Where's the best place in London to get a really good view of the city?

Question

I can't afford the London Eye! I want to go somewhere that's free or cheap, and high up.

Answer 1

This is an easy one... Either primrose hill in regents park or parliament hill near hampstead..Both have great views of the city..

Answer 2

The London Eye

Answer 3

Top of Shooters Hill, Plumstead.

It is the Highest point in S.E. London (if not the WHOLE of London) at 432ft.
Primrose hill and Parliament Hill are the highest points in the North of London (310ft), however these areas are more situated near and within the centre of London.

Shooters Hill sits slightly further out. Therefore I would say you definitely get a better view of the city.

Its a fantastic place if you want to see the whole of London as you stand on the outskirts looking into and across the WHOLE of LONDON, ranging right from the Thames gateway at Thamesmead, all of Docklands and across Northwards & Westwards towards the direction of London Bridge and beyond.

It is even better of a night time when you can see all the lights and within Shrewsburys park (also located in the shooters hill area) is a bit of a hill where you can stand, see and scan right across it all, from East to West.

Amazing place and views, and even better at Bonfire night & New Year as you can see all the fire works going off in all the different places around London.

Fantastic ! Highly Highly reccommended and completely FREE

Answer 4

The Royal Opera House...

You don't need a ticket to visit. From the Piazza, you can see great landmarks like the London Eye and Nelson's Column. There's a shop, exhibitions and the occasional free performance. You can also wander into the Floral Hall - still the most beautiful bar in London.

Answer 5

It depends on the weather. Canary Wharf has great views over London. There are some good views on clear sunny days from Alexandra Palace and Harrow on the Hill too. If you want to actually see things close up with some detail then you really have to go on the London Eye. It is worth it if you go on a bright sunny day.

Answer 6

Try the London Eye, its fab and it right in the heart of the city, you can see everything.

Also so St Pauls Cathedral, it a wonderful couple of hours.

But the best place for me to geta view was the Park Lane Hilton. There is a bar at the top which has floor to ceiling windows. It's vey expensive but its like stepping into a bond Movie. Plush Bar, pianist tinkling the ivories and a fantastic view at night (paradox I know). Its free to go in but don;t try and get drunk there, its not worth your mortgage.

Have a great time.

Answer 7

Monument. I don't think it's free but it'll be a lot cheaper then the London Eye. Lots of steps to climb though....

The previously suggested Primrose Hill is another good one. It's the view of London you see in practically every British film made in the last decade! It's quite moving looking down over the city from afar.

Answer 8

Primrose Hill
Top of Belsize Park Road looking south
Looking south whilst crossing over the Archway Bridge
Alexandra Palace

All around Greenwich Park - excellent views of docklands
Greenwich Observatory in Greenwich Park
Bittacy Hill Park (coming up from Mill Hill East tube station)
Walk along South Bank, great views of the City*

* Okay, not high up but very iconic

Answer 9

To the North it has to be Primrose Hill or try the top end of Hampstead Heath, just near Kenwood House. You can see right accross the south and east from up there.

To the South I love the view down Gipsy Hill from Crystal Palace. I walk down this road every morning and it is perfectly aligned to face the city so you see all the big buildings from a great perspective. Wait for a clear morning though.

Answer 10

Primrose hill just behind Chalk farm's station ( I think) well, that's if you want a panoramic view from high up.

But my favourite view of London has to be from one of the benches in front of the London aquarium, you can see the Big Ben and London eye, and its a really nice place, the best for me, well depends who you're with...

Answer 11

Free and Cheap -- Climb Nelson's Column but don't get caught. It is free and cheap, and I m sure no one will notice but dont break your neck on the way down. I was initially going to suiggest a boat ride up and down the Thames, gives you a perspective of the city and its landmarks which you don't necessarily get from heights. But if you can't afford it..... If you have any friends ask for a birthday treat up the Eye, that's how I did it!