The Lookout may not be the highest viewing gallery in London or the most extravagantly decorated, but it is a godsend for spontaneous travellers. Indeed, while visitors to the Sky Garden are required to book their tickets weeks in advance, those who favour its “inferior” neighbour can reserve a space on the day or even rock up unannounced.
To access the Lookout, simply walk into the building at 8 Bishopsgate, go through security and take a lift up to the 50th floor. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy sweeping views of London’s most famous landmarks: Tower Bridge, the Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral, to name just a few. Acrophobes might want to give this place a miss. Floor-to-ceiling windows don’t, after all, leave much to the imagination. Photographers and adrenaline junkies, on the other hand, should set aside at least half an hour to make the most of the experience.
Afterwards, head back down to the ground floor and enjoy a drink and a sweet treat at the Corner Café.
8 Bishopsgate
£
free
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
by
Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
by
It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...
by
The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
by
Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...
by
Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
by
The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
by
"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
by
"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
by
"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
by
In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
by
222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 222 Insider Tips