London is a large and sprawling city and is definitely worth seeing from high up. Here are some of the best places to view the city from above.

1. Tower Bridge Exhibition

Address: Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP, UK

Phone: +44 20 7403 3761

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The Tower Bridge Exhibition features two high walkways at about 140 feet above the River Thames. With the addition of glass floor panels, visitors can now see the traffic and boats below.

2. Sky Garden

Address: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, UK

Phone: +44 333 772 0020

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The Sky Garden is located on top of a skyscraper, allowing visitors to experience stunning views of London. Access to levels 35 through 37 is free with an advance reservation.

3. The View From The Shard

Address: 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG, UK

Phone: +44 344 499 7222

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The View From The Shard offers the tallest viewing platform in central London, located on levels 69 and 72 of The Shard, which stands at 1,016 feet tall. Its central location provides an unparalleled view of the city.

4. Coca-Cola London Eye

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, UK

Phone: +44 20 7967 8021

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The Coca-Cola London Eye stands at 443 feet high and consists of 32 capsules. It is located on the South Bank and offers impressive views, including the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

5. Up at The O2

Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX, UK

Phone: +44 20 8463 2000

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Up at The O2 allows visitors to climb over the iconic O2 building for great views, with the summit reaching 170 feet. While the climb is slightly challenging, it rewards adventurers with stunning panoramas of London.

6. Emirates Air Line

Address: Edmund Halley Way, London SE10 0FR, UK

Phone: +44 343 222 1234

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The Emirates Air Line offers a unique cable car experience over the River Thames, providing stunning views at a height of 295 feet. It connects North Greenwich to ExCeL London, making it a fun ride for both tourists and locals.

7. St. Paul’s Cathedral Galleries

Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK

Phone: +44 20 7246 8350

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The galleries of St. Paul’s Cathedral allow visitors to climb and enjoy panoramic views. The Whispering Gallery is reached by climbing 257 steps, while the Stone Gallery offers outdoor views and is accessed via 376 steps.

8. ArcelorMittal Orbit

Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton Street, London E20 2AD, UK

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The ArcelorMittal Orbit offers fantastic views of the Olympic Park and the surrounding area. It is known for being the UK’s tallest sculpture, offering unique perspectives of east London.

9. The Monument

Address: 18 Fish Street Hill, London EC3R 6DB, UK

Phone: +44 20 7929 5880

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The Monument stands at 202 feet and is known as the tallest isolated column in the world. Requiring a climb of 311 steps to the viewing platform, it rewards visitors with a certificate after completing the ascent.

10. Westminster Cathedral

Address: Victoria Street, London SW1P 1LT, UK

Phone: +44 20 7798 9055

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Westminster Cathedral features a tower viewing gallery located 210 feet above the street, providing stunning views over south and west London. It is important to note that it is not the same as Westminster Abbey.

11. Helicopter Ride Over London

Address: Ongar Road, Romford RM4 1SJ, UK

Phone: +44 1708 688380

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Consider taking a 30-minute helicopter sightseeing tour over London. These flights provide a unique perspective, passing over Greenwich and following the River Thames through central London.