Alternatives to the London Eye

While the London Eye is one of the most recognizable attractions in London, it is also a towering icon of the city’s most famous skyline. With multiple pods that offer stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding attractions, the Eye is a must-visit for any London traveler. But other than the London Eye, there are plenty of other attractions in the city that offer the same views, and the experience is a bit more refreshing. These include high-rise buildings, beautiful parks, historical sites, and other modern developments, that view the opulence of the city and the richness of history behind it. Each of the attractions offers a different/exciting experience, and that’s what this article attempts to address, so let’s dive in.

London's Highest Observation Deck: The View from The Shard

Standing tall at over a thousand feet and dominating the skyline, The Shard is London's tallest building and is often viewed as the best alternative to the London Eye. Architectural genius Renzo Piano designed The Shard, which has an observation deck on the 68th to 72nd floors, offering a 360-degree view that stretches to 40 miles on a pristine day. You can see key attractions like the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the River Thames from this lofty vantage point.

Though Shard's views and the London Eye's views are about the same, Shard's view is stationary, and it has an interactive experience as well as a classy lounge. Tickets can be purchased in advance starting at about 25 pounds. The Shard is open every day and is excellent for people who want to be at extreme heights. There is a glass terrace on the top for those who enjoy an open sky, but the negative is that on cloudy days, there is a high chance of low visibility, which is something you should keep in mind. The Shard can be reached directly from the Underground stations and double-decker buses that run around the area. Booking a time in advance is highly recommended for not only ease of access, but also if you are planning on going at sunset.

Sky Garden: An Elevated Botanical Sanctuary

The vaulted glass enclosure of the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building, Sky Garden, allows visitors to view the amazing cityscapes of London. On the Sky Garden, which spans the top three floors of the building, visitors can also appreciate the greenery and vintage indoor gardens. On the floors, visitors can enjoy the view of The Shard, The Gherkin, and Tower Bridge, which are major buildings in the city. If you wish to have a break from the city and relax, the Sky Garden offers perfect views of the city amidst trees and vintage indoor gardens.

The Sky Garden operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, you have to book a time slot in advance in order to guarantee you access to the Sky Garden on the time scheduled. The Sky Garden is also wheelchair accessible. If you want to have the best experience at the Sky Garden, you have to book your time slot weeks in advance since they have a few time slots available to book. If you wish to have a peaceful experience at the Sky Garden, it is best booked in the morning and at night to view the city lights. The Sky Garden is also a few steps away from public transport, which allows you to continue your day easily.

Aerial Views of St. Paul's Cathedral Dome

Cathedral St. Paul's, built by Sir Christopher Wren, offers historical views. The Golden Gallery offers views far and wide, but requires over 500 outdoor steps as well as some minutes of stairs. You see the Tate Modern and the River Thames, as well as old and new buildings.

With an entrance fee of £18 for the cathedral, an audio guide that offers information about the cathedral during the visit is included. Quiet Whispering Galleries along the route add to the experience of cultural involvement. Some challenges that potential visitors may face include the difficulty of climbing for those without mobility and climbing for those facing climbing challenges.

Opening times run from Monday to Saturday. The visit is improved by booking to ensure that you'll be able to visit.

Located conveniently in the heart of the city, it goes well with open-top bus rides through the historical parts of the city as well.

ArcelorMittal Orbit: An Oasis of Added Adrenaline From the Olympic Games 2012

ArcelorMittal Orbit at 380 feet is the tallest sculpture in the UK. Standing in the center of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it can be seen from any location in the park. Completed in 2014, Orbit was created by Anish Kapoor. Orbit's viewing platform gives visitors a 360 view of the Olympic Stadium, Canary Wharf, and the skyline of London. Participants can take the world's longest tunnel slide back to the ground at 40 km/h.

Tickets to the viewing platform cost around £13. Tickets that include both the slide and the platform can be bought at a discount. The slide adds a degree of rushed excitement, and some people consider it the best slide in the world. Other people also agree that slides and sculptures are a new emerging art form. The main downside to Orbit is that it is in the East compared to other activities in the central part of London. It's a 20 minute walk to some of the main attractions from the tube stops closest to Orbit and a 10 minute walk from the other activities. The slide does need to be booked in advance.

Primrose Hill: An Elevated Park Oasis

From the park at the top of Primrose Hill, you can see the whole skyline of London. On a clear day, you can see famous landmarks like The London Eye, The Shard, and the BT Tower. The park is a popular place for people to sit and relax.

The park is also free to the public and does not require any reservations. The only downsides to the park are that the weather should be clear for the best view, and you do need to walk a little to get to the top. The park is close to public transport and other double decker bus routes.

Final Thoughts

While the London Eye is an important attraction to visit, the options listed above offer greater variety in pricing and styles, and also offer plenty of free public parks and modern skyscrapers. These alternatives all offer great views of the city and history, and add an enhanced appreciation for the city. These options can be combined with the double-decker bus tours for an all-around experience. These options are great for first time visitors to the city and for those returning for a deeper exploration of London. Be sure to schedule time to check the weather and enjoy the views of the city.