Stunning City Views

London is a city of opposites. It has the ability to be both beautiful and ugly; noisy and quiet; and wonderful and terrifying all at the same time. I was very fortunate in being able to find some beautiful, quiet and wonderful spots hidden throughout this gargantuan concrete jungle, and spend some time enjoying the serenity and cityscape that surrounded me.   

Hampstead Heath

Located a ways outside of Central London is one of the city's numerous green spaces (I personally find they get better the further out you go) that's home to wildlife, ponds, trees and trails. 

Surrounded by stunning examples of 1800s architecture, the area itself is very lovely and peaceful to visit. When you enter the Heath and walk amongst the thick, tall trees you do actually forget that you're still in the middle of the city because it's so quiet and natural-looking; however, you do get reminded of where you are when you catch glimpses of the tall metal buildings within the city's centre in the distance. 

If you're feeling up for it, you can also swim inside the many bodies of water within the Heath, as well. It's definitely well-worth a visit, and you can learn more about its history and references in pop culture here. 

Primrose Hill

Connected to Regent's Park, across from the London Zoo, this large natural hill offers an exceptional view of the burough of Southwark. This is a nice spot to spend an afternoon enjoying the view and city nearby.  

Chelsea Physic Garden

Nestled in the eccentrically posh burough of Chelsea is a lovely garden that's almost 400 years old. This garden is home to thousands of species of plants from around the world (also centuries old), specifically established to be able to study plants' natural healing qualities.  

The garden features such plants as: deadly nightshade, cannabis, and a 300-year old fruit-bearing pomegranate tree. The gentleman credited for the garden's growth, Sir Hans Sloane, brought a recipe back from Jamaica of cocoa and milk (to treat stomach issues) which was bought by Cadbury's, giving him his wealth to do so. 

Be sure to support the Chelsea Physic Garden, and you can even purchase some Beefeater's Gin inspired by the herbs housed there. 

The View from the Shard

Like the CN Tower in Toronto, the tallest building in London is The Shard. It's been nicknamed this because of its uncanny resemblance to a broken shard of glass. It features a roofless 360° observation deck to see spectacular views across the entire city, day and night.

Alexandra Palace

Although located near a dodgy part of town (Wood Green), Alexandra Palace (or Ally Pally), offers a stunning picturesque view of Central London from atop 313-foot Muswell Hill. 

It had been recently renovated and reopened to its former glory after being shut down for 70 years because of the emergence of London's answer to Broadway, West End. You can now enjoy a show there, go ice skating, and watch their excellent fireworks display commemorating Guy Fawkes' Day.    

St Paul's Cathedral

When first built, it was the highest building in London, St Paul's allows entry up to its dome for wonderful sights of the Thames and surrounding area...after a climb up 528 steps. It's great cardio, and rewarding in the end, I promise!

Crossrail Place Roof Garden

I stumbled upon this rooftop garden during my exploration of Canary Wharf and Canada Square. Crossrail Place Roof Garden's theme was East meets West, with tropical plants and winding paths within the space, including 2 restaurants at either end. 

Green roofs and buildings are a recent concept in London to combat CO2 emissions, so many of its newer builds will have a maintained garden and public space to enjoy the views (several are equipped with bars and restaurants, as well). You can also visit Covent Garden to see a living wall on one of the buildings straight across from the tube station.  

As mentioned, these elevated free public spaces can be found throughout the city; however, the highest of these is Sky Garden. You can book free tickets, or just arrive and hope for a free space. 

River Transport & Tower Bridge

I think it goes without saying that the easiest way to get a glimpse of the city along the Thames is in one of several water boat services. The area surrounding much of East London was known as the Docklands, and many of the buildings along the river were shipping and storage warehouses in the height of water trades (some buildings throughout England still have the huge cranes used to get cargo on and off ships).  

The lions' heads along the walls of the river located in Victoria Embankment serve more of a purpose than regal decoration as they're tied to a superstitious rhyme stipulating that if the river water reaches the statues' mouths, London will flood: 

When the lions drink, London will sink. When it's up to their manes, we'll go down the drains.

Being able to go up Tower Bridge allows you to see the area within its vicinity, and lets you see the murky waters below your feet (if you're brave enough to stand on the glass floor).