Together with their teachers, students embark on an imaginative journey through drama, movement, and music at Guildhall Art Gallery.
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.
Lunchtime bites and after work celebrations
Whether you’re looking for a place to perch for lunch or you're ready to say cheers to the weekend after the end of the working day, the City’s diverse dining scene, vibrant bars and welcoming outdoor spaces provide an array of choices to dine, drink, relax and explore.
1. Indulge in tasty cocktails and delicious food at Andaz London Liverpool Street.
Experience comforting food and a specially crafted cocktail menu at Rake's Cafe Bar, delight in authentic Japanese cuisine in Miyako, enjoy a classic menu with healthy options in Eastway Brasserie or discover a quintessentially British experience in Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen.
Image courtesy of Andaz London Liverpool Street
2. Enjoy the flavours from the Pampas at Fino at Fazenda
Between 4pm and 10pm, enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine with a small plate for just £18 as part of Fino at Fazenda's South American Aperitivo Fridays. Delight yourself on an exceptionally crafted cocktail, paired with a menu of small plates and South-American sandwiches, inspired by co-founder Tomas Maunier’s recent trips to the continent.
- Find out more about Fino at Fazenda.
3. Taste a Michelin Star hot chocolate
Rosslyn Coffee is serving up the best hot chocolates which were given a Michelin Star, offering a cosy lunchtime treat.
- Find them at Queen Victoria, London Wall and Tower 42.
Image by Lauren Kallen
4. Start your evening at 14 Hills rooftop bar
It’s leafy and lively in this Fenchurch Street cocktail bar and dining space. You can eat and drink among foliage galore while live DJs inject a party vibe on Friday nights.
- Find out more about 14 Hills restaurant and bar.
5. Dine at the beautiful Fortnum’s Bar and Restaurant at the Royal Exchange
Serving up a seasonal contemporary menu, the bar and restaurant sits in the al fresco-style surroundings of the spectacular Royal Exchange. After indulging in a delicious meal, don't forget to pop to the Fortnum & Mason store and get an exclusive 10% discount on your shopping on the day - just show your restaurant receipt in the store.
- Find out more about Fortnum’s Bar and Restaurant. Open every Friday from 7:30am to 10:30pm.
The Royal Exchange, Fortnum & Mason. Helen Lowe
6. Catch-up with friends at the Barbican Lakeside Terrace
The Barbican Centre’s picnic garden on the Lakeside Terrace is back for summer 2024, with an outdoor kiosk serving soft drinks, snacks and ice-cream. Sit back, relax and soak in the summer vibes with a beautiful view of the water.
- Find out more about The Barbican's summer Lakeside Terrace.
Photo Credit: Max Colson
7. Dine al fresco in one of the beautiful City gardens
Dine al fresco on the sunken lawn and listen to the trickling fountain at the beautiful Festival Gardens. What better than the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral as a lunchtime backdrop.
- Check out the wonderful array of green spaces in the City of London for the perfect Friday lunch escape.
8. Enjoy a Bottomless Brunch at Swingers City
Head to Swingers City for their bottomless booze package 'The Cocktail Set'. Enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited drinks, a reserved area, unlimited crazy golf and epic street food – all for £50 per person. Get the party started with tunes from Swingers' resident DJ throughout the day and you’ll have the chance to strike a pose on their 3D photo podium.
9. Unleash your inner artist at Broadworks
A chance to learn something new, on the first Friday of every month Broadworks will be hosting a Friday Art Club.
For the culture connoisseurs
Discover the City’s unparalleled culture and unique heritage with a visit to Guildhall Art Gallery, catch the latest shows and exhibitions at the Barbican or marvel at the City's most iconic landmark. No matter your taste in art, theatre, film or history, there’s something for everyone to discover.
10. Marvel at incredible artwork at Guildhall Art Gallery
Make the most of your visit to Guildhall Art Gallery with a free guided tour lead by an official City Guide, taking place every Friday at 12:15pm and 1:15pm. Enjoy the several free displays to see such as the interesting history of Billingsgate Market at the Heritage Gallery. From 12 April, visit 'Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London', a stunning exhibition that explores a fresh perspective of London by specialist wood engraver Anne Desmet RA.
- Find out more about Guildhall Art Gallery and London's Roman Amphitheatre.
11. Explore a new exhibition or take in a show at the Barbican Centre
The Barbican is an international arts and learning centre, pushing the boundaries of all major art forms including dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts. With theatres, galleries, concert halls and cinemas, plus a large conservatory with over 1,500 species of plants and trees, a library, restaurants, bars, a shop and a picturesque lakeside oasis, it's a great place to spend a Friday.
- Find out more about what's on at the Barbican Centre.
12. Marvel at world-famous St Paul's Cathedral
Visit Wren's masterpiece and walk in the footsteps of royalty and political leaders, explore the Crypt or scale the iconic Dome to enjoy unrivalled views across London.
- Find out more about St Paul's Cathedral.
13. Visit a new installation inspired by the Roman Temple of Mithras
Visit the London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE to see their latest temporary installation. Entrance is free. During your visit, head downstairs to see the remains of the ancient temple itself.
- 'DREAM-BRIDGE-OMNIGLYPH' by Leo Robinson runs until 29 June, inspired by the Roman Temple of Mithras, which explores ancient myths through a space evocative of the initiation ceremonies thought to have taken place there.
DREAM-BRIDGE-OMNIGLYPH at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE. Photo by Marcus Leith
Plan a Fun Family Day Out
Looking to make Friday a family affair? The City boasts a lively programme of family friendly activities, however adventurous you’re feeling. Visit the F1 Arcade to drive like a champion, explore rich history on the Children’s Trail and visit larger-than-life animal statues at Paternoster Square.
14. Explore the City of London Children’s Trail
Step into a realm where history meets modernity as you explore the City of London with the Children’s Trail map. Find your free Children's Trail Map & stickers from the City Information Centre near St Paul’s Cathedral for an interactive family experience.
- Find out more about the City of London Children's Trail.
15. Experience a Martian invasion in London
Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience is a never-before-seen interactive adventure packed with sensory moments, VR and AR technology, volumetric holograms and immersive theatre. Live actors, virtual reality and iconic music recreating 24 interactive scenes.
- Find out more about The War of the World's Immersive Experience.
16. Drive an F1 race car at F1 Arcade
Jump into the driver’s seat of a Formula One car and race against your friends in a thrilling simulation at the F1 Arcade, One New Change.
- Find out more about F1 Arcade.
17. Discover these incredible larger-than-life animal statues
Witness gorillas, hippos, elephants, and more come to life at Wild About Babies, a captivating free exhibition by artists Gillie and Marc in Paternoster Square. These are interactive sculptures and visitors are actively encouraged to "touch, cuddle and get up close with some of the world's most endangered species". Kids can even climb on their backs, though labels remind us this is "at your own risk".
- Find out more about Wild About Babies.
18. Explore inside Tower Bridge
Discover what's inside the iconic Towers, enjoy panoramic views from the Walkways and sept into the historic Engine Rooms unlocking 125 years of history. Enjoy family friendly activities including the Tower Bridge Cat Trail, and regular monthly activities where families can get creative and learn about the Bridge.
- Find out more about Tower Bridge.
For the first time visitor
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to London or a seasoned resident, the many free viewing platforms, iconic markets or a classic high tea will always impress.
19. Discover the Dark Side of the City with an official City Guide
Join a guided tour that tells the tale of crime and punishment, executions and excess and learn about London’s grim and gruesome past. Tours take place every Friday at 11am, starting from the City of London Information Centre (CIC).
From 1 April, you can also explore the literary legacy of the City with the new 'From Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde' guided tour (every Friday at 2pm).
- Discover more and book your tour with City of London Guides.
Once you are at the CIC, speak to the friendly multilingual team to find out about more top things to do in the area.
- Find out more about the City of London Information Centre.
20. Experience the highest free public viewing platform in Europe
Visit Horizon 22, London’s newest viewing platform, and the highest free public viewing platform in Europe. On the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, the panoramic views of London's iconic skyline are sure to impress.
- Find out more about Horizon 22. Free entry but must be booked in advance.
21. Visit a garden in the sky
Sky Garden, London's highest public garden, showcases two destination bars and two restaurants, welcoming after work drinkers with live bands and house DJ sets at sunset alongside a backdrop of uninterrupted views of London.
- Find out more about Sky Garden. Bookings are free and available in advance.
22. Indulge in high tea at Searcys at the Gherkin
Putting the ‘high’ in high tea, this delicious afternoon tea is served with a 360-degree helping of City view.
- Find out more about Searcys at the Gherkin.
23. Plan a visit to the beautiful Barbican Conservatory
Explore the tropical paradise bursting with life within the iconic brutalist architecture of the Barbican Centre on the special late night Friday openings.
- Find out more about Ranjani Shettar's installation.
Installation view of Ranjani Shettar: Cloud songs on the horizon, Barbican Conservatory 2023. Courtesy Barbican Centre, KNMA, Ranjani Shettar © Max Colson, Barbican Art Gallery
24. Explore the iconic Leadenhall Market
Discover the wonderful boutiques, shops and cafes at Leadenhall Market, a City gem with rich heritage and striking architecture which dates back to the 14th century. Why not try cheese and wine tasting from specialty cheesemongers, Cheese at Leadenhall.
- Find out more about Cheese at Leadenhall.
