Map & location
Overview
EC2Y 5AU falls within the Barbican district of the City of London, an area renowned for its bold 1960s–70s Brutalist architecture and its rare status as a genuine residential community at the heart of the Square Mile. The postcode sits in Bassishaw ward, one of the City's historic wards, close to the landmark Barbican Centre, the Museum of London (now relocated to West Smithfield), and the ancient church of St Giles Cripplegate.
The neighbourhood blends the working financial city with a vibrant arts and cultural quarter. Silk Street, Beech Street and the elevated walkways of the Barbican Estate define the local streetscape. Residents and workers here enjoy swift access to the wider City, Moorgate, and the cultural amenities of the Barbican Centre — home to the London Symphony Orchestra and world-class cinemas, galleries and theatres.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid
The median sold price here is £841,824, around 5% above the wider EC2Y district average of £800,608 (HM Land Registry, 9 recent sales).
Getting here
EC2Y 5AU is extremely well connected by London Underground, with several stations within a short walk providing access to the Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Central, and Northern lines. Numerous bus routes serve Aldersgate Street, London Wall and Moorgate, linking the Barbican to the West End, South Bank and beyond. Cycling is well catered for via the Santander Cycle docking stations on Aldersgate Street and nearby routes on the City's cycle network. The area is also accessible via the Elizabeth line at Moorgate and Liverpool Street.
What it's famous for
The Barbican Estate — comprising towers Cromwell, Shakespeare and Lauderdale, along with its lakeside podium — is one of the largest examples of Brutalist residential architecture in Europe and a Grade II listed complex beloved by architecture enthusiasts worldwide. The Barbican Centre on Silk Street is an internationally renowned arts venue, home to the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and hosts major film, theatre, art and dance events. Nearby St Giles Cripplegate, the medieval church where the poet John Milton is buried, adds a layer of deep historical significance to this otherwise modernist enclave.
Services & facilities
World-class arts venue on Silk Street hosting music, theatre and film
Public library located within the Barbican Centre complex
Unique local authority governing the Square Mile from Guildhall
Nearest major post office branch a short walk south
Active residents' body for the Barbican and Golden Lane estates
Tourist attractions
Major international arts and conference centre on Silk Street
~150 mMedieval church in the Barbican, burial place of John Milton
~200 mOrnamental lake, fountains and a tropical conservatory open to visitors
~200 mHistoric site at London Wall; collection now at West Smithfield
~350 mHistoric Nonconformist cemetery containing graves of Blake and Defoe
~550 mMedieval seat of City government with Great Hall and art gallery
~600 mGPs, pharmacies & dentists
GP surgeries
EC1A7HF · 020 76009740
~400 mEC4M6XH · 02032 836600
~600 mEC2A2DW · 02038 703029
~700 mPharmacies
EC2M6XQ · 02076 063957
~350 mEC2V6DN · 020 72363466
~400 mEC1Y8NX · 020 76380067
~450 mDentists
EC2Y8BH
~100 mEC2Y8HQ
~300 mSource: NHS Organisation Data Service
Schools & universities
The nearest school, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, is ~200 m away.
Higher education institutions
~200 mOther independent school
~200 mMiscellaneous
~300 mCommunity school
~450 mOther independent school
~550 mSource: Get Information About Schools (DfE)
Businesses & shops
Surrounding streets host major banks, insurers and law firms
Retail, restaurant and event-hire spaces within the arts complex
Several creative agencies occupy office space around Silk Street
Montcalm Royal London House and other hotels nearby on Finsbury Square
Small independent and convenience retailers within the podium level
Gyms & leisure
Three screens showing arthouse and mainstream film within the Centre
~150 mMajor and studio theatre spaces hosting RSC and visiting companies
~150 mWell-equipped gym and fitness centre on Fann Street
~300 mPopular gastropub on Chiswell Street with traditional ales
~400 mQuiet City garden with the Watts Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice
~750 mService providers
Full-fibre and FTTC broadband available across the postcode
Cable broadband available in parts of the area
Water and sewerage services provider for City of London
Waste collection and street cleansing services
Residential & community
Large Grade II listed Brutalist residential complex with around 4,000 flats
Adjacent 1950s Modernist estate just north of the Barbican
Modern conversions and newer residential blocks near the arts centre
Combination of leaseholders, private renters and some social housing
Transport
Train & Tube
St. Paul's Station
St Pauls
Barbican
Barbican
Bank
City of London
Mansion House
Mansion House
Bus stops
Aldersgate Street (Stop)
Stops on Aldersgate Street serving central and north London
Moorgate / London Wall
Frequent services towards Liverpool Street and Bank
Barbican Station (Street Level)
Bus stops outside Barbican station on Aldersgate Street
Cycle hire
Santander Cycles — Aldersgate Street
TfL hire docking station on Aldersgate Street
Santander Cycles — Silk Street
Docking station adjacent to the Barbican Centre entrance
City Cycleway — North-South Route
Dedicated City of London cycle lane running through the area
Source: NaPTAN (DfT)
EV, defibrillators & more
EV charging
Barbican Estate Car Park
EV charging points within the Barbican Estate underground car park
City of London Street Chargers
On-street EV charge points on surrounding City streets
Defibrillators
Barbican Centre Foyer
Public-access defibrillator located inside the Barbican Centre entrance
Barbican Underground Station
Defibrillator available on the station concourse
Postboxes & Post Office
Post Office — Cheapside Branch
Full post office services south of the postcode on Cheapside
Fuel stations
Nearest Petrol Station
Limited fuel stations in the City; nearest options are in Clerkenwell or Shoreditch
Places of worship
Medieval parish church within the Barbican Estate, regular services held
~200 m12th-century priory church in nearby Smithfield
~800 mRoman Catholic church a short walk north of the Barbican
~550 mJohn Wesley's Chapel and house on City Road, active Methodist church
~600 mArea data & demographics
This neighbourhood falls in deprivation decile 10 of 10 (1 = most deprived), among the less deprived areas (Indices of Deprivation).
At the 2021 Census, this neighbourhood (LSOA) had a usual resident population of about 1,384.
Housing & utilities
The Barbican Estate's iconic towers dominate; most homes are purpose-built flats
The majority of residential stock was built between 1965 and 1976
Much of the Barbican Estate has statutory listed building protection
Most Barbican flats are sold on long leases; some private rental market
Demographics
Crime (illustrative)
Air quality & noise
City of London has ULEZ and low-emission zones; air quality monitoring in place
Ornamental water features and planted terraces provide green relief
Road noise from London Wall and Aldersgate Street; generally quieter within Estate
Area sits above Thames flood plain; low surface-water flood risk rated by EA
FAQs
Where exactly is the postcode EC2Y 5AU?
EC2Y 5AU is located in the Barbican area of the City of London, within Bassishaw ward. It sits close to the Barbican Centre on Silk Street, near London Wall and Aldersgate Street.
What is the Barbican area like to live in?
The Barbican is a unique, architecturally striking neighbourhood offering a genuine residential community in the heart of the City. Residents enjoy quiet, pedestrian-friendly walkways, a world-class arts venue on the doorstep, and easy access to the financial district — all within one of London's most recognised Brutalist estates.
Which council is responsible for EC2Y 5AU?
EC2Y 5AU falls within the City of London Corporation, the unique local authority that governs the Square Mile. The ward is Bassishaw.
Which parliamentary constituency does EC2Y 5AU fall in?
EC2Y 5AU is in the Cities of London and Westminster parliamentary constituency.
What schools serve the EC2Y 5AU area?
Several schools serve the area — see the Schools section above for the nearest, with distances and Ofsted ratings. The City of London Corporation also maintains several well-regarded schools in and around the Square Mile.
How do I get to EC2Y 5AU by public transport?
The Barbican is extremely well served by the London Underground, with multiple lines accessible within a few minutes' walk. Several bus routes stop on Aldersgate Street and London Wall, and Santander Cycles docking stations are available nearby for cycling.
What is the Barbican Centre and is it near EC2Y 5AU?
The Barbican Centre is one of Europe's leading arts venues, hosting the London Symphony Orchestra, theatre, cinema, art exhibitions and conferences. It is approximately 150 metres from EC2Y 5AU on Silk Street.
Is EC2Y 5AU in the Congestion Charge and ULEZ zones?
Yes — EC2Y 5AU falls within both the London Congestion Charge zone (operational Monday–Friday) and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Drivers of non-compliant vehicles must pay daily charges.
Nearby postcodes
Other postcodes near EC2Y 5AU:
Useful links
Official records and property listings for EC2Y 5AU: