The Best Free Views In London

Take in incredible views of London for free at these five enchanting spots.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Swooning over the London skyline is a must-do activity when visiting the capital and thankfully there are many free ways to do so. From the elegant gardens at Alexandra Palace to tranquil Primrose Hill, enjoy the views with a drink or two at these top five locations.

Alexandra Palace

One New Change

Opened in late 2010, this is the City of London’s only large shopping centre and it’s still relatively unknown as a sightseeing spot. Located on Cheapside next to St Paul’s Cathedral, the building hosts a variety of restaurants and shops, but the views are its greatest gem. French architect Jean Nouvel – of the Copenhagen Concert Hall and Philharmonie de Paris – has created an architectural delight with wall-climber glass lifts that open on to an impressive rooftop terrace. For optimum views, arrive at sunset to watch the city change colour.

Greenwich Park

With a view that inspired one of Britain’s finest landscape artists, JMW Turner, Greenwich Park is a firm favourite for taking in London’s rooftops. Home to the Prime Meridian Line, Royal Observatory and Greenwich Maritime World Heritage site, the historic royal park is the ideal place to escape the congestion of the capital. For the ultimate panorama, hike up the hill to reach the statue of General Wolfe.

Sky Garden

Take in the skyline from atop the 35-storey ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building in the historic financial district. Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, the building houses a beautiful rooftop garden that provides uninterrupted views of London. Dining and drinking can get pricey, but thankfully you can sit and take photos for free – just make sure to book a time slot in advance.

Primrose Hill

No list of London’s vistas would be complete without mentioning this idyllic spot, popular with celebrities and London’s elite. Located at the northern end of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill is known for its annual Guy Fawkes fireworks display and is one of London’s protected viewpoints. The spot provides breathtaking views of the city below, and a stone edging is inscribed with the words of William Blake: ‘I have conversed with the sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill.’

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.