- 1️⃣ What is Sky Garden?
- 2️⃣ Why visit Sky Garden? - A green oasis above London
- 3️⃣ Views of London - what will you see from the terrace?
- 4️⃣ Admission to Sky Garden - how to get a free ticket?
- 5️⃣ Restaurants and bars with panoramic views of the city
- 6️⃣ Opening hours and best time to visit
- 7️⃣ Location and access to Sky Garden
1️⃣ What is Sky Garden?
Sky Garden is a public viewing garden located at the top of a skyscraper 20 Fenchurch Street in London, commonly known as the "Walkie Talkie" because of its unusual, upward-expanding shape. Located on the 35th floor, it combines lush vegetation, glass spaces and a panoramic terrace that offers views of the entire city.
It's a place that serves simultaneously as a vantage point, a green retreat and elegant dining facilities. Most importantly - admission is completely free, all you need to do is book online in advance. Sky Garden allows you to see London from a completely different perspective: from a height, amidst tropical greenery, in the heart of a bustling business district.
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2️⃣ Why visit Sky Garden? - A green oasis above London
🌆 Want to look at London from above?
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Sky Garden is not only a free observation deck, but also a place that combines modern architecture, an urban jungle and a spectacular panorama of the capital. It's the perfect stop on a London sightseeing tour - no rush and no entrance fee.
💠 View of the city
From the height of the 35th floor, there is a full panoramic view of London - from the Tower of London and the Thames, by The Shard, after St Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye. On a clear day you can even see the hills of Hampstead Heath.
💠 A walk among the plants
Terraces Sky Garden are planted with Mediterranean and South African plants. Walking among the flowers and ferns, it is easy to forget that we are in the heart of the City's financial district.
💠 A place for any time of day
In the morning it attracts the silence and light of the rising sun, at noon it allows you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, and in the evening it turns into an atmospheric place for a drink or dinner with a view.
💠 Free attraction
Entrance to the Sky Garden is free, but requires advance booking online. This is one of the few attractions of its kind in London where you won't pay for the view.
3️⃣ Views of London - what will you see from the terrace?
Sky Garden offers one of the most impressive views of London - both from the glass-enclosed garden hall and from the open observation deck. It's a place where the city is revealed in full panorama, regardless of the time of day.
💠 In the south overlooks the Thames, Tower Bridge, city hall City Hall and dominating everything The Shard - Britain's tallest building.
💠 Looking westward, you will see the characteristic dome St. Paul's Cathedral, London Eye, as well as Big Ben and the edifice Parliament. In the distance you can see Hyde Park And the hills of west London.
💠 East and north stretches the modern development of the City district and the financial complex Canary Wharf. With good visibility, you will even see the outskirts of the metropolis.
💠 Viewing terrace allows you to go outside and look at London unobstructed. It's a great photo opportunity - especially at sunrise or sunset.
💠 On a clear day you can even see several dozen kilometers In every direction - from the center to the most remote districts of the city.
4️⃣ Admission to Sky Garden - how to get a free ticket?
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Sky Garden is one of the few attractions in London that offers such a spectacular view absolutely free. However, one must first book an appointment - Without a ticket, we will not enter.
💠 Online booking
Free tickets are available on the official Sky Garden website. New dates are coming up usually three weeks ahead and they sell out very quickly - especially for evening hours and weekends. It's worth planning your visit in advance.
💠 Choice of entry time
When booking, you choose a specific day and time slot (e.g. 11:00-11:15). It is advisable to be on time - people who are late may not be allowed in. After entering, you can stay as long as you want.
💠 No ticket - only with a restaurant reservation
If you can't get a free ticket, the second option remains: Reservation of a table in one of the restaurants or bars. Then guests enter through a separate entrance and do not need a standard entrance ticket.
💠 Security check
Before entering, it is mandatory to control as at the airport - Bag screening, metal detector. It is better not to take large backpacks or sharp objects to avoid problems at the entrance.
If you just want to visit the garden - book a free ticket.
If you want to eat or drink with a view - make a reservation at the restaurant and you will enter without a ticket.
5️⃣ Restaurants and bars with panoramic views of the city
Sky Garden is not only a vantage point and garden, but also a unique culinary space. There are several restaurants and bars on site, ranging from elegant fine dining to cocktail nights with a DJ. A reservation at any of the establishments allows entry to the garden without having a free ticket.
Located on the 36th floor of a brasserie overlooking the Thames. Serves dishes inspired by classic British cuisine, from breakfast to dinner. You can book a table by the window (for an extra charge of £10-15).
Opening Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 8:30am-22:00pm
- Friday-Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Children welcome at any time of day (until 6:00 pm on weekdays and until 9:00 pm on weekends). Cashless restaurant.
An exclusive fine dining restaurant with a modern, botanical interior. Menu includes a five-course tasting dinner and Caribbean-inspired dishes. A "Bar Experience" option is also available - looser dishes at the counter.
Opening Hours:
- daily: lunch 12:00-14:30, dinner 17:00-21:00
Reservations waive the need for a ticket. Children can stay with a guardian before 6pm (until 9pm on weekends). Cashless restaurant.
💠 Sky Pod Bar & City Garden Bar
Sky Garden's main bars, open from early morning until late at night. In the evenings there are musical events with a DJ and live music. Admission possible with a table reservation, a ticket through "Design My Night" or as a walk-in (18+).
Bar opening hours:
- Mon-Thu: 8:00 am-00:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00-01:00
- Saturday: 9:00-01:00
- Sunday: 9:00-00:00
Last orders: 30 minutes before closing. It is advisable to dress warmly - the space is naturally ventilated. Identity check and 18+ age policy applies after 6pm.
Italian restaurant located on the first floor of the building, next to the entrance to Sky Garden. It serves classic Italian dishes with British ingredients, from lunch to aperitivo.
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Thu: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday: 9:00-21:00
Reservations can give access to the garden, but this is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
6️⃣ Opening hours and best time to visit
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Sky Garden is open daily, from early morning until late at night. This allows you to choose the time of your visit to suit your mood - a leisurely morning, an afternoon stroll, or an evening overlooking illuminated London.
💠 Opening Hours:
- Mon-Thu: 8:00 am-00:00 pm
- pt.: 8:00-01:00
- Sat: 9:00-01:00
- Sun: 9:00-00:00
💠 The best time?
It's quieter in the morning and more atmospheric in the evening, especially at sunset. On some days there are DJ sets and live music after 6:30 pm.
💠 Last entry:
- Sunday-Thursday: until 11:00 pm
- Friday-Saturday: until 00:00
7️⃣ Location and access to Sky Garden
Sky Garden is located in an office building 20 Fenchurch Street in the City of London-just a few minutes' walk from the Thames and the Tower of London.
💠 Address:
20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 8AF
💠 Nearest metro stations:
- Monument (2-minute walk)
- Bank (5 minutes)
- Tower Hill (7 minutes)
- London Bridge (12 minutes)
💠 Access by bus:
Many day and night lines stop in the area - including 15, 25, 40, 133, 343.
💠 On foot from the attraction:
- Tower Bridge - about 10 minutes
- St. Paul's Cathedral - about 15 minutes
- The Shard - about 12 minutes
💠 Attention:
It is not possible to enter from the river side - the main entrance is from Fenchurch Street. There is a security check in the building.
8️⃣ Practical tips for visitors
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Sky Garden is a place open to everyone, but it's worth knowing a few rules to make your visit stress-free.
💠 Book early
Free tickets go fast - especially for evenings and weekends. Book several weeks in advance.
💠 Be on time
You usually have a 15-minute time slot to enter. Latecomers may not be allowed in.
💠 Be prepared for an inspection
There is a security check on site - just like at the airport. Avoid large backpacks and sharp objects.
💠 Take care of your outfit
On colder days, it's a good idea to bring something warmer - the space is partially ventilated naturally, especially in the evenings.
💠 You don't need a ticket with a restaurant
If you have a reservation at one of the restaurants (such as Darwin or Fenchurch), you don't need a separate ticket for the garden.
9️⃣ Sky Garden vs other viewpoints in London
London has no shortage of places from which to look down on the city. Sky Garden, however, stands out not only for its view, but also for its accessibility and atmosphere. Here's how it compares to other popular viewpoints:
💠 Sky Garden
- Introduction: free (with reservation)
- Location: 35th floor, City of London
- Pros: garden, restaurants, events, 360° view, open spaces
- Cons: limited number of tickets, reservations disappear quickly
💠 The Shard (The View from The Shard)
- Admission: approx. £25-35 per person
- Higher than Sky Garden - 72nd floor
- Modern interior and terrace with a view, but no greenery or gastronomy at this height (restaurants are lower, with separate access)
💠 London Eye
- Admission: approx. £30+
- Panoramic view from a moving capsule over the Thames River
- The ride lasts about 30 minutes - it's more of an attraction than a viewpoint
💠 St Paul's Cathedral - dome
- Admission: approx. £20
- View from outside the dome - more intimate, without glass barriers
- More stairs than elevator
💠 Primrose Hill / Parliament Hill
- Introduction: free, outdoor open space
- View from park level - good for sunset
- Lack of infrastructure (it's more of a walking place than a tourist attraction)
🔟 Summary - is it worth it?
Sky Garden is one of those places in London that's really worth seeing - and it's a great place to see. not only because of the view, but also the atmosphere. The combination of tropical vegetation, architecture and the city skyline creates a unique experience - and without having to buy a ticket.
💠 Want to see London from above, but not spend £30 to get in? This is the place for you.
💠 Looking for a quiet break from sightseeing - in the greenery and with coffee in hand? You've hit the perfect spot.
💠 Or maybe you are planning a romantic evening with dinner and a view? Sky Garden offers that as well.
All it takes is a good booking and a little free time to see London from a completely different perspective - green, spacious and surprisingly accessible.
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