captivating blend of archaeology, immersive art, and history in London’s heart.
1 Poultry
0.2 km
A striking postmodern landmark in London’s financial heart, blending bold design, rich history, and panoramic rooftop views.
Leadenhall Market
0.3 km
Discover Leadenhall Market’s stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant heritage in the heart of London’s financial district.
St Margaret Lothbury
0.3 km
Discover St Margaret Lothbury, a Baroque masterpiece by Christopher Wren nestled in London's financial heart, rich with history and exquisite woodwork.
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.
Madison
0.6 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.7 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.9 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.
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.
George
1.0 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Restaurant Story
1.3 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
St. John
1.3 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
1.4 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Lyle's
1.4 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
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.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.7 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.7 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
The Clove Club
1.7 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
One New Change
0.6 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Traders Gate
0.7 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
0.8 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Hay's Galleria
0.8 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
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.
Borough Yards
0.8 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.9 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Barbican Shop
0.9 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
1.1 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
1.1 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Fashion St
1.2 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.2 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.2 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Sclater Street Market
1.2 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Smithfield Market
1.2 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.2 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
0.3 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.6 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Moonshine Saloon
0.7 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.
Dirty Dicks
0.8 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.8 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.9 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Bell
0.9 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
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.
Aviary
1.0 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.1 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Nine Lives
1.1 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
Black Parrot
1.2 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.4 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
XOYO LONDON
1.4 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Hoxton Pony
1.5 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
London Best Night Clubs
1.6 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Trafik
1.7 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
E1
1.8 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Ministry of Sound
1.9 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.9 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
Proud Late
2.2 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Corsica Studios
2.3 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.3 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Carwash Nightclub
2.3 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.5 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
