Sky Garden London
London's highest public garden, offering breathtaking panoramic city views and a lush, tropical escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Sky Garden London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
London's highest public garden, offering breathtaking panoramic city views and a lush, tropical escape.
"Sack off the London Eye during your London trip and head to Sky Garden instead."
🎯 Book Free Tickets Early
Tickets are released 3 weeks in advance on Monday mornings and disappear fast! :ticket:
🍸 Consider Bar/Restaurant
If free tickets are gone, book a table for drinks or dining to guarantee entry. :cocktail_glass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Top Floor
Soak in breathtaking 360-degree views of London's iconic skyline from this lush, elevated garden.
Lush Indoor Gardens
Top Floor
Wander through vibrant, tropical plants and flowers, a unique green oasis high above the city streets.
Sunset Cocktails
Sky Pod Bar
Enjoy a drink as the sun sets, painting the city in golden hues from this popular rooftop bar.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Free Views
Skip the Eye, Embrace the Sky
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Free Tickets Early
Tickets are released 3 weeks in advance on Monday mornings and disappear fast! +1 :ticket:
🍸 Consider Bar/Restaurant
If free tickets are gone, book a table for drinks or dining to guarantee entry. +1 :cocktail_glass:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of standing and walking to enjoy the views. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Skyline
Bring your phone or camera for incredible photo opportunities of London. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Free Tickets Early
Tickets are released 3 weeks in advance on Monday mornings and disappear fast! +1 :ticket:
🍸 Consider Bar/Restaurant
If free tickets are gone, book a table for drinks or dining to guarantee entry. +1 :cocktail_glass:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of standing and walking to enjoy the views. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Skyline
Bring your phone or camera for incredible photo opportunities of London. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Skip the London Eye
Many find Sky Garden offers better value and fewer crowds than the London Eye. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Sky Garden's breathtaking panoramic views and the unique, lush garden setting, often calling it a must-visit free attraction. While booking tickets can be challenging, the experience is widely considered worth the effort, offering a fantastic alternative to pricier viewpoints. Some find dining options a bit expensive, but the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
"Worth the effort to go at least once! I ended up booking a ticket for the music night with a glass of champagne, just because the free tickets were sold out for weeks. On the one hand, I had an awesome time watching the sunset. But I didn’t love the music. The champagne was served in a plastic flute, which was not great either. I understand it, but I didn’t like it. That said, it is an AWESOME space to hang out in and the views are SPECTACULAR! 😍"
M a r y a n n R o s e
"Free viewing gallery of the London skyline which can’t be beaten. Booked the Darwin Bistro which allowed us to skip the queues. Lifts come very quick anyway!
Bistro was excellent, the food and service are 10/10, food comes very quick too.
The 360 views are incredible (on a sunny day)
You could go for free too - add this to your list of things to do 🙌🏼"
Paul Bamber
"A Special Experience at Sky Garden – Great Food with a View
We visited the Sky Garden for my son’s birthday, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The setting is spectacular — dining high above London with panoramic views in every direction. It truly feels like a buffet in the sky.
The food was delicious across the board — fresh, well-prepared, and full of flavor. What stood out most was that, despite the upscale location, the experience didn’t feel pretentious at all. The service was warm and genuine.
Yes, it’s expensive — but for a special occasion, it’s absolutely worth it. In fact, when the waiter found out it was my son’s birthday, he went out of his way to make a small gesture that meant a lot to him (and to us). That kind of attention made the moment unforgettable.
Highly recommended if you’re celebrating something — or even just want to treat yourself to a memorable meal with a view you won’t forget."
Thierry HG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sky Garden is located in the 'Walkie-Talkie' building at 20 Fenchurch Street. The nearest Tube stations are Monument (Circle and District lines) and Tower Hill (Circle and District lines). It's also a short walk from Fenchurch Street National Rail station.
Yes, it's very accessible via the London Underground (Tube) and National Rail services. Monument station is directly opposite the building.
Yes, you can take a taxi or Uber to the Fenchurch Street area. The entrance is at 20 Fenchurch Street.
On-site parking is not available for visitors. It's highly recommended to use public transport due to limited parking in the City of London.
Monument station is the closest and most convenient Tube station, offering direct access to the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Free tickets are released three weeks in advance, typically on Monday mornings around 10-11 am. They are highly sought after and go very quickly. You must book online via the official Sky Garden website. +1
If free tickets are unavailable, you can book a table at one of the bars (Sky Pod Bar, City Garden Bar) or restaurants (Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Restaurant). This guarantees entry. +1
Bookings open three weeks in advance. It's advisable to check the website on the release day, usually a Monday morning, to secure your spot. +1
While it's difficult, some visitors have had success walking in, especially on weekday mornings before opening, or by trying their luck at the bars. However, booking is strongly recommended.
Opening hours vary slightly depending on the day and whether you have a ticket for the public garden, bars, or restaurants. Generally, it's open from morning until late evening. Check the official website for the most up-to-date times.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy panoramic city views, explore the lush indoor gardens, dine at restaurants, or have drinks at the bars. There are often live music events.
Yes, it's highly recommended for its stunning views, unique garden setting, and free entry (with advance booking). Many consider it a must-do in London.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the views, gardens, and perhaps a drink or snack.
While there aren't formal guided tours, staff are usually on hand to answer questions. The experience is largely self-guided.
The public garden is the main viewing area with plants. The bars and restaurants are within the same top-floor space, offering dedicated seating and service for dining and drinks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Sky Garden has several dining options, including Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant, offering various cuisines with spectacular views. +1
Darwin Brasserie offers a more casual dining experience, while Fenchurch Restaurant provides a fine-dining option. There are also bars like Sky Pod Bar and City Garden Bar for drinks and lighter bites. +1
Dining at Sky Garden is generally considered pricey, as you're paying a premium for the location and views. However, many find the experience and food quality to be worth it.
Absolutely! The Sky Pod Bar and City Garden Bar are popular spots for drinks, offering fantastic views. You might need a ticket or reservation depending on the time and day. +1
Yes, Darwin Brasserie often serves breakfast, which can be a great way to experience the views before the main crowds arrive. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The entire top floor offers incredible photo opportunities. Look for spots near the windows for unobstructed city views, and don't forget to capture the lush greenery.
Tripods are generally not permitted to avoid obstructing other visitors. Check the official Sky Garden guidelines for the most current policy.
Sunrise offers a unique, less crowded experience with beautiful light. Sunset provides dramatic cityscapes. Midday offers clear, bright views.
While general photography is allowed, professional shoots or commercial use may require special permission. Be mindful of other visitors.
Expect stunning shots of landmarks like The Shard, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the winding River Thames, all from a unique aerial perspective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit smoother, booking free tickets well in advance is crucial, as it avoids the queues and cost of the London Eye. If free tickets aren't available, consider booking a meal at Darwin Brasserie, which is often more family-friendly than the fine-dining options. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as purchasing them on-site can add up.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you miss out on free tickets, consider visiting during off-peak hours or trying your luck with a walk-in. Alternatively, explore other free viewing platforms like Horizon 22. If you do decide to spend money, opt for a single drink at the Sky Pod Bar rather than a full meal to keep costs down while still enjoying the ambiance and views.
🥂 Couples & Date Nights
Booking a table at Fenchurch Restaurant for a special occasion or enjoying cocktails at the Sky Pod Bar during happy hour are excellent options. The combination of stunning scenery, ambient music, and delicious drinks makes for an unforgettable experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Securing Your Sky-High Views
If free tickets are unavailable, don't despair! Sky Garden offers alternative entry through its bars and restaurants. Booking a table at the Sky Pod Bar, City Garden Bar, Darwin Brasserie, or Fenchurch Restaurant guarantees your access to the stunning views. While this option comes at a cost, many visitors find it a worthwhile trade-off for the guaranteed experience, especially if they plan to dine or have drinks anyway. Some even suggest booking breakfast at Darwin Brasserie to enjoy the views before the main rush.
For those who miss out on advance bookings, there's a small chance of walking in on the day, particularly on weekday mornings. However, this is not guaranteed and depends heavily on visitor numbers. Some Redditors have reported success by arriving early, while others advise against relying on this method.
Beyond the View: The Garden Experience
The garden is thoughtfully laid out, with winding paths and seating areas that allow you to relax and take in both the natural beauty and the urban sprawl. It's a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city below and immerse yourself in a tranquil, elevated setting. The design aims to create a year-round garden experience, with different plants blooming at various times.
While the primary draw is the view, the horticultural aspect adds significant value to the visit. It's a testament to innovative urban design, showcasing how nature can be integrated into high-rise architecture. The presence of the garden makes Sky Garden a more engaging and multi-sensory destination than a simple observation deck.
Sky Garden vs. Other London Viewpoints
Another strong contender in the London skyline viewing scene is Horizon 22. Located nearby, Horizon 22 is also a free-to-enter viewing gallery. Some visitors have noted that Horizon 22 offers a slightly different perspective, and some even prefer it, stating that you can actually look down at the Sky Garden from Horizon 22. However, Sky Garden's unique selling point remains its integrated garden design, which sets it apart from other observation decks.
Other alternatives mentioned by travelers include The Shard (a paid attraction offering unparalleled height), St. Paul's Cathedral (for historical context and views), and Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station (a unique chimney lift experience). Ultimately, the 'best' viewpoint depends on individual preferences for cost, atmosphere, and the specific type of view desired.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit