Where To Find the Best Views in London
Few skylines have reached the icon status of London’s glitzy horizon. With Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Tower of London all standing sentry along the Thames waterfront, the city's skyline is instantly recognizable, and it's just as impressive up close as it is on the big screen. Although the British capital has no shortage of legendary viewpoints, London's most memorable views aren't always from the most obvious places. Whether you're scaling a skyscraper, chilling at a rooftop bar, or riding the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), here's where to find the best views in London.
1. The View from The Shard
The UK's tallest skyscraper (for now).
Slicing through the air like a gigantic "shard" of glass, Renzo Piano's The Shard is not only an architectural marvel and London's tallest building but is actually fashioned from enough glass panels to cover eight football pitches. Zip up to the open-air skydeck on the 72nd floor, which, at 800 feet (244 meters), is almost double the height of any other viewing platform in London; then take your pick of bars and restaurants with a view.
2. St. Paul's Cathedral
Views to shout (or whisper) home about.
No walking tour of London is complete without a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, but for an extra 528 steps, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views across the city of London. The magnificent dome is the focal point of Sir Christopher Wren's 17th-century cathedral, and the spiraling climb up to the viewing galleries is an experience in itself. Pass through the Whispering Gallery, famous for its unique acoustics, the Stone Gallery, and finally up to the panoramic Golden Gallery.
3. The Thames River
London at its postcard best.
Curling its way through the heart of the city, the Thames River is lined with so many London landmarks you won't know where to look first. Set sail on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise, a romantic dinner cruise, or a high-speed RIB cruise, and enjoy prime views of the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben, London Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and more. You can even cruise all the way to Greenwich to see the Cutty Sark, the O2, and the Old Royal Navy College.
4. London Eye
Take London's skyline for a spin.
The London Eye has 32 capsules—one for every borough of London—but whichever capsule you get, panoramic views of London are guaranteed. On a clear day, you can see as far as Windsor Castle, some 25 miles (40 kilometers) away. Snag a fast-track ticket to dodge the long lines, or treat yourself to a glamorous champagne experience while you admire the views.
5. ArcelorMittal Orbit
Spectacular views with a side of adrenaline.
The marmite of London's 2012 Olympics-inspired tourist attractions, you'll either love or hate the ArcelorMittal Orbit. A tangled tower of red steel looming over Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the weird and wacky sculpture might not be to everyone's taste. But what it lacks in elegance, it makes up for in fun factor. Gaze out over East London from the top, then swoosh down the world's longest tunnel slide or enjoy a thrilling urban abseil.
6. IFS Cloud Cable Car
Public transport with a twist.
Riding the tube might be a quintessential London experience, but it's not exactly known for its iconic views. There is, however, one unique route in the Transport for London network that's worth bringing your camera along for.
Hop aboard the IFS Cloud Cable Car (previously known as the Emirates Air Line) for the 10-minute journey between the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, and you'll get a spectacular view as you glide across the River Thames.
7. Rooftop bars
Drink and dine with a view.
London's skyline dazzles after dark, so snag a seat at a rooftop bar or restaurant for the best view. Panoramic views come with a side of sushi and ceviche at Sushisamba on the top of the London Heron Tower, while the nearby Searcys Iris Bar at The Gherkin is a longtime favorite. You can also catch a movie on the rooftop of the Bussey Building, chill on the rooftop terrace at Frank's Cafe in Peckham, or sip cocktails at ME London's Radio Rooftop.
8. Tate Modern
State-of-the-art views.
Art lovers have plenty of eye candy to feast on at the Tate Modern, one of the UK's most esteemed contemporary art museums, and the creative hub is also home to one of London's most impressive viewpoints. You don't even need an admission ticket (although you should definitely check out the museum while you're there). Simply ride the lift up to the 10th-floor café and head out onto the covered walkway to sneak a peek at St. Paul's Cathedral, Canary Wharf, and London’s rooftops.
Related: 5 Must-See Museums in London and How To Visit
9. London's parks
The prettiest picnic spots.
London's green spaces not only provide a tranquil escape from the buzzing streets and crowds of the capital, but many double up as viewpoints. Pay a visit to Parliament Hill, where the city skyline is framed by the verdant slopes of Hampstead Heath, pack a picnic to enjoy at Greenwich Park, or join a running tour and admire the views from Primrose Hill.
10. Helicopter rides
See the city from the sky.
For the ultimate aerial view, splash out for London's most luxurious view and discover the capital from the comfort of a private helicopter. Take to the sky for a thrilling helicopter flight over London and sip Champagne as you fly over Buckingham Palace and along the Thames River, spotting landmarks such as Big Ben, The Shard, and Wembley Stadium from above.
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