The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in London (2026)

Updated October 2026 · 10 picks

The best rooftop bars in London in 2026 are the Sky Garden in the City, Radio Rooftop on the Strand, Madison facing St Paul's Cathedral and Seabird in Southwark. For Tower of London views, go to Savage Garden; for something higher, Sushisamba at Heron Tower.

Many London rooftops need a booking, especially from Thursday to Saturday and on sunny days. Most of the bars here have covered or heated sections and stay open year-round, though some open their outdoor terraces only in warmer weather. For a cosier drink, see our guide to the best pubs in London.

1. Sky Garden — The City

A free, glass-domed garden at the top of the 'Walkie-Talkie' building.

$$ Mid-range

The Sky Garden fills the top floors of 20 Fenchurch Street with landscaped gardens, an open-air terrace and bars, all with sweeping views across the Thames and the City. Entry is free with a booked slot, which makes it London's best-value view.

Go at sunset or after dark when the city lights come on. A bar or restaurant booking guarantees entry at busy times.

Good to know: Book free entry online as soon as tickets are released — they go fast.

1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

Google Maps Website

2. Radio Rooftop — Strand, Soho & the West End

A glamorous hotel rooftop with views along the Thames.

$$$ Upmarket

Radio Rooftop, on top of the ME London hotel on the Strand, offers panoramic views over the Thames, the London Eye and the City. It is one of the most glamorous rooftop bars in London, with cocktails and a lively evening scene.

It suits pre-theatre drinks or a special night out.

Good to know: Book a table for sunset, especially at weekends.

ME London, 336–337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA

Google Maps Website

3. Madison — St Paul's, The City

A rooftop bar and restaurant facing the dome of St Paul's Cathedral.

$$$ Upmarket

Madison sits on top of the One New Change shopping centre, with a large terrace looking directly at St Paul's Cathedral. It has a restaurant, a cocktail bar and an outdoor terrace.

It's a reliable choice for after-work drinks in the City.

Good to know: Ask for a terrace table facing St Paul's.

Rooftop, One New Change, London EC4M 9AF

Google Maps Website

4. Seabird — Southwark, South Bank & Borough

A seafood restaurant and bar on the top floor of the Hoxton Southwark.

$$$ Upmarket

Seabird is a rooftop restaurant and bar at the top of the Hoxton Southwark hotel, with sweeping views across the river to St Paul's and the City. It is known for its long oyster list and Iberian-inspired seafood.

Come for oysters and a drink at sunset. It's a five-minute walk from Tate Modern.

Good to know: Order oysters at the bar — the selection is one of the biggest in London.

The Hoxton Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8NY

Google Maps Website

5. Savage Garden — Tower Hill, The City

The best rooftop view of the Tower of London.

$$$ Upmarket

Savage Garden, on the top of the DoubleTree by Hilton Tower of London, has terraces looking over the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the Shard. The cocktails are good and the atmosphere is fun.

It suits after-work drinks and nights out in the City.

Good to know: Ask for the terrace facing the Tower of London.

DoubleTree by Hilton, 7 Pepys Street, London EC3N 4AF

Google Maps Website

6. SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower — Liverpool Street, The City

Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian food and cocktails high above the City.

$$$$ Splurge

Sushisamba occupies the top floors of Heron Tower at 110 Bishopsgate, reached by a glass lift up the side of the building. The outdoor terraces have some of the highest views in London.

It suits a special-occasion night out or cocktails with a view.

Good to know: Ride the glass lift for the view, then book a terrace table.

Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY

Google Maps Website

7. Aviary — Finsbury Square, The City

A south-facing rooftop terrace with views across the City skyline.

$$$ Upmarket

Aviary is a rooftop bar and restaurant on the tenth floor of the Montcalm Royal London House, with a south-facing terrace looking over the City's skyscrapers. In winter, the rooftop adds cosy igloos.

It suits after-work drinks near Moorgate and Old Street.

Good to know: Book an igloo for winter evenings.

Montcalm Royal London House, 22–25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX

Google Maps Website

8. Sabine — St Paul's, The City

A seventh-floor rooftop with close-up views of St Paul's.

$$$ Upmarket

Sabine is a rooftop bar on the Leonardo Royal London St Paul's hotel, with a conservatory with a retractable roof and two open-air terraces. The view of St Paul's dome is one of the closest you can get.

It is reached by its own entrance and lift on Carter Lane, and it suits a relaxed drink or afternoon tea with a view.

Good to know: Book ahead — the hotel lists it as reservations only.

Leonardo Royal London St Paul's, 10 Godliman Street, London EC4V 5AJ

Google Maps Website

9. Bōkan — Canary Wharf

Three floors at the top of a Canary Wharf hotel, with a rooftop terrace.

$$$ Upmarket

Bōkan occupies the 37th to 39th floors of the Novotel London Canary Wharf, with a restaurant on 37, a bar on 38 and a rooftop terrace on 39. The views over Canary Wharf and the river are spectacular.

It is a good choice if you're staying in Docklands or want a higher view than most central bars offer.

Good to know: It's cashless — bring a card.

Novotel London Canary Wharf, 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP

Google Maps Website

10. Netil360 — London Fields, Shoreditch & East London

A laid-back Hackney rooftop with pizza and natural wine.

$$ Mid-range

Netil360 is a rooftop bar near London Fields, serving natural wine, craft beer and cocktails alongside Neapolitan-style pizzas. The views stretch across east London to the City.

It suits a relaxed evening in Hackney rather than a dressy night out.

Good to know: It opens Thursday to Saturday evenings only — check the website before you go.

1 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sky Garden free?

Yes. Entry to the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street is free, but you need to book a timed slot online in advance. Slots are released in advance and go quickly; booking a table at one of its bars or restaurants also gets you in.

Do I need to book rooftop bars in London?

For most, yes — especially Thursday to Saturday evenings and any sunny day. Some keep space for walk-ins, but you may queue.

Are London's rooftop bars open in winter?

Most of those on this list are open year-round, with covered, heated sections or winter igloos. Check the venue's website, as hours and terrace access change with the season.

Which London rooftop bar has the best view of St Paul's?

Madison, on top of One New Change, looks straight at St Paul's Cathedral. Sabine, on the roof of the Leonardo Royal St Paul's, also has close views of the dome.

Is there a dress code at London rooftop bars?

Usually smart casual — no sportswear, and some ask for no shorts or flip-flops in the evening. Hotel bars such as Radio Rooftop can be stricter at weekends.

1. Sky Garden — The City

2. Radio Rooftop — Strand, Soho & the West End

3. Madison — St Paul's, The City

4. Seabird — Southwark, South Bank & Borough

5. Savage Garden — Tower Hill, The City

6. SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower — Liverpool Street, The City

7. Aviary — Finsbury Square, The City

8. Sabine — St Paul's, The City

9. Bōkan — Canary Wharf

10. Netil360 — London Fields, Shoreditch & East London

Frequently asked questions

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