A train station in the centre of London’s financial district might not be the first place you think to visit on a trip to London. However, there are so many things to do near Liverpool Street Station, it might just surprise you.
Having spent the best part of the last 25 years commuting to work through Liverpool Street Station, it feels more than a little strange to be writing a post about it.
However, recently a friend asked me what there was to do around the station. While I was sharing some ideas, it struck me just how many of London’s top attractions are within walking distance of Liverpool Street Station.
Something you don’t really notice each day when you are rushing through to get to the office.
So, although Liverpool Street is perhaps not the first place you’d think to head to on a visit to London, it really is a great starting point to see some of London’s iconic landmarks.
It is also in the heart of The City of London, the world’s top global financial district. I’m probably a bit biased having worked there for over a decade but it is a fantastic place to spend some time and have a wander around.
During the week it is a hive of activity with city workers going about their business. Cafes, coffee shops and the odd pub providing much needed refreshments and a brief respite from the pressure of work.
At the weekend, it’s hard to believe it’s the same place. Although The City is not quite the ghost town it used to be on weekends, it is still much quieter.
Over half a million people commute into The City for work. So once they’ve all gone home, it is a good opportunity to explore without the busyness of the working week.
It makes it much easier to look at some of the amazing architecture and soak up the incredible history of this part of London without hoards of people running to their next meeting, grabbing their lunch or rushing to the train station.
In this post, I share some of the things to do around Liverpool Street as well as inside the station itself.
This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission.
A little bit about Liverpool Street Station
Liverpool Street Station is Britain’s third business railway, with 64 million passengers passing through each year.
The station opened in 1874 on the site of the original Bethlem Royal Hospital, England’s first psychiatric hospital.
It is the gateway to London for Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Train companies that serve Liverpool Street include Greater Anglia and TFL.
The Stansted Express also arrives into Liverpool Street, providing a link between the airport and London.
There is a London Underground station and interchange. Tube lines that pass through are the Central Line, Hammersmith and City Line and the Metropolitan Line
The newly opened Elizabeth Line also passes through Liverpool Street.
Fun fact | Liverpool Street is just one of four railway stations in the British version of Monopoly
Things to do in Liverpool Street Station
While you don’t want to spend too much time in the station itself there are a couple of things worth having a look at before exploring the surrounding area.
Great Eastern Railway War Memorial
By the Old Broad Street entrance/exit on the upper level, there is a memorial dedicated to Great Eastern Railway (GER) staff who lost their lives in World War I.
1,100 names are listed on the large marble plaque. Underneath are two smaller memorials. One is for Sir Henry Wilson, who was killed shortly after unveiling the Great Eastern Railway War Memorial in 1922. The second is for Captain Charles Fryatt, who worked for GER and was executed by the German army in 1916.
The memorials were originally located in the booking hall of the station but were moved to their current spot as part of the station redevelopment in the 1990s.
Kindertransport Memorials
In the months leading up to World War II, around 10,000 children were relocated to Great Britain from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland for their safety.
Many of the children travelled to the Netherlands where they boarded ferries to Harwich. From there, they were taken by train to Liverpool Street Station to meet the families or organizations that would be looking after them.
Two sculptures in the station commemorate this rescue mission and the part Liverpool Street played in it.
Fur das Kind
(created by Flor Kent)
Located under the meeting point on the station concourse, just by the main London Underground booking hall, is a sculpture of two children. A young girl standing and a boy sitting down with a suitcase next to them.
It’s easy to miss with people using the area as a meeting point and darting in and out of the entrance to the tube.
The Arrival
(Created by Frank Meisler)
On the forecourt outside the station by the Old Broad Street entrance is a large bronze sculpture of five children with their suitcases. Poignantly one girl is holding her teddy bear.
The sculpture, Frank Meisler, has a personal experience of Kindertransport having been evacuated to London himself.
Shopping
There are a few shopping areas in and around the station. So, before you start exploring you can pick up some refreshments or any last-minute supplies.
Over the last few years, the station has undergone a bit of redevelopment with the arrival of Crossrail and the Elizabeth line. As well as new entrances and exits to the station, the shopping area has been improved.
On the ground level, there are various coffee and snack places, a newsagent and a large chemist. There are also a few lifestyle-type shops.
On the upper level, there are more food outlets, a hairdressers and more shops.
Just outside the Bishopsgate entrance, there is a large Wetherspoon pub, Hamilton Hall. There is also some outside seating here. However, it can get very busy, particularly if there are delays on the trains or there is a big sporting event in London.
At the other end of the station, outside the Old Broad Street entrance, you’ll find another pub, The Railway Tavern.
If you don’t mind a walk, there are a few shopping areas not too far away.
Wander down Bishopsgate towards Monument and you’ll find a few big high street names such as Marks and Spencers and New Look. There are also lots of places to grab a drink and bite to eat.
You’ll also pass Leadenhall Market which has a mix of independent and high street stores.
A little further afield is One New Change. This is about a 20 minute walk and has variety of well known brands on offer.
Things to do around Liverpool Street
I walk everywhere in The City. Nothing is really more than 20 minutes away so by the time you get on and off the tube, you may well have walked.
You can explore a lot more on foot and often come across places you wouldn’t have seen if you went underground. Plus really who wants to be stuck on a crowded tube?
I’ve split this guide to things to do near Liverpool Street into sections depending on how long it takes to walk there.
Whether you want to walk for just a few minutes or don’t mind a 20-minute stroll, there will be something to do or see in the area.
At a glance the main attractions near Liverpool Street include
- Bank of England
- Gherkin
- Guildhall
- Monument
- Royal Exchange
- Sky Garden
Within 5 minutes of Liverpool Street Station
Eataly
A relatively new addition to the Liverpool Street area is Eataly, a huge Italian food market, restaurant and bar.
With three restaurants and bars, it’s the perfect spot for a bite to eat before exploring the area.
I’m kind of glad it wasn’t open when I worked nearby as I suspect I would have been in there every day. It is amazing.
They offer a wide range of products to buy, including all the ingredients they cook with. So if you loved your meal or snack there, you can attempt to recreate it for yourself at home.
Broadgate & Broadgate Circle
Just outside the station, through the arcade of retail outlets (currently being redeveloped and opening towards the end of the year) is Broadgate.
A few yards away, in Broadgate Circle are a selection of bars and restaurants. So if you want to brunch, have dinner, or just have a quick drink there are plenty of options here.
It’s a great spot but can get very busy, particularly in the summer. We city workers like a drink after work!
Also, part of the Broadgate complex and just behind the station is Exchange Square.
This area has recently been redeveloped and now features a 1.5-acre landscaped park with a mix of trees, plants and a water feature.
The amphitheatre-style seating, a good spot to sit with friends and a drink from one of the nearby bars, has been spruced up.
In the past, there used to be a big screen where you could watch Wimbledon and other sporting events.
All in all, it is a great place to catch up with friends or work colleagues and escape the commotion of The City.
Heron Tower
It’s easy to forget the Heron Tower, or the Salesforce Tower to give it its official name, is a fairly new addition to London’s skyline. Standing at 230 meters high it is the tallest skyscraper in The City and the fifth-largest in London.
While it is predominantly an office block – there are 36 floors of private offices – there are two bars and restaurants at the top that are open to the public
As with most sky-high bars and restaurants you’ll pay a premium but the views are well worth it.
Duck and Waffle
Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, Duck and Waffle is London’s highest 24-hour restaurant.
The food served here is British cuisine but with a European influence and many dishes are designed to be shared. The menu includes breakfast, all-day (and night) dining and a weekend brunch.
And don’t worry if you are hungry when you arrive, it takes just 40 seconds to reach the top of the building.
Sushi Samba
Up on the 38th and 39th floors you’ll find the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe at Sushi Samba.
The main dining room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of London’s skyline while dining.
Dishes from Brazil, Peru and Asia are served alongside some creative cocktails.
Finsbury Circus Gardens
At the first sign of summer, you’ll see many city workers take their lunch outside in any space (green or otherwise) that they can find.
Finsbury Circus Gardens is the largest public open space in The City. The large green garden, with seating around the edge, is quiet and tranquil, a marked contrast to the busy city life going on all around it
Over the last decade or so the gardens have been mostly off-limits due to the construction of Crossrail. However, now with the Elizabeth line open and the construction project coming to a finish, the gardens have made a welcome return as an open space for all to use.
Petticoat Lane market
One of London’s most famous markets is a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Station.
However, you won’t find Petticoat Lane in your A-Z. The reference to undergarment was considered too racy by the Victorians so they changed the name to Middlesex Street. Not sure if that is any less racy but hey ho.
The famous fashion, textile and leather goods market is open on Sundays between 9am and 3pm and spills over into a number of surrounding streets
A smaller market is open the rest of the week, mainly centred around Wentworth Street.
Within 10 minutes of Liverpool Street Station
Leadenhall Market
One of the things that fascinate me about The City of London is that almost everywhere you look you can find a reference to the past.
The beautiful Leadenhall Market is the perfect example of that. Once the centre of Roman London, the site is still a hive of activity today.
The market dates back to the 14th century, starting out as a poultry and game market. Over the years it has seen a lot of changes and even survived the Great Fire of London.
The current structure, made from wrought iron and glass, dates back to 1881. It still looks spectacular!
These days the market is home to boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and a pub (where it seems pretty much all The City decamps in the lead-up to Christmas.)
Leadenhall Market is also often used as a film location, mostly notable in the Harry Potter movies so if you are a fan or film buff, you may feel like you’ve been there before.
The Gherkin (30 St Mary’s Axe)
30 St Mary’s Axe, or the Gherkin as it’s more commonly known as, is one of London’s most distinctive skyscrapers.
Designed by one of Britain’s leading architects, Sir Norman Foster, it is a widely recognised example of contemporary architecture.
Standing at 180m tall, the building is mostly private office space. However, there is a bar and restaurant at the top which is open to the public.
During the construction, the body of a Roman woman was discovered. She was removed and taken to the Museum of London. Once the building was completed she was returned and buried at the foot of the tower.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit The Gherkin a few times, both for work and to meet friends and it really is an impressive building and the bar at the top is fabulous. I’d recommend a visit for a drink and to enjoy the view over The City.
If you would like to visit, then booking a meal at the restaurant or drinks in the Iris Bar is your best way. You can find more at Searcy at The Gherkin.
The Leadenhall Building
The Leadenhall Building is another one of London’s distinctive private office blocks but it is worth going to take a look at it when exploring The City due to its unusual design.
When it was being designed, one of the planning requirements was that it didn’t spoil the views of other major landmarks in The City including St Paul’s Cathedral.
So, that is why it looks like half of it has been sliced off.
It is known to most Londoners as The Cheesegrater thanks to its resemblance to one.
Bank of England
The grand building of the Bank of England, the UK’s central bank, is an imposing presence on Threadneedle Street.
Tucked away in the side of the building is a free museum that takes you through 300 years of the bank’s history and explains what the bank does today and how this affects us.
Royal Exchange
Over the road, you’ll notice another grand building, The Royal Exchange.
Originally founded as a centre of commerce for The City of London in the 16th century, the building that is on the site now is the third to stand there.
Today, the Royal Exchange is filled with high-end shops, bars and restaurants.
The steps outside and forecourt are a favourite spot for city workers to take a lunchtime break.
Guildhall
The spectacular Guildhall is the centre of government in The City of London and home to the corporation that looks after The City.
The site is also home to London’s Roman amphitheatre, somewhat amazingly only discovered in 1988 hidden beneath the yard.
You can visit the amphitheatre for free and there are guided tours on selected dates.
St Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate
Standing in the shadow of The Gherkin, St Helen’s Bishopgate is the largest surviving parish church in The City of London.
The gothic-style church, a striking contrast to the surrounding modern buildings, is packed with history and contains more monuments than any other church in Greater London.
It survived the Great Fire of London and the Blitz in World World II. It was damaged in 1992 and 1993 when two IRA bombs were set off nearby.
However, the church was restored and today continues to serve the local community and city workers.
Fun fact: It was William Shakespeare’s local church when he lived in the area in the 1590s.
The Ned
Set in what was once the Midland Bank building just off Bank junction, The Ned is now a boutique hotel and members club.
The grand banking hall is now home to 10 restaurants and bars serving food and drinks from around the world.
It’s a great place to catch up with friends or have an after-work drink but it can get very busy. So keep that in mind if you decided to pop in.
Lloyds of London
Home to the world’s leading insurance market, the Lloyds building is instantly recognisable by having its insides on the outside.
While the original building here was demolished for the current one, the entrance was preserved and is now a facade at the front. If you look closely you can see how it seems like it has been stuck on the newer building.
St Stephen Walbrook
Tucked away, not too far from Bank tube station, is St Stephen Walbrook.
If you feel like the dome is familiar, you’d be right. After the previous church on the site was destroyed in the Great Fire of London, it was rebuilt with Sir Christopher Wren involved in the redevelopment.
It is said that this dome design was a forerunner for the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral not too far down the road.
Shoreditch
Behind Liverpool Street Station, you’ll find Shoreditch. Home to trendy cafes, popular bars and creative street art, there is always a bit of a buzz in this area.
Spitalfields & Old Spitalfields Market
Just round the corner from Liverpool Street is Spitalfields, a vibrant area of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Old Spitalfields Market is a historic covered market selling a variety of goods including food, arts and craft and clothes.
Open seven days a week, this is a great place to lose an hour or two in The city.
Within 15 minutes of Liverpool Street Station
Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is a performing arts venue, with two theatres, three cinemas, two art galleries and a concert hall.
Once voted London’s ugliest building (harsh but possibly fair), it is widely considered to be one of The city’s best examples of the Brutalist style of architecture.
Don’t let that put you off though, it runs a diverse programme of events throughout the year. From concerts by some of the world’s best musicians to exhibitions by international artists, there is always something worth checking out.
Sky Garden
Sitting pretty at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street in the heart of The city, is the Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden.
Known to most Londoners as the ‘Walkie Talkie’ due to its uncanny resemblance to one, it is a great place to sip a drink while enjoying a spectacular panoramic view over London.
There are two floors of landscaped gardens that bloom all year round, with a bar on each. The Sky Pod on the lower level and City Garden on the upper level.
You can also dine up here, high above The city. Darwin is an all-day brasserie while Fenchurch offers contemporary fine dining.
Perhaps, the best bit about the Sky Garden, other than the amazing view, is that it is totally free to visit.
It can get very busy though, so it’s best to book a ticket in advance. Tickets are released every Monday.
They do occasionally accept walk-ins but there is no guarantee of this. I’ve only managed to walk in a handful of times in all the years it’s been open.
If you really want to visit make sure you book in advance otherwise you might be disappointed.
The Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street
If you can’t get into the Sky Garden, another great option is The Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street.
It is just down the road and while it may not be as tall it is London’s largest public rooftop space, it is still a nice spot.
The garden has four different areas with a water feature, seating and a hut for refreshments. So if you are a caffeine addict you can grab a coffee while enjoying the view.
One floor below, there is a bar and restaurant. 14 Hills serves brunch, lunch and dinner that showcases the best of British.
St Dunston in the East
Set in the ruins of a Sir Christopher Wren-designed church, St Dunston in the East is a little bit of calm in The city.
With trees and greenery climbing over the ruins, it’s a great place to escape the weekday hustle and bustle of The city (I did quite often when working nearby).
Originally built around 1100, the church was damaged in the Great Fire of London and again in the Blitz during World War II. The tower and steeple survived the bombing but it was decided not to rebuild the church.
Instead, The City of London turned what remained into a public garden.
Often referred to as one of London’s hidden gems, the secret is well and truly out these days, it’s recently become popular as an Instagram backdrop.
One New Change
I always thought there was a lack of shops in The city. Sure there were stores here and there but no one destination to head to for a bit of retail therapy.
So, it was a great day in The city when One New Change opened (for me at least).
As well as bringing many of the UK’s best-loved high street brands and restaurants under one roof, it has a free public roof terrace that provides a brilliant view of St Paul’s Cathedral.
There is also a bar and restaurant up here so you can really take your time and enjoy the views while sipping a drink or two.
St Magnus the Martyr
Despite working in The city for many years, it was only recently that I discovered that St Magnus the Martyr is where the old London Bridge was.
Like many of the churches in The city, it has an interesting history.
Standing less than 300 yards from where the Great Fire of London started, the church was destroyed in the fire. It was rebuilt under the supervision of Sir Christopher Wren.
Two stones from the Old London Bridge are in the churchyard along with a piece of wood said to be part of an old Roman Wharf dating from 75AD.
There is a replica model of the old London Bridge inside the church.
Museum of London
The Museum of London has recently closed its city base in preparation for a new museum in West Smithfield. As this won’t open until 2026, you’ll have to head over to their other site in London Docklands.
I’ve left it in here as it truly a wonderful museum and well worth popping over to Docklands if you can.
The Museum of London tells the story of The City from before it was London to the present day.
From Roman London to the Great Fire to the swinging 60s, and more recently the London 2012 Olympics, the museum takes you through London’s fascinating past.
I feel this museum gets a little overshadowed by some of its more famous relatives over in South Kensington but this really is one of the best museums in London.
It tells the absorbing story of London in an incredibly engaging way.
Within 20 minutes of Liverpool Street Station
The Monument
Most city workers probably don’t give this tall white column much thought as they exit Monument station and head to their offices. I know I walked past it countless times while working in The city and hardly ever gave it a second glance.
Yet, The Monument has a fascinating history and gives spectacular panoramic views across London, all for a little more than a fiver.
Built to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of The City, the column is the tallest single stone column in the world.
It stands at 202ft tall, which if you turned it on its side would reach the spot in Pudding Mill Lane where the Great Fire is believed to have started.
Inside the narrow column, are 311 steps which take you to a viewing platform 160ft above London.
A nice touch is that when you return to ground level, you are given a little certificate to say you have climbed to the top.
London Mithraeum
Less than 10 minutes away from The Monument you can step even further back in time and discover some Roman history at the London Mithraeum.
The temple, dedicated to the Roman God Mithras, was uncovered in 1954 during some building work a few hundred yards away. The remains were relocated and recreated in Bloomberg’s European HQ.
Many artefacts are on display including the earliest handwritten document in Britain and fragments of Roman writing tablets (an early version of the iPad I guess).
The London Mithraeum is free to visit so if you are in the area it is well worth your time to take a look. It is a captivating look at part of London’s history.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Sitting on the highest point in The City of London, St Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
Steeped with history the Cathedral is still a working church today. As well as regular services, Royal Weddings, State Funerals and National Services of Thanksgiving are often held here.
The ground St Paul’s stands on was consecrated in 604AD and the present cathedral is the fourth church to be built on the site.
The previous church was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt over 50 churches in The City of London after the fire, however, St Paul’s Cathedral is widely considered to be his masterpiece.
At 364ft high (111 meters), the dome is one of the largest in the world. The view of it from across The City of London is protected by planning rules.
So, while it is starting to get dwarfed by the modern skyscrapers that keep springing up, the view of St Pauls from across The city will always be there for everyone to enjoy.
While it is free to worship at the Cathedral, you need a ticket if you would like to sightsee. With this ticket you can explore the Cathedral and climb the dome.
Book your skip the line tickets here.
Museums near Liverpool Street Station
If you like to spend a few hours wandering around a museum or are just looking for somewhere to duck into if the weather takes a turn for the worse, there are plenty of options near Liverpool Street.
The museums and sites listed below are all within a 15 minute walk of the station.
- Bank of England – learn about the history of the bank
- Barbican – performing arts centre with an art gallery & exhibitions
- Dennis Severs House – step back in time at a recreated Huguenot silk weaver’s family home
- Guildhall – home to the art collection of the City of London
- Honourable Artillery Company – dedicated to the oldest regiment in the British Army
- Mansion House – home to the Lord Mayor (open for weekly tours. Pre-booked only)
- Whitechapel Art Gallery – free art gallery
A few bonus things to do near Liverpool Street Station
There are a few places just outside the 20 minute walk limit but are well worth visiting if you are in the area.
All Hallows by the Tower
Founded in 675 AD, All Hallows by the Tower is the oldest church in The City of London.
Over the years, it has seen the Tower of London built next door, survived the Great Fire of London and was bombed in World War II.
From looking after beheaded bodies after executions on nearby Tower Hill to being where the sixth President of the United States was married, it is quite hard to get your head around all the things this church has seen over the years.
Yet, it still stands and serves the local community today.
Tower of London
With its incredible stories of the past and home to the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London is one of the must-see sights on a visit to the capital.
It was built by William the Conqueror in 1070 and over the centuries it has been a fortress, prison, Royal Palace and zoo.
As well as taking a look at the sparkling Crown Jewels which, are still used by The Queen today, you can meet the famous ravens. It is said that if six of these residents leave, the Kingdom and Tower of London will fall.
One of the highlights of a visit to the Tower of London is meeting the Yeoman Warders. They have been guarding the tower since Tudor times.
Today’s Yeoman Warders, who all have over 22 years of military service, show tourists and locals around the tower sharing details of its fascinating past.
They also carry out ceremonial duties such as the unlocking and locking of the tower each day, known as the Ceremony of the Keys.
Tower Bridge
Instantly recognisable, Tower Bridge is one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Often confused with London Bridge (that’s the next bridge along the river), Tower Bridge is a combination of a bascule and suspension bridge.
It took eight years to build, opening in 1894 by the then Prince and Princess of Wales.
The lifting of the bridge was powered by steam until 1976 when a new electric system for raising the bascules was installed.
Today, the bridge lifts around 800 times a year. Although over 40,000 people cross Tower Bridge each day, either by foot, car, bus or bike, the right of way is still given to river traffic.
You can go inside the bridge and learn more about its history, how it works and stroll across the upper walkways. If you are feeling brave you can take the challenge of walking over the glass floor. Just don’t look down!
Visit Tower Bridge: Book your ticket
St Katherine’s Dock
London’s best-kept secret or hidden gem phrase hardly applies to anything in these social media times but St Katherine’s Dock comes pretty close.
Next door to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, the formal commercial dock is now home to offices, bars and restaurants.
It is a lovely spot to wander around in the summer and grab a drink or bite to eat. It’s like escaping The City while still being in The City.
Columbia Road Flower Market
As one of London’s oldest flower markets, Columbia Road pops with colour on Sundays.
The market has been going for over 150 years and many of the traders are the second and third generations of their families to sell at the market.
There are 49 stalls which line the street, selling freshly cut blooms and plants. In the surrounding area, 60 independent shops and businesses sit next to each other, including a clothes stores, an art gallery and many cafes, bars and restaurants.
A popular spot, the market can get very busy. Get there early to see it in full bloom or head there towards the end of the day to see if you can grab a bargain.
Open between 8am – 2pm (Sundays)
Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge that crosses the River Thames, linking The City of London to Bankside, in the borough of Southwark.
It originally opened in 2000 but had to close after two days as the bridge began to sway when pedestrians crossed. It reopened two years later, without the sway, but the Wobbly Bridge nickname has stuck.
It is a great spot to take photos of the river and St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Last Word
I hope this post has given you some ideas of what to do near Liverpool Street. It is perhaps a little overlooked area of the city but it is a gateway to many of London’s top attractions.
Maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much time there, but The City is one of my favourite places in London.
There is nothing better than wandering around the quiet streets in the evening or at weekends when The City seems to take on a differently personality from the hustle and bustle of the week.
The mix of the old and new sitting side by side gives it a unique feel making it a special part of London.