Is Sky Garden worth visiting? Here’s what you can see, do, and expect!
You’ve probably heard about the Sky Garden from a friend or seen it pop up in your search results when looking for “restaurants with a view in London.” Perhaps you’ve even come across clips on your social media feed that made you ask, “Where is this place?”
But that must’ve been followed by “Is Sky Garden worth visiting?” As someone who values time and avoids regrets, I wouldn’t be at ease until I found a clear answer—with solid reasons to say yes or no.
If you’re with me, then let’s find out! Here’s everything you need to know about the Sky Garden, from the views and activities to insider tips, along with the pros and cons to help you decide whether to go or not.
What you can expect at the Sky Garden
Views and photography
It’s called Sky Garden for a reason—to see London from above, or more specifically, from atop the Walkie-Talkie building. This means 360-degree views of the skyline, featuring landmarks like The Shard, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and more.
A break from all the eyesores below, clear and sweeping cityscapes await you by day. Come sunset, you’ll see the Thames glowing golden—a striking contrast to the black-and-white haze of car smoke you face on your daily commute.
Not to mention the best areas for taking photos! For a better understanding, here’s a table of some iconic city sights visible from the Sky Garden, plus some photography tips and a short description of each so you know exactly what you’re looking at:
| Landmark | Description | Best area | Photography tip |
| The Shard | London’s tallest skyscraper, known for its sleek glass design | Main viewing deck (South side) | Snap reflections on the Thames |
| Tower Bridge | Iconic bridge over the River Thames | West side | Zoom in to capture details |
| The Tower of London | A historic castle and former royal palace | West side | Best photographed in natural light |
| St. Paul’s Cathedral | Famous for its dome, an architectural masterpiece | South terrace | Try a wide-angle shot for perspective |
| The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) | A uniquely shaped modern skyscraper | East side | Best captured against a blue sky |
The Garden experience
Despite being called a “garden”, Sky Garden isn’t a traditional botanical garden. Instead, it’s a beautifully curated landscaped space with Mediterranean and South African plant species, such as tree ferns, African lilies, and bird of paradise.
You may also catch the smell of lavender and rosemary or spot the pops of color that the red hot pokers bring. The plants are spread across three levels: the main deck (the central greenery), mid terrace (a slightly elevated area), and upper terrace (the highest accessible point).
Thanks to the abundance of greenery and open design, the Garden remains peaceful, even though it’s a popular attraction. Soft, natural light filters through the glass ceiling, and the rustling leaves drown out the crowd’s noise.
Outdoor balcony
Compared to the rest of the enclosed areas at Sky Garden, the outdoor balcony offers a more immersive experience for its open-air layout. Here, you can have the chance to enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views without the barrier of glass.
It’s available year-round from Monday to Friday (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and Saturday (11:00 AM to 6:00 PM). However, the balcony may have restricted access during particularly cold or windy weather.
If the wind picks up or it rains, the outdoor area may temporarily close for safety reasons. This is why some visitors prefer coming in spring or summer when the weather is milder and more predictable.
Sky Garden dining options
Fenchurch restaurant
Media credit: fenchurchrestaurant
Address: Level 37, Sky Garden Walk
Phone: +44 333 772 0020
Pricing: £££
Operating hours:
- Monday – 5 PM – 9 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM – 2:30 PM; 5 PM – 9 PM
At Fenchurch restaurant, you’ll be digging into Caribbean-inspired dishes like whiskey BBQ wings, cured jerk salmon ceviche, and juicy aged sirloin steak from the grill. You can enjoy these through their five-course tasting menu, a la carte, or chef’s set menu.
Many customers have found their wine selection and handcrafted cocktails impressive, noting that they complement the rich flavors of the food. Some opt for counter dining at the bar, where there are small plates, sides, and off-the-grill specialties made for sharing.
The relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance of Fenchurch adds to a memorable fine-dining experience. Plus, a reservation here means you don’t need a separate ticket to access the gardens.
Darwin Brasserie
Media credit: sg_skygarden
Address: Level 36, Sky Garden Walk
Phone: +44 333 772 0020
Pricing: £
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 8:30 AM – 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Booking a window table at Darwin Brasserie lets you look out to breathtaking city views as you dine. It’s a lively all-day dining location with signature dishes like dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and indulgent desserts.
Given the brasserie’s early opening hours, Darwin is a popular spot for breakfast. Morning visitors especially love the classics, including eggs Benedict and full English breakfasts, which they often pair with coffee or mimosas.
The interiors are very stylish, with warm wooden accents, sleek modern furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. Some people avoid lunch and dinner here, though, because it gets busy during those hours.
City Garden Bar
Media credit: kchiuch
Address: Level 36, Sky Garden Walk
Phone: +44 333 772 0020
Pricing: ££
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8 AM – 12 AM
- Friday – 8 AM – 1 AM
- Saturday – 9 AM – 1 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM – 12 AM
If you’d like to take in the city views with a drink in hand, the City Garden Bar is one of the best spots in Sky Garden to do so. Many visitors say it’s even better at sunset, when a glass of wine, a crisp beer, or a sip of premium spirits feels even more satisfying.
Unlike Sky Garden’s general admission, no booking is required to visit the bar during its opening hours. You can simply soak up the view even when it’s closed!
However, those who aim to secure a place in the evening should book early because table availability for walk-ins at night depends on capacity and demand.
The reason for this is that special events, such as music nights and live DJ sets, kick off once the sun goes down. As for the food, there are bar snacks and small plates that pair well with the drinks, all set in a garden-like oasis.
Access and entry tips
Booking process
General admission to the garden is free, but you’ll need to book three weeks in advance, especially if you’re going in the evening or on weekends. New tickets are released every Monday morning, around 10:00 AM.
Simply visit the website, choose your ticket quantity, and select your preferred date and time. The aforementioned Sky Garden’s dining options also accept advance bookings—you can reserve a table at Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch, or City Garden Bar.
Afterward, you’ll get a confirmation email with your reservation details. Garden admissions include a ticket or QR code for entry, which you’ll show upon arrival.
Meanwhile, dining reservations come with a reminder 24 hours before your booking.
Security and entrance tips
You’ll need to pass through an airport-style security check when entering the building, which involves scanning your bag and going through a metal detector. For convenience, it’s best to bring a small bag and leave sharp items at home.
The process can take some time, so be sure to arrive early—preferably 30 minutes before your reservation. This is especially important at night and on weekends, when lines tend to be longer and can cause delays.
Double-check your selected date and time, as you’ll be denied entry if you arrive at the wrong time. Don’t forget to bring a photo ID along with your ticket on the day of your visit, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Alternatives for guaranteed access
If you miss out on free ticket reservations, don’t worry—there are other ways to guarantee your access to the Sky Garden. You can book a breakfast or dinner reservation at one of the restaurants located inside.
By reserving a table at Fenchurch, Darwin Brasserie, or the City Garden Bar, you can skip the usual ticket queue. However, keep in mind that dining reservations fill up fast and are limited, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
Pros and cons of visiting the Sky Garden
Visitor tips for the best experience
Best times to visit:
If you prefer a quieter experience, come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These times also give the best natural lighting for photos, though be mindful of glare during the day.
Meanwhile, for the best views of the prominent city sights from the Sky Garden, we’ve put together a table highlighting the ideal times to see some of them. This way, you can plan your visit accordingly and capture picture-perfect shots:
| Landmark | Best time to see |
| The Shard | Sunset and night |
| Tower Bridge | Daytime and sunset |
| The Tower of London | Daytime |
| St. Paul’s Cathedral | Afternoon |
| The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) | Daytime |
Packing tips:
You wouldn’t want to go to Sky Garden without pictures, would you? So, bring a camera or your phone to preserve your experience, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
If you plan to enjoy a drink, make sure to have your ID as proof that you’re over 18. Also, consider packing a cardigan, scarf, or jacket to stay warm on the outdoor balcony, particularly in the evening or on windy days.
Time management:
To appreciate Sky Garden in its entirety, plan to spend at least one hour there. This allows enough time for you to take in the views and perhaps enjoy a meal, drinks, or both.
Make the most of your visit by exploring these iconic landmarks nearby after your time at the garden. To help you plan, here’s a table with a list of must-visit places, including their walking distances and highlights, so you can easily pair them with your trip:
| Landmark | Walking distance | Highlights |
| The Monument to the Great Fire of London | 3-minute walk | Climb 311 steps for panoramic views |
| Leadenhall Market | 3-minute walk | Victorian architecture, boutique shops, eateries |
| Tower of London | 10-minute walk | Historic landmark |
| Tower Bridge | 15-minute walk | Iconic bridge over the River Thames |
| St. Paul’s Cathedral | 17-minute walk | Grand dome, famous religious site |
| Borough Market | 11-minute walk | Fresh produce, street food, and artisanal delights |
Verdict: Is Sky Garden worth visiting?
After everything we’ve discussed, it’s clear that Sky Garden is an excellent, free option for city views. It’s especially great for those who enjoy the process of planning ahead for ticketing and navigating the crowds.
Besides, taking at least an hour to escape the hustle and bustle of the world below and spending it inside a garden with restaurants and music sounds truly appealing. As they say, there’s no harm in trying—but whether the Sky Garden is worth visiting or not is up to you.
Although if you ask me, I’d say, “If I have the budget for the restaurants and the time to explore, why not?”