When King Writes

My travel itinerary doesn’t always include sky-high sightseeing activities. But when in London, I often find myself scheduling these experiences into my trips. 

There’s something about the way this city unfolds beneath you—its winding river, historic landmarks, and charming neighborhoods—that makes viewing it from above so captivating.

Also, it’s enchanting to see how a city is pieced together… how much effort the local government puts into organizing everything. You see the rhythm of everyday life below, people bustling about, unaware they’re part of your bird’s-eye reflection.

Anyway, whatever draws you to London’s skies, I’m here to share three of my favorite spots for incredible views—from the highest highs down to one of the lower viewpoints.

The Shard

The Shard is that intriguing glass building in the middle of London’s bustling commercial district.

Every time I see it, I can’t help but picture a modern, slightly futuristic version of something straight out of The Wizard of Oz. Except instead of housing a wizard, it’s home to the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, a few stylish restaurants, offices, and right at the top, a breathtaking open-air viewing deck.

At nearly twice the height of any other viewpoint in London, The Shard offers an unmatched 360-degree panorama stretching as far as 40 miles. 

From here, the city sprawls beneath you: the iconic Tower Bridge, the winding Thames, and landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye, all neatly arranged like pieces on an enormous Monopoly board.

However, for me, the height is both its charm and its drawback. Some details can become just a tad too tiny for the naked eye, so you’ll probably find yourself reaching for your camera’s zoom function or leaning into the telescopes on the deck. 

And if you’re unlucky enough to visit on one of London’s famously cloudy days, you might feel a bit cheated as clouds roll by like fluffy curtains, obscuring your million-dollar view.

Speaking of dollars—or rather, pounds—the ticket prices here aren’t cheap. But if you’re willing to pay £32 to £51 per person, go ahead!

Make the most of it by pairing your viewing experience with a nice meal in one of the restaurants. Grab a late lunch, maybe indulge in a cocktail, and then head up to catch that golden-hour magic just before sunset.

Horizon 22

If you’re dreaming of breathtaking views but your wallet isn’t exactly thrilled about the idea, say hello to Horizon 22. Located on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, this relatively new spot proudly holds the crown as London’s highest free public viewing platform.

Once you’ve zipped up to the top, you’re greeted by a jaw-dropping bird’s-eye view of the city. From this height, London’s beloved landmarks shrink down into charming miniatures, like pieces from a picture-perfect model city. And if you time it right, you might even witness Tower Bridge opening up for passing ships below.

From this angle, even The Shard—Britain’s tallest building—seems a bit less intimidating.

Of course, being free does mean you’ll likely have some company up there. So expect a few extra elbows nudging for a good photo spot. Also, unlike The Shard, Horizon 22 doesn’t have restaurants or cafes.

My advice? Soak in the views, snap your selfies, then head back down to explore the nearby attractions.

Sky Garden

At 155 meters above ground, Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden. Inside, you’re welcomed by a modern spacious interior surrounded by foliage and city views through giant floor-to-ceiling windows. 

If you prefer a gentle breeze with your views, there’s an open-air terrace that overlooks the city skyline and The Shard.

Come nightfall, the main area of Sky Garden transforms into an adults-only bar. At the top is Darwin Brasserie, where we enjoyed dinner just after sunset. It’s slightly elevated above the main garden area, which offers an ideal vantage point for London after dark.

I love Sky Garden because the height feels just right. As someone with less-than-perfect eyesight, I appreciate being close enough to make out more of London’s details clearly, without everything turning into an abstract blur like from the higher platforms.

However, if you’re picturing a lush botanical wonderland, I need to tell you… The garden isn’t exactly bursting with greenery and blooms. Or, at least, it wasn’t when I visited in the fall. Still, the space and the view more than make up for a slight shortage of foliage.

Final Thoughts

If I had to pick just one, I’d lean towards Sky Garden. I like its modern interior, greenery, and just the right amount of height. 

While the views from The Shard are undoubtedly spectacular, they can feel a bit too high at times, especially on cloudy days. And Horizon 22, though free, lacks some of that inviting atmosphere.

Sky Garden strikes a perfect balance—close enough to appreciate the city’s intricate details yet high enough to feel genuinely breathtaking. 

Read more about my Sky Garden London experience here.