Creator-recommended London
The best rooftop bars and restaurants in London
London from above, without choosing from another anonymous list. These are rooftops that named creators visited and put on their own maps.
Start with Wagtail for City views. Pick Sky Garden when you want to spend nothing on entry.
Pick the right rooftop
Best free view
Sky Garden
Best City cocktails
Wagtail
Best rooftop dinner
SUSHISAMBA London
Best relaxed roof
Netil360
Rooftop restaurants in London with a view
The order is practical rather than precious. Strong views first, then places where the food or atmosphere gives you another reason to go.
The City#1Cocktails
Wagtail
Go when the view matters as much as the drink. The terrace sits above King William Street with the City spread out around it.
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- 2London Bridge#2
Casual drinks
London Bridge Rooftop Bar
A relaxed roof for after-work drinks near London Bridge. Aim for sunset and give yourself time to find the entrance.
Recommended on Lets Discover by Kate
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The City#3Free view
Sky Garden
The widest free view in this list. The indoor garden curls around the top of the Walkie Talkie, so poor weather does not ruin the plan. Reserve entry first.
Recommended on Lets Discover by jumpintothemap, Living London History and Lets Discover
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Liverpool Street#4Dinner
SUSHISAMBA London
Go for a proper dinner high above the City. The glass lift up Heron Tower is part of the fun, then the room opens onto the skyline.
Recommended on Lets Discover by coventgardenldn and London Dine Awards
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Battersea#5Dinner
JOIA Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop
A smart pick for dinner around Battersea Power Station. Stay for the rooftop rather than treating it as a quick pre-dinner drink.
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- 6Spitalfields#6
Pub roof
The Culpeper
A proper pub with a rooftop above Commercial Street. Better for a long afternoon than a polished late-night bar.
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- 7The Strand#7
Cocktails
radio rooftop london
Choose this for a central London drink with the skyline doing most of the work. Book ahead when the weather turns good.
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St Paul's#8Cocktails
Sabine London St Paul's
The one to pick when you want St Paul's close enough to dominate the view. Go early for a quieter terrace.
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London Fields#9Relaxed drinks
Netil360 Rooftop Bar - Restaurant
A more relaxed east London roof. Come for a casual drink and the open skyline, rather than white tablecloths.
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King's Cross#10Dinner
Decimo
The 10th floor of The Standard is the choice for dinner near King's Cross. Sit by the windows if the terrace is not playing along.
Recommended on Lets Discover by Vegans of LDN
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- 11Southwark#11
Dinner
Seabird
A South Bank rooftop for a longer meal. The high terrace is the point, so this works better as dinner than a rushed drink.
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South Bank#12River view
Oxo Tower
Pick this for a Thames view rather than a skyscraper panorama. The river runs directly below and St Paul's sits across the water.
Recommended on Lets Discover by Living London History
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Before you go up
What is the best rooftop bar in London for skyline views?
Wagtail is a strong choice for a close City skyline, while Sky Garden gives you a wider panorama. Pick Wagtail for cocktails and Sky Garden when the view itself is the plan.
Which London rooftop has free entry?
Sky Garden is free to visit, but timed entry should be reserved in advance. Its indoor garden also makes it a useful option when the weather is uncertain.
Which rooftop restaurants in London are best for dinner?
SUSHISAMBA London and Decimo are proper dinner destinations with elevated City views. JOIA works well when the rest of your evening is around Battersea.
Do London rooftop bars need booking?
Book ahead for sunset and warm weekends, especially on Fridays. Some rooftops accept walk-ins, but good weather fills terraces quickly and indoor tables do not always have the same view.
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