In between St Paul's and the river is a multi storey shopping mall called "One New Change". The rooftop is a public park. Grab a sandwich at Pret and spend an hour or three. When we were last there, we watched a thunderstorm moving towards downtown, it was beautiful. One of my finest London memories. Skip the Eye.
Posted by
TX, USA
529 posts
I agree, it is a great view. Almost as good as from top of St. Paul's, and much less crowded. Plus, yes, free is good.
Posted by
London, England.
662 posts
To the left of St. Pauls as you look towards the river, the huge roof terrace is a great free view of the city from the 6th floor of the shopping centre. Its not the best place for shopping though, but worth a visit for the view.
Agree skip the eye, book a free visit to the Sky Garden, which isn't far from St. Paul's
Posted by
Seattle
922 posts
Oo, great tip. Thanks!
Is there a Pret in the building, or just nearby?
Posted by
WA, USA
330 posts
Hi there,
There's a Pret near where the skygarden is. I feel that they are everywhere.
Here is the website to book your free tickets to the skygarden: https://skygardentickets.com/skygardenpublic_ui/events/
Check out the website in advance, booking can be a little difficult, they book from 1-3 weeks in advance.
They also have a line to stand in if you don't have a reservation. Just make sure you have picture ID with you.
Posted by
London, England.
662 posts
The Pret for One New Change is just across the road on the side furthest from the river. It's next to a Leon, far fewer outlets than Pret but well worth a try also. Not sure how the Sky Garden feel about food being taken in as they have their own restaurants up there.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
Wow - thanks for those tips - I always wonder where you can get great free views for cities. I bookmarked the sky garden for next time we are in London!
Posted by
Land of La
9263 posts
Three great "free" views of London are: Alexandra Palace (the people's palace). A tube and short bus ride, this gem isn't often mentioned by RS posters. I discovered it 2 years ago. Worth the effort IMHO. The view from the Hampstead Heath is lovely. Parliament Hill, excellent view and a nice way to stretch your legs!! Lastly, it's been years since I've visited the Royal Observatory in Greenwich but I recall there's a stellar view from there as well. Happy travels.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
I started a topic in the general Europe forum about places with free/cheap views in cities around the world that people may not know about. Of course I'll have to write those other London ones down for sure.
Feel free to add to the topic I started. I love to know where to get some great free city views that maybe us tourists don't know about.