Despite my fear of heights, I can’t resist checking out a good viewing platform whenever I get the chance. So, when I heard that Horizon 22 was London’s tallest free viewing spot, I was thrilled at the chance to experience it. I ended up visiting twice – the first attempt was ruined by disappointing weather obscuring the views – but on my second visit, I was rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic vista of London.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON takes you to Horizon 22, where you can admire some of London’s most iconic landmarks!
Horizon 22, London’s second highest building
Horizon 22 is located in The City, which is the eastern part of central London. It is located on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, which stands at 278 meters (912 feet) and is the second tallest building in London, after The Shard, which reaches 310 meters (1,016 feet).
But it stands as the highest free public viewing platform in Europe, offering stunning views of the UK capital.
It is even higher than the Sky Garden, which I already presented on this blog, and that you can see from Horizon 22.
Since its opening in September 2023, Horizon 22 has quickly become a go-to spot for anyone visiting London who wants to take in some seriously amazing views. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s hard to resist heading up to the 58th floor to see the city from above!
I saw and heard people from all over the world visiting to admire the view, some even with their suitcases, making it their last chance to experience the sights before heading home.
Horizon 22 spectacular views of London
At 254 meters high, Horizon 22 offers stunning 300-degree views of London’s skyline. Initially, I was a bit disappointed that we couldn’t see the entire horizon, but honestly, you get some of the best views of iconic landmarks. And really, that’s more than enough to take in the beauty of the city!
From up there, you can spot iconic buildings like St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, the Tower of London, and Canary Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to take it all in and get a new perspective on the city!
To get the clearest views of the city, it’s best to visit on a sunny day. Of course, tourists may not have the luxury of choosing their timing, and while the viewpoint is still impressive, it can be quite disappointing not to see London’s iconic landmarks clearly.
What I learned from my experience is that, in addition to booking online (which is recommended during peak season), you can also opt for the walk-in option, offering more flexibility (but again, better off peak). Once availability is confirmed, you will be asked to complete your booking online at the entrance.
The downside of sunny weather is the glare on the windows! I had a hard time taking pictures, even early in the morning, because of the reflections. I’m not sure if this is something the architects could have prevented, but it definitely affects the clarity of photos. Fortunately, the live experience is still worth it!
Essential tips for your Horizon 22 visit
As I mentioned earlier, visiting Horizon 22 is free of charge, but it’s highly recommended to book in advance online (information below).
Horizon 22 has a small café where you can grab a hot or cold drink and enjoy some cakes (just note that you can’t bring drinks into Horizon 22 itself). There is a small seating area too. If you’re a coffee addict, it’s a very convenient way to relax and take in the views of London!
Horizon 22 is child-friendly, with families welcome to visit and special guidelines in place for those with children. I even saw some kids absolutely thrilled by the experience!
Getting to the top is a thrilling experience, with a high-speed lift zooming visitors up to the 58th floor in just 41 seconds!
If you’re a fan of high viewpoints and stunning views of London, be sure to check out my other posts on The Sky Garden and Garden at 120. Both are located in The City and offer incredible panoramic views of the capital!
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I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering Horizon 22 and found some inspiration here. If you’re planning to visit soon, feel free to share your thoughts on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!
To go further:
Horizon 22: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ.
Opening hours: Weekdays 10.00 – 18.00 / Saturday 10.00 – 17.00 / Sunday 10.00 – 16.00.
How to get there by tube: you can reach the following stations: Bank, Liverpool Street, Moorgate, and Monument, all of which are within a 10-minute walk.
Website
“C’est haut !” comme dirait un acteur connu du cinéma français !
et c’est beau ! Un reportage vertigineux pour admirer la vaste vue sur la City.
Les grandes baies vitrées donnent une impression de liberté incroyable .
J’aime beaucoup cette visite
Les reflets confèrent une intéressante atmosphère aux photos.
Never realised there was a building looking over the Shard! Thanks for the nice post!
@Christine It’s definitely worth a visit!
@Myriam So true! An asset for photography!
@Pedro You are very welcome! Please share your experience whenever you visit the place!