The post offers you the best views of London. London has countless beautiful views, and this article recommends the 15 best views in London, including some free, low-cost and panoramic viewpoints. I’ve also curated a selection of top restaurants and rooftop bars offering breathtaking views of London’s skyline. Beyond the popular spots, I’ll reveal a few hidden gems!
Panoramic London Viewing Platforms
1. Horizons 22
Horizon 22 is the best view in London, equipped with the highest and most spacious indoor observation deck. The observation deck is 16000 square feet, which is more than three times the size of the Shard. It means that you can enjoy very little crowding and a more comfortable experience. Here, you can also overlook the cluster of skyscrapers in the city.
2. The Shard View
The Shard View is the best view of the London skyline. Its altitude reaches 245 meters, which is the highest of London’s viewing platforms. It was designed with a full glass curtain wall, offering an inclusive view with virtually no blind spots. Sunset is the golden hour when you can experience three distinct facets of London: the daytime cityscape, the golden hues of dusk, and the dazzling nighttime lights. By the way, if you are a local or international student, there are many student accommodations in London with views of The Shard, such as Chapter London Bridge and urbanest Westminster.
3. Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is one of London’s top views. The hill is located on the north side of Regent’s Park. The viewpoint is more expansive and panoramic than that from Parliament Hill, allowing you to see a more complete, layered city skyline. Its romantic, quiet, relaxed atmosphere makes it a good place to date, chat with friends, and read.
4. The Sky Garden
The Sky Garden is one of the best views in London. It is famous for its unique building design, 360-degree panoramic views, and rich vegetation communities. You can enjoy the best viewpoints of London city by day, and appreciate the glittering night views by night. The Garden plants many plants from the Mediterranean and South Africa, including olive trees and lavender, creating a lush oasis in the sky. You can view a free panoramic view of London, very good value for money.
Best views of London for Free
5. Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is the best free view in London and is also one of the most classical eight royal parks. Home to the most exquisite rose garden and elegant lake, Regent’s Park offers you a quiet oasis away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you wish to appreciate the rose garden, take a punt on the lake, climb the mountain, or just walk in the forest, it meets your expectations.
6. The Garden at 120
The Garden at 120 is the best free views in London, located on the 15 floor of 120 Fenchurch Street, London. It is also the biggest public roof garden. The centre of the garden is a huge circular promenade composed of winding benches and plants, which is unique and comfortable. It has 100 types of plants. The viewpoints change with the seasons. The garden centre features a beautiful reflecting pool that mirrors the sky and surrounding buildings on windless days, making it an ideal spot for photography. It is completely free and requires no reservations.
7. Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is also a free viewing platform in London. It lies a vast expanse of rolling grassland. You can lie on the grass, bathe in the sunshine, overlook the cities, and enjoy the chill atmosphere. Its name originates from the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when the conspirators were stationed to watch the destruction of the Houses of Parliament from this spot. Here, you can clearly view St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament in the distance.
8. Greenwich Park Observatory
Greenwich Park Observatory is a park with the best view of London and is also one of the oldest royal parks. There are boutique gardens, broad grassland, ancient relics, and an excellent view of London city. It is not just a park, it’s a leisure resort beloved by Londoners and tourists. The park can be divided into two parts. The lower area features beautiful flower gardens, expansive lawns, and wooded areas for leisure and recreation, while the upper areas house the Royal Observatory. The park itself is totally free.
Top London City View with a Small Fee
9. London Eye
The London Eye is also a top view. It reaches 135 meters, which is a modern symbol. It was created in honour of the Millennium. The ride takes about thirty minutes. During this time, you can see the Houses of Parliament and the Thames. It attracts many tourists every year.
10. The Tower of London
The Tower of London is London’s best views. It is a World historical and cultural heritage with more than a thousand years. Just a small fee, you can feel the royal life thousands of years ago.
11. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is the best viewpoints in London, and is the place where the royal family holds coronations, weddings and funerals. Many great people are buried here, such as Queen Elizabeth I, Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin and so on. If you are a history lover, a small fee for a ticket is definitely worth it.
12. The Monument
The Monument is a great view in London. It was built in honour of the Great Fire of London in 1666. You can get a commemorative certificate after climbing the 311 steps to the top and also enjoy beautiful views.
Best Restaurants & Rooftop Bars in London with Great Viewpoints
13. Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard, a restaurant and bar that you can see London best views. It is located on the 31st floor of the Shard. You will have a wide view of almost 270 degrees. Tower Bridge and Tower Bridge City are around its northeast area. Its western area is the River Thames. You can see the River Thames and the city street view. It is the best place to appreciate the sunset and the scene.
14. Duck & Waffle
Duck & Waffle is a London viewing point. It is located on the 40th floor of the Heron Building. It is a 24-hour restaurant. You can enjoy different views at different times, including early morning, sunset, and night. The restaurant has a separate direct elevator to the outside. The Shard, the River Thames and the London Eye are near it; you can easily overlook and enjoy them.
15. OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie
OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie is a comprehensive restaurant with the best viewpoints in London. It is located in the south of the Thames with a romantic atmosphere. You can overlook the Thames and the city, and its sunset and night views are amazing. The shop offers a multitude of dining choices: restaurant, bar and brasserie.
More Great Views in London
Waterloo Bridge was hailed as the best observation deck in London. When you sit on the Waterloo Bridge, you can see a classical urban picture. The River Thames flows under your feet. Buckingham Palace is also a typical place in London. The changing of the guard ceremony in the morning attracts many tourists stopping and the British Museum is one of the world’s largest and most famous museums. Its collections span more than 200 years of global history. It is a viewpoint that must go if you are interested in human history.
Best Student Accommodations in London with a Top View
Whether the surroundings are beautiful is a hard requirement for students to choose an apartment. In London, there is much beautiful scenery. If you want to find a student accommodation in London with a top view, then I recommend you go to see the uhomes.com, which is a dependable website for you to find a good student accommodation.
Conclusion about Best Views of London
This guide will help you discover the best views of London. This guide offers you 15 viewpoints in London, including free, low-cost & panoramic viewpoints. It also offers you some restaurants and bars with the top London views.
FAQs about Best Views of London
What are the best viewpoints in London?
Best Viewpoints in London: the paid views of the Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral are excellent. Among the free options, the Sky Garden is the highest, the vista view of Greenwich Garden is the most classic, and the Tate Modern platform and St. Paul’s Cathedral have the most unique perspective.
Where is the highest view of London for free?
London’s highest free view Sky Garden. Located on the top floor of the “Intercom Building”, it is 155 meters high and has a 360-degree panoramic glass curtain wall. Free tickets must be booked online in advance.
Where is the best free viewing platform in London?
Best free viewing platform in London We recommend the Sky Garden (the highest, reservation required) and the Tate Modern Observation Deck (free and free of charge, directly facing St. Paul’s Cathedral, with a unique perspective). Both are top-tier free experiences.
