What Is the Difference Between London and the City of London?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip to London, you may have heard of two different areas – London and the City of London. While they may sound like the same thing, they are actually quite different. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two areas.

What is London?

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. It’s a bustling metropolis with a population of over 8 million people.

It’s known for its iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, The Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. It’s also home to world-class museums such as The British Museum and The National Gallery.

What is the City of London?

The City of London, on the other hand, is a small area in central London that is often referred to simply as “the City.” It’s only 1.12 square miles in size but it has a lot of historical significance as it was once the Roman settlement of Londinium. Today, it’s home to some important financial institutions such as The Bank of England and The London Stock Exchange.

Geography

One way to differentiate between these two areas is by their geography. While London covers a large area with many boroughs such as Camden, Islington, and Westminster – the City of London is just one small area within Greater London.

The City Has Its Own Government

Another key difference between these two areas is their governance. While Greater London has its own elected mayor and assembly – the City has its own government called The City of London Corporation which dates back to medieval times.

The corporation has its own police force called The City of London Police and provides various services such as waste management and education.

The Financial Center

The City of London is also known as the financial center or “square mile” of London. It’s home to many international business headquarters and major banks. This area has a high concentration of businessmen and women during the day, but it’s relatively quiet at night as most people leave to go home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while London and the City of London may sound similar – they are quite different. London is a large city with many boroughs while the City of London is a small area within Greater London that has its own government and is known as the financial center. Whether you’re planning to visit one or both areas, we hope this article has helped you understand the differences between them.