Best Views of London

With no doubts, London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Everybody wants to come to London to see Big Ben and Nelson's column, visit Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, walk across Tower Bridge and climb to the top of St. Paul. This largest city of Europe perfectly combines ancient landmarks with modern designs, a stolid British attitude with a multicultural spirit, a coziness of cobblestone lanes with a width of parks and squares. London has so much to offer, that unless you are staying in London infinitely, it is quite impossible to explore the entire city. However, it is possible to see and embrace the city from some places with fantastic views of London. Here are the places where you can find the best view of London.

London Eye, being the tallest observation wheel in the world, offers the most fantastic view of London. Rising high above London's skyline at 135 meters, this unique structure has 32 passenger's glass capsules that turn around and provide 360-degree panorama. The London Eye capsules represent the 32 boroughs of London, and it looks like you can see all of them from the top. On a sunny day, for sure you can see up to 40 kilometers of London in all directions. During 30 minutes journey you will enjoy breathtaking views of the River Thames and the bridges, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and other London famous landmarks. You even can have a romantic trip in your own Private Champagne Capsule, where you can enjoy splendid views of London with a glass or two of chilled Laurent-Perrier champagne.

St. Paul's Cathedral, being itself one of the most famous London attractions, is also offers spectacular 360-degree view of London. From the main floor you can go 99 feet up to the Whispering Gallery (named after its extraordinary acoustic), then climb another 74 feet to the Stone Gallery where you can enjoy a great panoramic view of London. If you want even more spectacular and more panoramic view, that another 153 steps (107 feet) take you to the Inner Golden Gallery. Be prepared to climb all together 530 quite steep steps, but also rewarded with stunning pictures of the city from the top.

Tate Modern Restaurant at Level 7 of Tate Modern Art Gallery offers an exciting menu for lunch and dinner, great wine list focusing on innovative produces, as well as one of the best views in London. You can take close look at St. Paul and Gherkin across the river, enjoy fantastic London skyline during the day or at night. One level down at Level 6, Tate Members have a benefit to relax outside on a balcony with light lunch menu and outstanding roof-top views over the City of London.

The Monument, one of the City of London's most outstanding landmarks and visitor attractions, offers panoramic views over London. Built to commemorate the Great Fire which devastated the City of London in 1666, the Monument is the tallest isolated stone column in the world. Climb the spiral staircase of 311 steps to the balcony at the top and you are rewarded with breathtaking views over the city in all directions, as well as a certificate of achievement. The Monument is currently closed for repair and will be reopen to visitors in December 2008.

Tower Bridge, being one of the greatest London attractions itself, also offers fantastic views of many others London's famous attractions, including St. Paul's Cathedral, sky-scraping Canary Wharf, maritime Greenwich and The London Eye. You can take a lift up to the high-level walkways, situated 42 meters above the River Thames and enjoy terrific views of the city and an exhibition on the bridge's history.

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie is situated on the 8thfloor of the famous Oxo Tower building. This is an exceptional place for those who love enjoying a great view of London together with superb food and excellent wine. The restaurant's terraces provide customers with a perfect view over the River Thames and St. Paul's Cathedral. The Restaurant and the brasserie menus are stylish and creative, and with live jazz and spectacular view, the place has an absolutely vibrant and fabulous atmosphere.

Galvin at Windows bar on the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane hotel is a great place to have cocktails, relax and admire stunning views of Hyde Park and Knightsbridge. The bar also offers the tapas menu, but for full dining experience try Galvin at Windows restaurant with elegant French à la carte menu and astonishing 360° views of the city.

Primrose Hill and Parliament Hill offer spectacular views over London - and absolutely for free! You can walk up to the top, find a great viewpoint, relax and enjoy! Great place to enjoy London sunrise or sunset. Primrose Hill is a hill of 256 feet (78 m) located on the north side of Regent's Park in north London. The hill has a clear view of Central London to the south-east, as well as Belsize Park and Hampstead to the north-west. Parliament Hill is around 321 feet (98 m) high and provides panoramic views of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the City of London, along with St Paul's Cathedral and other landmarks.