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Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The world's main marketplace for ship broking.
The Baltic Exchange was an important listed building and historic landmark at 24–28 St Mary Axe in the City of London, occupied by the Baltic Exchange, a market for shipping, marine insurance, and information on maritime transportation. The building was known to some British architectural historians for its cathedral-like trading hall and the Baltic Exchange Memorial Glass, a stained glass war memorial.
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Designed by one of Britain's leading architects, Sir Norman Foster, this curved glass skyscraper was the 2004 recipient of the Stirling Architectural Prize for Best Building. It was built on the site of the Baltic Exchange building, destroyed in 1992 by an IRA bomb which killed three. On the Bury Street side of the Gherkin by some black stone benches is the Tomb of the Unknown Girl for a teenaged Londoner who died 1,600 years ago (see infobox above), marked with a marble laurel wreath and inscription. Searcy's Restaurant (from £50) at the top takes bookings up to five weeks in advance and you have to go through security before going up.
Another Richard Rogers creation, nicknamed the Cheesegrater. Completed in 2014. Also opposite Lloyd's.
London's highest viewing platform that is free to the public. Sitting at the 58th floor of an office building, and the tallest building in City of London proper, it gives visitors a 300-degree view of London.
The LME is the leading centre for non-ferrous metals trading. It is also the last financial market in London which still retains open outcry trading.
Completed in 2008 opposite Lloyd's of London.
The headquarters of world's most famous insurance market, housed in a revolutionary (at the time) bizarre, Matrix-like glass-and-steel building designed by Richard Rogers, with all support services (lifts, ventilation, etc.) suspended outside. Recognised as a masterpiece of exoskeleton architecture.