Sky Garden, London

Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Vi帽oly, 20 Fenchurch Street is better known by its catchier nickname鈥攖he 鈥淲alkie-Talkie.鈥� Why? Well, because it looks exactly like one, just supersized and stuck smack in the London skyline. Not everyone is a fan of its chunky silhouette, but love it or mock it, the building makes quite the statement鈥攁nd unlike most skyscrapers, it actually lets the public in for free.

At the top sits the Sky Garden, a three-story glass crown perched on the 35th, 36th, and 37th floors. To get in, you鈥檒l need to be quick on the click鈥攆ree tickets drop every Monday, and they vanish faster than a London cab on a rainy night. Once you鈥檝e secured your spot, you鈥檒l be treated to one of the best panoramic views in the city, complete with a side of wine or dinner if you book a table. Yes, the bars and restaurants stay open late for those who like their skyline with a cocktail.

From this lofty perch, the view is a who鈥檚 who of London鈥檚 architectural elite: look south for the jagged elegance of The Shard, or north for a full lineup of nicknamed giants鈥擳ower 42, the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater, the Scalpel, and the tall-and-polished 22 Bishopsgate.

As for the 鈥済arden鈥� part of Sky Garden, it鈥檚 not just a name. You鈥檒l find a leafy collection of semitropical trees, succulents, and flowering showstoppers like African lilies, Red Hot Pokers, and Birds of Paradise, all bordered by wafts of French lavender. It鈥檚 basically a high-rise greenhouse with views, drinks, and a better Instagram ratio than most city parks.

Bottom line: whether you鈥檙e a lover of lush greenery, skyline spotting, or just in it for the gram鈥攖he Walkie-Talkie talks back.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Sky Garden
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

City of London Walking Tour

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