Corporate Accommodation Near Barbican
Located close to the beating heart of London, the area around Barbican offers excellent transport links throughout the wider city, making it the perfect destination for those looking for a quick commute into the capital’s commercial and financial quarters. Ideal for sole traders and intrepid start-ups, serviced apartments near Barbican are a great solution to business accommodation woes. Beautiful, bespoke living spaces, every one of these upmarket accommodation options is designed with its guests in mind. Furnished with fully-stocked kitchens, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs and much, much more, these apartments can help even the busiest business traveller unwind after a long day, allowing them to maximise productivity and profitability for the entirety of their trip.
Holiday Accommodation Near Barbican
Due to its excellent location in the centre of London, the Barbican area is also a much sought-after destination for those looking for that long-awaited leisure retreat. With all of London’s top sights and attractions right on its doorstep, this neighbourhood is a great choice for both families and solo travellers looking to escape for a few nights, no matter what is on the agenda. The cosy bedrooms allow guests to be well-rested for the next day, while the home cooking and entertainment facilities provide the option for quiet nights in whenever combing the many local bars and restaurants seems like more of a hassle. What’s not to like?
Where to Stay Near Barbican
A popular residential estate to this day, accommodation within the Barbican itself is relatively easy to find, and there are also a number of notable neighbourhoods in the near vicinity that offer easy access to many of the top local sights and attractions. The City of London is a favoured destination among business travellers due to its location close to many significant commercial and financial institutions. Serviced apartments in Spitalfields meanwhile provides close proximity to many historic buildings and businesses, as well as the nightlife of Shoreditch and Hackney.
For the most part, London is pretty safe for tourists, especially when compared to other major capital cities, and the Barbican area is no exception. Even in the quieter areas though, residents are still advised to be aware of pickpockets, and it is not wise to leave any personal possessions unattended, as opportunistic thieves may operate within crowds.
Facts About Barbican
Known primarily for its central arts venue, The Barbican Centre, the area known as Barbican is one of the largest developments in London, and is comprised primarily of the residential towers, the City of London School for Girls, the Museum of London, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the YMCA building, and the centre itself. It does however benefit from a fascinating history, much in keeping with that of the city that surrounds it.
Here are some of our favourite facts about the Barbican area:
- The Barbican was built and developed in the 1950s to fill the void created by the London Blitz. It was designed in the Brutalist style by the firm of Chamberlin, Powell and Bon as the model of a completely self-sustaining city, and was one of the first major multi-use developments in the country.
- The Barbican Centre is the largest performing arts centre in Europe, with a 1,949 person capacity Performance Hall, a Theatre (1,166 capacity, and designed exclusively for the Royal Shakespearean Company), the 200 seat Pit, three cinema screens, three restaurants, a library, seven concert halls, two trade exhibition halls, and many more informal performance venues. The development as a whole is Grade II listed.
- The three residence towers in the area are named Cromwell, Shakespeare and Lauderdale, after notable public figures. At the time they were built, the towers were the highest residential structures in Europe, and even now are among the tallest residential towers in London, each being 123 metres high, consisting of 42 storeys.
- The Barbican Centre was the debut performance hall for its original developers. Having never designed such a venue before, the original plans for the cinema had the screens on the ceiling and the moviegoers lying down on beds.
- The Barbican’s Conservatory is a fantastic nature depository. Over 2,000 species of tropical plants are stored here, as well as hundreds of tropical fish. It’s also a hugely popular wedding venue, with capacity for up to 120 guests.
Cost of Living in the Barbican Area
Though less expensive when compared to neighbouring parts of London, rental prices near Barbican can still be pretty high for most properties. The cost of an apartment can range anywhere from £700 to £2000+ per month, making serviced accommodation an increasingly viable option for longer term travellers, especially given the additional perks and benefits that TheSqua.re offers its guests.
Day to day activities range in price from the dear to the easily affordable. Medical costs will usually be far reduced thanks to the NHS, with residents normally needing to pay only for private healthcare treatments, cosmetic surgeries, or dental care. Weekly travel passes (for Zones 1-2) can run to upwards of £35, though there are discounts available for certain residents, while meals out can range from £15 for a meal for one to £55 for a three-course dinner for two. This latter can however be offset by the relatively inexpensive price of local groceries, with which travellers are able to prepare home-cooked meals in their fully equipped kitchens.
Things to Do Near Barbican
From paid day trips to fun freebies, there is plenty for visitors to see and do in the nearby Barbican area. Whatever the reason for visiting, these are just a few suggestions to help guests make the most out of their leisure time:
Q. What are the most popular things to do near Barbican?
Here are just a few of the many opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment to act as the cherry on top of any stay:
- Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, a historic icon and, despite the Blitz, still standing to this day.
- Take in a show at The Barbican Centre; film, theatre, exhibition and performance art are frequently featured on its roster.
- Grab a drink at the Sky Garden for some of the most breaktaking views in London.
- Explore some of the most iconic landmarks in the City of London, from the Monument to the Great Fire, to the Bank of England and Royal Stock Exchange.
- Follow in the footsteps of Jack The Ripper on the Blood and Tears Walking Tour.
Q. What are some free things to do near Barbican?
Wanting to save some pennies on those day-to-day activities? Here are some great ways of passing the time near Barbican without breaking the bank:
- Dive into history with a visit to the Museum of London.
- Walk across Tower Bridge and take in those river views.
- Visit St. Giles Cripplegate, a historic church in the heart of the Barbican Estate.
- Explore the Millennium Bridge and Thames Path trail, leading from St. Paul’s to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe.
- Window shop in Spitalfields or Leadenhall Markets.
Q. What are the most family-friendly things to do near Barbican?
For families with children, or simply the young at heart, there are a number of fun days out we would recommend:
- Ride the underground mail train at The Postal Museum.
- Dive back into Roman times with a visit to London Mithraeum.
- Make new discoveries and hunt for long lost treasure on a self-guided themed tour of St. Katharine Docks.
- Get those detective hats on with the Pudding Lane Mystery Trail themed tour.
Places to Visit Near Barbican
Wondering how to spend that precious day off? Barbican and the surrounding area is home to a great range of enjoyable and interesting places to visit, from historic buildings to popular tourist attractions. Here are a few of our favourites:
- St Paul’s Cathedral - one of the most famous sights in London, this Grade I listed building is the official seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the London Diocese. Built on Ludgate Hill at the highest point in the City of London, its iconic roof can be seen from most places in the city.
- Museum of London - as its name suggests, the Museum of London chronicles the turbulent history of this famous city, from pre-Roman to modern times, via a series of artifacts and interactive exhibits. A great place to spend an afternoon, and admission is free.
- Barbican Conservatory - a hidden tropical oasis, this glass-roofed sanctuary is the second-biggest Conservatory in London, and features tropical plants, trees, fish and birds.
- Tower of London - dating back to the 11th century, this historic fortress in the heart of the city has been used as a prison, an armoury, a menagerie, and most recently the site of the Royal Crown Jewels.
- Bank of England & The Royal Exchange - dive into London’s financial history with a visit to the Bank of England Museum, and learn all about the famous institution on which most other central banks are based. Feeling in the money? Why not follow it up with some retail therapy at The Royal Exchange?
- Monument to the Great Fire of London - often simply referred to as ‘The Monument’, this 200-foot tall Doric column is Grade I listed and marks roughly the spot where the Great Fire started in Pudding Lane in 1666. A viewing platform near the top also commands stunning views of the local area.
- Sky Garden - close to the City of London, this skyscraper is known as the walkie-talkie due to its unique shape, and features a botanically-decorated restaurant on its top floor.
- Tower Bridge - not to be confused with London Bridge, this iconic bascule and suspension bridge gives the area its name. Built in the late 19th century, it now features a glass floor and modern exhibitions, and is one of the city’s most-visited attractions.
- Church of St. Bartholomew the Great - an ornate 12th century priory, this church features stunning interiors, regular services, and a cloister café for visitors to wet their whistles.
- Brick Lane - this famous street in London’s East End is the heart of the city’s Bangladeshi community and is known for its many curry houses.
Places to Eat Near Barbican
Whatever is on the agenda, dining out is always an option in the Barbican area. The neighbourhood is well-stocked with a fantastic assortment of restaurants and eateries catering to all tastes, from traditional British pubs to Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisine. Delicious!
Here are a few places to eat near Barbican we would recommend to any visitor:
- Barbican Kitchen.
- Bowling Bird.
- Venezia Bacaro.
- The Coriander.
- Kurumaya.
- The Jugged Hare.
- Natural Kitchen.
- Bonfire.
- Pham Sushi.
- Le Café du Marché.
Street Food Near Barbican
Street food is also an option in the area, with the likes of FAB Thai and Boxpark providing plenty of take-away meal options. For a true street food dining experience however, visitors will want to look to the various pop up markets and stalls scattered throughout Central London, including favourites such as the Southbank Centre Food Market, Beboz, The Street Pig, Model Market, Street Food Union and Vauxhall Street Food Garden. A great dining experience no matter the season.
Shopping in the Barbican Area
Offering a short commute to the most popular shopping destinations in the city, such as Oxford Street, Stratford Westfields and Covent Garden Market, residents of the Barbican area will be able to easily get out and find anything they need to buy, or even just window shop to their heart’s content. There are however plenty of high street chains and independent retailers close to home, providing a great selection of local gifts, groceries and fashion.
Here are just some of the best places to shop near Barbican:
- Broadgate Circle - a lively hub of shopping and dining, featuring many high street chains and independent names.
- One New Change - a shopping centre featuring an eclectic mix of high-end and high street fashion, gifts and restaurants, all within a glass-walled complex.
- The Royal Exchange - a shopping complex in the heart of the City of London offering a fantastic collection of boutique shopping and dining within one of the city’s most iconic and historic buildings.
- The Brunswick Centre - a bustling mall featuring high street fashion alongside restaurants and an arthouse cinema.
- Angel Central - a busy shopping centre boasting a host of popular chain retailers, casual eateries, a cinema, and a live music venue.
- Boxpark Shoreditch - a pop-up mall for independent and global fashion stores and street food, built within several shipping containers.
Transportation in the Barbican Area
Getting around London is a simple matter. The capital’s famous Underground system is world-famous, with 11 lines covering 270 stations. The Barbican area is served by several lines and stations, among them Barbican (Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City), Moorgate (Northern, Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City), St. Paul’s (Central) and Old Street (Northern, National Rail). These stations are arguably the most efficient ways of getting out and about, with Day Travelcards available to purchase (accepted through Zones 1-5) for £18.10. Liverpool Street station is also a short walk away, offering transfers to Stansted Airport and regular train services into the wider country, so residents never need to feel bound by the big city.
Of course, there’s nothing more readily associated with London than its famous red buses. A great way of sightseeing while commuting, these red buses can be simply boarded with a Contactless Payment Card, Travelcard, or Oyster. Fares cost just £1.50 (£4.50 for a day of bus-only travel), and with 700 routes, including 52 night services, travellers can always be sure of getting back to their serviced apartment at any time day or night. Black taxis are another way of travelling around the city, and many of the cab drivers can also offer unique insights and local knowledge of the various areas. These can be a little pricy though, so make sure to use sparingly.
Weather Near Barbican
With a generally temperate climate across much of the UK, the weather can range from temperatures below freezing during winter, to hot and balmy heights of thirty and above in July and August. Weather patterns can be unpredictable however, and even on the brightest days, rain may still be just a cloud away, so longer-term visitors are advised packing for all outcomes, just in case. September is usually a good time to visit London and the Barbican area, as this month offers comfortably warm days and cooler evenings, enabling travellers to get out and about whenever they choose and make the most out of that long-awaited stay.
