A topic that pops up a lot on our London Travel Tips Facebook Group is where to get the best free views of the city.
So I decided to make this blog post to share my favourite free rooftop views as well as some that are beloved by our Facebook community.
Here is my list of the best rooftops, terraces, and lookout points you can easily access in London for free!
They all have great views of London's iconic buildings and skyline.
To make the most of your time in London, why not join me on our Rooftop Garden and City of London Historical Walking Tour?
This tour will take you through the oldest streets in London: from the Roman settlement 2,000 years ago - to the newest (and tallest!) buildings in all of Europe.
Join me, or one of my expert guides on a carefully curated route past London's most fascinating streets and sights - and on Sundays and Mondays the tour finishes with a visit to one of the most incredible rooftops in the city!
While our tour runs daily at 10:30am and 2:30pm only the Sunday and Monday tour visits a rooftop. I hope to see you there!
This is a classic London experience you won't find anywhere else!
Check out our full selection of London walking tours.
- Free Views
- Almost Free Views
- Winter Rooftop Locations
- Tips from Locals and Travelers
- Free Things to Do in London
Sky Garden
I think it's fair to say that the Sky Garden is probably the most famous viewing platform in our city and it is definitely the one I see mentioned the most on our Facebook Group.
The building itself is located at 20 Fenchurch Street and is often referred to as(by both locals and visitors) as the "Walkie-Talkie Building." It's a glass building with a unique shape that spreads out the higher up the building goes.
I used to get asked about the Sky Garden on my tours quite a bit - but not because people wanted to visit!
It was because the building made international news in the summer of 2013 when the curved glass led to a reflection so strong…it melted a car!
For more information on the building, I wrote a blog post you might find helpful.
But the reason 20 Fenchurch Street is on my list is because at the top of this London landmark is Sky Garden, an enlarged glass dome that houses three floors of landscaped gardens including observation decks and an open-air terrace.
I love the Sky Garden because the views are spectacular but also because I think it's just a great place to hang out.
The greenery is beautiful, there's plenty of places to sit and relax (and have a drink - which I like to do) and sometimes I've been there when there was live music going on.
It's so much more than just a viewing platform, it's a real experience.
Best of all, the Sky Garden is completely FREE!
NOTE: Although free, tickets must be booked in advance through the Sky Garden website.
Everybody always asks me how to get Sky Garden tickets and my recommendation is to set your alarm!
Tickets are released every Monday morning (excluding bank holidays) three weeks in advance for the whole week.
If you don't have any luck, it's still worth showing up.
I've had luck in the past by turning up at a time where a few people failed to come for their reservations so I was able to get in with no pre-planning whatsoever.
One New Change Rooftop
NOTE: I recently attempted to visit New Change (Jan 2025) and was dismayed to find that the rooftop is currently closed owing to essential maintenance.
I spoke to the staff who informed me there is no set date for the terrace to reopen to the public.
So, I'm keeping it on my list for now, but you'll definitely want to check their website before you go.
A modern glass and steel construction sitting next door to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the New Change building holds offices, shops, and restaurants.
But the best part of the New Change building is the public roof garden on top!
And, in this video, Sinead, a tour guide with us, Tours by Foot London, takes you on a walk to the top of One New Change.
I have to confess that the word “garden” here could be a bit misleading as there is no greenery.
But, there are amazing views throughout London – spanning east to west - as well as a face-to-face meeting with St. Paul’s Cathedral.
This is one of my favourite spots to take people on my tours because, aside from Londoners, it seems not a lot of people know about it.
It's fabulous for photographs - and I especially love the views of the dome of St. Paul's - but it's also a fantastic public space.
I've gone in the summer when they erected huge screens showing live Wimbledon tennis which was a fantastic experience.
Horizon 22
This is one of the newest entries on my list!
On the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, Horizon 22 is now the tallest free viewing platform in Europe.
At 254 metres tall, it is 10 metres taller than The Shard - but that viewing platform is not free.
Just a few of the highlights of the view include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and Tower Bridge.
Now, obviously, I like Horizon 22 enough to put it onto my list but I do want to point out that it isn't my favourite offering for views in London.
This is mostly because I find the atmosphere to be a bit...well, nonexistent.
For a start, there is nowhere at all to sit.
There's no gift shop (and I love a gift shop), no bar, and currently no restaurant.
There is a small kiosk selling drinks and nibbles like packets of crisps, but that's it.
I spoke to a member of staff who said there are plans to have a restaurant/bar there eventually but for now it goes without.
Although, to be fair, if you're not visiting for food or souvenirs, none of that will matter to you!
While it is free to visit, advanced booking is advised, as only a small number of walk-ups will be available each day. Book on the Horizon 22 website.
Nearest Underground Station: Bank, Monument or Liverpool Street.
I like to get off at Monument and grab a aperitif and a snack from Vagabond before going up.
View from the Tate Modern
I am not the biggest fan of Modern Art so I don't spend as much time at the Tate Modern Museum as some of my friends do.
However, when I do go, I always make sure to visit the cafe' where there are some particularly lovely views over the river and of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Also, if you're a Harry Potter fan (like me) you’ll also have an incredible view of the Millennium Bridge (aka the “wobbly bridge”, aka the “Harry Potter Bridge”) spanning the river from the Tate to St. Paul's Cathedral.
I also like to surprise the Harry Potter fans on my tours by pointing out the red brick building opposite the Tate, on the other side of the bridge.
That is the City of London School where Daniel Radcliffe was once a student!
And, of course, if you are a fan of Modern Art then you will likely have the Tate on your list already!
For more information on the museum, read my blog post that details How to Visit the Tate Modern.
Nearest Underground Station: Southwark, Blackfriars, and London Bridge
The Garden at 120
I've found that The Garden at 120 isn't as well known as some of the others on my list, and I think that's a shame because I really do enjoy it here.
On the 15th floor of the building at 120 Fenchurch Street is an open-air rooftop garden surrounded by glass panelling.
While not the tallest viewing platform on my list, The Garden has superb 360-degree views and is free to visit.
A few landmarks you can see are Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, The Shard, and Leadenhall Market.
But the three things I love about it most are: Firstly, it's an actual garden with beautiful hedges flowers, and lovely shaded places to sit. I honestly just think it's charming!
Secondly, on weekdays from April to the end of September, it's open until 21:00 (9:00pm) and I love to look out over the city at night.
And thirdly, I love that I don't need to reserve free tickets, I can just show up!
Note that the Garden has a capacity of 200 people, so you may have a short wait to go up.
I've never waited longer than 20 minutes, personally.
I always recommend my guests read the Visitor Information at The Garden at 120 before you visit to learn about security measures when you enter the building as well as the restrictions on what you can bring.
If you'd like to visit the Garden, consider doing it with me on one of my City of London Tours!
- Nearest Underground Station: Tower Hill, Aldgate, Monument
- Nearest Overground Station (Closest): Fenchurch Street
Hampstead Heath
I always tell people that I feel spoiled living in London as there are so many beautiful parks and green spaces.
What is doubly lucky is that some of the parks offer incredible views of the city.
Hampstead Heath is a 791-acre parkland sitting in the hills of North London and is honestly one of my favourite places in town.
When I travel up to Hampstead, I always feel like I'm leaving London and travelling to a Georgian village.
There are fantastic pubs (The Holly Bush and Spaniard's Inn our my favourites), charming 18th century townhouses and some lovely churches.
There's also a second-hand bookshop I can never walk past without visiting!
But, after a meal at a pub and a good dose of book buying, I like to walk it all off by wandering through the open parkland of Hampstead Heath.
From there I am treating to some truly stunning views of the city down below. I also find that it's usually locals there so it's never wildly busy, which is nice.
- Hampstead: Nearest Underground Station: Hampstead
- Hampstead: Nearest Overground Station (Closer): Hampstead Heath
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is a little bit better known by visitors than Hampstead Heath.
The views here are closer than those from Hampstead and it's in proximity to Regent's Park and Camden Town which are both places I visit frequently, so you may find this a convenient option for your itinerary.
I'm always surprised at how high up I am when I look down over all the city has to offer.
Atop the hill is one of the truly quiet places in London and the views are stunning…over the rolling hills and tree-lined lanes of Regent’s Park into the West End with the towering BT Tower near the right then the Shard and the Walkie-Talkie in the distance to the left.
There are a few benches at the top to sit and admire one of the finest views in town.
And I always need a seat by the time I get to the top because it's a workout to get there!
The paths are paved and the incline is gradual, but it's definitely an effort to make it to the top.
If you love green space as much as I do, checkout my blog post about the best parks in London.
- Nearest Underground Station: Camden Town or St. John’s Wood
Greenwich Park, Royal Observatory
The view of London from Greenwich Park is legally protected by statutes that state no buildings can be constructed that would obstruct the view of the City of London from this point.
The Royal Observatory at Greenwich Park can be visited by the public – for a fee – but the park is free to explore.
Once you’ve climbed to the highest point of the park, you’ll be rewarded with perfect views of east London – think the O2 dome, Canary Wharf, the Gherkin, and The Shard.
I'm a history buff so I love this view because it also encompasses Christopher Wren’s Greenwich Naval College and the 17th-century Queen’s House.
My top recommendation is to take the boat at least one way for your visit to Greenwich!
That's always how I make my journey. Find out more about that in a post I wrote about London boats.
You might consider taking my self-guided tour of Greenwich.
- Nearest Underground Station: Greenwich
- Nearest Overground / DLR Station: Greenwich
King Henry’s Mound, Richmond
Richmond is a wealthy leafy suburb on the southwestern fringes of London.
Sprawling Richmond Park used to be a hunting ground for King Henry VIII in the 16th century and today is a popular place for picnics and deer watching.
The highest point in the park is known as King Henry’s Mound and there is an impressive unobstructed view 10 miles into the distance.
Honestly, getting out to Richmond takes a little bit of effort but I do it at least once a year.
I always feel like I'm in the countryside once I get to the park and sometimes I see the deer that call it their home!
It's truly special and I never get tired of the views.
It’s to be seen to be believed - I can actually spot St. Paul’s Cathedral, in the heart of the city, all the way from this far-flung bit of forest.
One of my favourite London facts is that the view here is so impressive that a law was passed in 1710 stating that NOTHING can be constructed to obscure it!
- Nearest Underground Station: Richmond
ALMOST-FREE VIEWS OF THE CITY
The following locations are not free.
However, if you are already planning on paying to enter, you will have the opportunity for great views of London already included in the price so I always say it's like getting two for one!
Most of these are included for free with the purchase of one or more tourist attraction passes.
Westminster Cathedral Viewing Tower
Everybody on my tours know about Westminster Abbey before we get there, but not as many have heard of Westminster Cathedral!
A Victorian construction, Westminster Cathedral is the largest Catholic church in London.
But the reason it is on my list is because, sanding just beside the church is a 210ft (64m) tall viewing tower.
The viewing gallery at the top gives unparalleled views of the Westminster area, including Westminster Abby, Big Ben and Parliament, Buckingham Place, Hyde Park… and more!
There is also a lovely art gallery displaying depictions of the cathedral itself.
Although not free - it’s pretty close and I personally feel it's worth the price!
Prices: Adult - £6.00 | Concession - £3.00 | Family - £12.00
Nearest Underground Station: Victoria
The Monument
This is one of my absolute favourite places in London!
Firstly, because I love history and wrote extensively about the Great Fire of London during my degree, but also because I think it's an underrated gem.
I love taking my friends and family here when they come to visit.
Designed by Christopher Wren to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666, The Monument was first opened as a viewing gallery to the public in the year 1677,
So, I always say this is one of the oldest tourist attractions in town!
311 steps to the top lead guests to a platform with 360-degree views of London, including the River Thames, Tate Modern, and the Square Mile!
But the best part is that as soon as you exit, you are gifted a certificate by the staff that congratulates you on having made it to the top and back down again.
I have three of them and they are all on my wall (yes, really).
Read my full post on the Monument.
Prices: Adult - £6.00 | Children 5-15 - £3.00
Nearest Underground Station: Monument
St Paul’s Cathedral
You might be surprised to find this on my list.
But, I wanted to add it because I don't think a lot of people know that entry to this iconic location includes a chance to get some incredible views of the city.
Completed by Christopher Wren in the early 18th century, St Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most famous landmarks.
I think it's worth visiting in its' own right but your ticket includes access to the top of the dome.
It's a bit of an effort to get to the top as there is no lift.
But, the feeling I get when I've finally made it up the stairs and step out onto the balcony (called the Golden Gallery) is worth the effort.
I like that it's 360 degrees, too, so I can really take my time to soak it all up from every angle.
Since the church is located at the top of Ludgate Hill, the view places you high above most other buildings in the western part of town - and eye level to some of the more modern glass and steel structures in the east.
If you are not interested in the view here, then read my post on how to get into St. Paul's Cathedral for free.
Prices:
Adult - £25.00 | Child (6-17) - £10.00 | Family - £60.00 | Purchase tickets here
Nearest Underground Station: St. Paul's
The Tower Bridge Exhibition
It’s free to walk across Tower Bridge, but there is also a museum hidden inside one of its’ iconic towers!
A ticket to the museum also gives you access to walk across the newly refurbished walkway on the top of the structure - and this is the reason it's on my list.
I have to be honest and tell you that I don't love the Tower Bridge Exhibition but I think the price of admission is worth it strictly to utilise the walkways.
Glass floors give you a somewhat shocking view down to the bridge below, and looking out the windows at 42 metres (138 feet) high provides stunning views of the River Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Square Mile, and beyond.
It's free, but the ticket includes a visit to the exhibition (and the Victorian engine rooms which is actually my favourite part of the experience) and all the time in the walkway you would like!
Prices: Adult - £13.40 | Children (5-15) - £6.70
IFS Cloud Cable Car
The IFS Cloud Cable Car (formerly the Emirates Air Line) is the first urban cable car in the United Kingdom and soars above the River Thames between the O2 Arena at Greenwich and the Royal Docks in the docklands area of East London.
The views from the Air Line are amazing, giving riders a glimpse of the City skyline along with Canary Wharf, the Thames Barrier and even as far up as the new Olympic Park.
And, in this video, Sinead takes a ride on the Emirates Cable Car over the River Thames for some beautiful Docklands views before getting hands-on at a flight simulator experience.
In my experience, one of the biggest draws of the Cable Car is that there is never anybody else there when I visit!
I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I have never waited more than 5 minutes to board and I am always a fan of things that don't involve waiting in a queue.
It also means every time I've gone, my friends and I have had the car to ourselves.
The only cable car in London, the Air Line boasts “360 views of the city, ninety meters high.”
Nearest underground station: Canning Town/North Greenwich (Jubilee Line).
The Shard Restaurants
The Shard is a 72-storey skyscraper in Southwark, London, that forms part of The Shard Quarter development.
Standing 309.6 metres high, it is the tallest building in the United Kingdom.
(I always mention on my tours that it was once the tallest building in the European Union, but thanks to Brexit I can't say that anymore...)
I get asked about The Shard a lot on my tours and I always like to surprise my guests by telling them that it is actually possible to visit - without having to buy a ticket!
The Shard has several restaurants and bars which offer the best view of London from above.
If you’re planning on a special dinner with your significant other, this is a great option.
Although I often go just for a drink rather than a meal - it's become an anniversary tradition for me in the last few years!
My top choice is Oblix because they have the best champagne (and that's what I like to drink on my wedding anniversary) and because it's usually less busy than the more popular Aqua Shard.
Nearest underground station: London Bridge Station.
London Eye
When the London Eye was constructed in 1999 it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world which brought it international fame.
These days I find that a lot of my visitors are planning a trip on the London Eye because it's one of the "must do's" on a lot of London blogs.
The wheel rotates extremely slowly; 26cm (10in) per second – which is about 0.6 miles per hour.
Visitors ride the Eye in one of 32 (one for every London Borough) capsules that are specially designed to remain in the same position as the wheel revolves.
Each capsule, capable of holding up to 28 people, is sealed and air-conditioned so it remains comfortable inside regardless of the weather.
A lot of people ask me if the London Eye is "worth it" and I always say it's a personal preference!
For example, my mother really enjoyed her trip on it and felt like she got to see a lot and also it was nice just to say she'd done it.
My father on the other hand said there were too many people in the capsule with him and he didn't get to make the most of the views so I think it largely depends on your individual experience.
With several tourist passes, you can save up to 50% or more on each ticket!
Nearest underground station: Waterloo or Westminster
The Shard (paid ticket)
The Shard is a 72-story skyscraper that is a part of the Shard Quarter development in Southwark, London.
It's been sort of controversial over the years, I know a lot of Londoners thought it was ugly when it was first built but I do think it's become an iconic part of our skyline now.
It is the tallest structure in the UK, standing at 309.6 metres.
The top observation deck of the Shard is approximately 244 meters (800 ft) high, only 10 metres shorter than Horizon 22, and nearly 90 meters (295 ft) higher than the Sky Garden.
On a day with good weather, it's possible to see up to 40 miles away. I will say that I have been to the Shard a few times, in a mix of weather, and have enjoyed it each time.
It feels kind of odd to recommend paying £32.00 just to get to the top of the building but I honestly think it's worth it.
I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did the first time I went and I've been back multiple times since.
The two things I like most about it are: Firstly, there is a bar (you know by now I enjoy a tipple) and secondly I love the open-air Skydeck on Level 72.
This is a spectacular space that is open to the elements and it's truly one of the most unique experiences I've had in the city.
Nearest underground station: London Bridge Station.
The Dare at Skywalk
Okay, I confess that I haven't done this one as I'm not brave enough but I have heard good things from my friends!
The Dare Skywalk is an adrenaline-pumping attraction at Tottenham Spurs Stadium.
This activity gives you a 360-degree view of London. But you’ll have to climb onto the stadium roof -- if you dare!
I've been to a few NFL games at Tottenham Stadium so I feel like I've seen enough without risking life and limb to go to the top but those thrill-seekers among you may want to try it out.
Guests are strapped into a snug-fitting safety harness and climb up metal stairs to reach the roof for a first glimpse of the city skyline.
Then, you'll walk around the outside of the stadium before reaching a glass roof above the stadium’s south stand. From there, you can look down onto the massive pitch.
Next, you slowly edge along a skinny glass walkway around the Spurs' famous golden cockerel (rooster). At the highest point, you will be 46.8 metres above the ground!
This journey is not for the faint of heart. It is, however, very safe.
So safe that you can even sip a glass of Prosecco at the top (an additional purchase and the only thing that has be considering strapping in).
Note that this attraction is free with a purchase of the London Pass or other tourist attraction passes.
Nearest Overground Station: White Hart Lane
O2 Walk
It will come as no surprise to you that I haven't done this one either, but I am including it here as, again, I've heard good things from my friends who have done it.
The Up at the O2 attraction is for those who are looking to do something memorable and different in London, and those who want to take on the challenge of climbing up 52 meters to a beautiful view of the landmarks in this historic city.
Visitors traverse along a 190m (623ft) long fabric walkway, 53m (174ft) above the ground, from one side of the Dome to the other.
In the centre of the roof, guests can stop at a central platform that provides 360-degree views of London.
Highlights are highlighting the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and even the City, showing the Shard and the “Walkie Talkie” (the building that melted a car, that I mentioned earlier).
Although I've not done this one myself, I have been to many events at the O2 and want to just throw out that there are a number of fantastic bars and restaurants there so consider having a bite to eat before or after your adventure!
Then you can do what I like to do, which is to take the boat back into town.
Some tourist attraction passes offer an attractive 50% off the ticket prices making it the next best thing to free!
Nearest underground station: North Greenwich.
WINTER ROOFTOP RECOMMENDATIONS
I think almost everybody knows that London can be a cold and rainy place, so most people are prepared for chilly and wet weather when they arrive on my tours.
However, just because the weather is poor doesn't mean you can't still get a great view of the city!
I've listed a number of places in this post but in this section I want to specifically list out the locations I'd recommend for when the weather isn't so great.
- Sky Garden - The interiors are climate controlled so it's comfortable even in the winter. The balcony is usually off-limits in truly terrible weather but, I promise, you wouldn't want to be out there, anyway!
- Horizon22 - Just like the SkyGarden, Horizon22 stays warm regardless of the weather as there are no outside spaces so this is a good choice for winter views.
- The Tate Modern - This has the added benefit of delicious coffee to enjoy while taking in the views.
- The Shard Restaurants - For the cost of a drink, there are fantastic choices for colder weather. The Shard is in prime position for fantastic views and they're always comfortable. (Note that the Shard viewing platform that I detailed above is freezing so stick to the restaurants in the winter!)
- The London Eye - Each pod is climate controlled so you're guaranteed not to feel the winter chill.
