Best Free Viewpoints in London: 15+ Cool Spots to See Stunning Views of London

London is a city that has no shortage of incredible views.

But the best free viewpoints in London? That’s a little tricker. They’re all amazing, and they each have something a little different to capture in your photo reel.

From iconic landmarks to hidden hideaway viewpoints, here’s the best london viewpoints you can visit today for free.

image of london skyline with text: "The Best free viewpoints in london: the best spots for photos"

North London Viewpoints

Here’s the best free viewpoints in North London. Many parts of North London are elevated higher than the rest, so these areas make for prime vistas.

1. Primrose Hill

Panoramic view of London with title text: "Primrose Hill"

From the top Parliament Hill, you can see everything from the London Eye to the Shard, plus you’re in a beautiful park setting.

One of the best times to visit is at sunset when the sky turns golden and the city lights up. It’s also a great spot for Bonfire Night where you can see all the fireworks blasting off over the city. It’s definitely the best London view of fireworks!

  • Closest Station: Chalk Farm, Mornington Crescent 
  • Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset are epic. In the summer and on firework holidays it gets crowded. 

2. Hampstead Heath

Panoramic view of London surrounded by lush trees with title text: "Hampstead Heath"

Right next to Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath is a vast park stretching over miles of hilly greenery. There are cobbled streets, winding alleys, and charming shops along Hampstead High Street that are great for a weekend wander.

Taylor Swift’s “house by the Heath”? That’s right here, and there’s a reason a ton of celebrities own property: this hilly enclave has incredible views.

  • Closest Station: Hampstead Heath (overground), Hampstead (underground) 
  • Best Time to Visit: On a clear day, you can see for miles. 

3. Alexandra Palace

View of a London sunset from North London's Alexandra Palace

‘Ally Pally’ is where you can catch an incredible concert, but did you know it’s also one of the best free London viewpoints?

This iconic venue in North London offers breathtaking views of the city and is surrounded by gorgeous cherry blossoms in spring. Head to the terrace and take in the best view while you sip a cocktail.

  • Closest Station: Alexandra Palace 
  • Best Time to Visit: Before your concert, check out the views with a bottle of bubbles. Or after the show gets out, the glittering lights of the city make a great backdrop for you and your friends!

5. Dartmouth Park

Panoramic view of London taken from Dartmouth Park in North London.

Dartmouth Park surrounds a reservoir, sitting atop a hill halfway between Tufnell Park and Archway. On a clear day, you can see a panoramic view of all of London.

This spot is prime firework viewing, and nearby Tufnell Park has a charming high street to explore.

  • Closest Stations: Archway or Tufnell Park (Northern Line)

Central & City of London

In Central London, the best views are from high-rise buildings, or at sea level looking out across the Thames.

5. Pudding Lane

View of London's Monument to the great fire of london with title text: "Pudding Lane: Find the Hidden Walkway near Monument"

Miraculously, the unexciting and bland Pudding Lane morphs into an aerial walkway with the very best London view at the end.

To the southeast of Monument (the giant column commemorating the Great Fire of London), go up the stairs behind the hedge that look like they lead into an office complex. They don’t.

Keep going and cross the aerial walkway and – poof! – the best London view across the Thames is right before your eyes. 

  • Closest Station: Monument
  • Best Time to Visit: On a clear day you can get epic photographs, but on a rainy day you can get some moody pics of the Thames. 

6. Millennium Bridge 

Twilight view across London's Millennium Bridge, with the dome of St Paul's Cathedral illuminated at the end of the walkway.

The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge that spans the River Thames, and it’s the best London view you can actually walk on.

From here, you can see iconic landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern, making it a must-visit spot for any visitor to London.

This is where Taylor Swift filmed part of her End Game music video, if you feel like strutting across.

  • Closest Station: Blackfriars 
  • Best Time to Visit: On a clear and sunny day this bridge offers the most epic views! 

7. Sky Garden

Panoramic view of the skyscrapers in the City of London, with an arrow pointing to the "Walkie Talkie" building, and an arrow with text: "Sky Garden"

Located in the heart of the City of London, Sky Garden is a public garden on the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie building. From here, you can see 360-degree views of the city. Tickets are free but need to be booked in advance and sell out quickly.

Horizon 22 is a newer viewing platform

  • Closest Station: Monument
  • Best Time to Visit: On a clear day. Book the first morning slot if you can for less of a crowd. 

8. Horizon 22

Overhead view of the Northern banks of the Thames, looking over 22 Bishopsgate. Text labels the building "Horizon 22," which is a free viewpoint in the building.

A newer viewing platform at 22 Bishopsgate, tickets are much more readily available (for now, until word gets out) for these vast views. It’s actually higher than the Shard!

Tickets are free but must book ahead.

  • Nearest Station: Bank or Monument
  • Best Time to Visit: On a clear day.

9. Tower Bridge

Sunny autumn day framed by the iconic Tower Bridge. Text labels "Tower Bridge," encouraging readers to visit the landmark for views across the Thames.

This iconic London landmark offers stunning views of the River Thames and the city skyline.

Take a walk across the bridge and enjoy the view from the middle. The bridge itself is an iconic view with its gorgeous towers that look like castles on the water. London viewpoints with a cool history? Check.

  • Closest Station: Tower Hill 
  • Best Time to Visit: On a clear day you can get great photos of and from the bridge and from nearby Tower Hill. 

Free South London Viewpoints

From South of the Thames, you can find epic views across the river and of the City.

10. Tate Modern

The Tate Modern museum on the south banks of the Thames, with an arrow and title text: "Tate Modern viewing platform"

This free museum in South Bank offers an incredible view of St. Paul’s Cathedral and all the way down the Thames.

Head to the top floor viewing platform, which offers a 360-degree view of London’s skyline.

  • Closest Station: Blackfriars (north of the Thames), Southwark (south of the Thames)
  • Best Time to Visit: Since it’s indoors, you can visit anytime and get either an epic sunny backdrop or cozy, moody pics.

11. Southbank

Overhead view of the Southbank of the Thames at sunset. An arrow points to the Southbank stretch of waterfront where you can find the best views.

Southbank is one of the most picturesque areas in London, offering stunning views of the River Thames and the city skyline. From here, you can see the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and beyond.

Southbank has a pretty cool Christmas market, too, if you’re visiting in December and want to get some Christmas shopping done while taking in the views.

  • Closest Station: Embankment (north of the Thames, walk across the bridge), Waterloo (south of the Thames) 
  • Best Time to Visit: Instead of paying for the London Eye, go here for free anytime! 

12. Horsleydown Steps 

Image looking up at Tower Bridge from Horsleydown Steps, a hidden walkway on the banks of the Thames that offers incredible views.

Few people know about these secret steps to the Thames that offer the best London view, so you’re sure to have them (mostly) to yourself.

At low tide, you can access the Thames foreshore (no mudlarking without a licence!) and get one of the best views of London: from Tower Bridge and across the city. 

  • Closest Station: London Bridge (south of the Thames), Tower Hill (north of the Thames) 
  • Best Time to Visit: Low tide. At high tide you can’t access the riverbank. Be careful anytime you’re near the riverbank at any tide. 

East London Viewpoints 

13. Pelican Stairs

Image from the Thames foreshore at low tide, looking up at The Prospect of Whitby and Pelican Stairs. From here you can see incredible views of London.

Next to The Prospect of Whitby pub (which itself is worth visiting, and has a very dark history of traitors and pirates) are the Pelican Stairs.

At low tide you can trot down to the foreshore (be careful, and no mudlarking without a permit) and take in the best London viewpoint right from the river. 

  • Closest Stations: Wapping, Shadwell, Limehouse
  • Best Time to Visit: Low tide. At high tide you can’t hit the beach. 

14. The O2

Overhead view of The O2 centre in South London on the Greenwich Peninsula. The City of London is in the background, and the Thames flows around the U-shaped peninsula.

Sure, it’s a stadium, but it doubles as an epic view of the cityscape. You can also climb to the top, if you’re feeling adventurous.

You can also take the cable car from North Greenwich station and enjoy the aerial view of the city. 

Best Views in Greater London

15. Richmond Park 

Image of wild deer grazing in Richmond Park, with dark clouds in the background.

Richmond Park is one of London’s most beautiful green spaces, offering incredible views of the surrounding countryside. From Sawyer’s Hill, you can take in the stunning panoramic view of the park and see all the way to Central London.

Be sure to visit ‘King Henry’s Mound,’ where Henry VIII waited for the signal that his wife Anne Boleyn’s head was…removed.

  • Closest Station: Richmond
  • Best Time to Visit: Go on a clear day for the best views, but if you go in the spring you can catch baby deer and their mothers (do not approach – stay well away). 

16. Richmond Hill Viewing Point 

View of Richmond Park from Richmond Hill. The banks of the river are lush with green trees.

Richmond Park is not the best London view, but instead one of the best views in London. It hardly feels like you’re in one of the biggest cities in the world when you’re standing amongst these lush fields of green.

See stunning views of the River Thames and the surrounding countryside, and make sure to pop by Richmond High Street to check out all the iconic Ted Lasso filming locations.

  • Closest Station: Richmond 
  • Best Time to Visit: Sunrise and sunset are epic. 

17. Greenwich Park 

View of the City of London from atop the hill at Greenwich Park. In the foreground is the National Maritime museum and The Queen's House.

From the Thames, the hills of Greenwich rise up far enough to make for an incredible viewpoint. You can really see it all.

Head to the top of the hill and take in the view of Canary Wharf and the River Thames. And don’t miss the epic museums in the Royal Museums Greenwich collection – these offer incredible scenes all on their own. 

  • Closest Station: Maze Hill 
  • Best Time to Visit: On a sunny day, nothing beats the amazing landscape of Greenwich. 

Final Tips 

Why pay for a high-rise afternoon tea when you can pack a picnic and enjoy a totally free view?

Beat the crowds and head to one of these spots instead, and get some unreal Instagram photos to remember your trip by.

More on Visiting London: 

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The Best Navigation App for London to Download Now 

Help! Harry Potter Studio Tickets are Sold Out. What Can I Do?

The Perfect Ladies Day Out in London: 3 Itineraries for Every Budget

Ultimate Guide: 49 Brilliant London Apps Everyone Should Know

The Ultimate Taylor Swift Guide to London

Top 5 Best and Worst Times to Visit London

Your Ultimate Guide to a Family Trip to London on a Budget

33 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London

Printable London Packing List to Save you Money

Free Viewpoints in London: FAQ

Where is the highest free view point in London?

Horizon 22 is the newest – and highest – free viewing platform in London. It’s a whopping 58 stories high, while the next highest Sky Garden is 38 stories.

Is the London Eye worth it?

It depends on your budget and what you want to spend your time doing in London. The London Eye can be a great experience, but if you want to save some money, there are tons of free viewpoints in London with equally good views.

What’s a free alternative to the London Eye?

There are two alternatives that most tourists consider: Sky Garden and Horizon 22. Both of these free viewing platforms require tickets booked in advance, but the tickets are free!

Sky Garden is more popular and a bit older and books up very quickly. Horizon 22 is still relatively new and is not as popular yet, so it’s easier to get tickets.

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