https://id.trip.com/moments/detail/london-309-129872731?locale=en-ID
Shih Yuin ChewMalaysia
vipIconInfluencer
levelIconExpert traveler

Which is the best viewing observatory to check out London skyline?

#londontraveltip London has one of the most prominent skylines among all cities in the world—I personally find it even more exciting than that of Tokyo. So viewing the skyline has to make it to anyone’s travel itinerary in London. London has a lot of options of such viewing decks: the Shard, Horizon 22, the Post Building, Sky Garden, Garden at 120, Level 10 of Tate Modern. Except the Shard, the rest of them are free of charge! which makes it kinda hard to choose which one to go. From my previous visits to London, I have explored almost every one of them. Here’s some of my comparison analysis: 【Cost】 Horizon 22: Free entry with online booking (up to a month ahead); walk-ins are limited but possible The Post Building: Free, no booking required Sky Garden: Free with advance booking (up to two weeks out), no walk-ins possible due to long queue Garden at 120: Free, no reservations needed The Shard: £28-£32 per ticket 【Views】 Horizon 22: (pic 4-8); through window panels with some glare but ultra wide view, and it’s even taller than the Shard, giving unobstructed view The Post Building: (pic 1-3); almost head-on view of British Museum Sky Garden: (pic 9-12); outdoor terrace closed before 10am and after 6pm, not ideal for sunrise/sunset. Garden at 120: (pic 13-15); at 69 meters, it’s dwarfed by surrounding towers. The Shard: (didn’t go) 【Verdict】 Personally, I found Horizon 22 the best experience for the ultra wide view. The glare could be minimized by bringing the lens close to the window panel, and one can frame their shots using window panel. The queue is also much acceptable, unlike Sky Garden, which could take up to 45min to get up.
Posted: Mar 5, 2025
_ti***pf
Rachel_rabbit
2 people found this moment helpful
Submit
2
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Sky Garden

4.7/5126 reviews | Night view
London
No.14 of Night Attractions in London
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Sky Garden

Sky Garden’s Darwin Brasserie

Mo việt
Sky Garden

Sky garden London

Yuyuuu001
St. Paul's Cathedral

London City Walk: From Skyline Views to City Charm 🇬🇧

Lap.x.sap
Sky Garden

A Stunning View of London from Above

shamc0711
Sky Garden

London’s Sky Garden: The Best Free View of the City

Elle_crochet
Sky Garden

Hidden Gems in East London: A Unique Side of the City

Elle_crochet
Sky Garden

Sky Garden

summ ko
Sky Garden

my favourite free place to visit in London because of its amazing atmosphere and incredible views of the city from the 35th floor of the skyscraper

liv yerin
The Garden at 120

The Garden at 120|A Hidden Rooftop Garden Observatory with Free Admission and No Reservation Required

Mitany367
Victoria and Albert Museum

Your Go-To Spots for Authentic City Vibes: London

Yeva_shine
The Garden at 120

London Garden at 120: A Hidden Urban Oasis

Jackiemjiu
Horizon 22

London Horizon 22: Journey Through the City’s Skyline and Stories

Jackiemjiu