If you want to get the best birds-eye views of London, add these attractions to your itinerary.
Visiting the UK capital? London is a beautiful old city, charming in a very unique way. But, in fact, you can actually get a much better feel for the city, and the life that springs from the streets and buildings blending in a display of urban organisation, if you view London from as high a vantage point as possible.
Here are some of the best spots in London where you can experience some truly amazing views.
The Shard
The Shard stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to a great view of the city. The ‘View’ – with a capital V – is captured all the way up at the 69th level of the towering structure, where you can see more than 60 kilometres around the city. The entrance fee is a bit hefty, at around £25, however. In fact it’s even more if you just walk in without booking a reservation.
The Emirates Airline
This is not an actual airline, but a cable car that pulls you up in the air from Greenwich to the Royal Victoria Docks. It functions as both a rewarding tourist attraction and a decent public transport system to takes you away from all the traffic on the ground. If you manage to time your visit to avoid rush hours, you can enjoy a luxurious 10-minute ride while the city passes below you. It’s pretty affordable too, at £4.30 for an adult.
London Eye
Fancy a cushy seat as the city of London slowly unfurls before your eyes? Then you’ll want to head to Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, the London Eye, for a killer view. Tickets for adults are £21.50 for a 30-minute ride – £19.35 if you book online.
The Monument
Standing 161 metres tall, the Monument to the Great Fire of London is the perfect place to get a good view of the city for just £3. The catch? You’ll have to climb all the way to the top with your own two feet, which could be a bit of a challenge for some! Still, making it to the top is an exhilarating experience made all the more rewarding after the long climb up its winding stairs.
Galvin at Windows
Want to sit down to a really good meal with one of the best views around the city? Galvin at Windows is a Michelin-starred restaurant that gives you both – although the view is built in to the prices! A two-course set lunch will cost about £25, or you could just have a drink at the bar for a lot less.
Getting Around London
If you’re flying in to the UK capital, Gatwick Airport transfers come highly recommended as a mode to get you to your accommodation if it’s your first time to London, as the city’s public transport system can be a bit overwhelming. Some shuttle services offering Gatwick Airport transfers also offer private taxi services which can prove immensely useful when getting to specific points in and around London.
