27 July 2015

Sky Garden

This post is also available in: Nederlands (Dutch)

The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie in London. A public open space and garden with spectacular views.

Despite my fear of heights, I can’t deny that London looks incredible from up high. I’d already faced my fears when I visited The Shard. But for a spectacular view of London including The Shard, you need to be at London’s latest panorama attraction: the Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie.

The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie in London. A public open space and garden with spectacular views.
The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie in London. A public open space and garden with spectacular views.

The good news: it’s free! But you need to book a ticket in advance. I had to wait two weeks, but if you want to visit in the weekend you might need to wait even longer.

Trying to avoid the crowds I arrived the moment they opened, at 10am. But even at that time I wasn’t the only one. After about a ten minute wait to get in, the lift brought us to the 35th floor.

The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie in London. A public open space and garden with spectacular views.
The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie in London. A public open space and garden with spectacular views.

It might be a public garden, but the first thing you’ll notice is all the glass…and the light. It’s a nice, bright open space, that reminded me a bit of an airport lounge (after the passport and security check it might have well been) – but then with better views.

Because the views are definitely impressive. Unfortunately due to the strong wind (it was pouring outside) they had to close the terrace soon after I arrived, but when it comes to these heights I don’t mind staying indoors.

The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie in London. A public open space and garden with spectacular views.
The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie in London. A public open space and garden with spectacular views.

The Sky Garden has three restaurants: a bar with coffee and some snacks, a brasserie and a ‘refined dining’ restaurant. Surprisingly, the bar has the best view. Both the brasserie and the restaurant seemed very nice, but they only have a couple of tables from where you can look outside.

The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie in London. A public open space and garden with spectacular views.
The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie in London. A public open space and garden with spectacular views.
The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie in London. A public open space and garden with spectacular views.

After a little less than an hour of walking around, taking photos and even a short coffee break I was ready to leave. In the end it was a bit too much ‘airport’ and not enough garden to really relax and stay longer.

It’s definitely worth a visit though. I can’t say I’ve seen anything like this before, and it’s free. It would be a really great place to meet friends for coffee or drinks (I’m sure the sunset is amazing), if it weren’t for the booking in advance policy.

Website: Sky Garden

Address: 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BY

City trip | Europe | London | United Kingdom

RELATED POSTS 

First time in Athens: 13 Useful travel tips you should know

First time in Athens: 13 Useful travel tips you should know

, ,

A city trip to Athens is so much fun! Ancient ruins, sunny weather, and the most delicious Greek food, what more could you want? But before you start dreaming about your first glimpse of the Acropolis (I’ve got a separate post with all the best sights) or planning a route past cozy cafés in Plaka, there are some handy and practical tips that can make your trip just that little bit easier and more fun. Like the best time of year to visit Athens, how to get around, and when to book a table if you want to eat with the locals.

So here are the travel tips I wish I’d known before my first trip to Athens.