30 Things to See First

Thirty places to see first, in order, for somebody who has never been to London. Each says what it is, whether it is free, whether you must book, and whether the queue is worth it.

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Sky Garden

A public garden under a glass dome thirty-five floors up, with the City spread out underneath. Free, but you have to book a slot online and the good ones go within hours of release.

Also in What’s On.

The top of the Walkie Talkie, given over to a public garden because the planners insisted on it: terraced ferns and palms under a glass shell, an open-air terrace facing south over the river, and the whole City laid out below. Free, but you must book a slot - they release them weekly, about three weeks ahead, and the good times go. Bars and restaurants up there keep longer hours than the garden.

Where
1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF
Nearest station
Monument · 2 min walk

Outside tables

Hours

Monday10:00 – 18:00
Tuesday10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday10:00 – 18:00
Thursday10:00 – 18:00
Friday10:00 – 18:00
Saturday11:00 – 21:00
Sunday11:00 – 21:00

Hours from the venue’s own website, checked 2 September 2026.

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Data is compiled from public sources including OpenStreetMap, under the ODbL. Hours change often, so check before making a journey.

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