It could be fair to say you don’t really know London until you’ve experienced it from a considerable height. The city is constantly changing and London’s iconic skyline has evolved dramatically over the years. As the days get longer and balmy nights are drawing closer, there is no better time to enjoy some of the most stunning views the capital has to offer – not to mention the photo opportunities! And the best bit? Depending on where you are, no view will be the same, which means you can see London from almost every angle, even spotting things you never knew were there…
Here are a few firm favourites:
The Shard
Dwarfing everything else in London, The Shard stands as the tallest building in Western Europe. It also plays host to a selection of highly acclaimed restaurants and bars, as well as the luxurious Shangri-La hotel. With impressive views over famous landmarks such as Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and The Gherkin, it really is an unmissable experience.
If you fancy getting your heart rate up while perfecting your downward dog to a scenic London backdrop, then a yoga session at The Shard could be just the ticket. Taking place 72 floors up, participants have the chance to stretch it out at Europe’s highest yoga class.
And if you prefer your view with food, here’s an insider tip: Aqua Shard, the restaurant on the 32nd floor, serves breakfast! Mornings at Aqua Shard are both less crowded and cheaper than going later in the day.
Sushi Samba
Offering a blended fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, Sushi Samba is the ultimate place to grab dinner and cocktails in style. Soaring up to the 38th floor in a glass lift is an experience in itself and once you get to the top you won’t be disappointed. With breathtaking panoramic views of London, you can expect to spot some familiar sights such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Gherkin and The Shard.
The London Eye
As the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom with over 3.75 million visitors flocking each year, it’s not hard to see why. Standing at an impressive 135 metres over the River Thames, it’s currently the world’s tallest observation wheel which means viewers are treated to a panoramic view of London. Pick out your favourite scenes from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to the BT Tower and Canary Wharf.
To really turn things up a notch, you can enjoy the city views in the privacy of your own capsule taking in the sights by night.
Skylon
Situated on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall, Skylon serves up the best of modern British cuisine. And it’s not only the food that gets the thumbs up – the decor boasts impressive floor to ceiling windows allowing you to enjoy scenic views of Southbank and the River Thames.
An extensive drinks menu means you can enjoy the view at their leisure while sampling some of the finest wines around.
Eighteen Sky Bar
Located on the O2 peninsular, the InterContinental O2 oozes glamour and style. With views stretching across the magnificent city skyline including The O2, Canary Wharf, Thames Barrier and Docklands, this venue brings London straight to you.
And it’s good news for those that enjoy a cocktail or something a little stronger as the exhaustive drinks menu has something for everyone including a premium range of rums.
Altitude 360
Planning an event? Located 29 floors up in Westminster’s tallest building – Millbank Tower – Altitude 360 offers an incredible view of the capital. And with 360° views, this one is hard to beat. With spaces to hire for corporate and private events, these dizzying heights can be enjoyed both in the daytime and evening against a picturesque backdrop of the city.
Sky Garden
Set in an enlarged glass dome straight from the future, Sky Garden can be found 155 metres up in the Walkie Talkie building and is made up of three floors encompassing gardens, terraces, bars and exclusive restaurants. It’s free to visit and you can wander around the beautifully landscaped gardens before taking in continuous views of London including Canary Wharf and the Tower of London.
Do you have a favourite London rooftop view? Anything we missed? Let us know in the comments below!