Royal Exchange Tours

Royal Exchange showing a city, an administrative buidling and street scenes
Royal Exchange which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Royal Exchange showing a monument, a city and an administrative buidling
Royal Exchange


Browse upmarket boutiques and dine in upscale restaurants in this grandiose building, which once functioned as a center of trade.

The Royal Exchange is a majestic 19th-century building that served as the city’s center of commerce. Offices, boutiques and restaurants now occupy the imposing neoclassical structure, which has a portico of eight Corinthian columns and a pediment. Consider the historical importance of this site to the country’s economy as you peruse the luxury shops.

The current building is the Royal Exchange’s third incarnation since it was first opened in 1571. Wealthy merchant Sir Thomas Gresham initially founded the institution as a center for trading stocks. Hear how the first two buildings burned down, before the current one was built in the 1840s. In 2001, the site was transformed into the upscale restaurant and retail center.

Take photos of the elegant façade, with the equestrian statue of the first Duke of Wellington outside it. Inspect the intriguing sculpture of Paul Julius Reuter, the founder of his namesake news agency.

Enjoy a meal at the Grand Café, a restaurant located in the center of an attractive internal courtyard. Overlooking it from the balcony is the Sauterelle restaurant. Consider dining at the Gallery or the Threadneedle Bar, which line the arched flanks of the courtyard. Descend to the stunning arched-vault basement for the Imperial City restaurant.

Buy beauty products, jewelry and art in the many boutiques here. High-end brands such as Bvlgari, Hermés, Montblanc and Tiffany & Co. occupy this extravagant shopping center.

Get a hand massage and other pampering services. Purchase personalized gifts with your name or corporation embossed on the material. Attend an event, such as the launch of a brand’s latest fragrance, etiquette and décor workshops and pop-up shops.

Note that the opening hours of the restaurants and shops vary. Most boutiques open from Monday to Friday between morning and early evening.

Ride the Tube to Bank, Cannon Street or Liverpool Street stations to reach the Royal Exchange. This shopping and dining destination is adjacent to the Bank of England and Mansion House in the City of London, the capital’s financial hub.

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Things to do near Royal Exchange

When visiting the Royal Exchange in London, make sure to explore its vibrant offerings, including a variety of shopping options with luxury brands and unique boutiques. Additionally, immerse yourself in the local theater scene, where you can catch captivating performances and shows. The blend of shopping and entertainment makes this area a must-visit destination for tourists looking to experience the best of London.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Borough Market, a vibrant public market just 0.6 miles from Royal Exchange, offering fresh produce and local delicacies. The Brunswick Centre, 2 miles away, combines shopping with family-friendly entertainment. Don't miss the Twinings Tea Shop and Museum, located 1 mile away, for a unique souvenir.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at the O2 Arena, only 4 miles away, where you can catch thrilling sports events. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at the ABBA Arena, 3 miles away, hosting fantastic concerts. For relaxation, visit Hampstead Heath, 5 miles away, offering serene landscapes and peaceful walking trails.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 5 miles from Royal Exchange. Challenge yourself at The Castle Climbing Centre, a thrilling climbing venue 4 miles away. For high-speed excitement, visit TeamSport Go Karting North London, situated 7 miles from Royal Exchange.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Royal Exchange offers a variety of experiences. Enjoy stunning views on the London Eye, only 2 miles away, or immerse yourself in culture at the Barbican Arts Centre, just half a mile away. For family fun, visit All Star Lanes, located 0.9 miles from Royal Exchange.

Find the best attractions near Royal Exchange

When visiting the Royal Exchange in London, explore the nearby attractions such as charming streets, historic churches, and vibrant piazzas. This area offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and travelers alike. Don't miss the iconic Royal Exchange building and consider various accommodation options in central London for a convenient stay. Enjoy the blend of history and modernity that makes this location a must-see during your trip.

  • Tower Bridge: This iconic drawbridge, located 0.7 miles from the Royal Exchange, offers a stunning view of the River Thames. Its Victorian Gothic architecture is a testament to London's rich history, and you can walk across the glass-floored walkway for a unique perspective of the river below.
  • Big Ben: Situated 2 miles from the Royal Exchange, this famous clock tower is a symbol of London. Its impressive clock face and chimes are a defining feature of the skyline, and the surrounding area is filled with vibrant city life and cultural landmarks.
  • Tower of London: Just 0.6 miles away, this historic castle offers a glimpse into England's past. Explore the Crown Jewels and the medieval architecture while soaking in the romantic atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best time to go to Royal Exchange

Visitor numbers around Royal Exchange is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Royal Exchange can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Exchange falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Exchange falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Exchange

To save money on your visit to Royal Exchange, plan your trip between January and March for lower hotel prices. Book about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Sundays, the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to compare room rates and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package for additional savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Exchange are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Royal Exchange about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Exchange is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Exchange is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, chosen destination, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Royal Exchange hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.