I'm certain from 5 years in London that the best way to see the city is from above; regularly looking over the beautiful and iconic views certainly seemed to help me justify living in a shoebox throughout most of university, at least! Here are my top ten views over the city - 8 for free, and 2 for under a tenner if you're feeling fancy.
1. One New Change, St Pauls - FREE
On top of the shopping centre is a public roof terrace that offers amazing views over the city. There's a bar up there too if you're feeling fancy.
2. Tate Modern Viewing Platform - FREE
The views from the viewing platform are surprisingly good, and if you fancy a coffee, the cafe below it offers pretty good views as well. Plus, you can check out some modern art on the way up. Or at least pretend to.
3. Bar Elba, Waterloo - £5-10 for a drink (free entry)
Mediterranean-themed cocktails and food, festive lights, no entry fee and stunning views over the city. What more could you want?
4. Alexandra Palace (The highest point in London) - FREE
'Ally Pally' views are for life, not just fireworks night, even if that's what the they're most known for.
5. The Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park - FREE
My boyfriend lives near here, and when we first met, he tried to convince me that this was the best spot for views but I wasn't having any of it. Turns out I was wrong, though, and after visiting at sunset, I can confirm that it's beautiful - and part of probably my favourite park in London. Primrose Hill comes in at a close second.
6. The Monument - ABOUT £5
Did you know that you can walk up to the top of The Monument in The City for about a fiver? It offers great views from the top, although you'll have to climb 311 steps to get there.
7. Skygarden [Book in advance!], The City of London - FREE
Over the years, Skygarden has kind of naturally become my favourite place to celebrate. Birthday? Skygarden. Graduated? Skygarden. Got a job? Skygarden. Going to the Skygarden has the feeling of being a special occasion without costing a penny. Plus, everyone loves plants.
8. Parliament Hill (Hampstead Heath) - FREE
At 98 metres high, the views from the top of Parliament Hill are great and, fun fact, there's actually also a lido up there... Parliament hill lido is a a public unheated open air swimming pool open every day of the year in normal times.
9. The Garden at 120, The City (closed until 2021) - FREE
The Garden at 120 is a public roof garden on Fenchurch street. This place didn't open too long before Covid hit, so it's still not well-known, but it's totally free, has great views and you don't need to book - so when it opens again, check it out before it inevitably becomes another tourist hotspot.
10. Primrose Hill, Regent's Park - FREE
Surprisingly close to the hustle and bustle of Camden Town, this park is nice in the day, but definitely best by night. I counted with a friend that during our time at university, we'd had 12 dates here between us. Although 11 of those dates ended up not working out (and I actually got kind of dumped up there once, so that one extra didn't work out), the beautiful views of the lit-up London skyline still make this a perfect date location in my eyes.
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