Adding a Skygarden visit to your itinerary? Be sure to read this Ultimate Guide to Your Skygarden Visit to make the most out of your trip. Enjoy!
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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 Skygarden.
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 Skygarden visit.
But first, let’s sift through some details.
Why Visit the Skygarden
In case you’re still in need of convincing, the Skygarden is London’s highest garden beautifully centered in the heart of Bank. Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly taking his vision for a public park to the sky, the Skygarden 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 Skygarden visit.
When to go to the Skygarden
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 Skygarden visit for the morning to spend the rest of the day wandering the area.
Where to Buy Tickets for your Skygarden Visit
Although the Skygarden is free to visit you will need to book a ticket in advance.
Luckily getting tickets for your Skygarden 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 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 Skygarden
The Skygarden 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 Skygarden visit be sure to use Citymapper, it’s a lifesaver!
Things to do at the Skygarden
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 Skygarden. 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 Skygarden 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 contrasting to the city bustle 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 Skygarden has on offer.
It’s well worth it to spend some lazy minutes just making your way around the building for your Skygarden visit.
Have a Coffee & a View
No Skygarden 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 center to the Skygarden. 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
If you’re aren’t minding any particular budget there are also several restaurants in the building to take your Skygarden 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 Skygarden 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 Skygarden.
The Balcony View
The first and most obvious spot for your picture pleasure would be the balcony. Crowds can get a bit manic in search of the iconic shot, however, post-2020, large crowds shouldn’t be an issue.
Be sure to test your angles left, right and of course, front and center.
From the Side
One of the more overlooked spots for photos in the Skygarden 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 opp.
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 the Skygarden. Perch up on a charming wooden table amidst the greenery and capture your Skygarden visit from a new perspective.
Final Thoughts for Your Skygarden Visit
Despite all there is to do in London, the Skygarden 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.
So, whether you’re coming to London for a spell or the long haul, you should always make your way to this urban paradise, even just for a little while.
Let me know what you get up to on your Skygarden visit at @candaceabroad
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Awesome post on Skygarden — have not heard of it before and will check on next time in London!
So glad you enjoyed it Joe! I hope you get to visit next time you’re in London 🙂