Guide to the best views in London

Modern landmark The Shard is the tallest building in the whole country at a whopping 310 metres tall. This unmistakable glass skyscraper has a viewing platform on the 72nd floor and it's the highest one in London. You're promised breathtaking panoramic views of the whole city and beyond.

Just next to Gospel Oak station there's the Parliament Hill area of Hampstead Heath. Trek up the hill and you'll be rewarded with clear views into central London and the sight of some of the city's most famous landmarks. There are benches where you can take in the views plus loads of grassy space to roam around.

One New Change is a modern shopping centre located next to St Paul's Cathedral. As well as a range of retailers, it's home to a roof terrace offering uninterrupted views of the cathedral that make fab photo opportunities. On the terrace you'll also find a selection of bars and restaurants.

The Monument to the Great Fire of London is a recognisable London landmark, but you can also climb up it to see great views of the city. There are 311 steps up to the top and when you get there you'll have fab views that include the River Thames, Tower Bridge, and The Gherkin.

The London Cable Car was originally built for the 2012 Olympics and connects the Royal Docks with Greenwich. The ride over the river takes about 10 minutes and offers fantastic views. You can travel one way or take a return trip. Slower journeys run in the evenings so you can make the most of the viewpoint.

Grassy Greenwich Park is home to various attractions, including the Meridian Line and the Royal Observatory. Climb up the hill towards the observatory and you'll get excellent views into Canary Wharf and central London. You'll also find various scenic points as you wander around the park.

North London's Primrose Hill is a great place for a walk and offers clear views of central London. The hill itself is a protected viewpoint and stands 63 metres above sea level. Although there are trees in the park, they are intentionally kept low so that nothing disrupts the spectacular view.

Not to be confused with Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral is close to Victoria station and is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This distinctive red brick building stands out from the more modern structures around it. You can take a lift up the viewing tower for fantastic city views.

Set on the 15th floor of the Fen Court Building, The Garden at 120 is a lush public garden with 360-degree views of the capital. This specially-designed garden has 85 wisteria trees, more than 30 fruit trees, and an impressive water feature. You can also buy coffee here to sip whilst you take it all in.

Head to Alexandra Palace in Haringey for some of the best views in North London. Standing in front of the building you can see straight into central London and enjoy sweeping views of the whole city. The outdoor terrace here hosts events and pop-ups that also provide a great vantage point.

Richmond Park sits way out on the city's edge but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy great views here. From Sawyer's Hill and King Henry's Mound you can see all the way to central London. The park's natural landscape also offers glorious views, including of the famous herds of deer that roam freely.

A local park in South London, Telegraph Hill Park is located between Lewisham and Brockley. The park's upper section offers uninterrupted views into central London and is fantastic for photo opps. Facilities in the park include an ornamental garden, tennis and basketball courts, and a kids' play area.

London's most popular tourist attraction is the London Eye, which entices millions of visitors each year. Located next to the Thames on the South Bank, a 30 minute turn in one of the observation wheel's clear pods provides impressive views of the city, reaching a maximum height of 135 metres.

At South London's Horniman Museum you can explore acres of gardens, visit the museum and aquarium, and participate in a variety of different activities. It's a museum designed for everyone. Wander to the highest point of the gardens and you'll be able to see clearly into central London. 

On top of the Brutalist Queen Elizabeth Hall concert venue on the South Bank you'll find the building's hidden roof garden. This peaceful oasis is home to a lush lawn and 200 plants. It's a great spot to relax as well as enjoy impressive views of the river and the city.

Millennium Bridge has striking modern architecture and crosses the Thames near sites like St Paul's Cathedral and Tate Modern. It opened in 2000 and offers fab photo opportunities for pedestrians of both the River Thames and the notable landmarks around it.

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie gives diners fabulous city views with drinks or a meal but there's also a free viewing platform if you're just interested in seeing the sights. Set on the building's 8th floor, all you have to do is jump in the lift at this iconic tower to enjoy sights like St Paul's Cathedral.

Set over the river next to the Houses of Parliament, green-painted Westminster Bridge is the vantage point for many famous photos of Big Ben. The bridge is open to road and foot traffic and is Grade II listed. It's a great place for views of the river as well as landmarks like the London Eye.

The dome of St Paul's Cathedral is an instantly-recognisable London icon and one of the highest domes in the world. You can visit the building for a tour or a religious service, but you can also scale the dome and be rewarded with striking views across the city.

Radio Rooftop offers impressive views from Covent Garden that are a fab accompaniment to a drink. Take in the sight of the Thames at this modern and comfortable bar. Enjoy a cocktail whilst you take advantage of fab photo opportunities. Seasonal dishes made with locally-sourced produce are also available here.

Check out the views at Sky Garden, the highest public garden in the city. From this 36th floor vantage point you can observe great views of London and soak up the atmosphere amongst lush greenery. You can also join a morning yoga class with a view here.

Try a fun activity and get unique views of London with Up at The O2. This experience sees you climbing up the roof of the O2 arena, to be greeted at the summit with clear views of Stratford, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich. You can choose a daytime, sunset, or twilight climb.

One Tree Hill comprises a conservation area and park in South London. This beauty spot is also well-known for its great views towards the centre of the city. This is a popular local place to take a walk. As well as the impressive views, you'll see various plant species and a number of ancient trees.

Tower Bridge is an iconic landmark in the city and is recognised around the world. You're free to cross the bridge – unless it's being raised for a boat – and can enjoy great river views as you do. You can also enter the bridge itself and tackle the glass walkway between the two towers for even more impressive vistas.

Upscale rooftop bar and eatery Wagtail offers uninhibited views of some of the city's best-known landmarks, including The Shard, Tower Bridge, and The Monument. It's comfortable and refined, with several terraces and a covered rooftop bar for taking in all the sights. Alcohol, food, and cigars are available.

Situated on the 58th floor of The City's tallest structure, 254 metres above ground, Horizon 22 is the highest free public viewing gallery in all of Europe. Offering soaring vistas of the surroundings and highlighting iconic structures like The Shard, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, the gallery is open to all, though advance booking is recommended. Once you clear entry, you'll be whisked up to Level 58 in just 41 seconds.

The Battersea Power Station, a historic Grade II-listed building in South London and Europe's largest brick structure, has been transformed from a decommissioned powerplant into a retail, leisure, and residential hub. A particular highlight is Lift 109, a unique glass elevator offering panoramic views from atop one of the Station's famous chimneys, with superb views of the iconic building below as well.