Madison
Gaze out over St Paul's Cathedral and The City on Madison's swanky rooftop terrace. The slick bar and restaurant is perfect for a glass of chilled Champagne or, come evening, watching the sunset with some of their delicious seafood.
London offers one of the most famous skylines in the world, from St Paul's Cathedral's iconic dome to the towering Shard and meandering River Thames. Luckily the city also boasts some equally impressive drinking dens in which to sip on something crisp and take it all in. Whether you're in the market for a rooftop terrace or a riverside pub, we've rounded up the very best bars with a view in London. Instagram ain't gonna know what's hit it.
Last updated on 28th March 2023
Gaze out over St Paul's Cathedral and The City on Madison's swanky rooftop terrace. The slick bar and restaurant is perfect for a glass of chilled Champagne or, come evening, watching the sunset with some of their delicious seafood.
One of the best rooftop bars in Waterloo, Bar Elba is letting you get up close and personal with some of the city's most iconic buildings. This fun hangout promises a whole range of quirky cocktails and plenty of alfresco seating for you take in the sights of London.
Located in the City of London, Savage Garden is a great shout if you're after sun-soaked evenings and a fun rooftop bar. Enjoy munching on scrumptious bar snacks in this stylish setting while sipping on a cocktail or two - the Savage Spritz is a must-have.
An iconic pub in Richmond, The White Cross is famed for its beer garden and proximity to the water - and more importantly what happens when those two aspects collide. Book yourself in for a sunny Sunday session but be wary of high tide or you might find yourself marooned on your bar stool.
Won't settle for anything less than a gorgeous view? We know exactly how you feel. Luckily, Booking Office 1869 is here to help. Venture up to the top floor of this restaurant, where you'll be met with a gorgeous plant-adorned space, crackin' food and stunning landmark scenes.
Overlooking Regent's Canal, Arepa & Co is the perfect place for a romantic date night or lunchtime bite. Sip on South American-inspired drinks and enjoy a selection of Venezuelan sharing plates while taking in the tranquil view of passing narrowboats.
Occupying the top three floors of the iconic Gherkin skyscraper, you can't really find a better view of London than from Searcy's. Head 180m into the sky to London's highest private member's club for stunning and sweeping views of the city as well as fine fizz and themed cocktails.
Looking for a pub in London with the perfect water views? A charming venue perched on the East London canals, The Narrow Boat is a hotspot not only for the finest in English pub grub, but the scenes off their first floor balcony are some of the best in the city.
Looking for drinks with a view in Hackney? This gorgeous loft space in Netil House brings you cocktails, DJs and sensational sights of the area. Book yourself a booth on the terrace and relax with cocktails and catch-ups this spring and summer.
One of the best cocktail bars with a view in London, this stunning spot atop the Dorsett City hotel promises expansive sights of the capital's most recognisable buildings, alongside a menu of innovative sips and tasty snacks.
Looking out over the river and The O2 arena, Scoff & Banter Canary Wharf is a gorgeous British restaurant and bar with a view. Stop by for an after-work drink, or date night with a difference as the venue brings traditional interiors and snap-worthy sights.
Head to the beer garden of this historic Rotherhithe pub and you're in for a treat. Backing onto the river, The Mayflower offers views across to Wapping as well as a great selection of classic grub, fresh-pulled pints and great wines.
One of the best rooftop bars in East London, Skylight Tobacco Dock is a great spot for fabulous nights out in the city. Boasting an awesome range of events, brunches and top-notch cocktails, this haunt won't fail to disappoint. In South London? Check out Skylight Peckham.
Beautiful, botanical and found eleven stories high, Florattica is an absolute treat for the eyes. While soaking up the gorgeous views of London's skyline, get to know the unique assortment of creative cocktails, such as the Kimiko, made up of Roku Gin, Lillet Blanc, Tio Pepe, cherry blossom liquor and absinthe.
Soak up some of the city's best landmarks while sipping on ice-cold drinks at London Bridge Rooftop. Along with daily DJ sets and a menu of hefty burgers, the urban bar will also be putting on weekly Aperol Sundays, serving £5 sips from 12pm 'til 4pm.
Queen of Hoxton is a hot to trot East London rooftop bar with amazing views of Shoreditch and The City. Offering spacious and comfortable seating and a menu of great cocktails, the venue is noted for their seasonal themed pop-ups, which offer an immersive drinking experience for all.
Looking for dinner with a view in London? Head over to Angel Lane where The Oyster Shed is promising some incredible scenes of the skyline through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Join them for delicious British food, fine wines and nautical-themed interiors.
Sometimes nothing beats drinking a glass of red while overlooking the city, and Hithe + Seek at The Westin London City hotel is the perfect place for this. Head to their stunning bar and spend the evening sampling over 80 types of wine with some delightful nibbles.
With a large first floor balcony overlooking the Thames, this casual pub in Putney is one of the best places for drinks with a view in South London. Head down to SW15 where The Boathouse will be serving up sights, slick sips and delicious dishes.
Need a fun drinking destination? Fronting sky-high views, pretty botanical décor and a killer cocktail menu, Bussey Rooftop Bar in Peckham is an excellent shout. Enjoy chomping on pizza slices while catching up with friends.
A gorgeous bar with a view on Southbank, Marsha is the Gabriel's Wharf venue offer a range of riverside spaces. Take a pew at street level for the ultimate people-watching spot, or head up to their first floor balcony for some incredible sights of the city.
If you're looking for bars with great views in London then this Finsbury Square haunt is the place to head for. Situated on the top floor of the Montcalm Hotel, Aviary is the rooftop restaurant and terrace giving you Insta-ready skyline scenes and tasty cocktails.
Housed on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch Street, Sky Garden hosts three separate bars and restaurants as well as a stunning terrace with unforgettable views of the River Thames and beyond - just don't be surprised if you feel your ears pop as you soar up the elevator.
The Swan at Shakespeare's Globe is an all-day dining venue and bar with stunning views of the River Thames, St Paul's Cathedral and beyond. Their expert in-house mixologists are known for their creative concoctions, some of which are even inspired by The Bard's iconic characters.
Whether you're looking for a snazzy date night spot, a gorgeous hangout to enjoy tipples with the gang or just fancy trying somewhere new, Bokan is an excellent choice. Head along for delicate cocktails and wicked wines, with sharing plates to pair.
Boasting some of the most enviable sights in London, no-one does panoramas quite like Aqua Shard. Housed on the 31st floor of the iconic skyscraper, menus here feature exceptional British eats and innovative cocktails. And if you're looking for something more West End? Their sister site Aqua Nueva promises a more Spanish affair with views over Regent Street.
Skylark Roof Garden is proudly placed on the banks of Little Venice with unparalleled views of the surrounding city. An essential venture for after work drinks, date nights and catch-ups, it's the quintessential summer spot complete with frozen cocktails and chilled wines.
An iconic pub on the banks of the Thames, The Founders Arms is most recognisable for the huge crowds that gather on its outdoor terrace in the summer months. Just a stone's throw from Blackfriars station, this charming boozer fronts drinks, great grub and views across the river.
Tucked away in St George's Wharf complex, The Riverside offers stunning views of the Thames. It's a stylish hangout which quickly fills up after work during the summer, where up to 200 guests can grab a chilled drink and check out the vantage point from one of two outside terraces.
If you're in need of a top-notch bar with a view, they don't come much better than 10 Degrees. Head up to the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane where you'll be treated to unique drinks or delectable snacks alongside panoramic vistas of Hyde Park and the West End. Oh, yes.
One of the best bars with a view in East London, The Gate is sure to impress with its panoramic city skyline. With stylish furnishings and pretty outdoor space, this is an absolute must for summertime alfresco hangouts.
You'll find this historical restaurant and pub at the very heart of the Docklands. One of the best bars in London with a view, the venue's riverside terrace offers a straight shot of the Thames and The O2 and acts as the perfect place to enjoy a date night tipple or grab some beers before heading across the water for a concert.
For a rooftop bar with views of St Paul's? Sabine has you covered and is well-loved across the city. Whether you tuck into small plates across the swish space or grab delish cocktails on the outdoor terrace, this place is sure to satisfy your need for stunning vistas.
If you're on the hunt for drinks with a view in London, then Dalston Roofpark is a fabulous choice. The venue boasts everything from sunrise yoga sessions to bottomless brunches and sky-high sips. It also serves food from BEER + BURGER if you get a bit peckish.
Found atop a stunning 1920s building in the beating heart of the City, Wagtail is a rooftop bar that's killing it in the looks department. And while you marvel at the beaut views from this sky-high spot, tip back premium sips alongside a load of fancy fare.
Looking for delicious drinks with a stunning view? Minutes away from Covent Garden underground station is GS Rooftop Bar. Expect vibrant cocktails, colourful seating and a chill vibe right in the heart of the city.
One of London's most sought after rooftop bookings, this sky-high bar and restaurant offers striking panoramas of London. Settle in for cocktails in full view of St Paul's, The Shard and Covent Garden Market.
An iconic rooftop bar in Bank, Coq D'Argent is the place to head for skyline views and gorgeous drinks. The pretty garden restaurant is perfect for all seasons, with a vibrant lawn for summertime sipping, and a cosy covered dining area for alfresco eating in the winter months.