Whether you're seeking a leisurely day out with family to keep the kids entertained, a moment of respite for busy City workers to lunch or socialize after work, or a fun-filled afternoon for adventurous tourists, the City of London offers an array of experiences as the weekend kicks off.
Dive into our guide to Fridays in the City of London and explore some of the top activities and attractions that await you.
Active and curious Fridays in the City of London
Swing into January and February on Fridays in the City! Whether you’re up for an architecture talk, a lunchtime concert, or ballroom dancing, you'll beat the winter blues in the Square Mile. Here are some ideas to consider, paid for and free:
- Dance at the Bishopsgate Institute: put on your dancing shoes for Swing Den (Friday 6 February), a social dance especially for beginners, or Queer Tango (Friday 6 February).
- Join a free architecture talk at The London Centre every Friday to explore London from new perspectives, around the impressive NLA London Model: a large-scale, detailed representation of central London.
- Attend a cooking masterclass at the Gordon Ramsay Academy (22 Bishopsgate) to cook and bake like a chef: learn the secrets behind a great steak, pasta, or beef wellington. Cooking classes also take place during the week and on weekends.
- Enjoy one of the LSO's Free Friday Lunchtime Concerts for a bite-size, informal concert from small groups of London Symphony Orchestra or Guildhall School musicians. Make lunch time musical!
- Discover a 300-year-old hidden gem in the Square Mile, and make the most of your Friday afternoon with half-price Fridays at Dr Johnson’s House. Step inside the home of Samuel Johnson, creator of the first comprehensive English dictionary, and uncover captivating stories about his life, his work, and London in the 18th century.
- Head to Boxhall City for the Friday Latin Social Night: start with the warmup class (salsa/Bachata/Afro/Kizomba) between 7 and 8pm to shake off the work week, and then enjoy non-stop, full social dancing until late, with a fiery mix of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Reggaeton, Reparto and more. All levels are welcome.
- Attend one of the Guildhall School Masterclasses: free of charge, open to all and with no booking required, they are a unique opportunity to witness exceptional Guildhall performers being coached by renowned visiting musicians. Next session: Piano Masterclass with Craig Sheppard (Friday 20 February).
- Join a Wren in the City walking tour with Open City and discover Christopher Wren's architectural legacy in the Square Mile (Friday 6 February). You will wind our way through the City’s streets and alleyways, finishing at Wren’s masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral, with tour guide and researcher, Jessie French.
- Explore the Dark Side of the City over a guided walk with the City of London Guides. You will learn about the gruesome history that is written in the stones of some of today’s well-known buildings. Tour starts at the City Information Centre, opposite St Paul’s, on Fridays at 11am. Advance booking is needed.
Swing dance at Bishopsgate Institute
Friday Lunchtime Ideas in the City of London
Make the most of your midday break with these inviting options:
- Dine al fresco in one of the City’s beautiful gardens.
- Join a free lunchtime talk at The London Centre and explore the historical and physical development of London.
- Indulge in a Michelin Star hot chocolate at Rosslyn Coffee (at The Royal Exchange, Tower 42, London Wall, Queen Victoria) - a cosy treat to warm up your afternoon.
- Enjoy afternoon tea at one of the City’s many unique venues.
- Visit Dr Johnson’s House, tucked away in the historic courts and alleys off Fleet Street.
- Take a self-guided tour of the City of London.
Finsbury Circus Gardens in The City of London.
After 5pm on Fridays in the City of London
Whether you're grabbing a bite or raising a glass to the weekend, the City offers a vibrant mix of dining, drinks, and outdoor spaces to unwind and explore.
- St Clare Coffee and Bar transforms into a golden-hour hideaway every Wednesday to Friday from 5pm, inside Canopy by Hilton London City.
- 14 Hills rooftop bar is the perfect place to start your evening with lush greenery, great food, and live DJs to set the mood every Friday.
- Fortnum’s Bar and Restaurant at the Royal Exchange offers elegant dining in a stunning setting.
- City of London Distillery hosts gin tours and tastings every Friday and Saturday - perfect for curious connoisseurs.
- Eastcheap Records, just steps from Monument Station, has live music, cocktails, and good vibes every night of the week.
- RIO AFTER DARK at SAMBAROOM brings Brazilian flair with afro-house beats, live percussion, and dancers.
- THE DROP at BOXHALL City kicks off at 8:30pm with live music, DJ sets, and exclusive drinks offers.
- Head to one of the many rooftop bars and restaurants in the City of London.
- Explore the City of London's historic and traditional pubs.
Sunset Sessions at St Clare Coffee and Bar.
Friday Activities for Groups in the City of London
For those who love a bit of action with their evening plans:
- F1 Arcade features 60 full-motion racing simulators, delicious food, and cocktails - an immersive Formula 1® social gaming experience.
- Puttshack reinvents mini-golf with tech-infused courses, great food, and a lively atmosphere.
- Axeperience, Europe’s top-rated axe throwing venue, lets you unleash your inner lumberjack with thrilling lanes and budget-friendly options.
- Bishopsgate Institute offers dance classes and social events - from Swing Den to Queer Tango, there’s something for every style.
- Clays Bar combines indoor clay target action on giant 4K screens with delicious food, cocktails, and a vibrant post-game party vibe.
- Dabbers Social Bingo, the UK’s first contemporary bingo hall, features comedians, performers, live music, craft beers, and tasty bites.
- Right opposite St Paul’s, Fairgame’s new location in One New Change brings 12 exclusive games (including the world’s biggest indoor hook-a-duck) plus street food from Burger & Beyond, Alby’s Pizza, and Le Bab making it the ultimate grown-up playground.
- Enigma Quests is home to Escape Arcade™, three exciting escape rooms and the immersive cocktail bar, Beyond the Web where you can stop by for a post-puzzle refreshment. Escape Arcade™ is a brand-new concept that recreates the individual challenges of an escape room in a casual, yet competitive atmosphere.
© Puttshack
Friday Culture Fix in the City of London
Explore the City’s rich heritage and cultural gems:
- Guildhall Art Gallery offers free guided tours every Friday at 12:15pm and 1:15pm led by official City Guides.
- Barbican Centre is a cultural hub with theatres, galleries, concert halls, cinemas, a conservatory, library, restaurants, and a lakeside oasis.
- St Paul’s Cathedral, Wren’s architectural masterpiece, invites you to explore the Crypt, climb the Dome, and walk in the footsteps of royalty.
- London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE showcases the Roman Temple of Mithras and fascinating artefacts from recent excavations.
- London’s Roman Amphitheatre reveals the dramatic history of gladiators, wild animals, and public spectacles.
- City of London Guides offer two Friday walking tours: The Dark Side of the City at 11am (murder, riots, and fires) and City Highlights at 2pm (top 10 must-see sights).
- Visit the Bank of England Museum, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. Test your strength by picking up a gold bar, and discover why the building is on top of one of the world's largest stores of gold.
Family-Friendly Fridays in the City of London
Turn Friday into a fun family day out with these exciting options:
- Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience brings a Martian invasion to life with VR, AR, holograms, and immersive theatre.
- F1 Arcade lets kids and adults race like champions in thrilling simulators.
- Tower Bridge offers panoramic views from the Walkways and a peek into the historic Engine Rooms - 125 years of history waiting to be discovered.
- Paternoster Square features larger-than-life animal statues.
First-Time Visitors on a Friday in the City of London
New to the City? These iconic experiences are sure to impress:
- Horizon 22 is Europe’s highest free public viewing platform - don’t miss the breathtaking views.
- Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden, offers bars, restaurants, live music, and DJ sets at sunset.
- Leadenhall Market is a historic gem with boutiques, cafes, and striking architecture dating back to the 14th century.
- Discover Roman Ruins in the City of London.
Courtesy of Horizon 22.
Got a regular Friday event in The City of London that you think should feature? Email tourism@cityoflondon.gov.uk