Horizon 22

London skyline showing Tower Bridge, The Shard and other skyscraper buildings

Overview

Horizon 22 is a viewing platform in London that’s absolutely free to visit! From this platform, on the 58th floor of the second-tallest building in the city, you can get spectacular 300-degree views of London, including some of its most famous landmarks.

Horizon 22 is suitable for all types of visitors, from couples on a romantic trip to the UK’s capital to families with small children eager to see more of the city, as well as solo travellers seeking moments of reflection overlooking London.

Step into one of the high-speed lifts and you’ll be at the viewing platform in no time – quite literally, as it takes just 41 seconds to get there!

Is Horizon 22 worth visiting?

Yes, Horizon 22 is absolutely worth visiting. If you enjoy breath-taking views of iconic buildings and landmarks and seeing the whole of London laid out before you, then add Horizon 22 to your London bucket list.

What can you see from Horizon 22?

From Horizon 22, you can see some of London’s most recognisable buildings and landmarks. These include:

St Paul’s Cathedral
The Bank of England
The Tower of London
Buckingham Palace
Hyde Park
The London Eye
Big Ben
Palace of Westminster

If you wish to, you can upgrade to an audio-visual guide for a small charge. The guide tells the story of some of the London landmarks through interviews with people who live and work in the city. There’s a special version for children led by Ridley, a time-travelling adventurer.

Is Horizon 22 free to visit?

Yes, Horizon 22 is completely free to visit. Whilst you can turn up on the day, to avoid disappointment, it is strongly recommended that you book tickets in advance on the Horizon 22 website, where you can choose an admission time and date.

Several special events also take place at Horizon 22 throughout the year, including bottomless brunches and late-night openings. For some of these events, an entry fee is required.

Is Horizon 22 the tallest building in London?

No, but Horizon 22 is situated on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, the second-tallest building in London and the whole of the UK. The tallest building in the UK is The Shard, which you can see from Horizon 22.

The height of Horizon 22 is 833 feet (254 metres) and it’s the highest free viewing platform in London.

22 Bishopsgate is also the tallest building in the area known as the City of London, the square mile which is home to London’s financial district.

Why is it called Horizon 22?

Horizon 22 is named after the year the building was completed – 2022. And it’s called Horizon because…well, you’ll see for yourself!

Is there a toilet at Horizon 22?

Yes, there are toilets in the Lobby and on L58M and L58. Accessible toilets are available too.

Is there a time limit for Horizon 22?

There isn’t a specific time limit for your visit to Horizon 22. You will need about 20 minutes to enjoy the views and take photos, but you may wish to stay longer to get a drink or something to eat. At busy times, you may be asked to keep your visit to around 40 minutes so that more people can enjoy the views.

Can I get something to eat at Horizon 22?

Yes, you can get something to eat at the Horizon 22 Café. The café offers a selection of freshly baked pastries and cakes, as well as snacks, cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, and hot drinks. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can pre-book a glass or a bottle of champagne.

On the second floor of 22 Bishopsgate, you’ll find Market Kitchen & Terrace, a restaurant inspired by the flavours of Italy. Here they serve seasonal produce and various specials. There’s also an outside bar, if the weather is fine.

Is Horizon 22 accessible?

Horizon 22 is accessible to all. There is level access to the building and a step-free exit from the lift to the viewing platform. There are accessible toilets. The staff at Horizon 22 can also help with any specific needs.

Assistance dogs are welcome.

How to get to Horizon 22 from YHA London St Paul’s

Horizon 22 is just under a mile away from YHA London St Paul’s. The best ways to get there are by walking, cycling, or public transport.

On foot: It’s around a 20-minute walk from the Youth Hostel to Horizon 22.

Cycling: It takes about eight minutes to cycle from YHA London St Paul’s to Horizon 22.

Public transport: There are several bus routes that operate between YHA London St Paul’s and Horizon 22. Catch the bus at Ludgate Hill/Old Bailey and alight at Bishopsgate City of London. The journey should take approximately 15 minutes.

If you’re travelling from elsewhere in London, the nearest tube stations to Horizon 22 are Bank, Liverpool Street, Moorgate, and Monument.

Driving: It takes about 17 minutes to drive from the hostel to Horizon 22. There is no parking on-site, and the nearest car park is the Just Park on Lower Thames Street, around a 10-minute walk from Horizon 22.