Where to find the best FREE views in London
If you’re visiting London on a budget, check out these spots to find free views in London!
The huge, sprawling capital of the UK: London stretches 36km from East to West, and 25 miles from North to South. But when you’re getting lost in the city streets, it can be hard to comprehend how far the city limits reach. To truly comprehend its size, the best way to view London is from above, and with plenty of towering buildings, you won’t be short of places to take in the city’s breadth.
Some attractions, like the View From The Shard and the London Eye, charge for the privilege. But did you know there are numerous free London viewpoints that will give you the same experience?
I’ve shared some of the best free skyline views in central London and beyond – all with no admission fee!
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Best free views in London: Central London
The best free views of London in Zones 1/2, easily accessible from the capital’s main sights!
The Sky Garden
The most popular free view in London, the Sky Garden welcomes around 3000 visitors a day. It’s the city’s highest public garden, towering 160m above the city across the top floors of the Fenchurch Building – aka the ‘Walkie Talkie’.
It’s advisable to book your free Sky Garden tickets in advance. If you haven’t booked, limited tickets are available on the day, but aren’t guaranteed and you may have to queue for these. Free tickets are released every Monday morning, three weeks in advance for the entire week, and often sell out quickly.
You can also book dinner in one of the Sky Garden restaurants, or have a drink in the bar.
Nearest Station: Monument / Fenchurch Street
Opening Times: Sun-Thu 8am-11pm; Fri & Sat 8am-12am
The Garden at 120
From the highest public garden to the largest public rooftop in London! The Garden at 120’s 15th floor roof terrace is a stone’s throw from the Sky Garden, offering views of the city amongst the iconic skyscrapers. The open air space is thoughtfully decorated with vibrant plant life, and comes alive in the sunshine.
No booking required for admission, but there may be a wait time on the door.
Nearest Station: Fenchurch Street / Monument / Aldgate
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm; Sat & Sun 9am-5pm
The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate
For uninterrupted free views of London’s most iconic landmarks, head to The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate. This 50th floor viewing gallery opened in 2023, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city. In particular, you’ll get great views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge here.
Entry is free, but you’ll need to book your ticket in advance. Tickets are released bi-weekly on Mondays.
Nearest Station: Bank
Opening Times: Mon & Fri, Tue-Thu 10.30 am-5.30 pm; Sat 11am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm
Horizon 22, Bishopsgate
Opened in 2023, Horizon 22 is London’s highest viewing platform. The building itself, 22 Bishopsgate, is the second highest building in London, second only to The Shard – the viewing platform of which comes in at around 10m below Horizon 22’s. Horizon 22 is completely free to visit, compared to the ticket price of between £28-37 to visit The View From The Shard.
After hurtling up 58 floors at ear-popping speed, you’ll be greeted by two-storey floor to ceiling windows with spectacular views of South, West, North and some of East London. Like many of these free viewpoints, it’s best to book your visit to Horizon 22 in advance – limited walk-in spots are also available daily.
Nearest Station: Bank
Opening Times: Mon – Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun & Bank Holidays 10am-4pm
One New Change [temporarily closed as of July 2024]
Although it doesn’t have the city-spanning views of London’s skyscraper viewpoints, the rooftop at One New Change shopping centre is a great free spot to check out St. Paul’s Cathedral in all its glory. Rise above the ground in the glass elevator to reach the rooftop.
There’s also a rooftop bar and restaurant, Madisons – the drinks aren’t cheap, but it’s a lovely spot to take in the view of the cathedral with a drink.
Nearest Station: St.Pauls
Opening Times: 6am-midnight [currently temporarily closed]
The Post Building Rooftop Garden
A slightly lesser-known free viewpoint in London, The Post Building is home to offices, studios, and a publicly accessible roof garden. At nine storeys high, it may not sound as impressive as some of the other free London viewpoints on the list, but the lack of tall buildings nearby gives you uninterrupted views of the surrounding area.
You don’t need to book tickets for this one, simply head into the building, speak to the receptionist and show them photo ID. It can be a little tricky to locate the entrance, but look for the small sign indicating ‘Public Roof Garden’ on the New Oxford Street side of the building.
Nearest Station: Holborn
Opening Times: Mon – Fri 10am-4pm
Best free views in London: Outside Zone 1
Venture a little further to take in stunning views of the entire city, including some gorgeous parks and the home of GMT…
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is one of London’s most Instagram-friendly spots, with Victorian terraces and brightly coloured pastel houses. In stark contrast to the punk rock origins of nearby Camden Town, the area is home to upmarket shops and restaurants.
The area’s namesake, Primrose Hill park, is a Grade II listed hilltop park offering views over Regent’s Park and the city beyond.
Nearest Station: Chalk Farm
Opening Times: The park is accessible 24/7.
Parliament Hill
Head out north of Primrose Hill, and you’ll reach another, larger hilltop park – Hampstead Heath. One of the outer city’s best-known parks, also known for its cold water bathing ponds and the historic Kenwood House.
The park is also home to one of London’s most-loved scenic spots, the top of Parliament Hill. Recognisable from movies and TV shows including 2006’s Notes On A Scandal, Parliament Hill offers the best vantage point to see how London’s imposing skyscrapers tower above the surrounding city buildings.
Nearest Station: Gospel Oak/Hampstead Heath
Opening Times: The park is accessible 24/7
Alexandra Palace
One of my personal favourite free views in London, Alexandra Palace Park is worth the hill climb for!
First opened as a private building in 1975, Alexandra Palace is now a popular entertainment and sports venue. The Grade II listed building is surrounded by 200 acres of parkland. For the very best views of London, head to the southeastern side of the building, just by the main road that cuts through.
Alexandra Palace Park is a great picnic spot, but if you didn’t bring anything to eat, the Phoenix Bar and Pizzeria
Nearest Station: Alexandra Park / Wood Green (+ a bus journey up the hill)
Opening Times: The park is accessible 24/7
Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Greenwich Park is one of my favourite London parks – a gorgeous green space with a great sightline of the silver, shining business hub of London Head to the top of the hill, near the Royal Observatory, for the best free views of Canary Wharf. Take in the sight of towering skyscrapers across the river Thames, with historical buildings in the foreground – a perfect example of London’s mix of old and new.
There’s plenty to do in the park and the surrounding areas, including the Royal Observatory itself, the Cutty Sark, and the Old Royal Naval College. Get the lowdown with this guide to spending a day in Greenwich!
Nearest Station: Greenwich/Cutty Sark
Opening Times: 6am – dusk
