Sky Garden, London

Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Vi帽oly, 20 Fenchurch Street is better known by its catchier nickname鈥攖he 鈥淲alkie-Talkie.鈥� Why? Well, because it looks exactly like one, just supersized and stuck smack in the London skyline. Not everyone is a fan of its chunky silhouette, but love it or mock it, the building makes quite the statement鈥攁nd unlike most skyscrapers, it actually lets the public in for free.

At the top sits the Sky Garden, a three-story glass crown perched on the 35th, 36th, and 37th floors. To get in, you鈥檒l need to be quick on the click鈥攆ree tickets drop every Monday, and they vanish faster than a London cab on a rainy night. Once you鈥檝e secured your spot, you鈥檒l be treated to one of the best panoramic views in the city, complete with a side of wine or dinner if you book a table. Yes, the bars and restaurants stay open late for those who like their skyline with a cocktail.

From this lofty perch, the view is a who鈥檚 who of London鈥檚 architectural elite: look south for the jagged elegance of The Shard, or north for a full lineup of nicknamed giants鈥擳ower 42, the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater, the Scalpel, and the tall-and-polished 22 Bishopsgate.

As for the 鈥済arden鈥� part of Sky Garden, it鈥檚 not just a name. You鈥檒l find a leafy collection of semitropical trees, succulents, and flowering showstoppers like African lilies, Red Hot Pokers, and Birds of Paradise, all bordered by wafts of French lavender. It鈥檚 basically a high-rise greenhouse with views, drinks, and a better Instagram ratio than most city parks.

Bottom line: whether you鈥檙e a lover of lush greenery, skyline spotting, or just in it for the gram鈥攖he Walkie-Talkie talks back.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Sky Garden
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

City of London Walking Tour

Walking Tours in London, England

Create Your Own Walk in London

Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.

The name "Jack the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles

Bridges of London

Around thirty bridges span the Thames river in London, each with its own story. Our self-guided walk takes you to see nine such historical structures located in the heart of the city, starting from the storied Westminster Bridge and ending at the iconic Tower Bridge.

The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles

Walk around Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

South Bank Walking Tour

London鈥檚 South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London鈥檚 old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles

London's Historic Pubs Walk

If there鈥檚 any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.

With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles

Jane Austen鈥檚 London

The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham鈥檚 elopement in 鈥淧ride & Prejudice.鈥�

One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles

View all walking tours in London, England

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...