At her talk on London, Lisa Friend mentioned a tall building in London that was free, and nicer to go up than others--nice view, seating area, etc. Anyone know which building she is talking about? Any others we should check out for a nice view? Thanks, CDF
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Could it be the Walkie Talkie?
http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/best-free-views-of-london/
It's free, but you must book tickets in advance. The link is in the link. :-)
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I believe so Kira. Thank you for the help and the link!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16618 posts
Not necessarily tall but reported to have a great view:
It does require a reservation but that's free to make. Otherwise, it only costs $ if you want to eat/drink in the bars or restaurants during your visit.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Sky Garden is at the top of the Walkie Talkie. (I know.....wish we were as original naming buildings.) It was a good view in all directions and a nice place for a light breakfast.
Other well-named newer buildings nearby include the Cheese Grater, the Gherkin, and, across the river, the Shard. Don't know about the access or the views, I think the Sky Garden is your best bet.
Other good viewpoints include the London Eye (which costs and keeps moving and is crowded) and the roof of the Tate Modern (free I believe). And I guess the St. Paul's dome if you're up for the climb (I'm not).
Posted by
New York, NY
4071 posts
Yup, Sky Garden = Walkie Talkie Building = 20 Fenchurch and if you want to go to the Sky Garden, you need to go to their website and pick a time slot exactly 3 weeks before the day you want to be there in order to make sure you DO get a time slot. They fill up quickly. You can't just show up; you have to reserve in advance. No cost.
Posted by
Yorkshire
1344 posts
It's not tall in comparison and it's not free but it's an interesting view - outside and inside - from the Great Fire of London Monument (I believe it's the monument that gives the tube station of the same name its title). Beware however - there are no lifts and it's a tight spiral staircase to get to the top, and thus back down again! View rewards effort though!
Posted by
UK
1015 posts
If you can’t get a booked place for the Sky Garden, then the top of the new Tate Modern Tower is a really good free substitute.
Posted by
carlisle, pa., usa
311 posts
The first time in London,a few years ago, I was told it was called the erotic Gherkin. Oh the English! Love them!
Posted by
Sydney
275 posts
Here in Sydney there is a large building near the Opera House which was often referred to as "the Toaster". I have not heard it called that in some time though.
And of course the Sydney Harbour Bridge is called the Coathanger.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for all the advice and naming lore on Buildings, views, and all manner of London fun! Cheers, CDF
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
There's a building in Beijing known as the Underpants. And the Olympic stadium there is called the Bird's Nest.
I went to the Sky Garden early in the morning and had no trouble getting in for free. It wasn't crowded at all. The people downstairs told me I'd need a reservation and ticket after a certain time. This was in October 2016.