The best places to see London from are up high. Get bird’s eye views and see for miles from The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard.
Tower Bridge with Canary Wharf behind – from floor 52 of the Shangri La Hotel
I love viewing places I know from above and can spend hours pouring over Google Earth. Some of the best views of London are from the top of The Shard at London Bridge at 95 storey sky scraper, with the luxurious Shangri-La hotel occupying floors 34 – 52 and offering some of the best views I’ve ever had from a hotel room. We could have sat for hours on end gazing out – we’ve reviewed our stay at The Shard in a separate post.
One a clear day you can see up to 40 miles from the top of The Shard, and we could see almost as far from a few floors down. I always forget just how much the Thames twists and how compact central London really is and how all the buildings relate to each other when seen from different angles. Kids would love the view as well!
The Tower of London from the 52nd Floor.
HMS Belfast from the 52nd Floor
The Unicorn Theatre and platforms at London Bridge station, from the 35th floor
The Monument and St Magnus from our bedroom 46th floor
View from the bath – 46th floor
The London Eye with St James’ Park behind with Buckingham Palace to the left of the Eye. Waterloo Station is the large grey ridged roof building on the left, and you can just see “Big Ben” on the far left of the image.
Many of the nearer views are very detailed, Stoney Street by day.
Southwark Cathedral with a train going past.
The controversial Strata SE1 building, with the three turbines in the roof.
St Paul’s Cathedral, Paternoster Square where the First Dates restaurant is situated is behind and to the right.
Bridges over the Thames, (L to R) Millennium foot bridge, Southwark Bridge and Canon Street rail bridge
Minster Court in the city – I used to work here, and the building was also used as Cruella De Vil’s office in the 1996 version of 101 Dalmatians.
Railway lines leading out of London Bridge station – the amount of railway lines, and number of trains is quite staggering.
Garden roof of Canon Street Station – the amount of greenery in central London is very apparent.
Morning light on St Paul’s – shortly after sunrise.
Night time views – of St Paul’s and the wider city.
We were the guests of The Shangri La at the Shard, London. Full hotel review coming soon.
Not all the views can be seen from one hotel room – it will depend where you are in the hotel. Our room could see from Strata SEI, Westminster, The London Eye, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s and the West of the City up to London Bridge and The Monument.
Love to Travel? Then check out my trip on the Spitbank Fort.
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet
Wow, lovely photos of the gorgeous views! After living here almost 13 years, only 3 weeks ago I went on the London Eye but it can’t compete with the Shard!
Helen
It was the best view I’ve every had from a hotel room!
Gareth Torrance
I have yet to visit the Shard… But I really, really want to! Especially with amazing views like that! It might make a nice anniversary weekend next year!
Helen
I highly recommend a night at the Shangri-La. Well worth it for a special occasion.
Sarah Bailey
Oh my goodness those views are absolutely stunning, I would love to check out the views from the shard one day as well your photos just speak all the words that are needed I think.
Helen
Completely wonderful. I really really want to go back.
Sisley White
What a stunning view! I am desperate to visit soon… must remember the camera
Helen
Camera and tripod for the night time shots.
five little doves
Wow! That;s how to see London!! We went to the sky gardens last year which is opposite the shard and the view as amazing! I have vertigo but I still managed it!
Helen
I still need to go there – and see the Shard from it!
Ana De- Jesus
I have been to the shard once and it was quite a beautiful experience. The shangri hotel is absolutely magnificent isn’t it? x
Helen
The Shangri-La is just exquisite. I cannot wait to return for cocktails one evening.
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What a fab picture post, Helen. I saw your FB live video and knew you were in for a great visit, with can’t-tear-yourself-away views. Until your vid I didn’t know that the Shangri-la was in the Shard
Helen
We wanted to sit up all night looking !
Mummy Times Two
Wow, what incredible views all round the city. You really can see everything.
Helen
Absolutely amazing!
Katrina
Wow what a view I think I need to go on the eye next time I’m there to truely appreciated the view
Helen
The Eye is nowhere near as igh – but still worth the visit.
Rhian Westbury
I’ve been up the shard but I actually didn’t know they had a hotel. I bet it’s pretty pricey, but worth it for the views x
Helen
I think that a night in one of the City view rooms is well worth it for the experience. We could have sat all night and watched.
Stephanie Merry
What an amazing view! I’d love to visit the hotel there x
Helen
It was stunning. Such an amazing experience.
Ayesha Farhad
I love it when you can see literally half of london from buildings! the sunrise picture is just AMAZING!
Helen
There is nothing like a view from up high.
Rani bruyns
Those views are amazing! I absolutely love how beautiful london is
Helen
I so love London.
Melanie
This place is great for views I stayed there and went to the gong bar which was fab :) x
Helen
We had great cocktails in Gong bar!
Jess
Wow what incredible views, I didn’t realise you could see so far – 40 miles is quite impressive!!
Helen
It is amazing. We saw some fireworks over Wembley after sunset.
Leah Lander-Shafik
London truly is one of the most amazing cities in the world. I love it and the views look incredible! I have yet to go up the Shard but hope one day I will get to do it x
Helen
The views from the hotel are amazing. Really worth seeing.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
Wow great photos, I love the view from The Shard especially at night! Great experience :)
Helen
I could stay there for a week and stay happy with that view.
Dannii
The views are incredible – especially the night time ones. I could sit there with a glass of wine and look at them for hours.
Helen
We could have easily stayed up all night.
Baby Isabella
We’ve yet to visit The Shard but agree that the views across London are amazing! We’ve stayed in Shangri-La hotels in Hong Kong and KL and love their hospitality and service x
Helen
It is such a service orientated chain. Delightful.
melissa major
Wow such amazing views over London! I want to go to the shard one day
Helen
I cannot wait to go back!
Tanya Brannan
Wow!!! What stunning photographs! I have just got a new camera and would love to take some shots from the view there.
It is actually on my list of things to do before I am 50….. So it may well happen x
Helen
It is well worth the stay, especially if you get an offer.
Emily Leary
Such fantastic views, it must be quite strange to be able to see so many parts of London you recognise at once, and from such a different perspective!
Helen
I think that skyscapes in your own city are the best.
Donna
Fantastic views! I have yet to stay there but really can’t wait until I do!
Helen
Go! it really is worth it for the views.
Ashleigh
That’s one of the best views of London, ever. I’ll have to visit here sometime :)
Helen
The most amazing views.
Jacqui Paterson
I LOVE a good view, and London is one of my favourite skylines in the world – everywhere you look you can see centuries of history. Looking forward to reading your hotel review. x
Helen
I loved the skyline. So much more interesting when you know the city well.
Stephanie Cummings
Those views. I do love cityscapes so I’d be in my element. I’ve never been to London so to see so much of it from up high is amazing
Helen
I love the views of my city, it is such a beautiful cityscape.
Natasha Mairs
I have never been to London before so never knew it was so built up and closed in. The photos from a birds eye view look amazing, especially the nighttime ones
Helen
i thin of it as quite spacious, I really noticed much green there is too.