Viewing platforms: Where to find the best London views

Although London has many fab restaurants that serve up London’s cityscape alongside dinner, lunch or brunch, there are also several great viewing platforms that will whisk you up above the capital also. 

From London’s newest and tallest viewing platform to one built into a heritge listed building, here are the best spots and viewing galleries in London.

1 Lift 109, Battersea Power Station

Soar up to the top of Turbine Hall A’s chimney at Battersea Power Station in Battersea Power Station’s Lift 109 to take in the panoramic, 360-degree view of London across the Thames at the top. At ground level, discover a bit about the historic building’s history. 

Price: From £15.90/£11.50 adult/child

Address: Turbine Hall A, Battersea Power Station, SW11 8BN

Website: lift109.co.uk

2 Horizon 22, City

You’ll find Horizon 22 on the 58th mezzanine level of 22 Bishopgate, and this newly opened viewing platform is not just the highest in London, but it’s the highest free viewing gallery in London. It stands 254 metres tall, it’s more than twice the height of Lift 109 and almost 100 metres taller than the Sky Garden. So, you’ll get a pretty good view of London, whatever the weather.

Address: 22 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AJ

Website: horizon22.co.uk

3 Sky Garden, City

Take in sweeping views of the city and beyond from the Sky Garden’s great, green hights. Exactly what is says on the tin, this is a foliage heavy space 34 floors up featuring Mediterranean and South African species that bring colour into the space all year round. The garden often hosts fun events such as yoga at the weekends, and parties for Halloween and New Year’s Eve, and there’s three restaurants, including the very lush Fenchurch Restaurant. Free but booking is recommended.

Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF

Website: skygarden.london

4 The Lookout Bishopsgate

Another viewing platform that captures the beauty in London’s concreate expanse, the view from The Lookout takes in the City’s modern skyscrapers and iconic architecture as well as landmarks and historic sites for days. It’s free to use and booking is recommended, and you’ll find it on the 50th floor of the swish 8 Bishopsgate building.

Address: 8 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4BQ

Website: 8bishopsgate.com

5 The Shard

There are so many vantage points at The Shard, thanks to its myriad dining options. There’s Hutong, Oblix, Aqua Shard, and every bar and restaurant in the Shangri-La Hotel, and there’s also a viewing platform which was the highest in London until Horizon 22 came along. Find viewing platforms on floors 68, 69 and 72. Tickets to these platforms come with a weather guarantee, so if you’re up there and all you see is cloud and mist, you can come back and try again.

Tickets: From £28

Address: 32 London Bridge Street SE1 9SG

Website: the-shard.com

6 The Gherkin

One of London’s most famous buildings, The Gherkin was designed by Norman Foster. While this building isn’t usually open to the public (unless it is participating in Open House London festival), there are still ways to peer across London from the top. There’s a really fancy restaurant you could book into, or you could go for an afternoon tea Searcys Helix which will get you all the way up.

Address: 20 St Mary Axe, City EC3A 8BF

Website: searcysatthegherkin.co.uk

7 Up at the O2

Roofwalk over the Greenwich entertainment venue’s dome and take in really great views across east London, Canary Wharf, the Royal Docks and beyond. You can have a celebratory climb, and sip on champagne at the summit, or look out for silent discos, yoga, drag shows and comedy gigs if that’s more your thing.

Tickets: From £35

Address: The 02, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX

Website: theo2.co.uk