Corporate Accommodation in Bishopsgate
Bishopsgate is located within London’s financial district - making it the de facto home-from-home for corporate travellers staying in London. Of course, all of these travellers require suitable accommodation - a place in which they can both work and relax. Fortunately, many serviced apartments are specifically intended for corporate accommodation in Bishopsgate - each offering all the essentials necessary for business guests, such as high-speed WiFi and a flat-screen TV. Most business guests will find they are just a short walk from the key financial institutions, however, serviced apartments in Bishopsgate are also to be found next to the areas transport hubs, offering easy access to the rest of the city, should the need arise.
Holiday Accommodation in Bishopsgate
Bishopsgate’s central location also makes it a hugely popular destination with tourists who want to be close to the capital’s iconic landmarks. Whilst the area offers an abundance of hotels, private apartments are increasingly being seen as the ultimate holiday accommodation in Bishopsgate thanks to the fact that they can offer an authentic experience of the neighbourhood in a genuine home, whilst still providing many of the enhanced conveniences usually associated with hotels and guesthouses, such as room cleaning and reception services. What’s more the addition of kitchen facilities means guests also have the option to self-cater - which can be hugely beneficial for those travelling on a budget.
Where to Stay in Bishopsgate
Anywhere in Bishopsgate is a highly desirable location for both business travellers and tourists. The area surrounding Devonshire Square is particularly popular, as this puts visitors close to local shops and amenities, as well as the famous Petticoat Lane market. Alternatively, being close to Liverpool Street Station means having easy access to public transport, making it ideal for those looking to explore the wider city. Given that Bishopsgate is comprised of a relatively small area, business travellers will find they are within easy walking distance of the financial institutions of the City of London, whichever street or area they choose to stay in.
Facts About Bishopsgate
Once part of London’s fortress wall, Bishopsgate is an ancient area of the city and, as such, it has a long and fascinating history. Today, the area is known as a major financial hub. However, despite being one of the busiest areas of London, Bishopsgate has just 222 permanent residents. Below are a few other interesting facts about Bishopsgate:
- Bishopsgate is named after one of the original seven gates in the London Wall.
- Originally a Roman structure, the Bishop's Gate was rebuilt by the Hansa merchants in 1471 in exchange for steelyard privileges.
- The gate once displayed the heads of criminals on spikes.
- Bishopsgate was originally the location of many coaching inns which accommodated passengers setting out on the Old North Road, making it a popular target for highwaymen of the age.
- There are over 500 banks resident in the City of London - and most of them are foreign!
- The City of London is the centre of global foreign exchange dealing. Over 40% of all the world’s foreign exchange transactions are made in the City.
- There are more international telephone calls made from the City of London than anywhere else in the world.
- Despite being the most ancient part of London, the City of London looks distinctly modern. That is because it has been almost entirely destroyed and rebuilt twice: once in the Great Fire of London in 1666, and then again after being bombed in the Second World War.
Cost of Living in Bishopsgate
Being home to one of the world’s top financial districts, long term guests can expect the cost of living in Bishopsgate and the City of London to be fairly high. Of course, costs will vary hugely according to individual lifestyle, however, it is likely that rent will be the most significant expenditure. Bishopsgate rents can be anywhere from £1500-£4,000 per month, depending on the size of the property. Serviced accommodation can often work out cheaper than the standard rental market, however, as they over better cost-efficiency over long term stays. Another cost to consider is travel, which again will depend on the itinerary of the traveller. Thankfully, this is reasonably easy to budget for in any case: A weekly Zone 1 - 2 travel card for use on buses, trains and tube will cost around £36.
Whilst both travel and rent can easily be costed upfront, other costs, such as entertainment and food, will vary according to lifestyle. A meal for two in central London can cost anywhere between £40 and £200 depending on the restaurant. With regards to an evening out, drinks can also be pricier in the city centre with the average pint of beer or a glass of wine being upwards of £6. However, despite London’s reputation as an expensive city, there are plenty of ways to keep the costs down. For example, there are plenty of discount schemes available for popular restaurants, in which two diners eat for the price of one. Similarly, many bars will have happy hours and cinemas often have 2-4-1 days every week. In this sense, a little research can yield huge savings on day to day entertainment and socialising.
Tips for Visiting Bishopsgate
The City of London can at times be a confusing place. The area is almost constantly busy with tourists and city workers and the myriad of local landmarks and attractions mean Bishopsgate can be a little overwhelming when it comes to planning an itinerary. With this in mind, what follows are a few tips for visiting Bishopsgate, to ensure visitors get the most out of their stay:
- Use an Oyster or Contactless card for getting around on the Underground.
- Be aware that a trip to the local pubs and bars can cost substantially more than anywhere else in the UK - quite often double the cost.
- Bishopsgate gets very hectic around rush hour!
- The Victoria, Central, Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly Lines operate for 24hrs on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Walking is a great way to see many of the local historic sights
- The best views of the cityscape can be had from the various bridges over the Thames
- Heading north from Bishopsgate will take you into some of London’s most famously hipster areas
Things to Do in Bishopsgate
Bishopsgate is right in the heart of London - one of the most diverse and exciting capitals on earth. As such, those staying in the area have just about every pastime and activity imaginable right on their doorstep.
Q. What are the most popular things to do in Bishopsgate?
Some of the most popular things to do in Bishopsgate and the surrounding area are:
- Walk down to Tower Bridge and enjoy the views.
- Engage in some blue plaque hunting.
- See the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
- Get a snap of St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Get a tour around the Houses of Parliament.
- Enjoy the sunshine in the Sky Garden.
- Enjoy a meal with a view at The Shard.
Q. What are some free things to do in Bishopsgate?
Many of London’s top attractions are completely free of charge, including:
- British Museum.
- National Gallery.
- The Museum of London.
- The Imperial War Museum.
- Natural History Museum.
Q. What are the most family-friendly things to do in Bishopsgate?
Bishopsgate is a fantastic location for families as many of London’s most iconic attractions cater to both children and adults. The Tower of London, with its hands-on exhibits, makes for a great family day out, as does the museum of London, which is just a short walk from Bishopsgate.
Q. What are the more unusual things to do in Bishopsgate?
There are plenty of quirky things to do in the City of London. Visitors will find everything from the macabre and grisly, like the Jack the Ripper Museum or the notorious Clink prison, to more salubrious and whimsical attractions, such as the Sky Garden or local crazy golf course.
Places to Visit in Bishopsgate
Visitors to Bishopsgate are somewhat spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit, as the area is not only in the city centre but is also one of its oldest parts. Some of the top places to visit in and around Bishopsgate are:
- The Tower of London - a true London icon, Tower Bridge is just a short walk from Aldgate.
- Covent Garden - the heart of London’s theatre and entertainment area, with a host of bars and eateries.
- Spitalfields - an exciting high street north of Aldgate with an abundance of pop-up bars, international cuisine and great drinking spots - all of which boast a fantastic atmosphere.
- Saint Botolph Without Aldgate - a historic, neo-Gothic church in the centre of Aldgate.
- Sky Garden - London's highest public garden offering breathtaking views across the city. Within easy walking distance of Aldgate station.
- The Royal London Hospital Museum - located in neighbouring Whitechapel, the museum explores medicines history in the area as well as showcasing material related to famous cases - including the Elephant Man.
- London Wall - ancient remains of London’s fortress wall, dating back to the 3rd century AD and revealing how Aldgate got its name.
- Whitechapel Galleries - art gallery showcasing local and international talent, with frequent exhibits throughout the year.
Places to Eat in Bishopsgate
Bishopsgate is a great place to go for lovers of gastronomy. As with most central London areas, visitors will find all manner of cuisine represented - from upscale fine-dining to undiscovered international bistros.
Some of the best places to eat in Bishopsgate include:
- Boisdale of Bishopsgate.
- The Drift.
- Miyako.
- Duck & Waffle.
- Bob Bob Ricard.
- HAZ Bishopsgate.
- The Woodins Shades.
- Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen.
- Eastway Brasserie.
- Polo Bar.
Street Food in Bishopsgate
Despite its reputation as an upmarket area of London, Bishopsgate offers a surprisingly broad array of street food - particularly around the commercial areas, where busy city workers seldom have time to enjoy a long lunch. Some of the best street food in Bishopsgate can be found at the following:
- New Street Grill.
- Moshi Moshi.
- Wrap It Up!
- Patty & Bun.
- Shoryu Ramen.
Shopping in Bishopsgate
It will come as little surprise that Bishopsgate and its surrounding area offers some of the best shopping to be had anywhere in the UK. Visitors will find numerous independent shops and familiar brands in the area surrounding Liverpool Street station and, of course, nearby Petticoat Lane Market is an iconic location with plenty of independent fashion stalls. There’s also Brick Lane market and Whitechapel market within easy reach.
Bishopsgate also benefits from having several large-scale shopping malls and plazas nearby, including:
- The Arcada.
- Boxpark Shoreditch.
- City Point.
- Broadgate Circle.
- One New Exchange.
Transportation in Bishopsgate
There are few places in London that are better connected than Bishopsgate when it comes to public transport. For starters, the area is within walking distance of several key tube stations, including:
- Bank.
- Aldgate.
- Fenchurch Street.
- Moorgate.
- Monument.
- Aldgate East.
Between them, these stations offer services on the Circle, Central, Hammersmith & City, District and the Metropolitan lines. This means that those staying locally can always find a direct route to just about anywhere in the city. What’s more, Bank is also part of the Docklands Light Railway - an important route for City workers who may also need to journey to Canary Wharf. Underground prices vary depending on the time and distance of travel, however, a day Travelcard for zones 1 - 6 will cover the entire network and currently costs around £18. Travelcards and the Oyster payment system can also be used to pay for journeys by bus - Bishopsgate has almost 30 routes running through its main stops on Great Winchester Street and Wormwood Street.
Weather in Bishopsgate
Like anywhere else in western Europe, London has four distinct seasons throughout the year, with the coldest months of winter being between December and February and the warmest time of year usually being mid-July through to early September. Many people prefer to visit Bishopsgate in the summer, when the sun is out and temperatures are regularly in the high twenties. Of course, there is also less chance of rain at this time of year, so it's a good time for those planning to explore the city’s landmarks to visit. However, whilst December and January can see temperatures drop to freezing, the festive season sees London come alive with seasonal activities, such as ice skating, street markets and the famous Winter Wonderland. As such, London really is a year-round destination, with every month offering some event or festival for revellers to enjoy. The only thing to bear in mind is that London weather is notoriously unpredictable and even the sunniest of days can see the odd shower appear as if from nowhere.
