Experience London’s Skyline from the Best Viewing Points

Umair Ahmed

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aerial view of building

When visiting London, adding a stop at one of the city’s best viewpoints is a must. There are several viewing platforms across London, offering both free and paid options. Choosing between them can be challenging, so this guide will help you understand how to book tickets, what each viewpoint offers, and what you can see from each location.

Horizon 22: The Newest Viewing Platform

Overview

  • Height: 254 meters (53rd floor)
  • Entry: Free, but advance booking is recommended
  • Location: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ

Horizon 22 is one of London’s latest attractions, offering stunning views without an entry fee. Located in the City of London, near the River Thames, it stands close to the famous Sky Garden. This observation deck spans two levels, providing expansive views of the city.

Experience

Upon entering, you’ll pass through a security check and need identification. An elevator then takes you to the 53rd floor, where impressive views await. The large windows offer panoramic sights of London, including landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben. There’s a small café, though with limited seating.

The experience of visiting Horizon 22 is one of awe and excitement. As you step out of the elevator onto the 53rd floor, you are immediately greeted by breathtaking views of the city. The design of the observation deck allows for a 360-degree perspective, so you can see all the iconic landmarks and more. The windows are expansive, giving you an unobstructed view of the skyline. This viewpoint is perfect for photography enthusiasts and anyone who wants to see London from a high vantage point.

Booking

  • Advance Tickets: Available on their official website, released two months in advance.
  • On-the-Spot Entry: Limited, with a QR code provided at 10 AM daily, subject to capacity.

Booking your visit to Horizon 22 in advance is highly recommended due to its popularity. Tickets are released two months ahead, and they tend to sell out quickly. If you prefer a spontaneous visit, you can try your luck at the door by scanning a QR code to complete a reservation on the spot. However, this option is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

The Shard: Iconic Views from London’s Tallest Building

Overview

  • Height: 244 meters (72nd floor)
  • Entry: Tickets required; free with a London Pass
  • Location: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG

The Shard, the tallest building in London, offers breathtaking views from its observation deck. Located near Tower Bridge, this triangular skyscraper is known for its distinctive design and reinforced glass façade.

Experience

Visitors undergo a security check before ascending via an elevator traveling at 6 meters per second. After changing elevators on the 32nd floor, you’ll reach the 68th floor for 360-degree views. The 72nd floor, featuring an open roof, offers an even higher vantage point, weather permitting. Key sights include Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and the City Hall area.

The experience of visiting The Shard is unparalleled. The journey begins with a high-speed elevator ride that takes you to the first observation level. As you ascend, you can feel the excitement build. Once you reach the viewing platforms, the sheer height of the building offers a perspective like no other. The glass walls provide a panoramic view, allowing you to see far and wide. Whether it’s day or night, the view is always spectacular, with the city’s lights creating a magical ambiance after sunset.

Booking

  • Advance Tickets: Required, available on the official website.
  • On-the-Spot Entry: Generally available but more expensive than online purchases.

Booking in advance for The Shard is advisable to secure your spot and get the best rates. Tickets can be purchased on the official website, and it’s often cheaper to buy them online rather than at the door. The London Pass also includes entry to The Shard, making it a convenient option for tourists planning to visit multiple attractions.

Sky Garden: A Free Urban Oasis

Overview

  • Height: 160 meters (35th floor)
  • Entry: Free, advance booking recommended
  • Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

Sky Garden, located in the “Walkie Talkie” building, is a public space with stunning city views. It offers a unique combination of lush greenery and panoramic vistas, making it a popular free attraction.

Experience

After a security check, an elevator takes you to the 35th floor. The Sky Garden spans three floors, allowing visitors to explore various levels and enjoy 360-degree views. The interior features a beautiful garden, complete with plants and trees, along with several dining options. Key sights include Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and Hyde Park.

Visiting the Sky Garden is a delightful experience that combines nature with breathtaking views. The garden’s lush greenery provides a serene environment, making it a perfect escape from the bustling city below. The multiple levels of the Sky Garden offer different perspectives, and you can spend hours exploring the various viewing points. The presence of cafes and restaurants adds to the charm, allowing you to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views.

Booking

  • Advance Tickets: Free, available on the official website. Released every Monday for the next three weeks.
  • On-the-Spot Entry: Possible but limited, with separate queues for ticket holders and non-ticket holders.

Booking a visit to the Sky Garden in advance is highly recommended due to its popularity. Tickets are released every Monday for the following three weeks, and they tend to book up quickly. If you can’t secure a ticket in advance, you can try for on-the-spot entry, but availability is not guaranteed.

London Eye: The Iconic Ferris Wheel

Overview

  • Height: 135 meters
  • Entry: Tickets required
  • Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

The London Eye, an iconic Ferris wheel, was the first major observation point in the city. Standing at 135 meters, it offers unique views from its 32 capsules, each representing a London borough.

Experience

The slow-moving Ferris wheel provides a gentle ride with ample time to take in the sights. Located near Big Ben, it offers distinct views of central London, including Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, and Hyde Park. This vantage point allows you to see many of London’s famous landmarks up close.

The London Eye offers a unique viewing experience with its slow and steady rotation. As you ascend, the city unfolds below you, and each rotation provides new perspectives and photo opportunities. The capsules are spacious and comfortable, making it an enjoyable experience for families, couples, and solo travelers. The views of the River Thames, combined with iconic landmarks, make the London Eye a must-visit attraction.

Booking

  • Advance Tickets: Recommended, available on the official website and included in the London Pass.
  • On-the-Spot Entry: Available but more expensive than online purchases.

Booking tickets for the London Eye in advance ensures you get the best price and avoid long queues. The official website offers various ticket options, including fast-track and combination tickets with other attractions. The London Pass also includes entry, making it a cost-effective option for tourists.

Lift 109: Unique Views from Battersea Power Station

Overview

  • Height: 109 meters
  • Entry: Tickets required
  • Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BN

Lift 109 is located within one of the iconic chimneys of Battersea Power Station. This historic building on the south bank of the River Thames now houses shops and restaurants alongside the viewing platform.

Experience

Visitors ride an elevator inside a chimney to the observation deck at 109 meters. The area, not typically frequented by tourists, offers unique views and a glimpse into the historic significance of the power station. The building itself serves as a blend of shopping center and museum, preserving elements of its industrial past.

The experience of visiting Lift 109 is both educational and visually impressive. The lift ride inside the chimney is a unique aspect, adding a sense of adventure to the visit. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the River Thames and the surrounding area. The preserved industrial elements within the building provide insight into its historical importance, making it a fascinating place to explore.

Booking

  • Advance Tickets: Available on the official website.
  • On-the-Spot Entry: Possible but cheaper if purchased online.

Booking tickets for Lift 109 in advance is recommended to secure your spot and get the best price. The official website offers detailed information and booking options. While on-the-spot entry is possible, it’s more economical to buy tickets in advance.

The Garden at 120: A Tranquil Rooftop Garden

Overview

  • Height: 69 meters (15th floor)
  • Entry: Free, no booking required
  • Location: 120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA

The Garden at 120, adjacent to Sky Garden and Horizon 22, is London’s largest publicly accessible rooftop garden. It offers a peaceful escape with panoramic city views.

Experience

After a security check, an elevator takes you to the rooftop garden, home to Italian wisteria, fruit trees, and a water fountain. The open-air setting provides excellent views, though it’s less ideal in poor weather. It’s a great spot for a leisurely visit, with seating areas and a small café below.

Visiting The Garden at 120 is a refreshing experience. The rooftop garden’s design incorporates lush greenery and water features, creating a tranquil environment. The 360-degree views of London from the 15th floor are impressive, and the open-air setup allows you to enjoy the fresh air while taking in the sights. It’s an excellent spot for a relaxing break amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

Booking

  • Entry: Free, walk-ins welcome. Reservations are only needed for groups larger than 12.

The Garden at 120 does not require advance booking for individual visitors, making it an easily accessible option. Groups larger than 12 are encouraged to make reservations to ensure a smooth visit.

Tower Bridge Walkways: Unique Glass-Bottom Views

Overview

  • Height: 42 meters
  • Entry: Tickets required
  • Location: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP

The iconic Tower Bridge features glass-bottomed walkways, providing a unique perspective over the River Thames and surrounding landmarks.

Experience

The glass walkways offer stunning views of London’s Docklands, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and The Shard. Walking across the glass floor gives a thrilling perspective of the bridge and river below.

The Tower Bridge walkways offer a distinctive viewing experience. The glass floors provide a thrilling vantage point, allowing you to look directly down at the traffic and river below. The historical context of the bridge, combined with the modern glass walkways, creates a blend of old and new that is unique to this landmark. It’s an exciting and educational experience for all ages.

Booking

  • Advance Tickets: Recommended, available online. Included in the London Pass.
  • On-the-Spot Entry: Available but more expensive than online purchases.

Booking tickets for the Tower Bridge walkways in advance ensures you get the best price and avoid long queues. The official website offers various ticket options, and the London Pass includes entry, making it a convenient choice for tourists.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Best Views of London

London’s skyline is filled with iconic landmarks, and the city offers numerous viewpoints to appreciate its beauty. Whether you choose the free entry options like Horizon 22 and Sky Garden, or the paid experiences of The Shard and London Eye, each offers a unique perspective of the city.

Final Tips for Visiting London’s Viewpoints

  • Plan Ahead: Book tickets in advance where necessary to ensure entry.
  • Timing: Visit during different times of the day to experience the city in various lights.
  • Weather: Check the weather forecast to make the most of open-air viewing platforms.
  • Explore Multiple Views: Each viewpoint offers a different angle of London’s iconic landmarks, so visiting several can provide a comprehensive visual experience.

With this guide, you’re ready to explore the best views London has to offer. Enjoy your journey through the city’s stunning skyline!

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