London has one of the most beautiful skylines in the world - and the best part is, you can enjoy it for free!
Two of the city’s most spectacular observation decks, Sky Garden and Horizon 22, offer breathtaking panoramic views without costing a penny.

Here’s your complete guide to visiting both - including how to book tickets, what to expect, and the best times to go.

🌿 1. Sky Garden - London’s Original Free Viewing Garden

📍 Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF (inside the “Walkie Talkie” building)
🚇 Nearest Tube: Monument or Bank Station
💰 Entry: Free (booking required)

🌆 About Sky Garden

Located at the top of the famous “Walkie Talkie” building (20 Fenchurch Street), the Sky Garden is a stunning glass dome filled with lush greenery, tropical plants, and 360° views of London’s skyline.

Opened in 2015, it quickly became one of the city’s must-visit attractions - combining a garden, observation deck, and several restaurants, all 35 floors above the city.

From here, you can see:

• The Shard, London’s tallest building

• Tower Bridge and the Tower of London

• The River Thames winding through the city

• St. Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf, and beyond

🌿 What to Do There

• 🌺 Enjoy the Sky Garden: Walk among tropical plants and admire the design that makes you forget you’re in a skyscraper.

• ☕ Grab a drink: Visit Sky Pod Bar or Darwin Brasserie for coffee, cocktails, or a meal with a view.

• 📸 Take photos: The terrace facing south gives the best photo spot for the Thames and The Shard.

• 🌇 Watch the sunset: Early evening is magical as the city lights begin to glow.

🕒 Opening Hours

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

• Weekends: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
  (Opening times may vary depending on events or weather.)

🎟️ How to Book Your Free Ticket

Entry is free, but you must book in advance on the official website:
👉 https://skygarden.london/

• Tickets are released every Monday for the following three weeks.

• Choose your date and time slot (usually 1-hour visits).

• Bring your confirmation email and photo ID.

💡 Tip: Tickets sell out fast, especially for sunset hours - book as soon as they’re released.
If you can’t find availability, you can also book a table at one of the restaurants, which gives you access without a free ticket.

🏙️ 2. Horizon 22 - London’s Newest and Highest Free Viewing Deck

📍 Location: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ
🚇 Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street or Bank Station
💰 Entry: Free (booking required)

🌆 About Horizon 22

Opened in 2023, Horizon 22 is the highest free public viewing gallery in London - located on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, the city’s tallest building in the financial district.

From an impressive height of 254 meters (833 feet), you’ll get unbeatable views of:

• The City of London skyscrapers (including The Gherkin and The Shard)

• St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames below

• On clear days, you can even spot Wembley Stadium and Canary Wharf in the distance

The design is modern and minimal, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that make you feel like you’re floating above the city.

🌇 What to Expect

• 🚀 High-speed lift: Reaches the top in under 40 seconds!

• 🪟 Panoramic gallery: Spacious, bright, and perfect for photos.

• 📸 Instagram spot: There’s a glass-panel platform with stunning views for photos.

• ☕ Small café: Usually has a kiosk with drinks and snacks.

Unlike Sky Garden, Horizon 22 doesn’t have restaurants - it’s purely for the view (and the photos!).

🕒 Opening Hours

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

• Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

• Sunday: Closed (check the official site for updates)

🎟️ How to Book Your Free Ticket

Book directly on the official website:
👉 https://horizon22.co.uk/

• Select your preferred date and time slot.

• Tickets are released 2-3 weeks in advance.

• Walk-ins are sometimes accepted on weekdays if it’s not busy.

💡 Tip: Morning visits usually have clearer skies, while late afternoon gives a golden sunset glow perfect for photos.

🧭 Sky Garden vs Horizon 22 - Which One Should You Visit?

💡 Our tip: Visit both!
They’re within walking distance (around 10 minutes apart), so you can easily combine them in one afternoon.
Start with Horizon 22 for the highest view, then finish at Sky Garden for sunset and a cocktail.

💬 Final Tips

• Bring a valid photo ID - security checks are required at both venues.

• Arrive 10-15 minutes before your time slot.

• Both places are family-friendly and allow small bags and cameras.

• The best times for photos are just after sunrise or 1 hour before sunset.

🌤️ Conclusion

Whether you want to sip a cocktail among tropical plants or stand above the clouds taking skyline photos, Sky Gardenand Horizon 22 offer two of the most unforgettable - and completely free - experiences in London.

Don’t miss these elevated perspectives of the city. After all, the best views in London don’t always come with a price tag. 🌇