Yes, you can see so much of London at street level: dive into bustling markets, stroll along the Thames or gaze up at Buckingham Palace.
But London is a city that’s growing upwards too. The skyline is changing year after year.
So, what better way to see it than from the air? These are your options for the best London views from above.
London Eye
EVER-CHANGING PERSPECTIVE OF LONDON
Take a ride on the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel for 360° views across the city. The London Eye is 135 metres high and promises views for 40km on a clear day. You’ll spot Big Ben. Keep your eyes peeled for the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge. You can’t miss them.
Hotels near the London Eye
Pre-booked tickets are essential, and you’ll be given a time slot. Make sure you’re there in plenty of time.
Located on the south bank of the Thames, enjoy a short walk from Waterloo (that’s your closest station). If the weather’s good, you can walk from either Charing Cross, Embankment or Westminster
Step inside one of 32 pods (each representing a London borough) and enjoy an ever-changing perspective of London from the air. You’ll be in the sky for 30 minutes for a leisurely ride.
Sky Garden
THE HIGHEST PUBLIC GARDEN
Head up 35 floors to London’s highest public garden for 360° views of the city’s skyline. Inside the Sky Garden, plants flourish in colour year-round. And when have you ever sat in a garden at this height before? If you choose one 360° view from our list, this is the most unique.
If you’ve got the stomach for it, step out onto the open air-terrace. There are three restaurants to choose from and two bars to relax in the sky.
Entry is free, but you only get an hour. They’ll take walk-ins if it’s quiet, but book online and you’ll reserve your slot for guaranteed entry.
The Shard
THE “BEST” VIEW IN LONDON
It’s billed as London’s highest and best view. It’s certainly the highest at 243 metres high. Whether it’s the best is up to you.
Once again, you’ve got 360° views across the city. The Shard’s London Bridge location makes it ideal to take in Tower Bridge, the Globe Theatre, the winding River Thames and St. Paul’s.
After speeding up the lift to level 68 in six seconds, you can marvel at the panoramic views from the viewing platform on level 69. The open air deck on Level 72 is where the real magic happens. You just need a head for heights. It might be billed as the best view, but it’s not the cheapest. General entry tickets cost from 2833IR – 3744IR, and give you just half an hour’s viewing time.
Hotels near The Shard
Open top bus tours
HOP ON, HOP OFF
Ok, so you’re not right up with the birds like at the Shard or the London Eye, but it’s a classic way to see London. It’s a great way to tick off plenty of the main attractions off your list – you’ll get to see things much closer up and get your bearings in the city.
Hop on and off a London open top bus to see the best sights in the city. When you’re on the bus, head up to the top deck with camera in hand and get to know the city. Just pack a waterproof – you can never trust the weather in the UK. Summer included.
Listen as your guide gives you the lowdown on the history of the city. And if you want to see something even closer, just hop off. You can then hop back on at a time that suits you.
You’ll find so many options for open top bus tours. The two most popular (you’ll see their buses everywhere) are:
3,744IR for 24hrs, 2,428IR for up to 48hrs
4,048IR for 24hrs
IFS Cloud Cable Car
A STOMACH FOR HEIGHTS
If you’ve got the stomach for heights while you move, you’ll get a real bird’s eye view on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
Take in sights along the way, including:
- Canary Wharf
- St. Paul’s
- The Shard
- The O2
- Thames Barrier
- Maritime Greenwich
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Running from Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, you’ll be suspended in the air (don’t worry it’s safe).
Tickets cost 1214IR for a round trip, but you can cover it with your Visitor Oyster Card.
London Bridge
OLD SCHOOL VIEWS
Not to be confused with Tower Bridge (it’s an easy mistake to make), London Bridge is less impressive to look at. But what it lacks in grandeur it makes up with its views over London.
Stroll out over the river to the middle of the bridge. Stop, take your time and look. To one side you’ll see the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. To the other, there’s Tower Bridge.
Free, simple and easy. The perfect way to see London.
Now you’ve seen it from the sky, delve into London’s treasures with our guide of what to do in the city with 48 hours and how to get around with our London transport guide. We even have a guide to the best cricket grounds in the UK.
Thinking of travelling to London? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
