23 best viewpoints in London

Once you've enjoyed London from the ground level and are wondering which things to do next, it's a great idea to head upwards and look down on the city's many famous buildings and attractions.

Here are the top spots for enjoying breathtaking views across the city:

See the city from new heights at one of London's iconic landmarks

1. Try to spot famous landmarks from the London Eye, a 135-metre-high (443 ft) rotating observation wheel offering 360-degree views over London. Celebrating a special occasion? Elevate your experience with a London Eye Champagne Experience. 
2. Soak up breathtaking views of up to 40 miles (25km) across London and beyond from The View from The Shard, which includes an open-air Skydeck on level 72 of one of Europe's tallest buildings.
3. You might want to take a deep breath in before you cross Tower Bridge’s high-level walkway, which boasts a thrilling glass floor offering unique views over the river.
4. Take in aerial views of London's skyline, as you glide above the river from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks, in the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
5. Explore St Paul’s Cathedral all the way to its Golden Gallery inside the dome, from which you can enjoy panoramic views across London.
6. Slip on your best pair of trainers and climb 311 steps to reach the top of The Monument and take in spectacular views of London.
7. Get a unique bird's eye view of the Battersea Power Station and beyond with a trip up Lift 109.

Pair great views with London's unique indoor green spaces

1. Wander around the tropical plants of the glass dome of Sky Garden and savour breathtaking views from London’s highest garden.
2. Lounge in an oasis of fruit trees and wild flowers at Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden and Cafe at Southbank Centre and dive into beautiful riverside views at this roof garden.
3. Escape the City's streets with a visit to The Garden at 120, offering views of The Gherkin, The Shard and many more landmarks.

Discover the most beautiful parks to explore in London

1. On top of Greenwich Park’s hill, the Royal Observatory offers visitors a sweeping panorama over the river Thames and central London.
2. Primrose Hill is a Londoner favourite for a glass of bubbly in the grass while taking in views over the city; and so is Parliament Hill in north London, 
3. Well known for its various events and its palace, Alexandra Palace is a great spot to look at the city's hustle and bustle – from afar.

Best free viewpoints in London

1. Head to Tate Modern’s free open viewing terrace before tucking into delicious food at Tate Modern restaurant – ideally located to watch the sunset behind London's skyline.
2. See the capital from a different angle and take in breathtaking views at Horizon 22 – London's highest free viewing platform.
3. Walk across the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge and spot iconic landmarks including St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tate Modern.
4. For some of the best views of the river Thames, climb 131 steps to the top of the Garden Museum’s old medieval tower and be rewarded with stunning London sights.

Best rooftop bars with views in London

1. Soak up unparalleled views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the city’s skyline while tucking into seasonal British food, afternoon tea and cocktails at OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie.
2. Indulge in creative dishes from chef Jason Atherton at City Social – with spectacular skyline views of London’s financial district as a backdrop.
3. Join Londoners at trendy 12th Knot at Sea Containers London for travel-themed cocktails, tapas and riverside views.
4. From the 38th floor of the Salesforce Tower, Sushisamba London Heron Tower offers one of the best panoramas of east London.
5. Enjoy views over the famous Square Mile and one of the most remarkable roof gardens in London at French restaurant Coq d'Argent, perched on the roof of No 1 Poultry in Bank.
6. With a prime location on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre, Skylon’s giant floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views along the river.

Where is the highest viewing point in London?

Horizon 22 is London’s highest viewing platform with 300-degree views of London and its most famous landmarks. You can book a free spot to the second-highest building in the capital and head up the elevator for unrivalled cityscapes. 

Discover alfresco restaurants and find the best restaurants with a view in London.

You can experience London from above by watching the video below of a bird's eye view of London. Or you can visit plenty of places where you can enjoy a panoramic London views, from posh bars and romantic restaurants to hilltops!