Best Views in London — Scenic Viewpoints You Cannot Miss

Sky Garden (Walkie Talkie, City)

The 155-meter rooftop garden in the Sky Garden building (nicknamed the Walkie Talkie) is London's best free view. 360 degrees: the Tower of London to the east, the Shard to the south, St Paul's to the west. Free entry, but you must book in advance — book two to three weeks ahead on the website, or try for the day-of release at 10am. There is a bar and two restaurants inside.

The Shard (London Bridge)

At 310 meters, The Shard is the tallest building in the EU. The view from the 72nd floor is the most elevated in London. Book the sunset slot: the sky turns gold over the City, the Thames becomes a ribbon of light, and the planes coming into City Airport pass close enough to see the landing lights. Tickets from £30. Combine with dinner at Ribs & Brews in Hays Galleria below.

Primrose Hill (Camden)

Free, always open, 30-second walk from the tube. Primrose Hill is a 30-metre hill in the middle of Regent's Park with one of the most famous city views in the world: the entire London skyline from Westminster to Canary Wharf. Bring a bottle of wine and a deck of cards. This is where Londoners come on a Friday evening to remind themselves why they live here.

Tate Modern (10th floor, free)

The Tate Modern's 10th-floor terrace is free and open during museum hours. The view west along the Thames to Westminster is the best walkable city view in London. Combine with the Millennium Bridge walk back east — the bridge's pedestrian-only design is by the same architects as the Tate Modern itself, Norman Foster.

Hampstead Heath ( Parliament Hill)

The 97-metre Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath gives you a view of the entire London skyline that no other viewpoint can match: St Paul's, the Shard, the Gherkin, the City — all laid out without obstruction. The view north to Hampstead and Highgate is equally dramatic. Free, open dawn to dusk. Take the Northern line to Hampstead, walk south through the village.