THE VIEW.
the 9 best views in london from enjoying nature-filled tree lines to climbing the tallest spires in modern skyscrappers
⏺ THE SHARD
THE HIGHEST FLEX IN TOWN
At nearly 310 meters, this isn't just a view, it’s a topographical map of your entire life. On a clear day, you can see 40 miles out, basically to the edge of the world (or at least the M25). It’s pricey, yes, but for a ‘main character’ moment with a glass of Moët in hand on Level 72, it’s unbeatable. Pro tip: Go for the sunset slot to watch the city turn into a glitter box.
London Bridge
the-shard.com
photos from @theshardlondon
⏺ GREENWICH PARK
HISTORY MEETS THE HORIZON
Stand by the Royal Observatory and look north. You’ve got the historic Queen’s House in the foreground and the glass & steel pillars of Canary Wharf in the back. It’s a literal collision of Old London and New London. Heads up, it’s a bit of a hike up the hill, but the payoff is a view that feels regal, expansive, and weirdly peaceful.
NO RES
Greenwich
royalparks.org.uk
photos from unsplash
⏺ FRANK’S CAFE
THE COOLEST CAR PARK ON EARTH
If you haven’t taken a photo on the pink staircase, do you even live in London? Perched on top of a multi-storey car park, Frank’s is the definition of South London cool. It’s seasonal, it’s industrial, and the views of the skyline (distanced enough to see the whole sprawl) are iconic. Come prepared as it’s definitely loud, the negronis are sharp, and the sunsets are legendary.
NO RES
Peckham
boldtendencies.com
photos from @frankspeckham
⏺ TATE MODERN
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
After you’ve stared at a giant crack in the floor or some abstract oils, head up to Level 10 of the Blavatnik Building. It’s a free, open-air wrap-around terrace that puts you right on top of St Paul’s Cathedral. You can practically see what the Dean is having for lunch. It’s the best ‘free’ view in Central London, and it’s a 10/10 spot for architectural photography. Plus it ain’t a half bad art gallery either.
NO RES
London Bridge
tate.org.uk
photos from unsplash
⏺ ALEXANDRA PALACE
NORTH LONDON’S FINEST
"Ally Pally" is the hilltop hero of the North. Because it sits so high, you can see right across the basin of London to the Crystal Palace transmitter in the South. It’s the best place to realise just how massive this city actually is. Whether you're there for a gig or a Sunday stroll, the terrace is the perfect spot for a pint with a side of wow.
NO RES
Muswell Hill
alexandrapalace.com
photos from @yourallypally
⏺ SKY GARDEN
THE CLOUD FOREST
Imagine a tropical greenhouse grafted onto the 35th floor of a skyscraper. It’s free, it’s lush, and the open-air terrace gives you a face-to-face look at the Shard across the river. You have to book your slot weeks in advance (seriously, set a calendar alert), but for a morning coffee surrounded by ferns and the entire London skyline, it’s the ultimate city hack.
The City
skygarden.london
photos from @sg_skygarden
⏺ WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL
THE HIDDEN VICTORIAN TOWER
Not to be confused with the Abbey, this Byzantine beauty has a secret. Take the lift up the St Edward’s Tower for a view that feels totally unique. You’re looking down on Victoria and over towards Buckingham Palace from a red-brick tower that feels like it belongs in Venice. It’s rarely crowded and offers a perspective of the West End you won't get anywhere else.
NO RES
Westminster
westminstercathedral.org.uk
photos from @westminstercathedral
⏺ PRIMROSE HILL
THE CLASSIC LONDON PANORAMA
There’s a reason every London movie has a scene here. It’s the quintessential "we love this city" view. Grab a bottle of wine, a blanket, and a bag of crisps from the high street, then head to the summit. You get the BT Tower, the London Eye, and the Shard all lined up like a postcard. It’s the best spot in town for a first date or a deep chat with your best mate. Sunrise, sunset, summer, winter, it doesn’t matter, it’s amazing.
NO RES
Camden
royalparks.org.uk
photos from unsplash
⏺ THE LOOKOUT
THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
Everyone queues for Sky Garden, but the real ones go to The Lookout. Located on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate, it’s higher, quieter, and best of all totally free. The 240-degree views across North and West London are mind-blowing, and because it’s a newer spot, you aren't fighting three influencers for a window seat. It’s sleek, it’s sophisticated, and it’s the quietest 160 meters you’ll ever experience.
Shoreditch
8bishopsgate.com
photos from @thelookout.london