Horizon 22 is one of London’s most popular viewpoints and is currently the highest free public viewing platform in the city. The observation deck opened to visitors in 2024 and is located on the 58th floor of the 22 Bishopsgate building in the City of London.
Views from the Horizon 22 viewing platform
Horizon 22 sits in the heart of the City of London’s skyscraper district, and the viewing platform offers panoramic views across the city in multiple directions. The space is almost entirely surrounded by glass walls, allowing visitors to enjoy wide, unobstructed views.
Nearby skyscrapers such as the Gherkin, Walkie Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street) and the Cheesegrater (Leadenhall Building) stand clearly in the foreground directly in front of the viewing platform. The views also extend towards the River Thames and Canary Wharf.
On clear days, many of London’s best-known landmarks can be seen, including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. Many buildings in central London also appear from a completely different perspective when viewed from above.
Late morning often offers the clearest views far across the city. In the afternoon and evening, the changing light highlights the silhouettes of the Thames and the surrounding skyscrapers. The viewing platform is also a popular photography location thanks to the wide panoramic views over London.
Height of Horizon 22 and the building
Horizon 22 is located in the 22 Bishopsgate building in the City of London’s financial district. The viewing platform is on the 58th floor at approximately 254 metres above ground level.
Completed in 2020, the building is 278 metres tall and is the tallest building in the City of London. It was designed by the architectural firm PLP Architecture. Horizon 22 opened to the public in 2024.
22 Bishopsgate is taller than nearby skyscrapers such as the Leadenhall Building and 20 Fenchurch Street. Across London, however, it is surpassed by The Shard, which is around 310 metres tall.
Horizon 22 tickets and reservations
Entry to the Horizon 22 viewing platform is free of charge, but visits usually require advance booking. Tickets can be reserved via the official Horizon 22 website. Visitors select a specific entry time slot, and the visit typically lasts around 45 minutes to one hour.
New time slots are released every Monday for the following two weeks. The most popular times tend to fill up quickly, so it is recommended to book well in advance.
In some cases, a limited number of walk-in places may be available, but availability is not guaranteed. The last entry usually takes place shortly before closing time. Weekday mornings are often the quietest visiting times, while many visitors arrive in the afternoon to watch the city at sunset.
Restaurants and cafés at Horizon 22
The 22 Bishopsgate building contains several restaurants and cafés. Near the viewing platform there is Horizon 22 Café, which offers coffee and light snacks for visitors.
The building is also home to restaurants such as Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay and Gordon Ramsay High. Gordon Ramsay High features a Chef’s Table experience designed for a limited number of guests.
Restaurant reservations are made separately, and a visit to the viewing platform does not automatically include a restaurant booking.
Skyscrapers near Horizon 22
Horizon 22 is located in an area where several of London’s best-known skyscrapers stand within a short walking distance of each other.
Nearby, the Gherkin is a 180-metre-tall office tower and one of the most recognisable modern landmarks in the City of London.
Close to the Gherkin is Duck & Waffle, located in the Heron Tower building and open 24 hours a day. Breakfast above the City at sunrise is especially recommended, as it offers a unique view over London. A reservation at Duck & Waffle is advisable.
Also nearby is 20 Fenchurch Street, known as the Walkie Talkie. At the top of the building is Sky Garden, a public indoor garden and viewing area with observation decks, restaurants and bars. Entry is free but requires advance booking.
The height differences between the surrounding buildings give a good sense of the scale of the City of London’s skyscraper district. The area includes Horizon 22 (278 m), Heron Tower (230 m), the Gherkin (180 m) and 20 Fenchurch Street (160 m). Other well-known viewpoints in the area include Sky Garden and Garden at 120.
Horizon 22 vs Sky Garden
Horizon 22 and the Sky Garden are London's two best-known free viewpoints, and visitors often compare them. Horizon 22 is higher, at 254 metres, with enclosed glass-walled views over the City; the Sky Garden, atop 20 Fenchurch Street nearby, is a little lower but has indoor gardens, bars and restaurants. Both are free and need advance booking. If you want the highest view, choose Horizon 22; for greenery and a drink with your view, the Sky Garden is the pick.
