In this article, I present London's Sky Gardena vantage point offering a panoramic view of the capital!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the Sky Garden
- What you can see from this vantage point
- How to reach him easily
- Practical information: prices, opening hours and tour tips
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about the Sky Garden, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Sky Garden: article summary
Sky Garden: an elevated garden for a 360° view of London
Want to see the whole of London at a glance? Take advantage of the panoramic view offered by the Sky Garden, a garden located at the top of a skyscraper in the heart of the city!
An atypical experience to enjoy during your visit Londonto take in the sights!
Introducing the Sky Garden
The Sky Garden extends over the top 3 floors of one of London's most iconic skyscrapers: the Walkie-Talkie ! Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, it was inaugurated in 2014, and its atypical shape quickly earned it the nickname.
The original plan was for it to be 200 metres long, but local concerns about visibility prompted the construction company to reduce it to 160 metres. Subsequently, protective screens had to be installed on the windows, as the sun's reflection was causing temperatures to soar (over 45°!) in the neighborhood, annoying shopkeepers.
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
Between the 36th and 38th floors you'll find the Sky Gardenwhich resembles a hanging garden with a panoramic terrace and a 360° view of London. It's a chance to admire the British capital in all its splendour, and to see such famous monuments as the London TowerLondon Bridge and Canary Wharf in the background.
You'll overlook the Thames and you'll see the impressive The Shard London's tallest building, with 95 floors spread over a height of 309.7 metres. You can visit both, which offer quite different experiences.
Facts and figures about this garden
- It is located in the heart of The CityLondon's business district
- In 2015, the Walkie-Talkie won the building award the ugliest in London! Suffice to say, Londoners don't take him to heart.
- It cost more than 200 million pounds sterling
What can you see and do at Sky Garden?
While you can of course admire the view from behind the glass or from the terrace - where the wind often blows hard - there are other activities on offer at the Sky Garden.
Restaurants and bars
There are 5 restaurants / bars at the top :
- Darwin Brasseriefor breakfasts, brunches or dinners featuring burgers and British dishes
- Visit Fenchurch rooftop restaurant, run by chef Kerth Gumbs, offering refined Caribbean-influenced cuisine
- Larch Restaurantan Italian restaurant to enjoy the flavours of the Botte at the other end of Europe
- Visit Sky Pod Bar and the City garden Barto sip a cocktail and enjoy the view
A reservation at one of these establishments entitles you to go up to the Sky Garden, with guaranteed entry.
As I explain below, there are limited places to visit the Sky Garden, so it's an attractive option, especially as prices remain reasonable for such an experience.
Concerts and live events
The Sky Garden regularly hosts events. These include Music Night with DJ sets and music ranging from pop and soul to funk and jazz.
There are also classical music concerts, champagne or rosé tastings, and a variety of VIP options, so you can enjoy these events in superb conditions.
Everything is subject to reservation.
Yoga classes
Feel like stretching and contorting your body between the trees and overlooking the city? Try our from Yoga, Pilates or meditation which take place in the morning, from 7 or 8 a.m., at 35e floor of the Sky Garden.
How do I get to the Sky Garden?
The Sky Garden is located in the heart of The Cityat the following address 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
You can easily get there by choosing one of the following means of transport:
- The metrovia Circle and District lines, Monument, Tower Hill, Tower Gate, Aldgate, Bank and Mansion House stops
- By buswith lines 40 and RV1
- By river shuttle, Tower Pier stop
Sky Garden: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's some additional information to help you prepare for your visit to London's Sky Garden.
Rates and booking
The entrance is 100 % free ! A very good point for such a show!
However, the fact that the garden is free means that it is very popular, and we strongly recommend that you reserve your place, at least 3 weeks in advance. You can also reserve a table in one of the establishments, which gives you the right to enter.
To reserve, simply go to on the official website and indicate the desired dates and times.
Please note Reservations are not compulsory. However, if it's a busy day, you may be refused boarding.
Opening hours
The sky garden is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm / Saturday and Sunday 11am to 9pm / Public holidays 11am to 11pm
Dining establishments offer varying opening hours. The Sky Garden Bar closes the latest (1am); restaurants close between 8:30pm and 10:30pm, so don't delay if you want to dine.
Practical information
Tickets are valid for one hour, but no one will bother you if you want to stay longer.
At the entrance, before taking the elevator, you'll have to pass a control similar to those on the airports. You won't find no on-site lockersand only small items of luggage are allowed.
I recommend that you go there when it opens, or at the end of the dayto enjoy the setting sun. On the sunniest days, it can quickly become quite hot.
What to see and do in the area?
On the way down, you'll find plenty to do in the surrounding area. Here are a few suggestions:
- Visit the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge neighbor
- Join the Saint Paul Cathedral of London, a 15-minute walk to the west
- Cross the London Bridge to discover Borough Market, London's oldest market and a gourmet's delight!
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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Hello,
Impossible to book for 2 adults and 2 children ( 10 and 11 years old ) at the City Garden Bar in the Sky Garden for 12 hours. I'm only offered evenings after 6.30pm and you have to be over 18.
Thank you for your help.