24 Hours in St Paul’s: A guide to the historic London neighbourhood

You have 24 hours to spend in St Paul’s. What do you do? Perched right by the Thames, this historic neighbourhood is home to St Paul’s Cathedral, the second biggest church in the UK. Not far off is Paternoster Square, which is one of the most historically rich shopping areas in London.

A borough so rife with history and culture, you are truly spoilt for choice with all the places to explore. Not to mention its close proximity to Millennium Bridge, where you can take a stroll across the river surrounded by breathtaking views of the London skyline and the majestic dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.

So, for the sixth instalment of our 24 Hours series, we take a look at the vibrant historical neighbourhood of St Pauls to find the most interesting and fun things to do the next time you find yourself with a day to spare on this side of town.

From luxury hotels to rooftop dinners with wonderful views of the city, here is the best way to spend 24 hours in St Paul’s. STAY | Vintry & Mercer

Vintry & Mercer is a hidden gem that is easily one of the best luxury hotels to stay in at St Paul’s. A destination for the modern traveller, Vintry & Mercer offers contemporary design features that reflect the historic trading guilds of the area. Comprising 92 rooms and suites, this hotel exudes contemporary flair, starting with the grand lobby and reception area, which is lively with greenery.

The hotel is an ode to the trading guilds of the area. Vintry was the centre for London wine merchants; Mercer was for noble textile sellers who specialised in fine silks and damasks. Today, the area is a place where architectural wonders share the cityscape with global powerhouses, alive with the bustle of commerce and conversation. The hotel’s intimate suites and chic decor reflect this history, and with the many amenities and restaurants, makes for a great destination for travellers that are always on the go. We highly recommend making use of the little nook in the suite’s balcony — a perfect spot to catch up on some reading.DINE | The Mercer Roof Terrace & the Magic of Afternoon Tea

If you’re looking to dine among the London skyline, you needn’t go very far. In fact, you don’t even need to leave the hotel as Vintry & Mercer has its very own rooftop restaurant in the form of the Mercer Roof Terrace. Here, guests can take in the views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard while enjoying al fresco dining among the city lights. If you’re dining here in the winter, there are igloos and cabins on the terrace to keep you warm.

Some highlights from the menu include the Cornish crab cake, the pan roasted duck breast and the monkfish tail. Make sure you leave room for dessert as the Madagascan vanilla and blueberry cheesecake is truly delicious.

Another must-have experience is the hotel’s Magic of Afternoon Tea, which is a witchy take on a classic afternoon tea. Expect colour changing drinks, a coffin with bones made out of white chocolate and scones, savoury treats and sweet dishes that look like books of spells, swords and owls made out of blueberries. All of this, of course, is paired with a wonderful glass of bubbles and free flowing tea.SHOP | Paternoster Square

Paternoster Square is a stone’s throw away from St Paul’s Cathedral, and features an array of stores that visitors can explore in their downtime. One of the oldest areas of London, this shopping centre’s origins can be traced back to the medieval Paternoster Row. It is here that the clergy of St Paul’s once walked holding their rosary beads and reciting the ‘Paternoster’, or Lord’s Prayer. Once a great area of trade for merchants, stationers and lace makers, the Square was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666. It has since rebuilt itself into a quiet corner of commerce, and is a great destination for those looking to dive into a historically rich shopping space.EXPLORE | St Paul’s Cathedral and Millennium Bridge

St Paul’s Cathedral is a must visit for anyone who happens to be in St Paul’s. Its unmissable dome can be spotted from any city skyline and is a truly magnificent feat of architecture. The church hosts daily services that are open to all, but if you’d like to simply sightsee, there are tickets available every day. Bask in the rich history of the second biggest church in the UK as you pay tribute to the nation’s heroes that are buried there today. Just a few steps away is the Millennium Bridge, where you can take a walk surrounded by the picturesque London skyline and the river Thames — all the while the majestic dome of the cathedral forming a calm, surreal backdrop.

Read more stories from the 24 Hours series and check out more travel stories with Tempus