Why London Has Two Different Cities Inside It (Yes, Really)
When most people think of London, they imagine one big, sprawling capital — a unified city full of red buses, royalty, and river views. But here’s something that might surprise you: London isn’t just one city. It’s actually two.
Yes, really.
London contains two legally distinct cities with their own histories, governments, and identities:
The City of London
The City of Westminster
So why does this matter? And what does it mean for the London you know and love (or are about to visit)? Let’s break it down.
1. What Is the City of London?
Known to locals as simply “the City,” this tiny area — just 1.12 square miles — is the oldest part of London. It’s where the Romans first settled around AD 43, calling it Londinium.
Today, it’s:
A major global financial hub
Home to around 9,000 residents (yes, that’s it)
Flooded with over 500,000 commuters each weekday
Packed with skyscrapers, legal chambers, and ancient churches
Despite its size, it’s incredibly powerful — and quirky.
2. The City of London Has Its Own Mayor (Not That One)
You’ve probably heard of the Mayor of London (currently Sadiq Khan), but did you know the City of London has its own mayor?
That’s the Lord Mayor of the City of London, an ancient ceremonial role dating back to 1189. Every November, there’s a full-on Lord Mayor’s Show — a massive parade through the City with gold carriages and marching bands.
Unlike the elected Mayor of London, who handles transport, policing, housing, and more across Greater London, the Lord Mayor mostly promotes finance and business. But symbolically? It’s huge.
Fun fact: When the Monarch visits the City of London, they must ask permission to enter and are presented with a sword at Temple Bar. It’s tradition.
3. Then There’s the City of Westminster
This is where the UK government lives.
The City of Westminster includes:
Parliament
10 Downing Street
Buckingham Palace
Trafalgar Square
West End theatres
Soho, Mayfair, Pimlico and more
It’s where you’ll find much of the classic “tourist” London, and it's also a separate city — with its own lord mayor (not the same person as in the City of London).
The City of Westminster was formally created in 1540 by Henry VIII and merged several medieval parishes. It became a city in 1900.
4. Wait — So What Is “London” Then?
“London” as we know it today is made up of 33 local authorities:
32 boroughs like Camden, Hackney, and Southwark
Plus the City of London
This wider area is known as Greater London and is governed by the Greater London Authority (GLA), which is where the elected Mayor of London (like Sadiq Khan) comes in.
So to recap:
Greater London is the big umbrella area
It includes the City of London (tiny but powerful) and the City of Westminster (seat of government)
Plus 31 other boroughs with their own councils
5. So What’s the Difference in Practice?
City of London:
Tiny, ancient, mostly business-focused
Has its own police force (City of London Police)
Unique governance system — including centuries-old livery companies
Fewer residents, more bankers
City of Westminster:
Central government, royalty, and major attractions
Much larger population (~250,000 residents)
Home to nightlife, theatre, and politics
6. Why This Still Matters Today
This isn’t just historical trivia — it affects how the city is governed, policed, and celebrated.
Different mayors
Different local councils
Different tax rules
Separate traditions and ceremonies
Separate coat of arms and city mottos
It also means Londoners can say they live in “the City” and mean something very specific — not just the whole capital.
So... London Is a City Inside Cities?
Exactly. Think of London as a mega-metro made of many smaller towns, two of which happen to be actual cities — with their own flags, history, and governance.
So next time you stroll from Bank to Westminster, you’re not just walking a few stops on the Tube — you’re crossing between two cities, both ancient, both important, and both uniquely London.
Curious about more London secrets?
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