London is such a modern and cosmopolitan city, with such iconic views on almost every street. Unlike cities like Paris, where it is more straight forward where to get the best view, it can sometimes seem daunting trying to pick the right spot in London, with so many famous buildings and landmarks scattered around the city and along the Thames. I have therefore listed some of the best views for you to consider visiting.
1) The Shard
When I went to go abseiling in London, I was merely told it was at the Guy’s hospital. When I walked out of the London Bridge station and looked up, mistakenly glaring at the Shard, my knees gave way on me as I realised I had made the biggest mistake ever.
Thankfully I can say I never abseiled down this giant, modern building. This 95 story skyscraper has some spectacular views, while there is a public viewing area on floors 68, 69 and 72, but you do have to pay to go up.
If you’re looking for a way to go up without paying, you could head to the Aqua Shard on the 31st floor or the Oblix on the 32nd, this way you can enjoy a meal with a nice view, but it won’t be quite as steep.
2) The Walkie Talkie – Sky Garden
The Sky Gardens on floor 34-37 is certainly the main appeal, offering an amazing view from the top of the skyscraper open to the public. This is also a good spot if you fancy a drink, but be aware the prices will leave you a bit short on change.
The views are phenomenal, while they also have a great garden at the top, which was a nice surprise (I guess it shouldn’t be considering the name).
You can visit for free, but you do need to book your specifically timed visit in advance. Expect to book around 3-4 weeks in advance, with peak times on weekends going very quickly. They have a security bag check at the start, while you can also visit here for the restaurants and bars they have in place.
3) St Paul’s Cathedral – Golden Gallery
The Dome Climb is available to visit, but the Whispering Gallery is almost always shut for repairs with no shared dates on when it will re-open. You can pay for tickets to enter, which will include the cathedral, as well as the dome climb and the crypt.
You may be told as you go around that you’re not allowed to take photos, but there is an exception when you are at the top of the Cathedral, with beautiful views of London. Don’t be put off by the large staircase, approximately 528 stairs to climb, it will be worth it!
I’ve also seen a number of night walk groups on this platform, which I might have to sign up for one day.
4) The London Eye
It takes around 30 minutes to fully rotate around, therefore this isn’t exactly the most thrilling of rides, but the views of the smoky city are breath taking. This one does involve coughing up a bit of money, but the prices aren’t extortionate, unless you pay for fast track, which is almost double the price, but means you can avoid queuing.
You can look out from the pods and see multiple angles with a 360 view, while you also should consider whether you want views during the day, sunset or even a night ride.
Expect to spot Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, along the long list of notable landmarks.
5) The Monument
This is an amazing landmark that you should visit and admire, whether you head up or just want to take a look from the bottom. I don’t know if that helps with dealing with the concept of climbing 311 steps, but it certainly isn’t an easy one for kids.
You will also benefit from a view some of the others don’t have, of Tower Bridge. While the viewing platforms across London are starting to charge a fortune, this remains the low cost option and is exceptionally cheap for a child’s ticket.
At 202ft, this offers a great view, while you even get a little certificate at the end to state you climbed up, a nice little touch.
6) The IFS Cloud Cable Car
Formerly the Emirates Airlines, but it switched in 2022 to the IFS Cloud Cable Car due to the change in sponsorship. The cable car stretches across the River Thames, offering views of London you’ve probably never seen.
It was first opened in 2012 and lasts 10 minutes, however during rush hours they do actually speed it up, meaning it would only last 5 minutes. It goes from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Victoria Dock.
They have wheelchair accessibility in the pods, while they also offer unique experiences like the ‘champagne cabin’ in case you want to visit here for a date night.
7) Bokan
What beats a great view of a city while on holiday? Oh that’s it, having bottomless brunch and getting way beyond tipsy! It might be the start of the end of your day, but it is an extra exciting way to spend a day in London. You will also benefit from 360 angles as you circle the building’s roof terrace.
On floor 37 you have a European dining restaurant, on floor 38 is a cocktail bar, while on 39 you have the rooftop terrace with beautiful views. The cocktails aren’t cheap here, but you’re paying for that view, even if you just have one or two.
8) City Social
This one isn’t quite as high, but it’s a restaurant, making it a slightly different option, as you will see many people propose during a meal while here. It seriously oozes with romance, so a great one for couples, as long as they have some money in the bank.
As mentioned, the height isn’t quite as steep as some, as it is based on the 24th floor of Tower 42. This is a Michelin starred restaurant, offering British cuisine, so expect the food to be sublime, but the bill to be pretty scary.
9) Duck & Waffle
I just mentioned the City Social as a high up restaurant, well the Duck & Waffle is the highest 24/7 restaurant in the entire city. I’m serious, you could be enjoying cocktails here at 4am, or be alongside people enjoying some breakfast.
While they do offer some European dishes, this place largely focuses its menu on traditional British dishes. Many people also opt to go here for brunch.
The floor to ceiling windows offer such incredible views, while you will be able to see Tower Bridge, St Paul’s and the Gherkin.
10) Aviary Rooftop
Based in Finsbury Square, the Aviary is a rooftop bar and restaurant which, once again, is famous for its brunch. They use a coal oven cooker and mainly serve modern European cuisine. It’s also open till pretty late, making it a good option for sunset.
It’s based on the 10th floor, therefore we can’t say its the best views of the city, but it certainly shouldn’t be downplayed how amazing it is up there. It’s also a rooftop rather than a viewing window, which many people prefer, especially in central London where there aren’t too many beer gardens or rooftop bars.
Make sure to reserve in advance as this one gets booked up very quickly, especially if you plan on visiting on a Friday or Saturday evening.
11) Greenwich Park
This park in South East London might not instantly come to mind, but it’s completely free to visit and the views of the London skyline from afar offers a completely different image.
You will have to climb the hilltop in Greenwich park for the best views, as well as catching the Queen’s house and National Maritime Museum. Plus, being steps away from the home of Greenwich Mean Time means you can tick off a few tourist attractions in one.
In the evening, the skyscrapers and office buildings of Canary Wharf are all lit up, which does make for a nice shot.
12) Primrose Hill
OK, one more park sneaking into the list. But again the views are benefited from no buildings around the area to block the view (albeit the trees slightly get in the way, but what can you expect from a park). This is also another free one for the list.
Being on the other side of the capital, in North London, this one isn’t too far from Regent’s park, which is certainly worth a visit if you have time. Keep an eye out for the BT Tower, London Eye and the Shard amongst the long list.
13) One Tree Hill
The majority of the places on this list are at the top of a giant skyscraper, however if you are on the skyscraper, it means you can’t see the building itself. Sometimes it is better to go a bit further away for a proper view. Enter One Tree Hill (no relation to the TV show, I don’t think).
Located between Brockley (no relation to broccoli) and Forest Hill, you can get great views of London with trees surrounding the view, making a more natural appearance to the city for any photos you snap.
You will easily be able to spot the Shard, while you should also look out for the tall buildings of Canary Wharf, plus St Paul’s. This one is free to visit and doesn’t get as many tourists along.
14) OXO Tower Restaurant
If you go on a boat tour across the Thames, you will hear famous stories of how you were not allowed to have skyline advertising in London, therefore OXO architect Albert Moore created the windows so they appeared like the brand name. Sneaky Sneaky! But anyway, they also have a great restaurant up there, just be wary of the prices.
You can head up to the 8th floor, but being a restaurant, brasserie and bar, you won’t have to pay to go up but you will need to eat or drink something. They do offer afternoon tea, if you want to tick off a true British experience.
Oh, good news, this one has a lift, so you don’t have to battle the stairs, unless you fancy the cardio session.
15) Battersea Power Station Lift 109
I remember the days when this was just an abandoned building, all derelict, as I passed on the train and my dad would grumble about it being left to rot. But in 2022 it finally opened back up, thanks to a huge redevelopment project started back in 2013.
You now have shops, bars, restaurants and even homes here. But the reason why I’m highlighting this spot is the glass lift up 109 metres above the ground. The ‘ride’ will take about 1.5 minutes, while you can have up to 30 people in the lift (elevator for my American friends).
This offers a very different view to the others on the list, due to its location in the SouthWest, where you can admire Chelsea, Westminster and the Thames, not to mention Battersea itself.