Enjoy the Views for Free

From hidden rooftop gardens to free panoramic viewpoints, here are the best alternative viewing spots in London that won’t cost you a penny (or at least won’t break the bank).

1. Sky Garden – Best Free Panoramic View

📍 Location: 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 8AF
💰 Cost: FREE (booking required)

🕒 Opening Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM

• Saturday–Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM

🌆 Why Visit?
Located at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, Sky Garden offers one of the best free views in London. With its lush indoor greenery, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a 360-degree cityscape, it’s the perfect place to admire the Thames, The Shard, and St. Paul’s Cathedral—all without spending a penny!

🚇 How to Get There:

• Nearest Tube: Monument (District & Circle Lines)

• Walk: 5 minutes from Bank or Tower Hill

🎟️ Pro Tip:

• Book a free ticket online at skygarden.london at least a few days in advance.

• Walk-ins are sometimes allowed after 6 PM on weekdays.

2. The Garden at 120 – A Hidden Gem

📍 Location: 120 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 5BA
💰 Cost: FREE (no booking required)

🕒 Opening Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 10 AM – 9 PM

• Weekends: 10 AM – 5 PM

🌇 Why Visit?
The Garden at 120 is a lesser-known, uncrowded rooftop garden with spectacular 360-degree views of London, including The Gherkin, The Walkie Talkie, and The Shard. Unlike Sky Garden, no booking is required, making it the easiest free viewpoint to visit in central London.

🚇 How to Get There:

• Nearest Tube: Tower Hill or Bank

• Walk: 5 minutes from Fenchurch Street Station

🎟️ Pro Tip:
Visit at sunset for a stunning golden-hour view, or in the evening when the city lights up.

3. Primrose Hill – Best Outdoor Viewpoint

📍 Location: Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR
💰 Cost: FREE

🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7

🏞️ Why Visit?
If you prefer natural views over skyscrapers, Primrose Hill is the perfect spot. Located north of Regent’s Park, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of London, including The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye. It’s a favourite for picnics, sunsets, and photography.

🚇 How to Get There:

• Nearest Tube: Chalk Farm (Northern Line)

• Walk: 10 minutes from Camden Market

🎟️ Pro Tip:

• Visit at sunrise for a peaceful experience with fewer crowds.

• Bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a view!

4. One New Change Rooftop – Best View of St. Paul’s Cathedral

📍 Location: 1 New Change, EC4M 9AF
💰 Cost: FREE

🕒 Opening Hours:

• Monday–Saturday: 6 AM – Midnight

• Sunday: 6 AM – 11 PM

🏙️ Why Visit?
One New Change shopping centre has a completely free rooftop terrace that offers a stunning up-close view of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline. It’s one of the best-kept secrets for those who want a quiet, scenic view without paying for an expensive rooftop bar.

🚇 How to Get There:

• Nearest Tube: St. Paul’s (Central Line)

• Walk: 2 minutes from St. Paul’s Cathedral

🎟️ Pro Tip:

• Go at sunset for the most Instagram-worthy shots of St. Paul’s.

• There’s a bar upstairs (Madison’s) if you fancy a drink with the view.

5. Parliament Hill – Best View of the London Skyline

📍 Location: Hampstead Heath, NW3 2QD
💰 Cost: FREE

🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7

🏞️ Why Visit?
Parliament Hill, located in Hampstead Heath, offers a classic postcard view of London. From here, you can see The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Canary Wharf in the distance. It’s less touristy than Primrose Hill, making it a great place for a peaceful escape.

🚇 How to Get There:

• Nearest Tube: Hampstead (Northern Line)

• Walk: 15 minutes from Hampstead High Street

🎟️ Pro Tip:

• Visit on a clear day for the best visibility.

• Bring a blanket and snacks—it’s a great picnic spot!

6. Tate Modern Viewing Platform – Best Free River Thames View

📍 Location: Bankside, SE1 9TG
💰 Cost: FREE

🕒 Opening Hours:

• Sunday–Thursday: 10 AM – 6 PM

• Friday–Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM

🌉 Why Visit?
The Tate Modern’s 10th-floor viewing platform offers a fantastic view of the River Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London skyline. Since it’s part of the Tate Modern museum (which is free to enter), you can enjoy world-class art and incredible views in one visit!

🚇 How to Get There:

• Nearest Tube: Blackfriars or Southwark

• Walk: 10 minutes from St. Paul’s Cathedral (via Millennium Bridge)

🎟️ Pro Tip:

• Visit in the late afternoon and then explore the museum before closing.

You don’t need to spend big on London’s expensive observation decks to enjoy the city’s stunning skyline.

Whether you prefer a hidden rooftop terrace, a peaceful hilltop park, or a free museum viewpoint, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to soak in London’s beauty without the price tag.