London is a fascinating city with famous landmarks, tourist attractions, trendy areas, quirky local places, and countless hidden gems. But what makes London even more special is that many places and experiences in the city also offer some really nice views.
From stunning skylines from its rooftop bars to the iconic postcard views of the most popular landmarks of London, there are so many unique views in London worth taking a detour for! Often, you don’t even need to get out of your way – just have to know where to look.
So if you are looking for places that offer some of the best views in London, this article should give you plenty of ideas about where to go.
In this guide, we share a selection of some of the best views and most beautiful viewpoints in London. In addition to our own personal recommendations, we also included suggestions by other travel writers. This way, you have a more complete guide with a really nice mix of the most beautiful views in London. Find out!
Good to know: To help you plan your visit and be able to easily find all these great views in London, we created a map indicating all the places mentioned in this article. You can find it at the bottom of the article.
These are the best views in London:
1. Westminster Bridge Area
A great location for some of the best views in central London is the area around Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, a walk over this bridge gives you some of the best photo opportunities in London!
Make sure to check out the views from both sides of the bridge, and also from both sides of the river! It’s a busy place, and most people just rush through here on their way from one landmark to another… But if you take a bit more time to really look around, you’ll find some of the famous London views that are often seen on the postcard and travel brochures.
INFO & TIPS: Westminster Bridge has a busy road and two sidewalks for pedestrians. In addition to the views from the bridge, you can walk along the river as well. The easiest access to the riverside promenade is at the side of the London Eye.
You’ll likely come here several times during your visit to the city. As the light changes, so does the view. For the best experience, come here at least twice: during the day, but also in the evening. Everything looks even more impressive when lit in the dark!
Good to know: This is one of the best areas to stay in London, and not just for the views.
2. London Eye
The UK’s most popular tourist attraction, London Eye is a wonderful place to enjoy some of the very best views in the city! As the giant wheel slowly rotates, you are offered the best 360° views of London.
The entire city center is literally at your feet, with Big Ben, the Parliament Buildings, Westminster Bridge, and Westminster Abbey just nearby. A bit further away, you can see Buckingham Palace and many parks of London. Also St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London are visible from the top. On a clear day, views stretch far into the horizon, and you can see as far as Windsor Castle which is about 40km (25 mi) away.
INFO & TIPS: The London Eye is open daily and the ride takes about 30 minutes. However, since it is London’s most popular paid attraction, you can imagine that you won’t be alone here. In high season, waiting times at the ticket office and at the wheel itself can be really long. We highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets in advance – it’s cheaper online and it saves you time since you can skip the queues at the ticket office.
In addition, for a small extra fee, you can get fast-track tickets that give you access to the London Eye via a separate entrance. On a busy day, this can easily save you 2-3 hours. You can find all the best ticket options on the official website.
3. The Shard
Recommended by Chrysoula, Greece Travel Ideas.
The Shard is an iconic skyscraper in Southwark, London. It’s the UK’s tallest building and you’ll quickly recognize it in London’s skyline.
The Shard is distinctively shaped and has 11,000 glass panels covering 56,000 square meters. It’s over 300 meters (1,000 ft) tall and has 72 floors. Designed by the Italian architect, Renzo Plano, The Shard was completed in 2009 at a cost of £1.2 billion. The building contains offices, restaurants, a luxury hotel, and viewing platforms.
There are indoor viewing platforms on floors 66 and 69 plus an open-air sky deck on floor 72, right at the top. Be sure to visit the 72nd floor of the Shard, which is Western Europe’s highest viewing platform! The views from here are unparalleled.
Each of the observation platforms offers an amazing 360º view over London and to the horizon – which on a clear day can be up to 64 kilometers (40 miles). Can you imagine what a stunning panoramic view you get here?! At night, it’s even more magical…
The Shard also has four excellent restaurants and dining with London at your feet is truly memorable.
INFO & TIPS: Tickets to visit The View from The Shard must be purchased in advance, for a set date and time. Weekends can get especially busy and you might not be able to get in unless booked upfront.
The Aqua Bar and Bar 31 operate on a ‘walk-in’ basis with no admission charge. However, if you want to be sure to have a table at one of the restaurants at The Shard (especially for dinner), it’s also best to book in advance.
4. Tower Bridge
One of the most iconic views in London is that of the famous Tower Bridge. And there are so many great angles from which to admire this impressive landmark indeed!
The best viewpoints from where you can see Tower Bridge are from the waterfront and you can find them simply by going for a walk by the river at any side of the bridge. The most popular place is the northwestern corner, at the Tower of London. But the bridge is also very impressive from the opposite side of the river, especially near the City Hall! So if you have the time, explore the area a bit more.
Another nice view that is really not to be missed is seeing Tower Bridge from the water. You can see it when taking a boat cruise and also on your way to Greenwich by boat.
The view of the structure of the bridge is also very impressive when seen from the bridge itself. So don’t forget to look up when crossing the bridge!
INFO & TIPS: You can see Tower Bridge for free at any time of the day or night and you can cross it as many times as you want. It’s usually lifted in order to let the tall ships pass several times a day, so if you check the lift times schedule, you may even see the bridge open. The bridge is also very impressive at night.
In addition to all the views of the bridge, there are also really nice views from the top of the bridge. You can read all about it below.
5. Views from the Top of Tower Bridge
Recommended by Suzanne Jones, The Travelbunny
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and everyone knows the famous views of the bridge as described above. But have you considered what the views are like from the top of Tower Bridge?!
For some fabulous views of London, you can take a tour and climb the north tower to the top walkway, 42 m (138 ft) above the river. From here, you’ll be able to spot some of the city’s best-known landmarks in the London Bridge area. These include the modern City Hall, the Scoop, and More London with the Shard punctuating the landscape behind them.
HMS Belfast claims its spot on the water, just nearby. And to the right are historic St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, the Monument to the Great Fire of London, together with the modern Gherkin skyscraper. In the distance, you can also see the Post Office Tower.
You can cross the glass walkway and look down onto the bridge itself before descending via the south tower. In addition to the views, there’s also a commemoration of the workers of Tower Bridge and a tour of the Victorian engine rooms. All of this makes a visit to the top of Tower Bridge well worth it.
INFO & TIPS: To visit the bridge and see the views from the top, it’s best to book your ticket online in advance. You can also try to get a ticket on the day itself, but it’s usually very busy. A variety of tours are also available from self-guided to guided tours and a ‘behind the scenes’ tour. For tour options, prices, and opening times, please see the official website.
6. Sky Garden
Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden offering some of the best high-angle views in the city. From the top floor of one of London’s most famous skyscrapers, also known as the walkie talkie, you have incredible 360° panoramic views of London.
The building is 160 m (525 ft) tall and has 38 floors. It’s not as high as The Shard, but it’s a very special place that is much more than just the views it offers. Furthermore, a visit here is free of charge.
Sky Garden is indeed a landscaped garden, with observation decks, and an outdoor terrace. In addition, there are several restaurants and bars at the top, all with amazing views.
INFO & TIPS: Sky Garden is open daily and can be visited free of charge, but spaces are limited. Walk-ins are possible on weekdays, but not guaranteed. So if you want to be sure to visit, it’s best to reserve a visit in advance. Also for the restaurants and the bars, it’s best to book in advance. For more information and opening times, please check their website.
Good to know: Sky Garden has a smart/casual dress code, and you might be refused entry if they deem your clothing or footwear unacceptable. When we visited, they even frowned upon black sneakers. I think it will also depend on the time of the day and the mood of the personnel at the entrance.
7. One New Change
One New Change is a shopping center, right at the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. On the top floor of the shopping center, you’ll find a rooftop area offering some nice views of St. Paul’s and the surroundings. On the other side, you can also see the Shard.
In addition, there are several restaurants and cafes here. Madison bar and tapas restaurant on the 6th floor has a nice terrace with great panoramic views as well.
Another really nice view with the reflections of the Cathedral can be found at the street level of the One New Change shopping center. If you turn around and look in the direction of the church, you’ll see its reflections in the windows on both sides of the entrance. It creates a really nice effect and has become a popular Instagrammable spot in London.
INFO & TIPS: The rooftop area is free to access and is generally open daily, from 6 AM to midnight. For the reflections/view at the street level, you don’t even have to go inside the shopping.
8. SUSHISAMBA London
Recommended by Jessie Moore from Pocket Wanderings.
SUSHISAMBA London is a rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar known for its breathtaking 360-degree views of London. Located on the 38th and 39th floors of the Salesforce Tower (formerly Heron Tower) in the City, it has the highest outdoor dining terrace in Europe. In addition to great views, this is a really nice restaurant that blends Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture and cuisine.
The bar and restaurant is a lively place that brings the energy of the distinct cultures it represents. With exceptional food, world-class cocktails, and stunning views, it is the perfect place for a special night out in London.
The view from SUSHISAMBA is arguably the best backdrop for a cocktail in the whole of London, if not Europe.
INFO & TIPS: The Salesforce Tower is a few minutes’ walk from the nearest tube station, Liverpool Street. The dress code is smart casual; you are unlikely to be allowed in if you are wearing shorts, flip flops, sportswear, or athletic trainers. Advanced booking via their website is required for dining.
9. Views from the River Thames
Recommended by Bec Wyld, Travels in Gipssland.
For many visitors, getting the best views over a city means going up high. But sometimes the best views are from places you don’t even consider! Going on a river cruise on the Thames gives you amazing views of some of the most popular places in London without crowds of people standing in front of you.
To get the best views, sometimes you just have to think outside the box!
Taking a cruise on the Thames means that you can admire unobstructed views of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, numerous bridges, and the skyline. In addition, depending on the route you choose, you can see other areas of London this way as well.
Getting the pictures from a distance means anyone near them is just a small colorful spot in your photo. It’s also not like going on a hop on hop off bus, where you are dodging traffic and whizzing past a top tourist attraction while quickly trying to take a picture of it… On a boat, you are gently gliding over the water taking in the city from a completely different angle, and you have plenty of time to get nice pictures too.
If you go on one of the big boats, you also have time to wander around the deck, admire the views in all directions, and get pictures. Or – if you just want to savor the moment – you simply can sit on the deck and just take it all in. Taking a cruise is also an excellent way to cover big distances and see some of the best views of London without having to walk!
INFO & TIPS: There are plenty of different options for river cruises in London. From water taxi services and hop-on-hop-off cruises that get you to all the top places in London to afternoon tea, lunch, or dinner cruises that are great for those who have more time and want to take it easier.
The Thames cruise to Greenwich is also an excellent option. You can admire amazing views and it’s really the nicest and the quickest way to get to Greenwich from the city center.
10. Top of St. Paul’s Cathedral
Recommended by Nicholas, Rambling Feet.
Some might say that the beauty of St Paul’s Cathedral rivals St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome that inspired it. The dome is one of London’s most famous landmarks and the balcony on top affords some truly breathtaking panoramas of the city.
Known as the Golden Gallery, the dome sits 85 meters above the ground, atop Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece. Getting up there is an impressive workout that involves 528 steps. They start wide and shallow, but the final climb to the top requires you to negotiate a narrow and steep spiral staircase. If you’re not lucky and it’s crowded, you might need to move along because space is pretty tight – no one can squeeze past you.
You can celebrate reaching the top with 360-degree views of London. There is not a yard of netting in the way, so hold on because it can get windy.
Following the Thames from east to west, you’ll see the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, the Monument (another Wren work; incidentally, the Great Fire it commemorates destroyed the old Cathedral), The Shard, and the London Eye. Westminster Abbey and Big Ben are around the bend and thus out of sight. There is also the City of London and its skyscrapers, such as The Gherkin.
Good to know: The Cathedral closes by 4.30 PM, so there are no nighttime views. However, in winter, when the days are very short, you may get to see the sunset from the top, if you time your visit right.
INFO & TIPS: Adult tickets cost about £20 at the gate. This admission to the Cathedral covers the crypt, main floor, and dome galleries, including the Golden Gallery. If you want to be sure to climb the dome, it’s best to book your tickets in advance (it’s also cheaper online). For up-to-date information and opening times check the official website of the Cathedral.
11. Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges
With so many great views in central London, there’s one more place that really stands out. And that’s the Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges.
Hungerford Bridge (aka Charing Cross Bridge) is a railway bridge. On each side of it, you’ll find Golden Jubilee Bridges. These two footbridges offer great views and are well worth crossing at least one when in London.
Golden Jubilee Bridges are not only impressive themselves, but they also give you easy access to some of the best views in London! The best views are from the southern side, overlooking the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Bridge.
INFO & TIPS: Golden Jubilee Bridges are easily accessible from either side of the river. You can cross the river on one of the two bridges and walk back via the other one. That way, you get the best views in both directions. These bridges have elevators and are accessible by wheelchair or with a stroller as well.
Also take the time to walk on both sides of to the river between Hungerford Bridge and Westminster Bridge. From one side, you have great views of the London Eye, and from the other – Big Ben and its surroundings.
12. The Garden at 120
The Garden at 120 offers some of the best FREE rooftop views in London. Located about half-way between Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral, it’s very easy to visit here in combination with some of the top London attractions and other incredible views of London described in this guide.
This public garden is located on the 15th floor at 120 Fenchurch St. It has some green spaces, a water feature, flowers, and lots of seating areas.
And while it might not be as high as the nearby Sky Garden, but the location of the building more than makes up for it. At the top, you have some amazing views of the skyscrapers of the City of London, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, and many other landmarks.
INFO & TIPS: The Garden at 120 is open on weekdays, from 10 AM to 6.30 PM in winter and from 10 AM to 9 PM in summer. Reservations are not needed. Entrance is free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please check their website.
13. Monument to the Great Fire of London
Recommended by Dymphe, Dymabroad.
For one of the best views in London, you should go to the Monument to the Great Fire of London! Simply known as the Monument, this is a 62m (202 ft) tall column in the middle of London that commemorates the Great Fire of 1666.
The Great Fire destroyed a large part of London. In just three days, hundreds of streets and thousands of houses were damaged or lost completely. This monument that’s located very close to where the fire started, was built just a few years later, between 1671 and 1677. It was also meant to celebrate the rebuilding of the city.
There is a viewing platform at the top of the Monument, at around 49m (160ft) height. You can reach it after climbing 311 steps of the spiral staircase inside the Monument.
And while not as high as many other famous viewpoints in London, the view from the Monument is wonderful. You can see large parts of the City of London. Furthermore, you can see the Tower Bridge and The Shard from up there.
INFO & TIPS: You can find the Monument at the junction of Fish Street Hill and Monument Street, just 10 min walk from the Tower of London. You can see the Monument itself for free, but there is a small fee to get to the top. You cannot reserve in advance, all tickets are sold at the attraction. For opening hours and up-to-date info, please check the official website.
14. Up at The O2
The iconic O2 Arena in Greenwich is an extraordinary landmark in London’s skyline. But for even more special views of the surroundings – and a truly unique experience in London – consider climbing on the roof of the O2 Arena!
One of the world’s most popular entertainment venues, the O2 Arena is a huge building that can fit about 20,000 people. On top of its rounded roof, there’s a suspended walkway, at about 52 meters (170 ft) height.
Fitted with a climb suit and harness, you can take a walk on this impressive structure and enjoy some amazing 360° views of London. From the top, you can enjoy the panoramic views over Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and the Olympic Park. In the distance, you can see Tower Bridge, The Shard, and even as far as Big Ben.
INFO & TIPS: Since you are always accompanied by a guide, Up at The O2 experience is best booked in advance. Children older than 8 can participate as well. Preparation included, the climb takes about 1,5 hours. There are tours running during the day, but also at twilight or after sunset, and you can opt for a climb with a champagne experience at the top.
15. Greenwich Park
Recommended by Caroline, CK Travels.
Greenwich Park in South East London is one of the largest single green spaces in south-east London. It also offers one of the city’s most iconic vantage points of London!
Climb to the top of the hill of this royal park and you will have stunning unspoiled views of historic Greenwich landmarks such as the Old Royal Naval College, the Queen’s House, and others. A bit further away, you can see the River Thames, alongside the shiny and modern metropolis that is Canary Wharf, and Greenwich Peninsula.
You will also be able to see famous London landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and The Shard in the distance.
The best viewpoint in Greenwich Park is in front of the statue of General Wolfe, located outside the Royal Observatory. The park is also a great spot for a picnic and you can pick up some lovely street food from the nearby Greenwich market, or supplies from the M&S Food Hall.
INFO & TIPS: Greenwich Park is well-served by bus routes and within walking distance of train stations. The quickest way to get there is to take to the DLR train to Cutty Sark station, the train to Greenwich station, or take a boat from central London. The park is open from 6 AM every day and closing times depend on the time of year. In winter, it closes around 6 PM, in summer – at 9 PM. Check their website for further details.
16. Tate Modern
Recommended by Tiffany, A Girl And Her Passport.
Tate Modern is a modern art gallery in London. You don’t often think of visiting a museum for anything else but its expositions, but the Tate Modern is one of those grand places that – in addition to art – also offer an amazing view. The views of the London skyline and St. Pauls’s Cathedral from Tate Modern are outstanding!
Not only does it give you a clear view of St. Pauls, but also the Thames River and the Millennium Bridge all in one shot. It is a great place to get a photo or to watch the boats going by. The interior of the Tate Modern building is also interesting and well worth a visit. And, of course, you get to see some amazing modern art in one of the best museums of London!
The museum is a vast space, so be sure to allow yourself enough time to enjoy the art and the views. You can easily spend several hours here.
INFO & TIPS: There are a few places inside Tate Modern that offer great views. The best angles are from the viewing platform, from the 3rd-floor gift shop, or from the Members Bar. Entry to Tate Modern is free, apart from the exhibition. At the moment of writing, you have to book your ticket to the museum in advance to ensure you can visit at the time you want. See their website for more information. Also, avoid weekends if you can as it can get very busy.
17. Savage Garden
Recommended by Carol Guttery, California Crossings.
Savage Garden Bar is located in the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tower of London in The City, which is London’s traditional financial district. The hotel is just your normal Doubletree, but the bar is a whole other level!
You take a special elevator up to the 12th floor and enter a 180° wrap-around bar and viewing area. There are a series of west-facing tables, which would be great during sunset. But the better views of London are actually in the south-facing lounge. This part of Savage Garden has wide views which include the nearby St. Olave’s church and the Tower of London.
Savage Garden has cozy corner seating, bar top tables for larger parties, and a good-sized outdoor deck. In addition to the great views, they also have some special cocktails. Try one of the “devilish” drinks such as the one named after St. Olave with gin and smoked syrup, or The Raven Master, with gin calvados, absinthe, and an assortment of other flavors.
INFO & TIPS: Savage Garden is open from 4 PM to midnight from Monday to Thursday, and from noon to 1-2 AM on the weekends. The best time to snag a table would be on a weekday just as it opens (around 4 PM). However, if you want to go on the weekend or for sunset, you can reserve a table on their website.
18. Primrose Hill
Recommended by Angeline, Go Around Philippines.
Primrose Hill is a public park located on the north side of Regent’s Park near Camden Town in North London. Up until the 19th century, it was used as a hunting ground by the English monarchs. Nowadays, it has become a popular place to enjoy distant views of the London skyline from 64 meters above sea level.
By climbing to the top of the hill, you can enjoy six different viewpoints. On a sunny day, you’ll be able to see attractions and landmarks like the London Eye, the Shard, and the BT Tower. There are plaques at the top of the hill that indicate the names of the buildings that you see from the viewpoints.
For a more picturesque walk to Primrose Hill, we recommend walking from Camden Town along the canal. You’ll be waking away from the view, but once you get to the hill and turn around, you’ll be even more impressed with the stunning views of London’s skyline.
INFO & TIPS: Primrose Hill can be visited free of charge, at any time. The best time to visit Primrose Hill is on weekdays as it gets really crowded during weekends. Of course, sunset or sunrise are the best times for photography. Make sure to dress warmly or bring a sweater or jacket with you, as it can get very cold at night.
19. Millennium Bridge
Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that connects the City of London to the South Bank. This footbridge is a popular way to get from the Tate Modern Museum and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on one side of the river to St. Paul’s Cathedral on the other.
A walk here guarantees some fantastic views of the surroundings!
The bridge was built in such a way that it offers a great perspective on St. Paul’s Cathedral when walking towards it from the South Bank. But the views are really great in all directions. So make sure to look around when you walk over – different angles and perspectives give you some great views and photo opportunities.
TIP: The views are even more impressive in the evening when the bridge and the nearby landmarks are nicely lit.
20. Jin Bo Law
London has so many rooftop bars, but some offer much better views than others. For beautiful high-angle city views overlooking the skyscrapers of the City of London, but also a glimpse of the Tower Bridge and the Shard in the distance, check out Jin Bo Law.
This rooftop bar is located on the 14th floor of Dorsett City Hotel, just 10 minutes walk from the Tower of London. In addition to the trendy bar indoors, there is also a nice outdoor terrace with some seats. Here, the views are really nice.
Jin Bo Law is a high-end cocktail bar, popular with locals who come here for a drink after work. When we visited, most people were really nicely dressed, most in business clothes, but casual clothing wasn’t frowned upon either. Keep in mind that the prices here are quite high, even for London standards.
INFO & TIPS: Jin Bo Law is open daily until 11 PM. From Monday to Wednesday, it’s open from 5 PM and from Thursday to Sunday – from noon. Walk-ins are generally possible, especially during the day. But if you want to be sure to visit, it doesn’t harm to reserve a table in advance. For practical info, see their website.
21. Emirates Air Line
Recommended by Ellie, Ellie’s Travel Tips.
Some of the best views of London’s Thames River are enjoyed gliding across the skyline in one of the Emirates Air Line cable cars. Start your aerial view adventure on the Greenwich Peninsula, where you will embark to the Royal Docks. The location is rather bizarre, tucked away pretty far from all the other famous London attractions, but the views make up for it.
Once your cable car journey begins, you will quickly witness remarkable views of the Thames and London’s skyline. You can enjoy some breathtaking views of the surroundings and can spot some of London’s famous landmarks as well. The view of Antony Gormley’s Quantum Cloud – one of the sculptures on The Line Walk – is impressive as well.
For the most special experience, traverse from the Greenwich Peninsula or the Royal Docks around sunset. It’s really nice to watch the bustling city come to life after dark.
INFO & TIPS: Emirates Air Line is open daily and cable cars go non-stop, so booking in advance isn’t necessary. There are only two stations, Emirates Greenwich Peninsula and Emirates Royal Docks, located across the Thames from each other. You can opt for a round-trip ticket and get back to where you started, or you can just do the trip one-way.
Over 30 gondola cars are running at once, each one offering six seats for passengers. A one-way trip takes just 10 minutes. For more practical information, please check their website.
22. Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath
If you are looking for London cityscape views, then you’ll definitely enjoy a visit to Hampstead Heath. This vast park in northwestern London is a real green oasis with big open spaces, walking paths, various ponds (you can even swim in some of them), and some really nice views of London skyline.
For the best views head to Parliament Hill viewpoint. The views are very distant, but it also gives you a nice perspective of London. Visiting here, it feels as if you are out of the city and in the countryside.
INFO & TIPS: Hampstead Heath is quite easy to reach from central London by overground train. You’ll need to walk uphill to get to the viewpoint. Ideally, you need at least a few hours to visit here and explore the park a bit deeper. It’s also nice in the evening.
23. Greenwich Skyline View from Island Gardens
If you are looking for more nice skyline views in London, then head to Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs on the north bank of the River Thames. It might look far on the map, but it’s actually very easily accessible from Greenwich via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel under the river.
Island Gardens is a small public park along the River Thames. It offers really nice views of the Greenwich skyline on the other side. From here, you can see the impressive buildings of the Old Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark, and others.
This is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the popular Greenwich tourist attractions.
INFO & TIPS: Island Gardens Park is always open, but it’s particularly nice around sunset. There’s also a small café where you can have some drinks or lunch.
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Greenwich
Map – Best Views of London
To help you plan your trip and see some of the nicest views in London, we have created a map indicating all the viewpoints and places mentioned in this article.
Many of these viewpoints are located in central London and are very close to each other. A few others are in Greenwich, so it’s easy to visit several of them at the same time. Only Primrose Hill and Parliament Hill are somewhat further away from everything else.
How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.
So, this is our guide to some of the best views in London. There are of course many more places offering great views in the city, but this guide covers all the best ones.
READ ALSO: Hidden Gems of London
For more travel tips and inspiration for London, see our other articles as well:
- Must-see: Top London Attractions
- Good to know: London Travel Tips
- Itinerary: 2 Days in London
- With kids: London with Kids & Family-friendly Afternoon Tea in London
- Greenwich: Best Things to Do in Greenwich
- Camden Town: Best Things to Do in Camden & Camden Market
- Nearby: Most Popular Day Trips and Tours from London
More travel guides for the UK:
- Cities: Best Cities to Visit in the UK
- Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
- Cornwall: Top Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
- Scotland: Isle of Skye & Scotland Whisky Tour
- Edinburgh: Top Edinburgh Attractions & One Day in Edinburgh
- Liverpool: Best Places to See in Liverpool & Liverpool Day Trip from London & The Beatles Liverpool
- Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1-Day Manchester Itinerary
- Glasgow: 1 Day in Glasgow
- Food: British Food: Dishes to Try in the UK
If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!
Lars
Friday 30th of June 2023
Hi Jurga, do you know how long the Shard will be closed? We are going next week and I just saw your note saying that it is closed. What a bummer.
Jurga
Friday 30th of June 2023
Hi Lars, yes, indeed, the viewing platform at The Shard is closed at the moment. The last official update I could find said that it will likely take about 8 weeks (it didn't say from when, but I think at least until mid-August). In any case, it will definitely still be closed next week. I just updated our note with the most current info that I found. But don't worry - you'll find plenty of other amazing viewpoints in London (as you can see in our article above, there is plenty of choice ;)). Have a great trip!
Heather
Tuesday 24th of May 2022
Thank you for this post! We referred to it often during our trip to London, and the views we saw were stunning! We loved the Greenwich Park one the most. ;)
Jurga
Wednesday 25th of May 2022
Thank you so much for the kind feedback, Heather. Glad to hear you enjoyed London so much. Happy travels!