London City Hall
The basics
Instantly recognizable for its bubble shape, glass facade, and spiral staircase, London City Hall remains one of the capital’s most distinctive buildings. Unveiled in 2002, and created by one of the city’s leading architecture firms, the landmark was designed to be sustainable and energy-efficient. Members of the public are encouraged to visit, and can even attend public meetings and temporary exhibitions hosted on-site.
Given its position overlooking the Thames, London City Hall can be glimpsed during numerous river cruises and boat tours. It also features on walking tours along the Thames’ southern bank, and is easy to discover independently too.
Things to know before you go
- London City Hall is fully accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
- London City Hall is free for all to visit.
- Visitors to London City Hall will go through a security screening—including metal detectors and bag searches—before entering the building.
- London City Hall’s chamber is used for London Assembly and public meetings; visitors are free to attend public meetings.
- The landmark hosts a publicly accessible cafe, the London’s Kitchen Café, on the lower ground floor.
How to get there
To visit London City Hall by public transportation, take the Northern or Jubilee lines—or mainline trains—to London Bridge station. The landmark is also served by the #42, #47, #78, #381, and RV1 bus lines, and can be reached by riverboat, bike, on foot, or by car.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Select areas of City Hall are regularly open to the public. London’s Living Room—the viewing platform located on the top floor—is typically off-limits to the public, though it can be visited during rare open-house weekends.
The Scoop
Located just adjacent to London City Hall, the Scoop is a sunken, concrete amphitheater. It hosts free, outdoor theatrical performances from June–August, as well as film screenings, televised games, and more.
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