London’s charm is undeniable at street level, but seeing it from above? That’s where the magic truly happens. From swanky skyscrapers to hilltops, the city offers endless spots to admire its iconic skyline. Here is a list of the best viewpoints in the city:

📍 London Eye

The world-famous Ferris wheel offering 360-degree views of central London from a glass pod. Views are great but entrance free is pricey and waiting time is loooooong. If you feel the urge to tick the London Eye off your bucket list, go for it. Otherwise, keep reading below for free alternatives with similar (if not better) views!

💸 Entrance: £30+ (booking in advance is highly recommended)

📍 Sky Garden

Sky Garden is a lush indoor garden (let's be honest, the "garden" is more decorative than botanical) on the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie building and one of the few places in London where you can enjoy sweeping views without spending a penny! Book an early morning slot to enjoy the views in peace, and head to the terrace for the best photos.

💸 Entrance: Free (booking is mandatory and it's advised to do so few weeks in advance!)

📍 The Shard

London’s tallest building, the Shard offers jaw-dropping views from its 72nd-floor observation deck. The only downside is the hefty admission fee. Money saving tip: If you’re on a budget, skip the observation deck and book a drink at one of the restaurants or bars lower down instead—you’ll get similar views for less.

💸 Entrance: £32+ (booking in advance is recommended)

📍 Horizon 22

The highest viewing platform in London, Horizon 22 offers jaw-dropping vistas from one of London’s tallest towers. It’s sleek, modern, and entirely free but you have to book well in advance due to its popularity. They have walk-in availability but it is subject to capacity limitations and entrance cannot be guaranteed.

💸 Entrance: Free (booking in advance is highly recommended)

📍 The Lookout

Next door, The Lookout is another free public viewing gallery located on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate, offering panoramic views of London's iconic landmarks and skyline. Same system as Horizon 22, book your ticket in advance online.

💸 Entrance: Free (booking in advance is highly recommended)

📍 The Garden at 120

The Garden at 120 is a rooftop garden in the City of London. It’s low-key, free, and green. The building is not as tall as the neighboring skyscrapers but still offers great views and does not require any booking.

💸 Entrance: Free

📍 110 Bishopsgate

110 Bishopsgate is a skyscraper offering 3 floors of bars and restaurants, including Duck & Waffle and Sushi Samba (a pricey Brazilian-Japanese fusion restaurant). If you don't have booking for one of the restaurants, you can still walk-in for a drink to soak up the views. The 24/7 opening hours mean you can enjoy sunrise views if you’re an early bird.

💸 Entrance: Free

📍 Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station

Lift 109 is a unique glass elevator experience that ascends 109m to the top of one of Battersea Power Station's iconic chimneys, offering panoramic views of London's skyline. Just be aware that tickets can be on the pricier side and time at the top is limited to 15 min.

💸 Entrance: From £17 (booking in advance is essential)

📍 The Post Building

The Post Building was a former Royal Mail office, recently turned into office and retail spaces. The building also features a roof garden accessible to the public. You can't prebook, just walk in and speak to the receptionist. You'll need to sign in, go through a security screen and show a form of ID, but it's quick and painless.

💸 Entrance: Free

📍 Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge does not need introduction, it's one of the most famous landmark in the city. You can climb the North Tower and walk along the glass-floored walkway between the bridge’s two towers. You'll get a unique perspective over the River Thames and the road below!

💸 Entrance: £13 (booking in advance is recommended)

📍 Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is a grassy hill in north London, just next to Regent's Park, offering postcard-perfect views of the city skyline. Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine, and a friend and enjoy the sunset!

💸 Entrance: Free

📍 Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill is a panoramic viewpoint in Hampstead Heath with unspoiled views of the city. You can combine it with a stroll in the park, a visit to the Hill Garden and Pergola and/or Kenwood House for a full day out!

💸 Entrance: Free

📍 Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is a historic park with a hilltop view of the Thames and Canary Wharf. The climb to the top is steep but totally worth it! Combine it with a visit to the Observatory and a stroll through Greenwich Market for the full Greenwich experience.

💸 Entrance: Free

📍 St Paul's Cathedral Dome

If you're planning on visiting St Paul's Cathedral, your ticket gives you the opportunity to climb the Dome and reach the Golden Gallery for incredible views over the River Thames, the Shard or the Tate Modern to name a few. You'll have to deserve those views though: the gallery can only be accessed by climbing a total of 528 steps!

💸 Entrance: £25

📍 Tate Modern Level 10

The Tate Modern features a free terrace called Level 10. It’s not super high up, so the views are less dramatic compared to skyscrapers but you'll still get great views over the River Thames and St Paul's Cathedral. You'll also find a small cafe for coffee and snacks up there.

💸 Entrance: Free

📍 The Monument to the Great Fire of London

This historic column is a permanent reminder of the Great Fire of 1666, one of the most significant events in London’s history. It features a spiral staircase (311 steps) leading to a viewing platform offering 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

💸 Entrance: £6