What Are The Tallest Buildings In London

When you think of London, your mind probably goes straight to red buses and royal guards, right? But look up, and there’s a whole other city up there—a skyline of glass and steel that tells a very different story. Let’s take a casual stroll through the highest points in town, and I’ll throw in a few fun facts to make you the smartest person at your next dinner party.

The Heavyweight Champion: The Shard

Standing at a dizzying 310 metres (1,017 feet), The Shard has been the tallest building in London since 2012. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, its jagged shape was inspired by the church spires and masts of old London—a clever bit of city soul-searching in glass.

Here’s a fun little fact: the top floor is actually empty, because the original plan included a viewing gallery that was moved lower. So, the absolute tip is nothing but elevator machinery and a very quiet, exclusive space for the cleaners.

Practical tip: book your “View from The Shard” tickets online in advance. The sunset slot is peak magic hour, but also peak price. Go for a weekday morning—you’ll share the view with just a handful of tourists and a lot of lonely pigeons.

The Silver Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe)

It’s officially called 30 St Mary Axe, but let’s be real—everyone calls it The Gherkin. At 180 metres (591 feet), it’s not the tallest, but it’s undeniably the most iconic. Follow that weird shape? It’s designed to reduce wind deflection, meaning it sways just a little, keeping you from getting seasick during a board meeting.

Fun fact: the building has a secret top-floor restaurant and bar called Searcy’s, but it’s members-only. Unless you know someone, you’ll have to settle for the public viewing platform at level 34—which is still pretty spectacular.

For a culture fix, note that The Gherkin made a splash in the 2015 film Spectre (James Bond, obviously). And if you’re into sustainability, it’s one of the greenest buildings in London, using natural ventilation for most of the year.

The Landmark: 22 Bishopsgate (Twentytwo)

If you’re looking for the second tallest building in London, say hello to 22 Bishopsgate, nicknamed Twentytwo. It scrapes the sky at 278 metres (912 feet)—almost as tall as The Shard, but with a refreshingly different vibe. Opened in 2020, it was built to fill the gap left by the 9/11-inspired height restrictions on the original “Pinnacle” design.

Here’s the best part: the top floor (level 60) is free to visit. Yes, free. The “Horizon 22” viewing gallery offers a 360-degree panorama that competes directly with The Shard, minus the price tag. You just need to book a slot online—and it’s incredibly popular, so plan ahead.

Want to feel like a true Londoner? The farmers’ market on Bishopsgate runs every Thursday morning. Grab a coffee and a pastry, then take the elevator up to level 60 for a morning view that beats any yoga class.

The Gentle Giants: Heron Tower and The Leadenhall Building

Heron Tower (now officially called Salesforce Tower) is a sleek, 230-metre (755-foot) skyscraper in the City. It’s home to the famous Sky Garden—wait, no, that’s 20 Fenchurch Street. Let me clarify: Heron Tower has a rooftop bar called Sky Garden as well, but it’s a separate, private space. The confusion is part of its charm.

Right next door is The Leadenhall Building (nicknamed the Cheesegrater for its wedge shape). At 225 metres (738 feet), it’s a little shorter but a lot more distinctive. Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour, it’s like a giant, glassy wedge of cheddar leaning to the east to protect the old St. Paul’s Cathedral views.

Fun fact: the Cheesegrater has a public roof garden on level 36—access is free but you need to check their website for opening hours. And if you’re standing at the base, look up: the building is tilted so dramatically that it feels like it might topple over. It won’t, but your knees might wobble.

The Newcomer: 1 Undershaft (The Trellis)

Currently under construction, 1 Undershaft will become the third tallest building in London at 290 metres (951 feet) once completed around 2029. It’s been nicknamed The Trellis because of its steel lattice exterior, which is designed to carry vertical gardens. Yes, skyscrapers are going green—literally.

The building will include a public viewing platform at the top, replacing the much-missed City of London Museum. For now, you can only see the construction site, but that’s a good reason to bookmark 2029 on your calendar.

Practical tip: if you want to feel the pulse of London’s future, grab a coffee at the nearby Paxton & Whitfield (a famous cheese shop) and watch the steel skeleton rise. It’s the most exciting show in town that doesn’t charge a ticket.

Why Look Up At All?

Here’s the quirky thing about London’s tallest buildings: they’re not just about height. Each one has a story, a nickname, and a clever design trick—like a child showing off at a talent show. The Gherkin was shaped by wind, the Cheesegrater by sunlight, and The Shard by history. They’re all trying to say something subtle about this ancient, messy, beautiful city.

So next time you’re walking through the City or hopping off the Tube at London Bridge, take a moment to crane your neck. You’re not just looking at steel and glass—you’re reading the city’s diary, written in elevators and sky gardens. And if you spot a pigeon on the highest ledge of The Shard, know this: he’s probably the only creature in London who’s actually paid for his view in sweat.