London's rooftop scene is shaped by two things — the Thames and the conservation-area planning rules that limit new tall buildings. The 10 below are the rooftop rooms where the view actually delivers. Most require booking; the genuinely free ones (Sky Garden) require advance reservation regardless.
Part of our 50 Best Rooftop Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best rooftop bars in London
01 · London
London Bridge
$$$$
31st floor · Glass walls
On the 31st floor of The Shard. The view is the show.
Order: Champagne or a martini, served slowly
02 · London
City of London
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35th floor · Free entry
On top of 20 Fenchurch Street. Free entry by reservation. The most accessible high-altitude view in London.
Order: A spritz at sunset
03 · London
St Paul's
$$$
St Paul's view
On top of One New Change. St Paul's dome is at eye level from the terrace.
Order: Aperol Spritz, terrace edition
04 · London
Strand
$$$
Hotel rooftop · ME Hotel
On top of the ME Hotel by Foster + Partners. 360-degree view of the South Bank and Strand.
Order: A martini with the Thames view
05 · London
Liverpool Street
$$$$
38th floor · Heron Tower
On the 38th floor of Heron Tower. Outdoor and indoor sections; views in every direction.
Order: A sake-led cocktail with the panorama
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06 · London
Mayfair
$$$
Hotel rooftop · Mayfair
On top of a Mayfair hotel. Polished rooftop with classics-driven cocktail program.
Order: A French 75
07 · London
Hackney
$
East London rooftop
On top of an East London building. Casual rooftop with view of the City and Canary Wharf.
Order: A craft beer + the East London view
08 · London
Peckham
$
Multi-storey car park rooftop
On top of a multi-storey car park in Peckham. Summer-only, casual, the most beloved London rooftop bar locals defend.
Order: A negroni at sunset
09 · London
St James's
$$$
Hotel rooftop · Chesil Group
At the Trafalgar St. James hotel. Direct view across to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
Order: A negroni with the Trafalgar view
10 · London
Shoreditch
$
East London rooftop · Casual
Hoxton rooftop bar with summer programming and a winter wigwam. Casual, walk-in friendly.
Order: A pint + the East London view
More London rooftopsThe full London rooftop-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How to do London rooftops properly
Aqua Shard is on the 31st floor — the highest in the list. Sky Garden is free if you book the visitor slot. Madison gives you St Paul's at eye level. The 10 above are essential for understanding London from above.
