StayAreasThe best views in London
Several of London's best views are free; you just need to book a few weeks ahead. Sunset is the best time for almost all of them.
Free
1.Sky GardenFree
Indoor gardens and an open terrace 155 metres up. Book free tickets online.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night2.Horizon 22Free
Europe's highest free viewing platform, 254 metres up. Book ahead.
Stay nearby: Shoreditch · ~$240/night3.The Garden at 120Free
A rooftop garden on Fenchurch Street with no booking needed.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night4.Tate Modern viewing levelFree
A 360° terrace over St Paul's and the river.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night5.Primrose HillFree
The classic postcard skyline from the north.
Stay nearby: Camden · ~$215/night6.Greenwich ParkFree
Canary Wharf and the City across the river from the Royal Observatory.
Stay nearby: Greenwich · ~$200/night7.Parliament HillFree
The protected view across the city from Hampstead Heath.
Stay nearby: Camden · ~$215/night8.Waterloo BridgeFree
Westminster one way and the City the other, especially at dusk.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night
Paid
9.The View from The Shard
The highest viewpoint in London, on floors 68 to 72.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night10.The London Eye
The best view of Parliament and Big Ben.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night11.St Paul's Cathedral Golden Gallery
Over 500 steps to the top of the dome.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night12.The O2 rooftop climb
A guided walk over the roof of the O2 arena.
Stay nearby: Greenwich · ~$200/night
Written by the StayAreas editorial team · Updated Oct 2026 · How we research our guides