FeaturedJoin a dramatised walking tour of the City of London revealing the history of The East India Company in London from 1599 onwards
13.06.2026
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19.07.2026
The sun has accompanied our journey into July, and with it comes a huge range of exciting activities bringing life into the Square Mile.
From beer to sports, live events and music, we’ve got so much to offer you this month, so let’s get stuck in…
1. Explore the world of beer at City Beerfest (2 July)
The beloved City Beerfest returns on 2 July in the iconic setting of Guildhall Yard.
You can explore over 50 beers from 13 breweries, including Warsteiner Brauerei, Damm 1876 Ltd, McMullen’s and many more. There’ll be delicious street food, low and no-alcohol options, live music and a full day of festivities.
The best of all, it’s all in aid of charity! You can head down between 12.30–9pm, have a few beers, eat great food, and contribute to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal while doing so. It’s a win-win!
P.S. If you book before 1 July, you’ll save yourself 10% on beers and tickets, so grab your tickets now for an even greater deal.
2. Take in some culture with these galleries and exhibitions
The Square Mile is one of the best locations for art across London. With so much creativity crammed into a tiny space, you can satisfy your cultural itch by hopping between galleries which are all close to each other.
- Guildhall Art Gallery: Underground (and Surface) by Jock McFadyen and Jem Finer.
- Hypha Galleries 1, 2 & 3: Invasive Species, London’s Climate Story Bank and MonstrousCarbuncle.
- Barbican Art Gallery: Project a Black Planet.
- London Archives: Londoners on Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924, located just outside the City boundary in Clerkenwell.
- Guildhall Library: Broadsides: Speaking to the People.
- Whitechapel Gallery: Archaeology of Memory (Note, Whitechapel Gallery is just outside the City, but is only a very short walk from Aldgate Square).
- 99 Bishopsgate: (Extra)ordinary.
3. The World Cup is heating up, so get stuck in (Until 19 July)
The World Cup has taken the City by storm with every corner of the Square Mile screening games. We’re sure you’ve heard the screams of football fans on a late-night walk outside, so we’re highlighting some of the best spots you can join in the fun.
- Goldwood Sports Bar: A great sports bar located just around the corner from Guildhall.
- Balfour at Bow wine bar: Throwing some wine into the mix with this iconic spot next to St-Mary-Le-Bow Church, we’ve even spotted the TV in the garden on warm days.
- The Paternoster: Iconic spot just off of Fleet Street showing all the World Cup Matches.
- The Banker: Nestled in Bloomberg Arcade, this is a solid choice for the Bank/Cannon Street commuters.
- Boxhall: Bringing the vibes to the City is the iconic Box brand, showing the matches inside Boxhall with drinks and great food on offer too.
- Fanzone 4D at the Steelyard: Fanzone are taking over SteelYard to bring you right into the heart of the World Cup action.
- The Hydrant Sports Bar: Another grade A sports bar in the Square Mile, a sure pick to get into the action.
BOXHALL City
4. Make the most of your Summer in the City
From sipping cocktails with spectacular views to children’s fun across the Square Mile, the City truly comes alive in Summer. You’re invited to bask in the glory of a London summer in some of the most iconic spots around.
Check out our guide to Summer in the City to find all the best activities to keep you occupied in the coming months.
5. Become your own sportsperson at London Sports Festival
If you’re watching the World Cup and itching to get active yourself, London Sports Festival has returned with a host of sports across the City of London, including panna football.
Across July, you can take your hand to:
- Panna Football at the Crescent (throughout July)
- 3x3 Basketball in Paternoster Square (from 22 July)
- Pickleball at New Street Square (until 17 July)
Have a look through all the offerings on the London Sports Festival website to see the full details.
Padel Table Tennis by London Sports Festival outside Mansion House.
6. Take the little ones on a journey across the Summer Holidays
With the Summer Holidays fast approaching, it’s time to start planning those days out with the kids. Luckily, the City offers a huge range of free and paid events for a spectrum of ages.
- Second Saturday at Guildhall Art Gallery (12 July): Join Guildhall Art Gallery for their next day of creative fun.
- Pop Up Tower Bridge (11, 21 and 28 July): Create a pop-up card of Tower Bridge, aimed at those 6–10.
- Bank of England Museum Summer Holiday writing competition (across July): Bring along the children and inspire them to pen a piece of writing to enter this competition for 5–18 year olds.
- F1 Arcade: Get your game on, and bring those aged 7+ to F1 Arcade to get the adrenaline going on one of their racing simulators.
- Barbican Family Film Club (every Saturday): Start your child’s cinematic journey with weekly screenings and themed activities at the Barbican Cinemas.
- Artizan Library Rhyme Time (every Thursday): For those aged 0–5, rhyme time offers the tiny ones a chance to have fun and develop their literacy skills for free.
7. Join a uniquely City experience with Cart Marking (18 July)
With over 750 years of history, Cart Marking brings a range of unique vehicles into Guildhall Yard, where the Worshipful Company of Carmen will then mark in a special ceremony.
This tradition is a nod to a centuries-old process in which, once a licence was paid, a mark would be given to your cart to signify legality. Prices have gone up though, as licensing used to cost 5 shillings (25p in today's money), which is a lot less than the £850 road tax nowadays!
Vehicles are no longer limited to wooden carts, and on 18 July you can expect to see horse-drawn carriages, steam engines, fire engines, vans, ambulances, bicycles, removal vans, electric trucks and more.
8. Welcome the weekend with this Saturday morning rooftop yoga session (25 July)
The Skyline London are offering you the chance to kick off your weekend in style and grace with this rooftop yoga session.
Channel your inner zen, and head downstairs for a discounted breakfast with every ticket.
9. Explore the remains of Roman London at the Billingsgate Roman House and Baths (every Saturday)
Uncover 2,000 years of history on a tour of these incredible Roman remains. Head under the glass skyscrapers and discover a space that has survived fire, bombing and building.
Tours take place on Saturdays until November and are only £10 per ticket.
10. Enjoy a guided walk of the City
With daily options starting at the City Information Centre, you can join a guided tour on a range of topics, from Christopher Wren and Dickens to finance and architecture.
11. Get up high at Horizon 22
As the highest free viewing platform in the whole of London, Horizon 22 is a great spot to take in those sunset views of London. Tickets are free, and you’ll be whizzed up to the 58th floor in only 41 seconds.
They even host one-off events as the highest event space in London, including a Pride Silent Disco taking place on 3 July.
12. Pair history with fizz at Dr Johnson's House (26 July)
Enjoy some bubbles and pair it in a place of literary history as Dr Johnson’s House hosts their monthly Museum Lates. You’ll get a glass of prosecco and a short talk, then be invited to explore the house in your own time.
Dr Johnson's House in the City of London.
13. Take in the river breeze at The Westin City's Waterfront pop-up (Wednesday to Sunday)
Perfect for those relaxed summer afternoons and evenings, the Westin London City are inviting you to take in the Waterfront breeze on their riverside pop-up.
With cocktails, wines and beers, grab some friends, take a meeting outside the office or head for a moment alone and enjoy the hospitality.
14. Explore London's past, present and future at The London Centre (every Friday and every other Saturday)
If you’re yet to venture into The London Centre, you’re missing out on a treat! With two HUGE scale models of London, you’ll be thrown into the midst of Greater London and the Square Mile’s architectural foundations.
It’s free to visit between Tuesday and Saturday, but on Fridays at lunchtime (and every other Saturday), they host free model talks where a member of the team will walk you through London’s history using the models.
Free lunchtime talks take place every Friday at the London Centre.
15. Jump into Leadenhall Live at The Cheesegrater (until 16 July)
Leadenhall Live has returned for its second year as a celebration of culture, creativity and community. Taking over the space outside the Leadenhall Building, you can get involved in anything from fitness classes and wine tasting to panel talks and live music.
16. Take home something to keep forever at Leadenhall Market (11 and 26 July)
Twice a month, the legendary Leadenhall Market turns into one of the hottest shopping destinations across London. On 11 July SoLo Craft Fair will be bringing their wares of homemade goods from independent artists and makers, while on 26 July the vintage furniture & flea market invites you to take home something you’ll never want to throw away.
Leadenhall Market's Vintage and Flea Market
17. Join in the London Pride celebrations at Pride on the Plaza (1 July)
For one day only, and for the first time ever, Bishopsgate Plaza is turning into a huge space to celebrate Pride in London. You’re in for morning yoga, panel talks, a huge party, and of course, a great after-party into the early hours.
You can see the full programme, book spots, and enter the raffle on the Pan Pacific website.
18. Pair your Thursday nights with wine at Vinoteca City (every Thursday)
This Summer, your Thursday evenings will be soundtracked by outdoor DJs alongside some great Sauvignon Blanc and oysters.
Vinoteca City are offering live entertainment, and a great deal on pairing good wine with Jersey oysters. You’ve always got endless choices for a City Thursday night, and now that choice is even harder!
