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The best views in London

From the pearlescent dome of St Paul’s to the glittering tip of the Shard, and the grandeur of London Bridge to the iconic Big Ben clock tower, we think London’s skyline is one of the best in the world! Read on to find London viewpoints where you can enjoy the best views of the London skyline.

The best views in London by car

The best views on four wheels – hop in a Zipcar to enjoy these London viewpoints by car.

Probably London’s most instantly recognisable bridge, there’s nothing quite like admiring the view as you drive across Tower Bridge! With the Thames lapping below, the ultra-modern City Hall and the Shard towering on the south bank, HMS Belfast docked to the west, and the imposing and historic Tower of London with the Gherkin, the Walkie Talkie, and the skyscrapers of the City of London to the north - all flanked by the two beautiful towers on the bridge itself - this is a view of London you won’t forget in a hurry.

If you’ve ever driven north of London, chances are you’ve followed the A1 back into the city on your return. As you head south past Highgate, the road dips downhill towards Archway and drivers are treated to a breathtaking view of the London skyline, with the Shard clearly visible, dwarfing the surrounding skyscrapers and the unmistakable dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s a welcoming sight if you’ve been absent from London for any stretch of time.

A drive along Victoria Embankment (or the less romantic A3211) on the northern shore of the Thames is an opportunity to take in some of London’s best views and sights. From famous monuments and historic architecture, to iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye! The best part? London’s congestion charge is included in your Zipcar membership, so you won’t have to pay extras for the experience!

The best rooftop views in London

Take a lift straight to the top for these impressive rooftop views of London.

London’s highest public garden doesn’t disappoint. Take in stunning views of London, across the Thames and beyond, with famous bridges, historic architecture, and beautiful sunsets too - if you make your way to the 43rd floor at The Sky Garden at the right time! Grab a cocktail from the bar, explore the lush green gardens, and admire London from every angle.

This rooftop restaurant and terrace bar offers birds-eye views across the capital, with iconic landmarks like the gherkin and the shard visible from your table. Whether you’re visiting for a fancy meal or a cocktail or two, London’s skyline looks beautiful by day or night. The Aviary even has winter igloos on the roof, so you can keep cozy while enjoying the view.

The rooftop bar at Peckham Levels is one of the coolest places to be in south London. Once a multi-storey carpark, Peckham Levels has been transformed into an eclectic multi-purpose space, complete with offices, creative studios, coworking, street food, games and so much more, run by collaborative Bold Tendencies. The rooftop bar boasts impressive views across London’s incredible skyline.

Panoramic views in London

Take in uninterrupted views of the entire city from these impressive London viewpoints.

This is easily one of the most famous viewpoints in the whole of London – and for a reason. Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath is a grassy mound that offers uninterrupted views across London’s spectacular skyline. Popular with tourists and residents alike, no trip to the heath would be complete without admiring the view from Parliament Hill.

This north London institution has panoramic views across London, with the skyscrapers of central London and canary wharf both visible, and even the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park! With a live music venue, exhibition space, bar, restaurant, park and even a farmer’s market, there’s always something going on at Alexandra Palace.

The breathtaking view from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park gives you a new perspective of London, with the grand National Maritime Museum in the foreground and Canary Wharf dominating the London skyline, with landmarks like the London Eye and the Cheese Grater clearly visible. The views from the Meridian Courtyard and the hillside of Greenwich Park itself are spectacular, but it’s free to enter the observatory (as long as you’ve booked a slot!) and well worth a trip to the top!

Tucked away on leafy South-East London, One Tree Hill has a wonderful panorama of London’s contemporary skyline framed by trees. Nestled between Honor Oak and Peckham Rye you can see right across from the City and beyond. Head over for a walk, take in the view and see the World War 1 Gun Emplacement, erected to counter the threat of raids by Zeppelin Airships, and the Oak of Honor, the oak tree on One Tree Hill that Elizabeth I is reputed to have picnicked under.

The best sunset spots in London

Get front row seats for nature’s best display. These London sunset spots are second to none.

You’d be forgiven for assuming you’re far away from the capital while watching the sun set in Richmond Park. Surrounded by ancient forest with sweeping meadows and the peaceful tranquillity close to the lakeside, you might even spot deer silhouetted against the setting sun!

Of course, actually being on the London Eye at sunset is an incredible experience, but you can enjoy the sunset just as much from the ground. Admire the changing colours of the evening sky with added artistic flair of the giant Ferris Wheel in the foreground – it makes for a great Instagram snap that’s for sure!

Voted London’s most scenic view, Primrose Hill on the edge of Regent’s Park provides spectacular scenes over London at any time of day, but is particularly beautiful as the sun sets over the capital. Take in London’s most famous skyscrapers silhouetted against the sky as the sun sets.

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The best views in London

From the pearlescent dome of St Paul’s to the glittering tip of the Shard, and the grandeur of London Bridge to the iconic Big Ben clock tower, we think London’s skyline is one of the best in the world! Read on to find London viewpoints where you can enjoy the best views of the London skyline.

The best views in London by car

The best views on four wheels – hop in a Zipcar to enjoy these London viewpoints by car.

Driving across Tower Bridge

Driving across Tower Bridge

Driving down Archway Road

Driving down Archway Road

Driving along Victoria Embankment

Driving along Victoria Embankment

The best rooftop views in London

Take a lift straight to the top for these impressive rooftop views of London.

The Sky Garden

The Sky Garden

The Aviary

The Aviary

Peckham Levels

Peckham Levels

Panoramic views in London

Take in uninterrupted views of the entire city from these impressive London viewpoints.

Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill

Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace

Greenwich Observatory

Greenwich Observatory

One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill

The best sunset spots in London

Get front row seats for nature’s best display. These London sunset spots are second to none.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park

The London Eye

The London Eye

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill

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