The Monument to the Great Fire of London
The Monument to the Great Fire of London
4.5
Historic Sites • Observation Decks & Towers • Monuments & Statues
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9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
A permanent reminder of the Great Fire of 1666, the Monument commemorates one of the most famous events in London's history. Standing regally on the piazza between Fish Street Hill and Monument Street, the 202ft column designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke, celebrates the City which rose from the ashes. The Monument invites you to climb its 311 spiral steps and enjoy one of the best views over the City.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: City of London
From its ancient past as a Roman trading outpost to its 21st century status as the wealthiest square mile in the world, the financial district known simply as “The City” is one of London's most historic and fascinating neighbourhoods. Here high rise office towers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin mingle with Roman ruins and architectural marvels from virtually every era in between, including Christopher Wren's glorious St.Paul's Cathedral, and John Soane's dauntingly classicist Bank of England. This neighbourhood is also home to some of the finest restaurants and plushest hotels in Europe, in addition to an assortment of of watering holes, upscale shops, and Tube stations. During the week, the City is abuzz with white collar workers going about their business; the weekend sees this area turn into a quiet haven for sightseers.
How to get there
- Monument • 1 min walk
- Cannon St • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,590 within 5 kms
Attractions
2,252 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,305 reviews
Excellent
1,072
Very good
929
Average
272
Poor
27
Terrible
7
ste141
Exeter, UK159 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
I arrived just before it opened. A family went in before me and I had to wait a little while, while they went up. I paid and asked the man about a guide book or if they had something about the history of it. They only had something for children, but everyone got a certificate with a bit of history on it he told me. I had to take it very slowly, as it was quite a warm and sunny day. As I neared the top, the family were on the way down. But, there was enough space for them to pass me. As it was sunny, I had a great view of London in the sunshine. As I slowly, descended, an American woman was coming up. Again, there was enough space for her to pass me. At the bottom, I felt a bit dizzy as I had to walk down and round in circles. The staff told me to take it easy, as I walked off, after being given my certificate. I, soon, felt a lot better. I would recommend this attraction, if you don’t mind climbing. But, you must do it on a sunny day.
Written 25 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian R
Conwy County, UK128 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Excellent customer experience, great views, good value. Receive a certificate for climbing to the top which my ten year old loved. Nice touch. Lovely staff
Written 18 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward
Santa Rosa, CA1,800 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
The Monument to the Great Fire of London, also called simply The Monument, is just that, a monument and more specificlly a tall column. However, it has a spiral staircase inside going all the way to the top, with a baclony all the way around the top. The baclcony is fully enclosed in safety mesh along with the railing, to ensure safety but also allowing good views. This is a nice walk up and gives great views of the City of London and surrounding area. There's a fee and you get a souvenir paper for doing it. I just walked up and had to wait about 5 to 10 minutes before going in. You walk up at your own pace and stay up and take in the views at your own pace.
Written 30 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatima g
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
disappointed and pissed off with the staff from The Monument I had to deal with yesterday 26 of April 2023 at 12:30 pm.A friend of mine came from Argentina to visit me, yesterday was her last day in London.I had a great illusion to show her and take photos from The Monument, so after visiting the Buckingham Palace we traveled by underground to this place.At first the staff mood and face towards us was so unfriendly… I needed to tie my shoes because I nearly fall down.The young guy started telling something like if I could not being there tying my shoes in some rude way like many times until I said to him: I heard you I just need to tie my shoes up for not falling myself down, he was so rude, I was in shock, but I got more shocked when he told me that we would not get into the place because according to him I was rude and I shouted! Excuse me? Spanish people talk loud, but we are not unpolite nor unrespectful.He should know the cultural facts from different places people.He’s working at a tourist place! I think they were even racist, as when I told him and his partner that I was Spanish, and my friend Argentina their faces were so bad, and they even shout out the door at our faces.They did not give us the claim book, they threaten us telling us that we would not be never inside!I felt like if they were fooling us! I have been living between London and Cambridge for five years, studying in Cambridge and I never felt so bad treated by someone.They ruined our day! My friend’s last day in London.I am so dissapointed! And I am making all the claims that I can, and post it in my company social media and personal social media profile.I think we deserve an apologize.
Written 27 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil B
Auckland, New Zealand1,072 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
I can’t believe I’d never heard of this attraction before my latest visit to London. Not far from the Tower of London. No queue when we visited shortly after opening at 9:30am. Tough climb up lots of stairs but we’ll worth it for the view from the top. £6 fee is reasonable.
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bon viveur
London, UK1,601 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I pass the Monument often as it’s just around the corner from my office. I often stop and admire it, especially when it towers impressively in the sunshine with its golden orb gleaming as it was this morning. It costs £6 for an adult and £3 for a kid to visit the top. Personally, I prefer my views of London to come with a lift and a cocktail!
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
harv83
Nottingham, UK50 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Brilliant views, amazing staircase, lots of steps!
Great value too
Kids loved it
Would highly recommend
Great value too
Kids loved it
Would highly recommend
Written 6 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Escape24698174115
Goettingen, Germany7 contributions
Mar 2023
I remember climbing the Monument as a child. The weather was so great on our first day in London that we had to go up. The views were stunning! A visit also comes with a certificate of having climbed the 311 steps, with a picture of the Monument and information on its history. If kids know about the Great Fire of London (as mine did from the Homeschool History podcast) it makes it more interesting and impressive, of course.
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary C
Dunblane, UK406 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Amazing views from the top. Be prepared for a lot of steps and if you get vertigo best avoid. Friendly staff were welcoming. I would get there early though as it could easily get busy inside
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony H
14 contributions
Sep 2022
I visited with my daughter having seen the monument but never having been brave enough to go up it as I am terrified of heights. The high winding staircase was personally not the best experience but the views are amazing and I admit the height did scare me but did not take away what was an experience I am glad I had.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a space to leave pushchairs at the bottom?
Jeff M
Burlington Ontario30 contributions
While there wasn't a specific spot for them, there is an attendant who is standing at the entrance as well as someone working the cash register. The attendant near the door is there to hand you a certificate showing that you climbed to the top! I am more than confident that you could leave your pushchair at the bottom. Now...climbing to the top is another question entirely! My wife still says it ruined her legs for the rest of the week. :)
Edmund L
Edinburgh, UK12 contributions
Roughly how long does it take to climb the stairs, have like 10/15mins at the top and come back down again?
Dan H Boyle
Upminster, UK619 contributions
It depends how fit you are in terms of climbing the stairs. I would say that 5-10 minutes to climb, 10 minutes at the top and then a couple of minutes down. It does also depend on how busy the stairs and top is. 30 minutes max for the whole monument.
Mike S
Witham, UK1,800 contributions
Has The Monument reopened after its recent repairs, and will it be open on Saturday, 12th November (the day of The Lord Mayor's Show).
GoingGuide
Nottingham, UK1,146 contributions
It's reopened - not sure about Lord Mayor's show.
sandraengleder89
London, UK
Weiß man, wie lange das Monument wegen Renovierung geschlossen hat?
Audrey L
Toulouse, France514 contributions
Désolé je n'en sais rien
laura m
Ireland28 contributions
when will this reopen? this was something i was very excited to do and was devasted to find it was closed
Yellywelly
London, UK51 contributions
Had a look at the Monument's website. According to the website, it's closed for essential maintenance work until further notice. So no word yet when it'll reopen.
I hope this helps!
laura m
Ireland28 contributions
if i have a joint ticket with the tower bridge can i visit the attractions on different days
skilegend
Leamington Spa, UK122 contributions
Sorry I don't know the answer to that.
Best to give each a call to check.
You will find their telephone numbers in line .
Have a good visit.
THE MONUMENT TO THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Monument to the Great Fire of London
- The Monument to the Great Fire of London is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking The Monument to the Great Fire of London tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 95 The Monument to the Great Fire of London tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience The Monument to the Great Fire of London:
- Alleyways and Courtyards of London (From S$30.69)
- Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise (From S$69.07)
- Medieval London: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monument to the Tower of London (From S$7.50)
- The London Pass®: Unlimited access to 85+ top attractions (From S$136.09)
- Private Custom Walking Tour: Day Tour of London (From S$529.93)
- Hotels near The Monument to the Great Fire of London:
- (0.17 km) Premier Inn London Bank (Tower) hotel
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- (0.15 km) Holiday apartment London for 1 - 4 persons with 2 bedrooms - Holiday apartment
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- Restaurants near The Monument to the Great Fire of London:
- (0.00 km) Le Pain Quotidien
- (0.00 km) The Britannia
- (0.02 km) The Monument Pub
- (0.03 km) The Hydrant
- (0.04 km) Al Dente Monument
- Attractions near The Monument to the Great Fire of London:
- (0.00 km) London Tours by Cab
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