Best Free Rooftop Views in London
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13 Best Free Rooftop Views in London (#7 Is My Favorite Viewpoint in London)

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Looking for stunning views of London without breaking the bank? You’re in luck: I’ve put together a list of 13 amazing free rooftop views in London that will probably take your breath away.

Enjoy some of the most incredible vistas of the city’s skyline without having to pay any entrance fees. Of course, some locations are restaurants or bars so you’ll have to grab a drink or bite to enjoy the view, but that’s actually a small price to pay for such spectacular panoramas!

Let me walk you through these fantastic viewpoints and share some tips on what to expect and the best times to visit.

The Map of the 13 Best Free Rooftop Views in London 

Planning your next London adventure? Here’s a quick guide to the free rooftop views London has to offer.

These best free rooftop views London span across the city and give you incredible panoramas without spending a fortune.

London’s iconic landmarks, modern skyscrapers… this map is here to help you find the most spectacular vistas.

1. Sky Garden

Sky Garden free
Visit Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden, for free—just book tickets online up to three weeks in advance, as slots go fast.

Want to see London from up high without spending a penny? So head up to Sky Garden! It’s London’s highest public garden and it won’t cost you anything to get in. Wondering is Sky Garden free? You bet it is! To snag your free Sky Garden London experience, you’ll need to plan ahead a little bit. My advice? Sky Garden book free tickets online up to three weeks in advance. They release new slots every Monday morning, so set a reminder and be quick as these tickets go fast!

Once you’re up there, prepare to be blown away by the views. We’re talking 360-degree panoramas of London’s skyline from 155 meters up! From up there you’ll be able to spot many landmarks: the Shard, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral… It’s pretty cool to see the city spread out below you.

Also it’s not all about the views, as the place is absolutely gorgeous with its lush gardens spread over three floors. Don’t hesitate to wander around, chill on the observation decks or step out onto the open-air roof terrace for some fresh air.

A detail worth mentioning though: getting in is free, yes, but if you fancy a bite or a drink, you’ll need to open your wallet. There are a few bars and restaurants up there where you can grab a quick coffee as well as a fancy meal. It’s not cheap, but let’s be honest, you’re paying for that view too! If you’re feeling fancy, you can book a table at one of the restaurants instead of getting a Sky Garden free ticket. This way, you’re guaranteed entry even if the free slots are all gone!

2. The Garden at 120

The Garden at 120
The Garden at 120 rooftop features pergolas, seating areas, and even trees, making it a unique and scenic spot.

Looking for another free rooftop view London spot? Then don’t miss the Garden at 120. I’ve had some emails asking is the garden at 120 free? Well, no tickets, no booking, just show up and enjoy. This rooftop garden sits on top of the Fen Court building, right in the heart of the City. It’s open to everyone, and you can just walk in during opening hours. No need to plan ahead or worry about tickets selling out.

Once you’re up there, you’ll get some pretty sweet 360-degree views of London, especially on the Gherkin, the Walkie-Talkie and the Thames. I visited it at sunset and absolutely loved it.

Also the garden is pretty cool too. It’s got these funky pergola structures and some comfy seating areas. There are even a few trees up there, which is kind of wild when you think about it – trees on a roof!

Please note there’s no cafe or bar up there. So if you want snacks or drinks, bring your own. It’s actually a great spot for a picnic with a view.

3. One New Change

One New Change Free Rooftop Views in London
Access is simple: just take the lift up from the shopping center to the rooftop.

Looking for more free rooftop views of London? One New Change is another spot not to be missed. This place is pretty cool because it’s actually a shopping center with a secret up its sleeve – a rooftop terrace that’s totally free to visit!

Now, here’s the deal: you can just walk in and take the lift straight up to the roof. No tickets, no fuss. It’s one of those London free rooftop views that’s super easy to access. Once you’re up there, you’ll get an eyeful of St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s so close you’ll feel like you could reach out and touch it!

The terrace isn’t huge, but it’s got enough space to chill and soak in the views. There’s a bar up there called Madison so you can grab a drink if you fancy. One of the best things about this spot is that it’s open late. It’s also a great spot for sunset views.

While you’re there, why not make a day of it? One New Change has loads of shops and restaurants, so you can do some shopping, grab a bite, then head up for one of the best free London viewing platforms.

Important “detail”: the terrace is closed at the moment due to some renovation so check here before your visit to make sure it’s reopen when you go.

4. Tate Modern

Tate Modern Free Rooftop Views in London
Located on the Thames, it’s a prime spot to enjoy London’s skyline alongside cultural exploration.

Want some of the best free views of London rooftop? Check out the Tate Modern’s viewing platform! The art museum offers a killer view of London, and that won’t cost you a penny. Located right on the banks of the River Thames, the Tate Modern gives you a stunning panorama of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge and the river below.

The viewing platform is totally free to access – no ticket needed for the view. Of course, if you want to visit the museum’s incredible art collections, you might need to pay for some special exhibitions. But the view? Completely free!

Pro tip: if you’re coming from the Millennium Bridge, take a moment to soak in the view. The bridge is delightful.

5. The Post Building Roof Garden

Free Rooftop Views in London
Access to The Post Building Roof Garden is easy—just walk into the building and check in with the receptionist, no tickets needed.

Want to check out some tall buildings in London to visit for free? The Post Building Roof Garden is a great way to access a unique perspective on London that most tourists never see. Located between New Oxford Street and High Holborn, this rooftop garden gives you views you won’t find anywhere else, especially on North London.

Look north and you’ll spot Bloomsbury with the British Museum’s green dome. To the east, you’ll see Holborn, with Canary Wharf and the City of London stretching out in the distance.

Getting in is super easy. Just walk into the building and chat with the receptionist. No tickets needed. It’s open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. There’s no cafe up here, but you’re in the middle of central London so that shouldn’t be a problem. 

Why I love it: this is a free skyscraper London experience that most guidebooks miss. It’s quiet, uncrowded and the view is mesmerizing.

6. Southbank Centre Roof Garden (Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden)

Southbank Centre Roof Garden (Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden)
The Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden features lush plants, wooden decking, and plenty of seating spots to relax and enjoy the view.

One of the best London viewpoints free. The Southbank Centre Roof Garden comes with stunning free London views in fully Central London. Perched above the River Thames, the rooftop garden gives you an incredible perspective of London’s skyline: the London Eye, Big Ben as well as the Houses of Parliament.

Entry to the roof garden is free but you might want to grab a drink or bite at their bar and kitchen. It’s a small price to pay for such an amazing view! The garden’s got loads of plants, wooden decking and plenty of spots to sit and chill.

I visited it during summer and had the chance to come across some live music. Also, the best tip I can give you here is to visit during golden hour. The sunset views on Big Ben, Parliament Hill and London Eye are absolutely incredible!

7. Horizon 22

horizon 22 Free Rooftop Views in London
Horizon 22 offers free 360-degree views of London from the top of the tallest building in the City of London.

Looking for free views of London? Then Horizon 22 is your new favorite spot! This incredible viewing platform sits at the top of the tallest building in the City of London. Technically free to enter, there’s a catch: you’ll need to book in advance.

No classic ticket price, but you do need to reserve your spot online. This free rooftop London experience means you can enjoy stunning city views without spending a penny. From up here, the 360-degree views stretch across the entire city. You’ll be able to spot the Thames as well as some of the most iconic skyscrapers of the capital city.

My tip: entry is free but they have a cafe where you might want to grab a coffee or snack. Not mandatory, but definitely recommended to make the most of your visit!

8. The Look Out at 8 Bishopsgate

The Look Out at 8 Bishopsgate
Located on the 36th floor, entry is completely free—no tickets or booking required, just walk in and take the lift up.

Want to discover another free rooftop London spot? Then head to the Look Out at 8 Bishopsgate. These rooftop London free views are seriously impressive!

Located on the 36th floor, it unveils stunning panoramas of London’s skyline: the Gherkin, the Shard… The views are absolutely breathtaking. Entry is completely free – no tickets, no booking required. Just walk in and take the lift up. Here again you might want to grab a coffee or snack at their cafe to make the most of your visit and relax in comfortable seating areas.

I went there for a quick break and my best advice would be to recommend you to visit on a clear day to fully enjoy the experience.

  • Address: level 36, 6-8 Bishopsgate, 8, 150 Bishopsgate, Leadenhall St, London EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom 
  • Website: https://www.8bishopsgate.com/lookout 
  • Opening hours: Mon & Fri 12 – 9 pm, Tue-Thu 10:30 am – 5:30 pm, Sat 11 am – 6 pm, Sun 10 am – 5 pm
  • Tripadvisor reviews: Read here
  • Google Maps View

9. Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Wind-blocking features make Crossrail Place Roof Garden a comfortable spot, even on chilly days.

Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf is one of my favorites for its breathtaking views! You’ll get access to a unique perspective of London that most tourists completely miss. Located right in the heart of Canary Wharf, this rooftop garden is totally free to enter. You just have to walk right in! You’ll get stunning views of London skyline and of the financial district’s impressive skyscrapers with the Thames in the background.

The garden is pretty special. It’s covered, which means you’ll enjoy the views rain or shine. It looks like a little oasis in the middle of the city. Here again there are some cafes nearby if you want to grab a drink or snack.

This spot is especially cool because it’s designed to block wind, so it’s super comfortable even on chilly days.

10. Seabird, Southwark

Seabird, Southwark
The terrace at Seabird, Southwark, offers stunning views of the Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard, especially at sunset.

Located on the 14th floor of the Hoxton Hotel in Southwark, this spot offers spectacular views of London’s skyline. Only downside is that you’ll need to grab a drink or bite to enjoy the view. Think of it as paying for your ticket with a delicious cocktail or tasty small plate.

The views are totally worth it – you’ll see the Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard standing out against the skyline. I visited the terrace during sunset and it truly was magical. It’s my favorite spot in Central London for an after-work drink or a special evening out with friends.

My tip: if you want the best views, try to snag a table near the floor-to-ceiling windows or step out onto the open-air terrace.

  • Address: 14th Floor, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8NY, United Kingdom
  • Website: https://seabirdlondon.com/ 
  • Opening hours: Mon 5 pm – 00:00, Tue-Thu 12 pm – 00:00, Fri-Sat 12 pm – 1 am, Sun 12 pm – 00:00
  • Tripadvisor reviews: Read here
  • Google Maps View

11. Coq d’Argent

Coq d'Argent Free Rooftop Views in London
Sunset is a particularly magical time to visit Coq d’Argent for breathtaking panoramas.

Enjoy a beautiful view on the city skyline at Coq d’Argent. Located above the bustling streets of the City, this rooftop restaurant offers incredible panoramas of London’s skyline.

There’s no entry ticket but you’ll need to grab a drink or bite to enjoy the view. Believe me, the views are totally worth it – you’ll see the historic Bank area mixed with modern skyscrapers. The rooftop terrace is especially magical during sunset.

Try to snag a table near the edge of the terrace. The open-air space means you’ll get uninterrupted and amazing views of London’s skyline.

12. Bōkan, Canary Wharf

Bōkan, Canary Wharf Free Rooftop Views in London
Bōkan combines unbeatable views with a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the financial district.

Want another epic London view that won’t cost you any entry ticket? Then head to Bōkan!

This roof terrace offers incredible panoramas of London’s skyline, especially magical when the city lights start twinkling. Located in Canary Wharf, Bōkan gives you unbeatable views of the financial district and beyond.

Entry is free but you’ll need to grab a drink or bite to enjoy the view. These free viewpoints are great to catch the sunset or enjoy an evening out with friends. From up here, you’ll see Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers, the Thames and London’s incredible skyline.

  • Address: 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP, United Kingdom
  • Website: https://bokanlondon.co.uk/ 
  • Opening hours: Mon-Wed 4 pm – 11 pm, Thu 4pm – 12 am, Fri 4 pm – 1 am, Sat 12 pm – 1 am, Sunday & Monday: No Dinner
  • Tripadvisor reviews: Read here
  • Google Maps View

13. London Bridge Rooftop Bar

London Bridge Free Rooftop Views in London
The terrace at London Bridge Rooftop Bar fills up quickly, so it’s best to book a table in advance, especially on sunny days or weekends.

Looking for some of the best views of London skyline? Then why not head to London Bridge Rooftop?

It gives you sweeping views of the city at no cost, even if you’ll need to grab a drink or bite to enjoy the view. The rooftop garden London free access means you can enjoy incredible city panoramas without breaking the bank. From up here, you’ll see the Shard standing tall, with London’s skyline stretching out in every direction.

I absolutely loved it but also almost missed it. The terrace actually fills up very quickly, so book a table in advance, especially during sunny days, weekends and bank holidays.

london pass tip Tip – As you may have noticed, some of these places are restaurants that offer a great atmosphere for enjoying a meal while taking in stunning views of London. If you’re considering dining with a view and want more options, check out my guide on the best restaurants in London with a view, where I’ve handpicked only the top spots.

Final Words

Ready to explore London’s free rooftop views? These 13 incredible spots prove you don’t need deep pockets to see the city from above. Grab your camera, comfortable shoes, and get ready for some unforgettable panoramas that won’t cost you a fortune!

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