London is host to some of the most iconic and historic buildings in the world from Big Ben to the Houses of Parliament to the Tower of London. What better way to sit and admire them, than from a rooftop bar! A lovely glass of something special surrounded by history is one of my favourite ways to enjoy rooftop bars in London. Whether you’re a Londoner who just needs a new perspective, or a tourist looking to take picture-perfect photos, London’s landmarks have never looked more impressive.
Updated August 2026: There have been some new entries since I first wrote this!
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Big Ben & Westminster Abbey
- Trafalgar Square
- The London Eye
- The City
- The BT Tower
- The Shard
- The Tower of London
- Tower Bridge
- Houses of Parliament
- One Blackfriars (The Boomerang)
- Television Centre
- 20 Fenchurch (The Walkie Talkie)
- Hyde Park
- Somerset House
- St James’s Palace
- Covent Garden – from the Royal Opera House
- The 02
St Paul’s Cathedral
Where’s the rooftop? Sabine Rooftop Bar and restaurant in the city.
London Landmark: St Paul’s Cathedral was first built in 604 AD but what we have today is actually the fourth version due to several fires. Under the architectural design of Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul’s Cathedral as we know it today opened in 1711, and until 1963, it was the tallest building in London.
About the Rooftop Bar: Sabine Rooftop bar opened in 2021 – 310 years later! It was a welcome addition to the London rooftop scene with such impressive views of St Pauls. This is one of London’s landmarks that can be seen from many rooftop bars, such as those on the Southbank. But this is an up close and personal experience. Madison’s rooftop bar previously held the rooftop crown for the best views of St Pauls and they are still magnificent. The difference is, the best photo ops at Madison’s are in a public space that you can’t take your drinks down to. So Sabine has stepped in and stolen the rooftop crown! Read my full review of Sabine Rooftop Bar and restaurant.
Big Ben & Westminster Abbey
Where’s the rooftop? Bolney Rooftop Bar by Searcys, Westminter
London Landmark: Westminster Abbey and Big Ben – though, it isn’t actually called Big Ben! That’s its nickname. It’s actually called Elizabeth Tower (and before that the Clock Tower). The nickname came from the name Benjamin Hall who over saw the construction of Houses of Parliament and name is inscribed on the bell. (Also London Eye)
About the Rooftop Bar: First to manage expectations – it is seasonal but if I didn’t live in London I would actually plan a trip just to sit on this rooftop! Its magic. Read my full review of Bolney Rooftop Bar by Searcys,
Trafalgar Square
Where’s the rooftop? The Rooftop at Trafalgar Square.
Landmark: Trafalgar Square was developed as a tribute to Lord Nelson who died defeating Napoleon in 1805 at the battle of Trafalgar. A column was also erected with his statue on the top. This became the centrepiece to this square. In 1856 the square then became home to the Portrait gallery that still houses some of the world’s finest art.
About the Rooftop Bar: Aptly named, ‘The Rooftop’ perched on top of the also aptly named Trafalgar Hotel. It is a beautiful rooftop bar with the views being enjoyed from the outside terrace. Read my full review of The Rooftop.
The London Eye
Where’s the rooftop? Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, at Southbank.
London Landmark: The London Eye opened in 2000 as the tallest Ferris wheel in the world but then lost that claim just 2 years later. It was meant to be a temporary attraction but due to its popularity it has become one of London’s most iconic symbols.
About the Rooftop Bar: Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Gardens is a secret summer garden escape above the bustling Southbank on top of the building of the same name. It is also a landmark of its own right. It opened in 1967 with the rooftop following 44 years later to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain. With 200 native plants this rooftop was also originally part of the Eden Project. The London Eye is another landmark that can be viewed from afar from many rooftop bars but this is the closest view – shame it’s not open in winter. Read my full review of Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden.
The City
Where’s the rooftop? Jin Bo Law in Aldgate.
London Landmark: The city, known as the square mile within London is the home to many businesses from law firms, banks and headquarters for businesses. It forms an iconic skyline.
About the Rooftop Bar: Jin Bo Law above the Dorsett City Hotel sits just on the edge of the ‘square mile’ meaning it has views you can almost touch. This modern skyline has attracted huge rooftop bar competition. And while this is one of the smaller terraces Jin Bo Law’s views will leave you awestruck as you step out. They have also created and crafted thoughtful cocktails such as ‘WFH’ and ‘Expense me’! If only!! Read my full review of Jin Bo Law.
The BT Tower
Where’s the rooftop? The Nest at the Tree House hotel on Regent Street
London Landmark: Originally called The Post Office Tower it was opened by the PM in 1965. It was opened to the public a year later with offices, a shop and a rotating restaurant called ‘Top of the Tower’. Tragically 5 years later a bomb was set off by the IRA in one of the restaurant toilets. This led to the closing of the tower to the public and being renamed to the BT Tower. It still hosts corporate events and still has the rotating floor – I know as I’ve helped organise an event up it! But 2024 sees it being sold and plans for it to be a hotel!
About the Rooftop Bar: The Nest nestles up Regent Street with sweeping views over London with the BT Tower its most prominent landmark in view. This rooftop bar also boasts an indoor bar that has recreated a nest in a treehouse cosy ambiance. Read my full review of The Nest at the Tree House hotel.
The Shard
Where’s the rooftop? London Bridge Rooftop on top of Colehouse Church building
London Landmark: The Shard is a newer landmark to London’s skyline. It opened in 2013 and hosts its own (indoor) bar with mesmerizing sweeping views. If you are brave enough, the very top is open to the elements! No bar though, so no good! Home to a hotel, offices and residents it has succeeded in its ambition to create a vertical city.
About the Rooftop Bar:London Bridge Rooftop is also new to the London scene arriving 8 years after the Shard. Originally as a pop up for the winter with the motto, ‘here for a good time not a long time’. Thankfully it stayed! And whilst it’s nowhere near as tall as the Shard – the view of its imposing neighbour is breathtaking. There are many rooftop bars that features a view of The Shard – this is more unusual as it’s so close. But for a classic view Wagtail would come a close second. Read my full review of London Bridge Rooftop.
The Tower of London
Where’s the rooftop? Cloud M at Citizen M Hotel
London Landmark:The Tower of London crowning more London history with its infamous dungeons and beheadings of the past, was first built in 1070s. It was actually a palace and home to the Crown Jewels. It was also and more famously used as a prison, with the last prisoner held in the second world war – the deputy of the Nazi party. The last execution was also during the war that of a Nazi spy! Since then it has become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions.
About the Rooftop Bar: Cloud M is a secret treasure of a rooftop bar with sensational views. Not as popular as many as you can’t actually sit outside – just stand and pose! Read my full review of Cloud M.
Tower Bridge
Where’s the rooftop? Savage Garden on top of the Hilton at Tower Hill.
London Landmark: Tower bridge (not to be confused with London Bridge!) opened almost 800 years after the Tower of London as a much needed crossing for the Thames.
About the Rooftop Bar: Savage Garden opened under the name of Sky Lounge over a decade ago and whilst it wasn’t rebuilt like many of our landmarks, it was rejuvenated to the wickedly wild rooftop bar we know today. It also has great Shard views. Read my full review of Savage Garden.
Houses of Parliament
Where’s the rooftop? Mezemiso at the Hyatt Hotel on the Embankment.
London Landmark: The Houses of Parliament and fun fact, it used to be former Palace! And my first ever terrace aged 9!
About the Rooftop Bar: Mezemiso is a Lebanese rooftop restaurant with a tiny terrace and whilst the views aren’t in your face they are the only rooftop in London with them! Read my full review of Mezemiso.
One Blackfriars (The Boomerang)
Where’s the rooftop? Seabird at The Hoxton Hotel, Southwark
London Landmark: Nicknamed ‘the Boomerang’ for its shape, One Blackfriars is a lesser known landmark. Partly because it is a residential building. It was meant to have a public viewing gallery but plans changed. So you can’t access its views unless a resident.
About the Rooftop Bar: Seabird landed in London back in 2019 and has been serving some of the most fantastic seafood and views ever since. It also has a sister rooftop in Brussels! Read my full review of Seabird Rooftop..
Television Centre
Where’s the rooftop? The Broadcaster, at White City
London Landmark: Television Centre known as ‘TVC’ or ‘BBC TVC’ was the base of the BBC for 53 years until it was sadly sold. It was home to some of the UK’s most iconic TV programmes from The Two Ronnies to Strictly Come Dancing. (Both of which I worked on in my TV days!) Whilst the studios are retained and now used by many TV companies including ITV’s This Morning, the rest is flats, Soho House (with a rooftop!) and restaurants.
About the Rooftop Bar: The Broadcaster was new in 2022 offering guests the chance to almost touch history and if you are really lucky you never know who might have finished filming and be enjoying some alfresco drinks! Read my full review of The Broadcaster.
20 Fenchurch (The Walkie Talkie)
Where’s the rooftop? Wagtail at the end of London Bridge at Monument.
London Landmark: 20 Fenchurch Street, named as such because yes it’s at that address, arrived into our lives in 2014. Fondly referred to as the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building due to its shape, it is home to the famous Sky Gardens. It’s often claimed to be a rooftop garden and bar but as it’s enclosed is not. In fact during Covid they were so convinced they reopened when outdoor dining was allowed. They quickly had to close again as it is actually enclosed and were breaking the guidelines!
About the Rooftop Bar: Wagtail is one of London’s newest and most impressive rooftop bars. If you are short on time and need to see as many landmarks as possible, whilst not rushing your Rose, then this rooftop bar covers St Paul’s, The Shard, The City, London Bridge. And of course… the Walkie Talkie. Read my full review of Wagtail.
Hyde Park
Where’s the rooftop? Ce La Vi, Paddington
London Landmark: Hyde Park was originally a Royal hunting space that didn’t become open to the public until 1637. From duels, to demonstrations to Winter wonderland! This park has seen a lot of drama!
Rooftop: Ce La Vi is the highest rooftop in London, offering vast views over West London. Read my full review of Ce La Vi
Somerset House
Where’s the rooftop? ME Radio Rooftop, at The Strand.
London Landmark: The original Somerset house was once home to the Queen of England as a royal palace. The building we have today was a replacement and has been in use since 1801. Today is is home to offices, exhibitions, summer open air concerts and at Christmas the ice rink!
About the Rooftop Bar: ME Radio Rooftop Bar is one of London’s most popular boujee rooftops. With sensational views over London it also stands towering over Somerset House. Read my full review of ME Radio Rooftop.
St James’s Palace
Where’s the rooftop? St James’s Café Terrace in James’s park.
London Landmark: St James’s Palace was build on the site of a leper hospital in the 1530s. Since then many historic moments have taken place here from Queen Victoria’s marriage to the proclamation of the current King.
About the Rooftop Bar: St James Café is from the Benugo group offering an indoor and outdoor café serving breakfast and lunch it makes for a great spot between landmark spotting! Read my full review of St James’s Café.
Covent Garden – from the Royal Opera House
Where the rooftop? Piazza Terrace Bar: Bar Cicoria at the Royal Opera House
London Landmark: The Royal Opera House despite its name is actually home to ballet and opera. Originally built in 1732 then again in 1808 after fires destroyed it. The building we see today was opened in 1858. Covent Garden however dates back to 1200 as just fields! In 1630 it was developed into the first public square.
About the Rooftop Bar:The Piazza, which means a public square, actually looks over this historic site. Go for drinks before a performance or if you just want a different vantage point to enjoy one of London’s most famous markets. Read my full review of Piazza Terrace Bar: Bar Cicoria
The 02
Where the rooftop? Sunborn, by the Excel.
London Landmark: Formally known as the Millennium Dome, it was opened on 31st December 1999 as an experience for the public marking the turn of the year 2000. It closed a year later, over budget. The building was meant to be temporary but it was transformed into the entertainment hub we know it as today.
About the Rooftop Bar: Whilst technically not a rooftop bar as we know it, this floating hotel and bar offer fabulous views over this side of London since 2014. Read my full review of the Sunborn
