Guildhall

The basics

London is a palimpsest, a city layered with history—few landmarks capture that better than Guildhall. The landmark is an architectural mishmash, with 15th-century walls, an 18th-century neo-Gothic entrance, and modern wings. Join a once-a-month tour to see inside the medieval wonder—highlights like the soaring Great Hall, host to the Lord Mayor’s Banquet since 1502. Guildhall stands on the remains of the Roman amphitheater and has the largest surviving medieval crypts in London.

Exploring the attached Guildhall Art Gallery and Guildhall Library is an excellent way to discover the landmark. Guildhall can also be seen from the outside on a number of London tours, including history- and architecture-themed walking tours, self-led audio tours, photography tours, and more.

Things to know before you go

• Guildhall is generally closed to the public, although the City of London hosts once-a-month tours of the landmark.

• To attend a tour at Guildhall, you must book in advance and pay in cash or check upon arrival.

• The Guildhall Art Gallery is free to visit and accessible to wheelchair users.

How to get there

Guildhall is located in the City of London at 71 Basinghall Street. It’s a few minutes on foot from Bank station (served by the Central, Northern, and Waterloo and City lines, and the DLR) and Moorgate station (served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and Northern lines, and Great Northern Line trains). Numerous bus lines also frequent the area, as do taxi and rideshare services.

When to get there

While Guildhall is closed to members of the public beyond its monthly tours, Guildhall Yard is open daily. The Guildhall Art Gallery is also open daily, from morning until late afternoon. The Guildhall Library is open Monday–Thursday from mid-morning to late afternoon.

Guildhall Art Gallery

The Guildhall Art Gallery is one of the best ways to experience the landmark. Following a renovation, the museum showcases a wide-ranging collection of art from the 17th to the 21st centuries. The museum also provides direct access to the ruins of the Roman amphitheater and hosts a range of temporary exhibitions.

Ways to explore

London is a city layered with history, and few landmarks capture that better than Guildhall. The landmark is an architectural mishmash, with 15th-century walls, an 18th-century neo-Gothic entrance, and modern wings. Visitors come here for monthly guided tours to explore its grand interiors, including the Great Hall, host to the Lord Mayor’s Banquet since 1502, and the remains of its Roman amphitheater. Guildhall can also be seen from the outside on a number of London tours, including history- and architecture-themed walking tours, self-guided audio tours, photography tours, and food tours too.

Accessibility

Guildhall offers step-free access with lifts to go between each floor, accessible restrooms, and a ramp to the Great Hall.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small bag, sealed plastic water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Smoking, touching or climbing on any artifacts or architectural features

Amenities

Coat check, Wi-Fi, event spaces, restrooms

Address

Guildhall is in the heart of the City of London, close to landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral. Most visitors arrive via public transit, with several Underground stations nearby, including Bank, St. Paul’s, and Moorgate.

Driving

Driving around the City of London can be challenging because of congestion charges, limited parking, and heavy traffic. Using public transportation or a rideshare app is much better, but if you drive there the nearest parking option is at London Wall.

Public transportation

Guildhall is a few minutes’ walk from Bank station (on the Central, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines, and the DLR) and Moorgate station (on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and Northern lines, as well as Great Northern mainline trains).

Best times to visit

Tour dates are limited—and are usually once a month. They typically take place at 11am.

Best days to visit

Thursday mornings are typically reserved for guided tours, but special events may occur on other days.

Best months to visit

London in the summer is fun for alfresco dining and exploring, so June through August can be great months to visit.

Special events

Beyond public tours, the adjoining Guildhall Art Gallery regularly hosts events such as themed family days and special exhibitions.