London has loads to offer, with so many amazing areas to explore. That being said, so much choice can make it tough when figuring out all your plans. This is especially true when it comes to finding bars with the best views in London.
Now, although us Londoners don’t have hundreds of skyscrapers, we have a fair few tall buildings that certainly offer some incredible views across our wonderful city. Better still, most of the rooftops have bars with the best views in London, with most open all year round.
Truth be told, I think every Londoner has their favourite joint for drinks. This is especially true when it’s summer and the nights are longer. It almost feels like a challenge to see who’ll find that next spot that they can introduce to us eagerly awaiting cocktail guzzlers. 😉
With that in mind, I wanted to share a few of my favourite bars with the best views in London for your next cocktail. I’ve tried to share a few favourites from all over the city, so I hope you’ll be able to visit a good few.
With that in mind, take a look at some of the bars with the best views in London, especially around sunset.
1) Iris Bar
Right at the top of the Gherkin (30 St Mary Ave), Iris is one of the bars with the best views in London. With floor to ceiling glass, right at the tip of the Gherkin, it’s the kind of place that’s amazing to visit around sunset.
Once here, try one of their signature cocktails and ask for their specials. They tend to have a few ‘off menu’ items that are always nice to try. Just make sure to reserve a table in advance, especially if you’re arriving on the weekend.
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2) Frank’s Rooftop Bar
In the summer months, Frank’s in Peckham is one of the bars with the best views in London. This open-air, pretty cool bar is totally chilled and serves up jugs of Pimms and Aperol spritz that are just yummy.
Typically, the crowd is pretty chilled and it’s a great spot to meet with friends and enjoy the long London summer evenings.
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3.) Sky Pod Bar
One of London’s newest skyscrapers hosts a totally free Sky Garden for all to enjoy. Better still it also has one of the bars with the best views in London inside. The Skypod Bar is just perfect.
This space is the perfect place to come and enjoy the beautiful views across the City of London, all whilst sipping on your favourite nectar of choice. Just make sure to make a reservation, spots fill up fast, especially around peak times.
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4.) GŎNG
Perched on level 52 of the Shard, GŎNG is one of the bars with the best views in London that span across the city. Better still, they have one of the quirkiest and tastiest cocktail menus around.
Now, cocktails aren’t the cheapest here but if you think it would cost you around £30 to get to the top of the shard, you’re in for a bargain by going to GŎNG instead.
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5.) Oblix
Nestled on the 32nd floor of the Shard, Oblix is another one of the bars with the best views in London.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, Oblix isn’t quite as high as Gong (on the 52nd floor) but I promise it’s just as good. Plus, they serve up some tasty food that’s amazing if you’re feeling a little peckish.
It’s such a nice place and totally amazing if you want food, good cocktails and incredible views across the city.
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6.) Vertigo 42
Known as London’s highest champagne bar, Vertigo 42 is one of the bars with the best views in London with a menu of bubbles. It’s the kind of place which is perfect before heading out for a late dinner or a celebration in the city.
Now, you will need a reservation to guarantee a window spot, so make sure to book in advance.
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7.) OXO Tower Bar
Perched within the OXO Tower in the heart of central London, The OXO Tower bar is a great stop for cocktails or a bite to eat.
Now, it might not be the highest building in all of London but it certainly has some impressive views across the river to St. Paul’s and the Millennium Bridge. It’s one of the bars in London with the best views and a yummy menu of British dishes, too.
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8.) Sushi Samba
Now, I love the food and drinks at Sushi Samba, plus they have some incredible views across the city. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect if you want a special dinner whilst watching the city below.
Located on the 38th floor of the Heron Tower, it obviously has some impressive views. Though, make sure to reserve a table in advance to ensure that you get a window seat.
The only thing that always seems to spoil the night at Sushi Samba is the door staff at the base of the Heron Tower. For some reason, they’re always very snooty (with an attitude) and tends to put a sour taste in my mouth. Apart from that, it’s incredible.
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9.) Duck and Waffle
Open 24 hours a day, Duck and Waffle is right next to Sushi Samba in the Heron Tower. For me, it’s one of the bars with the best views in London at sunrise. After all, there are not too many open in the wee hours of the morning.
It’s a great place and the food is so yummy too. Obviously, you’ve got to try their famous duck and waffles but they also have so much more on the menu too. Last time we went, we had a whole concoction of amazing plates. It was epic.
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