From the Shard to the Garden at 120, from Primrose Hill to the roof of Tate Modern: London is best seen from above. Here is a complete guide to the views, from the free ones to the most exclusive.
London from above: panoramic views for every budget
London is a vast, flat city, but its viewpoints offer unique perspectives over the skyline that mixes the medieval City with the 21st-century glass skyscrapers.
The Shard: the highest point
Renzo Piano's skyscraper (310 m) offers the highest view of London. The ticket (29 pounds) includes access to the viewing platform on the 72nd floor with 360-degree glazing. Bookings for sunset sell out weeks ahead.
Cheaper alternative: The bar on the 31st floor of the Shangri-La hotel (inside The Shard) is open to the public - an 18-pound cocktail includes the breathtaking view.
The Garden at 120: the free secret rooftop
Very few visitors know of the existence of the Garden at 120, a roof garden on the 15th floor of a City building (120 Fenchurch Street) with spectacular views over Tower Bridge and the Thames. It is completely free and requires no booking.
Open Monday-Friday 9:00-21:00 and Saturday-Sunday 11:00-17:00.
Primrose Hill: the bohemian panorama
Primrose Hill park (Camden) offers the most iconically "London" view of the city: the profile of the City and Canary Wharf skyscrapers stands out against the urban landscape. It is free, accessible 24 hours a day and frequented by the bohemians of North London.