15 Best Views of London: Viewing Platforms, Restaurants, & Bars
London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. If you can score a good view then even better! There are plenty of spots with panoramic views of the London Skyline. In this post, I’ll cover the 15 best views of London. This list will include the free viewing platforms, the ones that will cost you, and the best restaurants and rooftop bars with a view of the London skyline. I will not just be sharing the popular spots, but some hidden gems as well! There’s no short of non-touristy things to do in London afterall.
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My favorite book that helped me when I first came to London was Pretty City London. I highly recommend buying it as it’s also a pretty book to have at home. It tells you all the beautiful cafes and neighborhoods to visit and was founded by the Instagram page @prettycitylondon.
Best Free Views of the London Skyline
1. Post Office Building
This is one of the hidden viewpoints of the London skyline and it’s completely free to visit. Located on the 9th floor, it offers views of Bloomsbury, Holborn, and the City of London.
In Spring, you will find some gorgeous pink blossoms and can frame them in your photo as I have. Not many people were around when I visited! You won’t need to book ahead too.
📍Location: The Post Building (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Holborn
🕒 Opening Hours: 10am-7pm daily
💰 Entry: FREE
2. Sky Garden
Sky Garden has one of the best views of London and it’s popular for a reason! You will need to book your free tickets ahead of time so you can ensure you can go during your visit to London. I’m talking a minimum of 2 weeks because it is super busy and books up.
Once inside, you can buy cocktails or just enjoy the view for free without purchasing anything extra. Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden, located on the 43rd floor. It is set 155 meters (508 feet) above the city of London.
It will be hard to get without people in your shot, but if you have someone across the way while you stand on the stairs you can get a nice photo of the venue and the view behind.
📍Location: Sky Garden (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Monument or Bank
🕒 Opening Hours: Sun-Wed from 8am-12am; Thurs-Sat from 8am-1am.
💰 Entry: FREE
Tickets for pre-booking
3. One New Change Rooftop
This is another semi-hidden viewpoint in London. It’s located at One New Change which is a shopping center right next to St. Paul’s Cathedral. If you take the lift up, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of St. Paul’s up close and personal. Plus, filming the way up from the glass lift is really cool so be sure to get in the elevator first so you can start filming.
There is a cocktail bar called Madison’s at the top and you don’t have to go to see the free view. Otherwise, it’s a bit expensive to sit at Madison’s and they do charge a cover fee. I didn’t think it was worth that!
📍Location: One New Change (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: St. Paul’s
🕒 Opening Hours: currently closed til further notice
💰 Entry: FREE
4. Horizons 22
Horizons 22 is Europe’s tallest building in Europe with a view! This platform is relatively new and free to visit. It is on the 58th floor and it can be reached by lift in 41 seconds!
During the summer, Horizons 22 started opening at sunset for Sunset drinks. You will pay £29 and get a Searcy’s glass of champagne. The sunset is absolutely beautiful here!
Tickets can be booked ahead here.
📍Location: Horizons 22 (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Bank or Liverpool Street
🕒 Opening Hours: Weekdays: 10-6pm; Weekends 10-5pm; In Summer, there are special late opening hours til 10pm for their Horizon 22 Lates: Summer Sunsets.
💰 Entry: FREE
Pre-book tickets ahead
5. Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is a residential neighborhood in London with the park being front and center of any visit here. You can exit from Chalk Farm and make your way to the steep hill where you can enjoy a drink or have a picnic on a warm sunny day. You’ll have views of the London skyline beneath. It’s definitely a more local spot than a touristy one! Plus, there are tons of nice cafes and things to do in Primrose Hill.
📍Location: Primrose Hill (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Chalk Farm
🕒 Opening Hours: since it’s a park it’s open to the public at all times
💰 Entry: FREE
6. Parliament Hill in Hampstead
Parliament Hill is another gorgeous park in London with a view of the skyline. It is located in my favorite neighborhood EVER, Hampstead. I lived here for 5 years and absolutely loved it. The charming village of Hampstead is so cute. Make your way to Hampstead Heath until you reach Parliament Hill for a rewarding view.
📍Location: Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Hampstead
🕒 Opening Hours: since it’s a park it’s open to the public at all times,
💰 Entry: FREE
Panoramic Views of the London Skyline – Paid
7. St. Paul’s Cathedral Dome
St. Paul’s is one of the most popular attractions in London. This stunning cathedral is where Queen Elizabeth II’s Service of Remembrance was held among other events and ceremonies. You can visit the inside of the cathedral which is really impressive and with the same ticket you can climb the many many stairs until you get to the top. After you are well out of breath (it really is a lot of steps!), you’ll be rewarded with views of the city.
📍Location: St. Pauls Cathedral (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: St. Pauls
🕒 Opening Hours: Sun: 8-6 pm; Mon-Sat (except Wed which opens at 10 am): 8:30-4:30 pm
💰 Entry: £25
Book Tickets Ahead
8. The View from the Shard
The View from The Shard is another special viewing platform located in one of London’s tallest buildings. It is 310 meters (1,016 feet) high, giving you amazing views of the entire city.
You can see famous landmarks like the River Thames, Tower Bridge, and even as far as 40 miles on a clear day.
Tickets to visit the viewing platform cost around £32 for adults if bought in advance, and it includes access to two viewing levels on the 69th and 72nd floors. There’s also an open-air sky deck where you can feel the breeze while looking out over London.
The Shard is also home to 6 luxurious dining and bar experiences. One of the most popular is Aqua Shard, located on the 31st floor, and Hutong on the 33rd floor which serves Northern Chinese dishes. Oblix is another dining experience. It’s split into two areas—Oblix East and Oblix West—on the 32nd floor. GŎNG is the highest bar in London, known for its cocktails and incredible views (52nd floor). Finally, TĪNG on the 35th floor offers both British and Asian food. You can have one of London’s best afternoon teas here too!
📍Location: The Shard (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: London Bridge
🕒 Opening Hours: 10am-10pm daily
💰 Entry: £34
Book Tickets ahead here
9. London Eye
It took 5 years of me living in London to finally visit the London Eye. I honestly avoided it for so long as I felt it was an overpriced tourist trap.
However, after finally going, I was a bit swayed by this thought. Sure, it’s still so expensive to go but the view is out of this world. There’s nowhere in London where you can find a view of Big Ben that close up and that high up. For that reason and being in the cool globe, I think it was worth going. There are plenty of free London views but you won’t find a view like this one.
Be sure to book skip-the-line tickets to avoid HOURS of waiting in line to take the London Eye.
Pro-tip: Take photos with the London Eye in the backdrop too! The most instagrammable spot in London might just be hidden away at a hotel with a private balcony view of the London Eye! So book your stay with Marriott County Hall to get views like this with no one around!
📍Location: London Eye (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Westminster
🕒 Opening Hours:
💰 Entry: £32, fast-track tickets are £52
Book Tickets Here
10. The O2 – Up at The O2
Up at the O2 is one of the most unique places in London for a view of the skyline.
It is located at The O2 Arena in North Greenwich. You will get dressed up in a harness for safety and have the opportunity to climb over the top of the famous O2 dome. The climb is guided, and you aren’t allowed to take photos during the climb. You are, however, welcome to once you reach the top. You can book a champagne experience like I did and be treated with celebratory champagne once you get to the top!
The climb takes about 90 minutes and includes a safety briefing and equipment, such as harnesses and climbing shoes. The landmarks up top include the Canary Wharf, the Thames Barrier, and the Olympic Park. On clear days, you can even see as far as the skyscrapers of central London.
Tickets typically cost around £30, depending on the experience you book. There are special experiences like sunrise or twilight climbs.
📍Location: Up at the O2 (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Greenwich
🕒 Opening Hours: 10 am – 8:30 pm daily
💰 Entry: £35+
Book Tickets ahead here
Best Restaurants & Rooftop Bars in London with a View
11. Sushi Samba
Sushi Samba is one of the best sushi restaurants in London. There’s a location in Shoreditch and one in Covent Garden. Be sure to head to the one in Shoreditch for the view!
You can go for a cocktail with a view in their bar area. Otherwise, make a reservation to eat in their restaurant, which has glass surroundings so you can see all the views around. Just note: this is a bit on the pricier side for sushi! It is worth a splurge, though, especially for a girl’s night out.
Also in the same building is Duck & Waffle which has similar views.
📍Location: Sushi Samba Shoreditch (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Liverpool Street
🕒 Opening Hours: 12 pm – 1:30am daily
💰 Price range: £££
12. Seabird
Seabird is a top seafood restaurant in London, with a breathtaking rooftop terrace. Located at The Hoxton in Southwark, it offers a relaxed dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating.
The menu includes seasonal seafood and coastal European dishes. The spacious terrace provides a perfect setting for enjoying oysters, seafood platters, and cocktails. All while taking in panoramic views of landmarks like The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral.
📍Location: Seabird (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Southwark
🕒 Opening Hours: Sun–Thu 12–11:30 pm; Fri–Sat 12 pm–12:30 am
💰 Price range: ££
13. Wagtail
Wagtails is the best cocktail bar in London with a panoramic view. Located on the top floor of a stylish building, it offers stunning, unobstructed views of the city skyline, including landmarks like The Shard and the London Eye.
Wagtail has a nice atmosphere where you can just enjoy crafted cocktails or have some of their fabulous brunch with a DJ on some occasions. You can also get a group of friends together and dine in an igloo!
📍Location: Wagtails (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: London Bridge
🕒 Opening Hours: Sun 11 am–11 pm; Mon–Tue 11 am–12 am; Wed–Sat 11 am–1:30 am
💰 Price range: ££
14. Madera at Treehouse
London has few good Mexican restaurants and I say this as an American who misses good Mexican food. Madera at Treehouse is one of my favorite Mexican spots in London and the view is also really good! You can dine next to the glass windows and look down on some of the top London sights.
📍Location: Madera at Treehouse (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Warren Street
🕒 Opening Hours: Sun 8 am–10 pm; Mon–Thu 7–11 am, 12–10 pm; Fri 7–11 am, 12 pm–12 am; Sat 12 am–10 pm
💰 Price range: ££
15. Galvin at Windows
Galvin at Windows is a Michelin-starred restaurant with stunning views of London. Located on the 28th floor of the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, the restaurant specializes in modern French cuisine. After dining in the restaurant, you can pop into the bar neighboring the restaurant for a cocktail.
📍Location: Galvin at Windows at Hilton Hotel on Park Lane (Google Maps)
🚇 Closest Tube: Green Park
🕒 Opening Hours: Sun & Mon: Closed; Tue & Wed: 6 pm–9:30 pm (Dinner); Thu–Sat: 12 pm–2:15 pm (Lunch) | 6 pm–9:30 pm (Dinner)
💰 Price range: £££
Hopefully, this post helped you find an amazing view of London! Comment below with your favorite view.
For further reading, you might like these other London posts!
📅 How to Spend 4 Days in London
🇬🇧 Non-touristy things to do in London – from a local!
🏨 Best Areas and Hotels to Stay in London
🏙️ Top Tips for Visiting London
🍺 The best Pubs in Hampstead
🛍️ Things to do in Belgravia, London
✈️ A Solo Travelers Guide to London
🌳 How to Spend the Perfect Day in Belsize Park
🍁 Autumn in London Photo Spots
💟 Where to find Wisteria in London
🏙️ Best Viewpoints of London
☕ 10 Best Coffee & Brunch spots in London
🛒 London’s Best Markets for Shopping and Food
📸 The 5 Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
🛣️ Most Beautiful and Famous Streets in London
