Sky Garden London 2026: The Essential Visitor’s Guide (+ Insider Tips)

Adding a Sky Garden visit to your itinerary? Be sure to read this ultimate guide to the Sky Garden to make the most out of your trip — from a London travel blogger.

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In my opinion, the best bits of London are free.

From picnicking on Primrose Hill, to walking around the nooks and crannies of the city, I’ve always found ways to discover London without it denting my wallet.

Which is why I wholeheartedly love the Sky Garden.

Every time I go, I’m swept with the magic of London skylines and the disbelief that this is still very much free.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a picturesque view and skyscraper wanderings, here’s the ultimate guide to your Sky Garden visit.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Why Visit the Sky Garden

In case you’re still in need of convincing, the Sky Garden is London’s highest garden, beautifully centred in the heart of Bank.

Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, taking his vision for a public park to the sky, the Sky Garden is often referred to as the “Walkie Talkie” for its eclectic shape.

Between the daily free entry, chic bar and brasserie dosed in greenery and of course, the insanely seductive views that greet you on the 35th floor, I’m constantly visiting this hidden gem of London.

With so much to offer, there’s simply no reason for you to pass on a Sky Garden visit.

Alternatives to the Sky Garden include Horizon 22 (higher views but less beautiful inside) and Searcys Bar at the Gherkin.

When to go to the Sky Garden

Views of any city are best had during sunset and sunrise.

However due to the opening times, (10am-6pm) I’d suggest going around 5pm or leaving your Sky Garden visit for the morning to spend the rest of the day wandering the area.

P.S. – If you go on a weekend, they’re open until 9pm!

Where to Buy Tickets for your Sky Garden Visit

Although the Sky Garden is free to visit, you will need to book a ticket in advance.

Luckily getting tickets for your Sky Garden visit couldn’t be easier. Pop over to their website, fill the booking information on the top right, and you’re all set. Keep in mind…

Reservations fill up fast, so book around 2-3 weeks in advance
Each ticket only allows entry for the listed/date and time
Each ticket permits 1 hour entry
Pack light if you can, as you’ll have to do a security screening upon entry

How to get to the Sky Garden

The Sky Garden is located in the heart of London City at 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, United Kingdom.

If you’re coming by tube, Monument station is only a stone’s throw away.

Otherwise, Tower Hill, Tower Gateway, Aldgate, Bank and Mansion House are just a short walk (less than 10 minutes).

By train you’ll want to get to London Fenchurch Street, Cannon Street or London Bridge.

And lastly, by bus you can catch the Route Stop T and Stop W on Route 40.

Whichever way you find yourself to your Sky Garden visit, be sure to use Citymapper to sort your route, it’s a lifesaver!

Things to Do at the Sky Garden

Once you’ve got all the practicals sorted, it’s time to take in the view.

As soon as you land on the 35th floor (on an entertainingly fast lift), you’ll be greeted by the Sky Garden.

It can definitely be a bit overwhelming to know what to do with your 1 hour in paradise. So let’s start here.

Wander the Greenery

The first thing you’ll want to do on your Sky Garden visit is take in the scenery.

Roaming around, you’ll feel like you’re in a London dystopia of sorts. Rows of lush greenery strikingly contrast with the city bustle, fit with every foliage under the sun.

Vibrant African lilies, sleepy palm trees, and emerald-green leaves, to name a few, host this oh-so lush urban jungle.

But if your botany brain gets curious, there are signposts throughout to explore all the foliage the Sky Garden has on offer.

It’s well worth it to spend some lazy minutes just making your way around the building for your Sky Garden visit.

Have a Coffee & a View

No Sky Garden visit is complete without taking in the view with a warm brew.

For the coffee lovers, of course, there’s a Sky Pod bar front and centre to the Sky Garden.

Grab a coffee and sip away amongst the scenery. Just be sure to snag a front window spot. They’re golden.

Or Dessert

Couldn’t resist.

Or Champagne

Special occasion, I swear.

Try the Restaurant Scene

Fenchurch Restaurant, Sky Garden

If you’re aren’t minding any particular budget, there’s also several restaurants in the building to take your Sky Garden visit a posh notch up.

This includes Fenchurch Terrace for secluded views and the Fenchurch Restaurant for elegant dining, high in the sky, of course.

You can explore all their dining options on their website.

Find the Best Photo Spots

Taking photos will inevitably be part of your Sky Garden visit.

In order to make the most of your whimsical photo sesh, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are the best photo spots in the Sky Garden.

The Balcony View

The first and most obvious spot for your picture pleasure would be the balcony.

Crowds can get bit…crowded in search of the iconic shot, however it’s a large space, so you shouldn’t have issue.

Be sure to test your angles left, right and of course, front and centre.

From the Side

One of the more overlooked spots for photos in the Sky Garden is the left and right sides of the building.

Drenched with palm trees and lovely lighting, it’s the perfect spot for a candid photo op.

In Front of the City Garden Bar

Another gem for snapping is in front of the City Garden Bar.

It can be found at the top of the staircase leading up to the Sky Garden.

Perch up on a charming wooden table amidst the greenery and capture your Sky Garden visit from a new perspective.

Final Thoughts for Your Skygarden Visit

Despite all there is to do in London, the Sky Garden is the one thing I keep coming back to.

Between the endless greenery, free entry and oh-so-lovely photo opportunities you’d be hard-pressed to find another view in London quite like this.

Thanks for reading my Sky Garden Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!

CHECK OUT MORE LONDON GUIDES:

Happy Londoning,

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