London: Money & Power Walking Tour – Babylon to Bitcoin

5.0 (9 reviews) 2 h 45 min Free cancellation

out of 5

9 reviews

5.0

Where Ancient London meets Modern Finance — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

London: Money & Power Walking Tour – Babylon to Bitcoin, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore the story of money on a walking tour through London’s Square Mile, travelling from ancient temples and Babylonian beginnings to modern high finance and Bitcoin.

Trace the evolution of trade, barter and debt through the ages – from gift economies to Babylon's clay tablets and Rome's large-scale debt-driven empire, all the way to the City of London, where those ancient systems reach their most sophisticated form.

We finish with a forward‑looking glimpse at the shift from paper notes and government bonds to digital ledgers, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies

Highlights:

Discover how history repeats cycles of rising power, mounting debt and empire.

Learn how temples and churches sit at the heart of the story of money and banking.

Uncover historic events that reveal the true relationship between money and power.

Gain a deeper understanding of what money is, and how it differs from “value”.

Wander the backstreets of the City that gave birth to global finance.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 h 45 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Dragon Lore

Ages: Children (8–11 years) · Youth (12–17 years) · Adults (18–65 years) · Seniors (66–97 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local Guide
Included: PDF Overview of Tour

Not included

Not included: Private transportation

Itinerary

The Guild Church of ST Mary Aldermary

10 min

See how Religious institutions to the story of Money, Magic and Power right from the beginning.
Royal Exchange Building London

10 min

Founded in 1566 as England’s first purpose-built trading floor. Rebuilt twice after fires; now houses luxury shops beneath its neoclassical facade.
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

20 min

Discover: the origin of money magicians, the oldest financial transaction and money from before the Romans arrived.
St. Edmund The King Church

10 min

It was around this location that modern western Banking was birthed.
Stop 5

5 min

Said how the first coffee house in London played a crucial role in early finance.
Stop 6

10 min

This alley was the epicenter of London's financial world in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Bank of England Museum

20 min

We tell the story of modern money and trade, how it changed shape and in turn the world itself. It's stories entail the beheading of a King, Companies that developed an empire to the advent of modern day money: The digital dollar and bitcoin.
Stop 8

5 min

How a speedy pigeon reporting the news of the war (Wellington and Napoleon) turned enabled massive manipulation of the markets.
Statue of James Henry Greathead

10 min

We discuss what Industrial revolution meant for the City, next to one of the pioneers of the Industrial revolution.
St. Mary Woolnoth Church

10 min

This church has been at the centre point of history of debt, slavery and Christian values.
Stop 11

10 min

How this Insurance company helped shape empire and the world.
Stop 12

5 min

This outdoor installation is perfect for us to consider the movements of times and tides of money and finance and power.
Leadenhall Market

10 min

We get back to financial roots at this ancient market, and we talk Dragons!
Stop 14

10 min

Public space with the Gilt of Cain sculpture, memorializing the City’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Garden at 120

10 min

We take a fresh perspective as we conclude the tour.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet outside Pret on 52-54 Cannon St, London EC4N 6LY, UK.

You will recognize me by my longish hair & beard, and you'll see a dragon on my backpack.

End point

We conclude on top of this beautiful building where you can continue to enjoy the view and optionally have something to drink/eat.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Time for travel time is already included in the total duration

Options

Semi-Private - Up to 4 Persons

Semi-Private - Up to 4 Persons: Enjoy a more personal City of London walking tour for your own small party of up to four guests.
1.5-Hour Express Tour

1.5-Hour Express Tour: This 1.5-hour express route is ideal if you are short on time, while still offering an engaging walk through London’s history
Shared Group Tour — Per Person