Sunday afternoon in London?

Nigel is correct Financial District is a yank term. London's metro is called the Underground a.k.a the tube. So once you figure out where you are staying go to the closest tube station, buy an Oyster Card, take a gander at the large tube map at the station, look for the Westminster station (Circle, District of Jubilee Lines/or if you prefer colors Yellow, Green, Light Grey). Hop on the appropriate train. Hopefully you'll have a direct route. Exit at the sleek and modern Westminster station, follow signage to Exit 1 (Westminster Bridge, London Eye). Climb the stairs, turn right and look up. THAT will be a good starting point for a Sunday afternoon stroll. Might help to orient yourself to London by picking up and reading the RS guidebook before you fly across the pond.

Clare, what do you mean by "financial district"? That's a New York term, isn't it? There isn't one in London? Do you mean the City of London - the Square Mile? Or perhaps Canary Wharf - the Isle of Dogs? Or where?

When I saw Clare's post, I immediately thought she meant the "City". I'd heard the term financial district used with regard to London by some of my UK work colleagues. Curious, I did a quick search on this and evidently the BBC also seems to use the term "London Financial District" as you can see here:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15322134. But per Nigel's query, I could also see how it could be Canary Wharf, so do let us know which hotel you are staying in. But back to the original question. I'd suggest that you take a walk along the South Bank. You will get to enjoy some of the great views of London. Assuming you are staying in the City, walk south to the Thames and cross the Millennium Bridge. Turn right after crossing and walk west along the Thames towards the London Eye. You will come to see the Houses of Parliament across the river. If the weather is nice, this is a lovely, easy walk to see some of the sights of London.

Go to Threadneedle Street in the "City". The Banks are closed on Sunday, but that what's cool...you can look at the outstanding architecture on the Bank facades without a crowd in the way...it feels really haunted with nobody there...however there are a few pubs etc that are open...some of them in former Banks... You are pretty close to the London Museum and the Tower which I believe are open and could fill your afternoon.

Ooops - @ Nigel - I mean north of the Thames, near Liverpool street, in "City of London". Thanks for asking. It looks like it's about a 10 minute walk south to London Bridge -- or maybe 20.

You are all so kind! Thank you very much. It's so helpful to learn the right words for things "City" and "Oyster card" as well as getting great suggestions.

Ah ha. There's the ticket. By providing a location much easier to suggest Sunday afternoon options. Walk down Bishop's Gate toward the Thames. Believe the street becomes Grace Church Street. Stop and visit the Leadenhall market place. Truly an eye opener. Pop into the venerable Lamb Tavern for a nosh and a pint. Something you'll be hearing a lot while in working in London will be the phrase "Fancy a pint?" Head back out walking toward the Thames. At the Monument Tube Stop turn left. Should be signs saying Tower of London with arrows. Walk past the Tower and Tower Park to turn right to walk across Tower Bridge. You can check out the hot Butler Wharf area, or take pictures of the Bridge near City Hall (The Beehive), continue on exploring Southwark, the Cathedral is nice, walk along the Thames, to Millennium Bridge and cross back over the Thames or keep walking along Bankside as the sun starts to set and try the London Eye. EASY city to walk around. Enjoy.

Clare I'm with those who suggest a walk along the South Bank. If you start at London Bridge you could take a slight detour down Borough High Street and visit the George Inn, London's only surviving galleried coaching inn. Even if you don't stop for a drink it's worth sticking your head into the courtyard. http://www.pubs.com/main_site/pub_details.php?pub_id=92 Also at London Bridge is the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe (so they claim!). Unfortunately the public viewing platforms aren't open yet - February 2013 - but just walking under it gives me vertigo! Alan

The City is really dead on a Sunday. During the week it is interesting to walk in the alleys and lanes behind the Bank of England, quite a few inns and even an occasional church. On a Sunday afternoon, I would head for the Tower of London (no need to go in- just walk the embankment between the Tower and the Thames), nice and green with trees and cannons. You are also at London bridge. If you have enough time and energy you can also swing over to South bank. Or do St Paul's (area) and then over the Millennium Bridge to South Bank