From London with a view: The best rooftop bars and observation decks
London is a city that takes on a magical dimension when viewed from above. The winding Thames, the skyscrapers of the financial district, the domes of St. Paul's, and the vast expanse of rooftops and parks. Whether you want to sip a cocktail 40 stories high or enjoy a free view from the 35th floor, London offers many options to admire its skyline. In this guide, you will find the best viewpoints, rooftop bars, and terraces, along with prices, hours, and tips.
Types of panoramic experiences in London
Before choosing, here are the three main categories:
Paid platforms:The Shard, London Eye, Monument. Expensive but with the best views.
Free terraces (with reservation):Sky Garden, Horizon 22, The Garden at 120. Free, but you need to book weeks in advance.
Rooftop bars and restaurants:A cocktail costs (£10-20), but the atmosphere is unique.
Paid observation platforms
1. The Shard (The View from The Shard)
The tallest skyscraper in London (310 meters, 95 floors) offers the most spectacular view of the city. The observation decks are located on the 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors (the latter is outdoors, with wind).
Height:244 meters (72nd floor)
View:A 360-degree view, up to 65 km on a clear day. You can see all the landmarks: St. Paul's, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Canary Wharf.
Price:£32-38 adults, £25-30 children (4-15 years). Children under 4 years free.
Hours:Every day 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:00 PM)
Subway:London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern)
Tip:Book online at least a week in advance. Sunset is the most beautiful (and most expensive) time.
Pros:Very high, 360-degree view, outdoor terrace.
Cons:Expensive, queues (even with a reservation).
2. London Eye
The Ferris wheel on the South Bank is an icon. It is not very tall (135 meters), but its central location and slow movement make it a unique experience.
Height:135 meters
Duration:30 minutes
Price:£30-40 adults, £24-35 children
Hours:10:00 AM - 6:00 PM/9:00 PM (variable)
Subway:Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City)
Tip:Buy the skip-the-line ticket (Fast Track) on weekends.
Pros:Iconic experience, central location.
Cons:Expensive, long queues, glass may have reflections.
3. Monument to the Great Fire of London
A historical and economic experience. A 62-meter column built to commemorate the Great Fire of London (1666). You ascend on foot (311 steps).
Height:62 meters
Price:£6 adults, £3 children
Hours:April-September 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM, October-March 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Subway:Monument (Circle, District), London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern)
Tip:Not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
Pros:Inexpensive, historical, few tourists.
Cons:Only stairs, limited view.
Free viewing terraces (with reservation)
1. Sky Garden (Walkie Talkie Building)
The most famous of the free viewing points. On the 35th floor of the "Walkie Talkie" skyscraper (20 Fenchurch Street) is a tropical garden with Mediterranean and African plants.
Height:160 meters (35th floor)
Price: Free
Reservation:Required online, 2-3 weeks in advance. Tickets are released on Monday for the following week.
Visit duration:1 hour (maximum)
Hours:Monday-Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Subway:Monument (Circle, District), London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern)
Tip:The restaurants and bars inside are paid (and expensive). You can enter for free and consume if you wish.
Pros:Free, indoor garden, spectacular view.
Cons:Difficult to book, limited time.
2. Horizon 22 (Bishopsgate)
The highest free viewing point in London, opened in 2023 on the 58th floor of the 22 Bishopsgate skyscraper (278 meters).
Height:254 meters (58th floor)
Price: Free
Booking:Required online (less competitive than the Sky Garden, but still a few days in advance).
Hours:Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Friday and Saturday until 9:00 PM)
Subway:Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Elizabeth Line)
Tip:The outdoor terrace is windy. Bring a jacket even in summer.
Pros:The highest among the free options, less crowded than the Sky Garden.
Cons:Opened only in 2023, so still not well known (but it will be more so).
3. The Garden at 120 (Fenchurch Street)
Another free option, on the 15th floor of 120 Fenchurch Street. Less famous than the Sky Garden, so easier to book.
Height:60 meters (15th floor)
Price: Free
Booking:Recommended (but sometimes you can enter without a reservation on weekdays).
Hours:Monday-Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, closed on weekends (or reduced hours)
Subway:Monument, Tower Hill
Recommendation:Outdoor terrace with views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
Pros:Easy to book, less crowded.
Cons:Less tall, closed on weekends.
Rooftop bars and restaurants with a view
If you want to combine a drink or dinner with a view, these are the best places.
1. Sky Pod Bar (Sky Garden)
Inside the Sky Garden, this bar serves cocktails (£12-18) and snacks. You don't have to pay an entrance fee, but you must make a purchase. Reservation is required.
2. Madison (St. Paul's)
A rooftop bar on top of One New Change (shopping center), facing St. Paul's Cathedral. The view of the dome is spectacular.
Cocktail price:£14-20
Reservation:Recommended for tables, but you can stand at the bar without a reservation.
Subway:St. Paul's (Central)
Atmosphere:Chic, crowded, house music.
3. Radio Rooftop (ME London Hotel, The Strand)
One of the most stylish rooftops in London, with views of the Thames, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament.
Cocktail price:£16-22
Reservation:Required for tables (often 1-2 weeks in advance).
Subway:Covent Garden (Piccadilly), Temple (Circle, District)
Atmosphere:Very chic, casual but elegant dress code.
4. The Rooftop St. James (St. James's Hotel)
Less famous, more intimate. View of the rooftops of Mayfair and Green Park.
Cocktail price:£15-20
Reservation:Recommended.
Subway:Green Park (Piccadilly, Victoria, Jubilee)
Atmosphere:Relaxed, elegant.
5. Netil 360 (Hackney)
If you want something alternative and less expensive, this rooftop in East London offers cocktails for £8-12 and a less touristy but authentic view.
Cocktail price:£8-12
Reservation:Not necessary (but on weekend evenings, yes).
Subway:London Fields (Overground)
Atmosphere:Hipster, relaxed, live music.
Summary table
| Name | Type | Height | Price | Reservation | Metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Shard | Platform | 244 m | £32-38 | Recommended | London Bridge |
| London Eye | Wheel | 135 m | £30-40 | Recommended | Waterloo |
| Sky Garden | Garden | 160 m | Free | Mandatory (weekdays) | Monument |
| Horizon 22 | Platform | 254 m | Free | Mandatory | Liverpool Street |
| The Garden at 120 | Terrace | 60 m | Free | Recommended | Monument |
| Madison | Rooftop bar | 50 m | £14-20 (drink) | Recommended | St. Paul's |
| Radio Rooftop | Rooftop bar | 40 m | £16-22 (drink) | Mandatory | Covent Garden |
What is the best viewpoint in London?
If you want the highest view
The Shard(paid) orHorizon 22(free).
If you want to save money
Sky Garden(free, but book weeks in advance).
If you want a drink with a view
Madison(for St. Paul's) orRadio Rooftop(for the London Eye).
If you want a unique experience
London Eye(the moving wheel) orMonument(historic, economical, 311 steps).
If you hate crowds and have little time
The Garden at 120(free, easy to book, view of the Tower of London).
Tips to enjoy the view
Choose the right time:Sunset is the most magical time, but also the most crowded and expensive (The Shard raises prices). Dawn is free and empty, but you have to be an early riser.
Check the weather:Do not book in case of fog or heavy rain. If you already have a ticket, many operators allow you to change the date.
Book in advance:For free terraces, weeks in advance. For rooftop bars, days or weeks.
Bring your camera:But not a tripod (often prohibited). For photos through glass (The Shard, London Eye), place the lens against the glass to avoid reflections.
Dress in layers:Outdoor terraces (The Shard on the 72nd floor, Horizon 22) can be very windy. Even in summer, bring a jacket.
Do not bring large luggage:No viewpoint allows suitcases or hiking backpacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the highest free viewpoint in London?
Horizon 22(254 meters, 58th floor). Open since 2023, free with mandatory reservation.
Is the Sky Garden really free?
Yes, entry to the Sky Garden (35th floor of the Walkie Talkie) is free. You just need to book online 2-3 weeks in advance. The restaurants and bars inside are paid.
How much does it cost to enter The Shard?
The standard ticket for The View from The Shard costs £32-38 for adults, £25-30 for children (4-15 years). Prices vary based on the time (sunset costs more).
Can you see London from above for free without a reservation?
Yes, but options are limited.Primrose Hill(hill near Regent's Park) andParliament Hill(Hampstead Heath) offers free views without reservation, but they are outdoors and not very high.
Which rooftop bar has the best view?
It depends:Madisonfor St. Paul's,Radio Rooftopfor the London Eye and the Thames,Sky Pod Bar(inside Sky Garden) for the 360-degree view.
Can I bring a child to The Shard?
Yes, children under 4 enter for free. Children (4-15 years) pay a reduced rate. There are no age restrictions.
What is the best time to visit the London Eye?
Sunset (about 30-40 minutes before sunset). The view is spectacular, but it is also the most crowded time. Early morning (as soon as it opens) is the least crowded.
Is Horizon 22 open every day?
No, Horizon 22 is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday. On Friday and Saturday evenings, it is open until 9:00 PM.
Is The Garden at 120 open on weekends?
Usually not, or with reduced hours. Check the official website. It is more reliable on weekdays.
Do I have to pay to go up the Monument?
Yes, £6 for adults, £3 for children. It's inexpensive but there are 311 steps and no elevator.
A show that never gets old.
Whether you choose the thrill of The Shard, the free Sky Garden, the charm of the London Eye, or the chic atmosphere of a rooftop bar, London from above is a sight you will never tire of admiring. My advice: combine a paid experience (The Shard or London Eye) with a free one (Sky Garden or Horizon 22). In any case, book in advance, choose sunset if you can, and get ready to fall in love with this city from the sky.
Review date:April 2026