10 Amazing London Viewpoints You Need To See
View From Canary Wharf Pier
Garden at 120
We will kick off with Garden At 120. This is a free roof terrace located in the heart of The City. It is open most days and you can even bring some food and drink to the top. The location is great and makes for an amazing summer picnic spot. You can see great views of London all round and catch a nice sunset too.
Garden At 120
Garden At 120
Sky Garden
Sky Garden is definitely the more famous spot here and always has a huge queue waiting to get in. Although it is free to enter, you do need to book in advance so that’s something to keep in mind. When you get to the top you literally have a large garden in the sky. There is a great balcony overlooking the river and The Shard however you have great views of the city all round. Come as early as you can to avoid the rush.
Sky Garden
Sky Garden
Bokan
Bokan is a rooftop bar located in Canary Wharf. It is one of the more unique spots where you can pretty much see most of London from one viewpoint. You do need to buy something but who doesn’t want to enjoy a nice view over a glass of wine.
Bokan
Canary Wharf Pier
While in Canary Wharf make sure you head to the pier in time for sunset. If you go between August and September you’re in for some amazing sunsets. There is a nice little Italian there too where you can get a coffee and enjoy the view. Once you’re done, you can get the boat back into the city.
Canary Wharf Pier
St Paul’s Cathedral
This is my favourite London viewpoint. You get a full unobstructed 360 view of the city. You also don’t get any glass so if you’re taking photos, reflections would not be an issue. You do need to get tickets, the timings are limited, there are many stairs to climb and when it is busy, they do move you along at the top. However it is well worth it. Come in December for best sunsets.
St Paul’s Cathedral
One New Change
Next to St Paul’s is One New Change. I mentioned this in the street photography locations blog already, however if you get in the lift and head to the top, you will be greeted by a large terrace over looking St Paul’s and the city.
One New Change
The Monument
Located next to London Bridge, the monument is one of the more unique view points. There are a LOT of stairs to climb however the view is worth it.
The Monument
London Cable Car
The cable car runs from North Greenwich (near the o2) across the river to Royal Victoria Docks. You can use your normal contactless to pay for it just like in the tube. Even though the views are great, many people actually use it for commuting. Although not a view you will keep coming back to and it is a little out of the way, doing it once is definitely worth it.
London Cable Car
Battersea Power Station
This is the newest addition as it has only recently opened to the public, however now you can go all the way to the top of one of the chimneys in Battersea Power station. You need to pre-book and pay but the experience is so worth it. Dare I say the getting to the top bit is more fun than the actual view. The view is incredible though.
Battersea Power Station
Wapping Pier
Located just on the other side of Tower Bridge is a nice little viewpoint. Come here for sunset and enjoy.
Wapping Pier
If you enjoyed this blog and would like to know more about London, please check out my full London Photography Guide below where I go into a lot more detail and share locations of shots.
If you're planning to visit London or you’re a local and want to know some of the best locations for photography, this guide is for you.
What you need to know:
- 170 Page PDF document (94mb)
- 50+ Locations
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This guide is a result of years spent living and photographing London in all conditions and seasons. I have only recommended locations that have consistently delivered good photos that I have been happy with. This guide does not cover every spot, that would be impossible and a lifetimes work. This guide is there to put luck in your favour when visiting the capital.
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