So you've ticked off St Paul's Cathedral, taken in its dramatic dome, and whispered your secrets in its famous gallery. But what happens after you’ve snapped that essential St Paul’s selfie? London doesn’t stop at the cathedral’s steps—it spills out into a mix of riverside pathways, contemporary art hubs, funky cafes, historic streets and splendid viewpoints. We’re convinced this neighbourhood is one of London’s most rewarding for curious travellers, foodies, history buffs and anyone looking to soak up local life beyond the photo ops. Whether you want to set sail down the Thames, unearth a secret garden in the city or dive into an interactive museum, you’ll find it all within a stone’s throw. Ready to build your London day? Let’s take a stroll!
Our favourite things to do near St Paul’s Cathedral include:
- City Cruises – Thames River Pass
- Tate Modern
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- Millennium Bridge
- Museum of London
- One New Change Rooftop Terrace
- Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
- Postman’s Park
- Smithfield Market
- The Postal Museum
- Guildhall Art Gallery
City Cruises: Roll Along the River
There’s nothing like the Thames for feeling connected to London’s heartbeat—the skyline constantly shifts, boats dart between docks, and the city’s dramatic landmarks rise on either bank. With a City Cruises Thames River Pass, you’re free to hop on and off at stops from Westminster to Greenwich, but we recommend boarding at nearby Blackfriars or Bankside Pier after your cathedral visit.
The cruise experience is part sightseeing, part relaxation. You’ll glide under Tower Bridge and past the Tower of London, sprawl on the open deck in summer, or cozy up in the heated cabin when clouds roll in. What sets this apart: the on-board commentary. It’s packed with historic facts and offbeat tales about river pirates, drowned kings and royal proclamations, but all delivered with a wink—the hosts love a bit of London humour.
The perspective from the river is unique: you see the curve of St Paul’s dome framed by glassy skyscrapers, the bold lines of the South Bank and, as dusk settles, bridges illuminated in blue and purple light. For families, the river cruise promises a zero-stress way to spot bucket-list sights, while solo travellers can soak up city scenes and maybe catch the sunset behind Big Ben. Flexible, fun, and fabulously photogenic—you’ll see why Londoners never tire of the Thames.
Millennium Bridge: Cross the Thames in Style
Millennium Bridge: Cross the Thames in Style
If you’re strolling from St Paul’s, a walk over the Millennium Bridge is a must. Nicknamed the ‘Wobbly Bridge’ (it had a famously shaky start), this modern steel crossing gives you one of London’s best pedestrian panoramas. Start your wander from the cathedral steps and watch St Paul’s shrink behind you while the Tate Modern’s dramatic brick tower rises higher and higher on the South Bank.
A stroll on Millennium Bridge is not just about ticking off a landmark—it’s about taking in the shifting river traffic, cobbled bankside paths, and the buzz of artists, performers and Londoners crossing between two creative hubs. You’re at the sweet spot where historic London meets bold modernity. Stand in the centre and look east to see Tower Bridge, west for the Eye, and don’t miss the City’s quirky skyline.
Street musicians provide a free soundtrack, and budding photographers will love the lines of the bridge and the reflections on the water. By evening, twinkling lights on both banks create a quietly magical atmosphere. Few bridges in Europe knit together two world-class attractions—St Paul’s and Tate Modern—with so much personality. Take a slow wander, you might find it’s your new favourite London shortcut.
Tate Modern: Art for Everyone
Modern art lovers—or just the art-curious—will find plenty to love at Tate Modern, directly across the Millennium Bridge from St Paul’s. Housed in a striking former power station, Tate Modern’s enormous Turbine Hall, with its sky-high ceilings and ever-evolving installations, sets the tone for what you’ll find inside: an accessible, constantly surprising collection that invites visitors to explore, discuss and question.
Whether you have half an hour or an entire afternoon, there’s something for everyone. Pop into the permanent galleries to see works by Picasso, Rothko, Warhol and Dali (free, with suggested donation), or pay for one of the rotating blockbuster exhibitions for deeper dives into trending contemporary topics. Kids love the immersive installations and interactive gallery spaces, and the shop is a treasure trove of quirky gifts and art books.
But Tate Modern isn’t just about the art—it’s the riverfront location, the sense of openness, and the ever-present hum of conversation that makes it special. Grab a flat white in the café (try a slice of the house carrot cake) or settle in at the bar for a glass of wine with views over the Thames and St Paul’s dome in the distance. The surrounding area buzzes too, with pop-up food stalls and street performers. Even if art isn’t typically your thing, we’d wager a Tate Modern wander will still be one of your London highlights.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour: Step Into Elizabethan Drama
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour: Step Into Elizabethan Drama
Less than 10 minutes’ walk south from St Paul’s and across the river, the Globe Theatre tour plunges you into the world of Shakespeare—rife with swordplay, roaring groundlings and creative spirit. The Globe is not a museum; it's a living, working theatre, painstakingly reconstructed on the original’s foundations, complete with thatched roof and open-air gallery seating.
Guided tours bring to life 400 years of history and explain how plays once captivated chaotic crowds. Guides are engaging storytellers, enthusiastic about everything from slapstick onstage calamities to how the actors survived rain and rowdy audiences. Stand in the pit and imagine yourself as a ‘groundling’, or peer from the upper boxes—there’s real joy in picturing the London of Shakespeare’s time, with the Thames right outside. If you can, time your visit for a matinee or evening performance (especially March-October).
A walk along the South Bank: riverside buzz and plenty to see
If you fancy stretching your legs, absolutely don’t miss a stroll along the South Bank. From Tate Modern, the riverside promenade takes you past Shakespeare’s Globe, charming book markets under Waterloo Bridge, and food stalls offering everything from street tacos to gooey brownies. The views never disappoint: the city’s mix of ultra-modern and classic architecture reveals itself around every bend in the river. Musicians, jugglers, and artists keep things lively, while pop-up bars invite you for a cold local brew or a Pimms on a summer’s evening. This is one of London’s favorite places to stroll, whatever the weather.
Postman’s Park: a peaceful patch with poignant stories
Postman’s Park: a peaceful patch with poignant stories
Need a breather? Head back north of the river, a short stroll from St Paul’s, and duck into Postman’s Park. Hidden behind office blocks and bustling streets, this quiet little oasis is made famous by its unique Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice—a row of beautifully tiled plaques commemorating ordinary Londoners who died saving others. The stories (and the park’s lush foliage) offer a moment of serenity and reflection in a busy city.
The garden’s shaded benches make it a favorite lunch spot for locals, while the nearby spire of St Botolph’s whispers remnants of medieval London. For literature lovers, the park played a starring role in the film ‘Closer’—so consider this your cinematic pitstop.
The Postal Museum: Where Mail Meets Adventure
The Postal Museum: Where Mail Meets Adventure
Hidden in plain sight just a stone’s throw from the bustling Farringdon area, the Postal Museum is one of London’s most delightful experiences. Forget any notion of stamps equaling snooze: this museum delivers quirky history, hands-on fun, and more than a sprinkle of nostalgia.
You’ll journey through five centuries of innovations and oddities—letters ferried by horse and even mail delivered through bombs and blitzes. Standout exhibits include cryptic Victorian Valentine’s notes, tales of sneaky spies in World War II, and a fascinating look at how the ‘Posties’ kept the city’s heart beating. The real star, though, is the Mail Rail. Yes, it’s a miniature underground train that once whisked millions of letters far below London’s streets. Today, you get to climb aboard a tiny carriage, duck your head, and rattle through tunnels almost untouched since the 1920s. The immersive light and sound displays along the way bring London’s hidden underbelly to life—in just minutes you’ll feel like an urban explorer.
The museum goes out of its way to charm families as well, with interactive zones where both young and not-so-young can design stamps, play with pneumatic tubes, or sort packages at breakneck pace. Even the café nods to post-office classics, serving up scones beside red pillar boxes.
Museum of London: Time Travel Through a Changing City
Minutes from St Paul’s Cathedral, the Museum of London offers a time-travel adventure through the capital’s thrilling past. The winding galleries not only showcase impressive archaeological finds and artifacts but also tell London’s story in a lively, vibrant way that can hook anyone in.
Step through the doors and you’re suddenly face-to-face with prehistoric mammoth jaws, Bronze Age treasures, and a recreation of a bustling Roman street complete with ancient road signs and market stalls. The journey zips through Saxon invasions, medieval plagues, the glitz of Shakespearean theaters, and the fire of 1666—all before whisking you into Georgian ballrooms, smoky Victorian lanes, and swinging Sixties boutiques. You’ll even see a chunk of real Roman wall.
What makes the Museum of London special, though, is its flair for drama and detail. Thoughtful displays mix historic objects, film, sound, and hands-on activities that engage kids and adults alike. Period rooms and staged shopfronts let you walk through history rather than simply gaze at it.
The museum frequently updates with temporary exhibitions covering everything from suffragette protests to London’s music legends. Each visit promises something new to spark your curiosity. It’s impossible to leave without seeing London in a whole new light—full of energy, chaos, triumph and reinvention.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese: Steeped in Ale and Literary Lore
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese: Steeped in Ale and Literary Lore
Propping up Fleet Street since 1667, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese isn’t just a pub—it’s a living chapter of London’s story. Duck through the modest doorway and you’re stepping into a world where literary legends, journalists and thirsty travelers have clinked glasses for centuries. The walls might not talk, but they certainly whisper.
Inside, it’s all shadowy corners, crooked wooden beams and fireplaces that seem to have seen more than their fair share of smoky intrigue. The pub sprawls across a labyrinth of snug rooms and cellar bars—the maze-like setting makes each visit a tiny adventure. Authenticity oozes from every uneven flagstone floor and timeworn pew.
The history here is irresistible: Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Mark Twain all reportedly sipped ale within these walls. Today, it’s easy to imagine them sketching notes with a pint in hand. The local brews on tap are pleasingly old-school and hearty British fare is the main attraction—think steak-and-kidney pie or a classic ploughman’s lunch, perfect paired with a glass of Samuel Smith’s Best Bitter.
Paternoster Square: buzz, bites, and city spirit
Tucked just behind St Paul’s, Paternoster Square is a modern plaza with an old-world feel. The lively terraces are filled with city workers and travelers, and there’s always something happening—a weekend market, a jazzy live music set, or the festive twinkle of winter lights. Duck in for a bite at one of the outdoor cafés (grab a salt beef bagel at Ludwig’s if you spot the pop-up), snap a photo with the Square’s Mangabey sculpture, or just settle on the steps to people-watch.
If you’re a fan of trivia, keep an eye out for Temple Bar Gate—the grand arch at the square’s edge, once a ceremonial entrance to old London and now a favorite photo spot.
One New Change rooftop: London’s coolest panorama
Just a hop from St Paul’s, the One New Change shopping complex hides a fantastic secret: a public rooftop terrace with one of the capital’s best free views. Ride the mirrored elevator to the top and you’re rewarded with a close-up look at St Paul’s majestic dome—and a sweeping vista of the City’s skyscrapers beyond.
It’s a spot beloved by photographers, but also locals bringing a coffee for sunrise or a glass of wine at sunset from the rooftop bar. You don’t need to book, and you’re likely to score a memorable selfie with the cathedral in the background. On clear nights, the city lights feel downright magical.
Guildhall Art Gallery & London’s Roman Amphitheatre: ancient meets elegance
Guildhall Art Gallery & London’s Roman Amphitheatre: ancient meets elegance
If you love a side of history with your art, don’t miss the Guildhall Art Gallery—a five-minute stroll from St Paul’s. Here you’ll find a thoughtfully curated collection of classic British art in a grand, airy setting. The galleries themselves are a delight, with high ceilings and light-flooded walls showcasing Victorian masterpieces and Pre-Raphaelite stunners.
But the true ‘wow’ moment comes when you descend into the basement and discover the remains of London’s Roman amphitheatre. Imagine gladiatorial contests right where you stand, surrounded by the city’s heartbeat. Interactive displays and vivid exhibits bring this ancient arena to life, and it’s a winner for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
Smithfield Market: historic feasts and foodie secrets
A 10-minute wander from St Paul’s takes you to Smithfield Market, one of the largest and oldest wholesale markets in Europe—trading in meat and produce since the Middle Ages. Morning is the best time for atmosphere, as traders, chefs, and city dwellers brush shoulders in the neo-Gothic halls.
But there’s more than meat on offer: find hidden gems like St John Bar & Restaurant (roast bone marrow is the talk of the town), quirky coffee shops, and even street tours that reveal the market’s grisly—and fascinating—history. Once you’re done, check the nearby Charterhouse Square for one of the area’s prettiest and most peaceful gardens.
St Bride’s Church: a slice of history—and cake
Just off Fleet Street, St Bride’s is sometimes called the ‘journalists’ church’ (Fleet Street was once the center of the newspaper world), but it’s arguably more famous for its wedding-cake spire. Climb the stairs for an up-close look, or step inside for cool, tranquil interiors, flickering candles, and centuries of stories in the crypt.
Literary types come for the connections to famous writers and war correspondents; architecture fans love the tiered steeple, which inspired the classic wedding cake design; and music lovers adore the regular choral concerts. A perfect last stop for history, reflection, or just a quiet lunch in the peaceful courtyard café.
With these tips and treasures just a stone’s throw from St Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll discover more than beautiful architecture—you’ll unearth London’s hidden pockets of flavor, art and urban adventure. Time to lace up your sneakers and make a day of it!
Looking for more London inspiration? Find things to do near Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
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