Two Towers, One Goal: See London from Above
If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see the city from a fresh perspective, chances are you’ve heard of both The Walkie Talkie and The View from The Shard. They’re two of the most talked-about buildings on the London skyline — both tall, both distinctive, and both promising a bird’s-eye view of the capital.
But while they may serve the same general purpose, they couldn’t feel more different once you’re actually up there.
Here’s what you need to know — from someone who’s visited both — and why The View from The Shard is, hands down, the one that left a lasting impression.
The Walkie Talkie: Fun Name, Flat Experience
Let’s start with the one that looks like it’s tipping over: 20 Fenchurch Street, better known as The Walkie Talkie. It’s famous for its odd shape and for housing the Sky Garden — a rooftop space with plants, cafes, and an observation deck that’s become quite popular.
Booking is free, which is great. But that also means it’s usually crowded, and booking a spot at peak times can be surprisingly tricky. Once you’re inside, the garden is nice, but don’t expect anything lush. It’s not exactly Kew Gardens in the sky.
The views are good, sure — especially if you snag a table by the window — but the layout makes it hard to see the full 360° scope of London. The garden structure itself blocks part of the view, and with all the tables, glass, and restaurant seating, it feels more like a lounge than a lookout point.
The View from The Shard: London, Unfiltered
Now let’s talk about The View from The Shard, and I’ll say this right away — it’s a completely different kind of experience.
From the moment you enter the building, there’s a quiet sense of occasion. The ride up is fast — 68 floors in under a minute — and then the doors open to reveal something that genuinely takes your breath away.
You’re 310 metres above London, and for a moment, everything goes quiet. The floor-to-ceiling glass shows the city in full, uninterrupted detail. The Thames curls far below. Tower Bridge, the London Eye, St. Paul’s — all perfectly framed and stretched out in every direction. On a clear day, you can even see the edges of the countryside.
Unlike The Walkie Talkie, the view isn’t broken up by seating or bulky interiors. It’s just you, the sky, and the city beneath your feet.
And if you time your visit for sunset? Prepare to stand still and watch the light change the entire cityscape before your eyes.
It’s More Than a View — It’s a Feeling
One thing people don’t talk about enough is the atmosphere.
At The View from The Shard, everything feels carefully designed to let the experience breathe — no rush, no noise, just space to look, reflect, and enjoy.
You can walk around freely, grab a glass of champagne, or even head to the open-air Sky Deck if you want to feel the wind while standing hundreds of metres above the city. It’s elegant, peaceful, and surprisingly calming.
The Walkie Talkie, by comparison, feels more like a trendy brunch spot — nice, but not necessarily moving.
So, Which One Should You Visit?
If you’re after a free coffee spot with a view, The Walkie Talkie works.
But if you want a view that actually makes you feel something — the kind you’ll remember weeks later — then The View from The Shard is the clear winner.
It’s not just about how high you go. It’s about what you see when you get there — and how it makes you feel while you’re looking.
And in that sense? The Shard stands in a league of its own.
