Only in the City of London

We spoke to City Guide John Gibson about this fascinating area of London.

What is a unique musical experience you can recommend in the City of London?

There is a lot of music in the City mainly in churches and the Barbican. When the City of London Festival is on, you can also hear music in London's unique Livery Company halls and in the open air. The festival features music from all over the world; classical and jazz, esoteric and accessible.

For a memorable moment, try the Cathedral Choir in St Paul's; it is a great chance to be in touch with England's unique tradition of sacred music performed to the highest standards. The evening service is at 5pm, everybody is welcome and all services are free.

Where – near the City of London – can you find London's most recognised landmark?

There are many buildings that can claim to be the City's most recognised landmark; St Paul's Cathedral designed in the 17th century, The Royal Exchange from the 19th century, The Gherkin from the 21st century. My favourite is the Victorian engineering masterpiece Tower Bridge, a symbol of London the world over. Inside its gothic towers, an exhibition explains its history, while its high-level walkways provide spectacular views of the Thames and the City.

What unique cultural experience can the City of London offer visitors?

The Barbican has galleries, theatres, cinemas, a concert hall and is home to the London Symphony Orchestra. The Barbican delivers international programmes of theatre and dance, its cinemas screen independent and art house films as well as the latest blockbusters, and its galleries showcase contemporary art, architecture, design and photography. I particularly enjoy its selection of classical, contemporary, jazz and world music

Where do you recommend for a unique view in the City of London ?

I have enjoyed spectacular views from a number of buildings in the City, but I would recommend The Monument. It's open to the public, it has a tremendous view, it's a very interesting historic building and it has just been refurbished. There are 311 steps to the top, but it's worth it.

Where in the City would you go for a unique educational experience?

There are six museums on the City including my favourite, Museum of London. I also recommend the Bank of England Museum to visitors. It is small, has good audio-visual and interactive displays and you can even handle a gold bar, although they won't let you take it home with you!

Where in the City of London can you see famous Victorian paintings and step into the arena where gladiators fought at the same time?

Guildhall Art Gallery displays well-known Victorian paintings including Pre-Raphaelite paintings, but check too for their excellent temporary exhibitions. Try to go on a Friday when there are free tours of the gallery. Almost every year, there's a new and exciting find from Roman London. Under the art gallery is one you can actually walk into: Roman London's amphitheatre, discovered in 1988.  

What unique event in the City of London are you most looking forward to this year?

The City has an annual cycle of unique civic pageantry, second only to the Crown. The Lord Mayor's Show is the annual highlight which has been going for around 700 years and is a very public reminder of the City's rich history. The Lord Mayor travels in his priceless ornate 18th-century state coach in a procession several miles long. The day includes an RAF flypast and free guided walks after the procession to take you to the fireworks. It's great fun; something the whole family can enjoy.

What hidden gems can you only find in the City of London?

There are countless unexpected treasures in the City, the oldest probably being a Babylonian tablet in the garden of the church of St Vedast Foster Lane, but Museum of London has a truly remarkable collection. The museum has the remains of a Roman temple that once stood in the City, blackened floor tiles from the Great Fire and, of course, the Cheapside Hoard – the largest collection of Elizabethan and Jacobean jewellery to be found anywhere in the world.