How Many Cities Are There in London?

By Anna Duncan

London is a vibrant and bustling city, full of history and culture. It is one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 8 million people.

But just how many cities are there in London? Let’s take a closer look.

What is a City?

Before we dive into the number of cities in London, it’s important to understand what exactly constitutes a city. In England, the term ‘city’ has both a legal and historical meaning.

Historically, cities were places that had received a royal charter, granting them certain rights and privileges such as self-governance. Today, however, any town can apply to be granted city status by the monarch.

How Many Cities Are There in London?

Now that we have an understanding of what qualifies as a city, let’s explore how many there are in London. The answer may surprise you – there is only one city in London! That’s right – despite its size and numerous boroughs, London is officially classified as just one city.

The City of London

The one and only city within Greater London is known as the City of London or simply ‘the City’. It covers just 1.12 square miles (2.9 square kilometers) but is home to over 7,000 businesses and around 9,000 residents.

Fun fact: The City of London is also referred to as the ‘Square Mile’ because of its size.

The Boroughs of London

While there may only be one official city within Greater London, it is made up of 32 boroughs which each have their own distinct identities and local governments. These boroughs include:

  • Barking and Dagenham
  • Barnet
  • Bexley
  • Brent
  • Bromley
  • Camden
  • Croydon
  • Ealing
  • Enfield
  • Greenwich
  • Hackney
  • Hammersmith and Fulham
  • Haringey
  • Harrow
  • Havering
  • Hillingdon
  • Hounslow
  • Islington

..and many more!

The End of Our Exploration!

So, there you have it – London only has one city, the City of London. However, the capital is made up of 32 boroughs each with their own unique character and charm. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this incredible city!