Best Viewpoints in London

With the mighty Thames winding through its heart and iconic buildings popping up in every direction, London is a fine-looking city. However, it’s also a relatively flat one in terms of terrain, so it’s not always easy knowing where to get a capital view of the capital.

The 20 spectacular views listed below all offer totally unique vistas, some from within the centre of the city and others from the various parks and green spaces that surround it. Most are free, but where there’s a charge, it’s definitely worth it.

Frank’s Cafe

South London’s coolest rooftop bar, located atop a multi-storey car park in Peckham, offers superb views of the city skyline, which, we can attest, are further enhanced by an ice-cold negroni on a summer’s eve.

• Get there: short walk from Peckham Rye Overground station
• Charge: free to get in, cocktails £6-7

Tate Modern Viewing Terrace

Tate Modern’s Switch House is as popular for its viewing terrace as the artwork within (possibly even more so). The covered, outdoor balcony surrounding the entire 10th floor gives great views in all directions; the most impressive is north across the river, to St Paul’s Cathedral and the City.

• Get there: 5-minute walk from Southwark Tube station
• Charge: free

Parliament Hill

Crowning handsome Hampstead Heath in North London, Parliament Hill presents sweeping views of the city and is a popular spot for summer picnics. If you want to cool off, the Hampstead Heath Ponds are handily nearby.

• Get there: 5-10 minute walk from Gospel Oak Overground station
• Charge: free

Monument

Erected in 1671 to commemorate the Great Fire of London, which had decimated the surrounding area a few years earlier, Christopher Wren’s 60-metre column provides an interesting perspective on London. The spiral staircase to the top has 311 steps – a certificate is your reward (as well as the views).

• Get there: next to Monument Tube station
• Charge: £4.50 adult, £2.30 child

The Garden at 120

London’s newest and largest garden roof terrace sits in the heart of the financial district. Lower than many surrounding skyscrapers, its 15th-floor location still offers good views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and St Paul’s Cathedral.

• Get there: 5-10 minute walk from either Monument or Bank Tube stations
• Charge: free

The Dome at St Paul’s Cathedral

An entire day could be spent exploring Christopher Wren’s masterpiece without leaving ground level. However, if you want to combine your visit with a spectacular vantage point over the capital, make your way to the dome. The climb to the top is divided into three stages: the Whispering Gallery (30 metres); the Stone Gallery (53 metres); and the Golden Gallery (85 metres). The latter two are outside and provide immense views of the city.

• Get there: short walk from St Paul’s Tube station
• Charge: dome included in general admission fee

Emirates Air Line Cable Car

Technically part of the London Underground network, the Emirates Air Line cable car, which crosses the Thames at a height of 90 metres, presents truly incredible views of East London, particularly the O2 and the towers of Canary Wharf.

• Get there: 5-10 minute walk from North Greenwich Tube station
• Charge: round trip £7 adult, £3.50 child

Sky Garden

London’s highest public garden is an impressive venue, with three levels of landscaped greenery, an open-air terrace, restaurants and bars, and great views of The City from its 35th-floor location at the top of the Walkie Talkie skyscraper.

• Get there: short walk from Monument Tube station
• Charge: free but advance online booking is required

London Eye

Although a rotation on the London Eye is about the most ‘touristy’ thing you can do in London, it’s popular for a reason. London and the Thames are laid out before you, with particularly fine views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, as you gently take a turn in one of the glass capsules, reaching 135 metres at the highest point.

• Get there: 5-10 minute walk from either Waterloo or Westminster Tube stations
• Charge: £27 adult, £22 child

ArcelorMittal Orbit

A striking legacy from the 2012 London Olympic Games, the ArcelorMittal Orbit in East London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the largest sculpture in the UK, with a top that doubles as a 360-degree viewing platform. Perhaps the best part is that you can whoosh down to the bottom via the world’s highest and longest tunnel slide.

• Get there: 10-15 minute walk from Stratford Tube station
• Charge: £12.50 adult, £7.50 child (£5 more for slide)

King Henry’s Mound

On the western edge of Richmond Park, King Henry’s Mound presents a direct view of St Paul’s Cathedral, over 10 miles away to the northeast. On a clear day, you should be able to see the great white dome shimmering on the horizon. There’s a telescope on the mound to assist if you need it.

• Get there: 30 minute walk from Richmond Tube/train station
• Charge: free

The Shard

Piercing the sky at a height of more than 300 metres, The Shard is Western Europe’s tallest building, offering rather decent views of the UK capital. Try to time your visit with sunset to see the day-to-night changes in the city’s character.

• Get there: London Bridge Tube/train station
• Charge: £32 adult, £25 child

One New Change

The rooftop terrace of the One New Change building, open all day every day, offers spectacular, close-up views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the surrounding area. There is a bar onsite to enjoy the view with a cold drink.

• Get there: short walk from St Paul’s Tube station
• Charge: free to get in, drinks £5-6

Greenwich Hill

One of the loveliest views of London can be found on Greenwich Hill, next to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park. Look out for the Queen’s House at the foot of the hill and beyond to the Thames and the rest of the city.

• Get there: 10-15 minute walk from Greenwich DLR/train station
• Charge: free

Millennium Bridge

Whichever way you walk over this beautiful, elegant Thames bridge, you’ll be treated to excellent views: south, the enormous Tate Modern looms; north, St Paul’s Cathedral.

• Get there: short walk from either Mansion House or St Paul’s Tube stations
• Charge: free

Waterloo Bridge

While Waterloo Bridge isn’t much to look at itself, the views from it on both sides are outstanding. Looking west, the Thames arcs past the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament; looking east, it meanders off towards St Paul’s Cathedral and the steel and glass skyscrapers of The City beyond.

• Get there: short walk from either Temple, Embankment or Waterloo Tube stations
• Charge: free

One Tree Hill

This lesser-known viewpoint in the Honor Oak neighbourhood in South London provides surprisingly epic views of London and is well worth the climb to the top.

• Get there: short walk from Honor Oak Park Overground station
• Charge: free

Alexandra Palace

Located in North London, Alexandra Palace – or ‘Ally Pally’ as the locals call it – is a huge entertainment and sports venue, offering great views of the city skyline from its hilltop location.

• Get there: 15-20 minute walk from Alexandra Palace train station
• Charge: free

The Point

This tiny park with superlative views is like a local secret. Bring a picnic, enjoy the solitude and keep the secret to yourself.

• Get there: 10 minute walk from Greenwich DLR/train station
• Charge: free

Primrose Hill

Just north of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill offers a sweeping view of the capital down to London Zoo and Regent’s Park, then widen out to take in most of the rest of the city.

• Get there: 15-20 minute walk from St John’s Wood or Chalk Farm Tube stations
• Charge: free