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Get a bird’s-eye-view of London at these spectacular sites

By on February 3, 2013
Get a bird's-eye-view of London at these spectacular sites

Get a bird's-eye-view of London at these spectacular sites

From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, there are some spots in London that are renowned throughout the world for their history and beauty. While there is an endless list of museums, shops and attractions, you may get caught up in the whirlwind of excitement in the city, but all travelers should make it a point to reach new heights while exploring the English capital. 

If you’re looking for a unique view of London, head to one of these sky-high posts and get ready to snap some wonderful images of the sights. 

London Eye
Since its opening in 2000, the London Eye has become one of the most recognized and beloved spots in all of the U.K. This architectural wonder resembles a giant Ferris wheel, but instead of seats there are pods that give many travelers an opportunity to get a 360-degree view of the city. 

The wheel itself takes about 30 minutes to complete a rotation, giving people plenty of time to look around the expanse of the city. From the peak you’ll be able to spot landmarks like the Houses of Parliament across the Thames River, St. Paul’s Cathedral and even some royal palaces. 

The Shard
It may be a completely new addition to the London skyline, but The Shard offers some views of the city that put it at the top of the class. The Shard’s new observation deck is now open, and on a clear day visitors should be able to get an astonishing vista of the city from 1,016 feet in the air – almost twice the height of any other viewpoint in London.

“It’s the closest thing to being in an airplane and looking down on London,” Boris Johnson told The Telegraph. “But you can walk around, you’ve got complete stability. You can see all the bends in the river, you can see my office, you can see Buckingham Palace, you can see the whole thing for 40 miles around.” 

Rapid elevators and special telescopes on the deck enhance this thrilling location. 

Oxo Tower Restaurant and Brasserie
Want to enjoy a drink while you soak up a panorama? Then head to the Oxo Tower Restaurant, which sits atop an office building and provides a sophisticated setting for travelers who want to dine with a picturesque image of London as their background. Harvey Nichols runs the restaurant, which boasts floor to ceiling windows and a delicious menu full of fresh dishes and cocktails. In between sips, gaze out from the outdoor terrace and see if you can spot your favorite attractions around the city.Â