Two weeks ago I (Laura) visited London with my cousin. We wanted to celebrate our respective birthdays, which took place in November, in a special manner. And there is no better way to celebrate a birthday than a girls trip to one of the most important and fascinating cities in the world. It was only a weekend, but we created memories that will remain for a long time.

Dídac, my other half in this blog, has been to London several times. However, for me it was only my second time there. The first one was in summer, when I was 18. I had always dreamed of visiting London and then I finally convinced my parents and managed to attend an English course there. Life is full of coincidences: my English school was in Russell Square when I was 18 and our hostel this time was near Russell Square too. The same sceneries but in a different season: this year our trip to London meant the arrival of Christmas in our hearts. Lights and gifts everywhere, and a special surprise: a wonderful viewpoint that only exists as from 2015. Do you want to know from where the above picture was taken? Just keep reading!

20 Fenchurch Street. Keep this address in your mind if you are planning a visit to London. This place links two concepts quite appreciated by travelers: views and free, free and views. I read about this viewpoint somewhere in the blogosphere and decided that I couldn’t miss it in my trip to London. I searched for more information when the departure day approached and I found out that I had to book my tickets despite of the viewpoint being free.

20 Fenchurch Street is the official name of this building that was designed in 2004 by Rafael Viñoly, an Uruguayan architect based in New York and completed in 2014. The building is located in the City of London financial district and has been named by local people as the “Walkie-Talkie” because of its shape. It seems that the building has recently been acquired by a Hong Kong group for a record price. The main quality of 20 Fenchurch Street is its distinctive top-heavy form which bursts upward and outward. The building, 160 meters tall, can be seen from all around the City.

The nearest underground stations are Bank and Monumental. We got down in the Bank station and walked towards the London Bridge from which we enjoyed the views over the Tower Bridge. We had booked our tickets for 11:30 a.m. How did we booked them? Well, in this website you will find all the necessary information to plan your visit.
The building has several restaurants and bars from which you will enjoy great views and also offers public ticketed hours for the viewpoint in the top (Sky Garden): from Monday to Friday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and also in the weekend (from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.). Tickets are released every Monday from up to 1 week in advance. I felt so lucky cause I learned about this on Sunday and the following day tickets were available for our target date! By booking those tickets you will be allowed to stay up to one hour in the top.

Thus, if you are thinking of visiting the Sky Garden when in London, be ready to book your tickets as soon as they are released, particularly if you wish to visit the observatory during the most crowded hours. You will find great views of the City of London district in a natural environment (plants appear everywhere!). I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting London!
Amazing views! When I am next in London I will make sure to visit this building. Thanks 🙂
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It is really worth it! Thanks for reading!
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We visited there too the views are just amazing…your photos are beautiful
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Thank you Michele!
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I have been wanting to do this for awhile, but I always think about it too late. Not only do the views look amazing, I am a huge fan of the building. I really love the modern architecture. Glad you had a good time in London. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
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The building is just impressive as is the whole area of the City. Hope you can manage to visit the Sky Garden soon 🙂
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Thanks for the tip! There is nothing better than great views for free. I´ve been to London years ago, marked this place for my future trips there! #theweeklypostcard
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We love viewpoints too. This one is quite new but it is highly recommendable. Thanks for reading 🙂
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Definitely on the list to do for next visit to London. Great views indeed. 😉
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Glad you liked it! 🙂
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That was such a great way to celebrate your birthdays and nice photos too. Last time I was there The Shard was under construction so it’s nice to see it complete. I am pinning it.
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Yes! Going to London was a great idea. This city is always changing 🙂
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That was a wonderful to celebrate your birthdays, and great photos too! I’m sharing it on Twitter.
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Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for letting me know about Sky Garden. Last time we were in London this building wasn’t finished, but I’ll make sure to go up there when we return. The views are absolutely fantastic! #TheWeeklyPostcard
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Great! Don’t hesitate to visit this building if you have the chance 😀 Thanks for reading!
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I am visiting London next year. We got plane tickets at excellent prices. We are very excited about what we are going to be able to see in the city. It is going to be my second visit too. My husband will visit for the first time. There is no way I will miss the Sky Garden! #TheWeeklyPostcard
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Great! We wish you a fantastic trip 🙂
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