The 10 best places to watch the sunrise and sunset in London that’ll take your breath away
For me, the sunrise or the sunset is nature’s way of letting us press pause on the seemingly never-ending hustle and bustle of life. So people take photos or choose to share the moment with people they love—to make it even more memorable and special.
But before that happens, some hike mountains, climb flights of stairs, and even take long road trips to get to that perfect spot. Knowing full well that the view at the top is worth the journey and the wait, many don’t mind the fatigue or the temporary shift to their sleeping schedule.
You’ll surely feel the same if you ever find yourself in any of the best places to watch the sunrise and sunset in London below. Because these parks, rooftops, and viewpoints will take your breath away as you admire the view they’ll give you.
1. Primrose Hill
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Website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/regents-park-primrose-hill/primrose-hill
Address: Primrose Hill Road
Contact details: +44 (0)30 0061 2300
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 24 hours
If you watch the sunrise and sunset at Primrose Hill, you’ll be watching from a place where duels were fought and prize fights took place. It’s a piece of history that makes the top one of six protected viewpoints in London.
Entrance is free and it’s popular among locals for its clear rounded skyline and calm open atmosphere. The trees are kept low here so as not to obscure your sunrise and sunset view—an oak tree, known as “Shakespeare’s Tree” stands on the slope of the hill.
Adding to the experience is the York stone edging with a William Blake inscription that reads, “I have conversed with the spiritual sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill.” And if you want to eat or toast to that, you can go to the Primrose Hill café for snacks and hot or cold drinks.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to secure a good spot at the top. London’s sunrises and sunsets attract plenty of admirers, so popular viewpoints such as this can fill up fast.
2. Greenwich Park
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Website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/greenwich-park
Address: Greenwich Park
Contact details: +44 (0)30 0061 2380
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM – 6 PM
Overlooking the Thames and Canary Wharf, Greenwich Park provides stunning sunset and scenic city views from its hilltop position. And in the middle of the park sits the world-famous Royal Observatory.
Also a historical setting, you’ll see the remains of a Roman Temple to the south and catch a glimpse of the Anglo-Saxon cemetery to the east.
Meanwhile, you won’t want to miss the park’s picturesque Flower Garden at sunrise, when the trees cast long shadows over the bright flower beds. Or at sunset, when the golden light creates a warm, dreamy vibe that’s perfect for evening relaxation.
Pro tip:
Catch the golden hour just after sunrise or before sunset when the park glows in soft, warm light—ideal for photography. Afterward, swing by the Royal Observatory for some stargazing and end your day on a magical note!
3. The Shard’s view from the top
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Website: https://www.the-shard.com/
Address: 32 London Bridge St
Contact details: +44 344 499 7222
Operating hours:
- April to September (summer) – Everyday – 10 AM – 10 PM
- October to March (winter)
- Sunday to Wednesday – 10 AM – 7 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM – 10 PM
As the tallest building in London, The Shard offers a premium viewing experience for both sunrise and sunset. It becomes your backdrop as you enjoy some indoor comfort at their fine-dining restaurant, bar, or hotel.
If you’re staying at The Shard’s Shangri-La Hotel, you get to wake up to a peaceful sunrise right from your room. And for a classic British touch, you can indulge in a cup of tea at Aqua Shard while taking in the view.
The indoor viewing gallery’s 360-degree views let you watch the city come to life with the first light of day or see landmarks glow under the evening sky. You can even sip on a glass of champagne as you take in the view or use the interactive telescopes to spot famous attractions.
Pro tip:
Book your tickets in advance, as sunset sessions are especially popular. Many tourists and locals come for the evening glow that beautifully reflects off the city lights.
4. Hampstead Heath
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Website: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath
Address: 432 Archway Road
Contact details: +44 020 7332 3322
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 24 hours
Known for its natural beauty, Hampstead Heath gives you idyllic sunrise and sunset views with the London skyline in the distance. You can bring the kids along here, as the heath has an expansive park setting that is home to an adventure playground.
It also has three cafés serving a range of sandwiches, salads, wraps, and drinks. And if you want to watch the sunrise or sunset with your dog, the heath welcomes them—just be sure to keep them under control at all times.
Moreover, Hampstead Heath offers free entry and is accessible to visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can easily navigate its many surfaced paths, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit for all.
Pro tip:
Hampstead Heath is ideal for an early morning walk, where you can absorb the fresh air and scenic city views to their fullest. While you’re at it, make your way to Parliament Hill, as it’s the best viewpoint to catch the sunrise.
5. Sky Garden
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Website: https://skygarden.london/
Address: 1, Sky Garden Walk
Contact details: +44 333 772 0020
Operating hours:
- Monday – 10 AM – 11 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 8 AM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 8 AM – 12 AM
Watching the sunrise from the Sky Garden means being 155 meters above London while waiting for it to wake. With a “Weekday Access + Breakfast Treat” ticket, your sunrise view comes with a freshly brewed coffee and a breakfast pastry of your choice.
Afterward, you can explore the rooftop garden for free and admire both indoor and outdoor views of the city skyline. From there, you can see iconic landmarks like The Shard, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, all beautifully lit up by the rising or setting sun.
The restaurants and bars here also make for a good date night venue. You can gaze at the sunset with your special someone (and a cocktail in hand) while live bands play music that makes your evening more romantic.
Pro tip:
Tickets sell out fast, so book yours in advance! If you’re planning to catch the sunset, arrive 30 minutes before so you don’t miss the mesmerizing transition of colors as the sun dips below the horizon.
6. Alexandra Palace
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Website: https://www.alexandrapalace.com/
Address: Alexandra Palace Way
Contact details: +44 20 8365 2121
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM – 5 PM
Sitting on a hill in North London, Alexandra Palace (or Ally Pally) treats visitors to beautiful panoramic views over London. Whether you’re here for the sunrise or the sunset, the sight of the city skyline stretching out before you is worth waking up early or staying out late for.
The historic palace setting adds a sense of timelessness to the sunrise and sunset. Originally opened in 1873 as a “People’s Palace,” Ally Pally has witnessed over a century of history, which makes it a truly iconic spot to watch the sun.
Since Ally Pally frequently hosts events, you may welcome the sunset with some live music or during a festival. You also won’t have to go far for drinks or snacks, as there are plenty of cafés nearby.
Pro tip:
Pair your sunset viewing with a visit to one of Ally Pally’s cafés or restaurants for refreshments. For a cozy experience, bring a blanket and find a comfortable spot on the grass to soak in the view.
7. Richmond Park
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Website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-park
Address: Petersham Rd, Richmond
Contact details: +44 0300 061 2200
Operating hours: Everyday, 24 hours
Sunrise and sunset viewing at Richmond Park personally feels like a Disney princess moment. With majestic deer roaming freely, bright azaleas in Isabella Plantation, and meadow butterflies fluttering over open grasslands, it’s like stepping into a storybook.
A page in that story includes observing the sunrise from your castle or the historic Georgian mansion in one of the elegant tea rooms. But if you’re more adventurous, you can rent a bike for a leisurely ride under the morning sun.
On a different note, the park has free entry and holds a rich history. Dating back to 1625, it was transformed into a hunting park by Charles I, and remarkably, some of the trees he once rode past still stand today—now casting long, golden shadows as the sun goes down.
Pro tip:
Come at sunrise for a more peaceful experience with a misty landscape. But if you prefer warmer colors and a chance to spot deer in the evening, sunset is the perfect time to visit.
8. London Eye
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Website: https://www.londoneye.com/
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall
Contact details: +44 20 7967 8021
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM – 8:30 PM
Riding the London Eye gives you a unique perspective of the city, with its slow rotation letting you fully appreciate the sunset from varying heights. A beautiful backdrop of the Thames and Westminster is part of what makes it such a famous landmark.
The glass-enclosed capsules also provide uninterrupted bird’s-eye views of the sky. Plus, its central location along the river means you get to see major London attractions such as Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and more.
For an extra touch to your sunset experience, start by mingling with celebrities at Madame Tussauds London before you ride. Then, after seeing it all from above, you can go on an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
Pro tip:
Book a sunset slot to catch the city’s lights starting to twinkle just as the sun sets. A personal host will even serve you a glass of Pommery Champagne to make the moment feel extra special.
9. Tower Bridge Walkway
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Website: https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/
Address: Tower Bridge Rd
Contact details: +44 20 7403 3761
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM – 6 PM
From the Tower Bridge Walkway, you get a unique view of the city and the Thames, especially as the sunset reflects on the water. Looking down through the glass floors, you can see London life unfolding.
The Walkway is actually the second of five stops when visiting Tower Bridge. Before reaching it, you’ll pass through the North Tower, where you can learn about the people who laid the foundations of the landmark—adding a historic touch to your sunset experience.
You’ll leave through the South Tower and follow the Blue Line, uncovering even more history along the way. The final stop at the engine rooms and shops is an interesting contrast to the fading daylight, as they show the original steam engines that once powered the bridge.
Pro tip:
The Walkways are an ideal setting for a romantic sunset stroll. Afterward, you can enjoy a meal at one of the nearby riverside restaurants.
10. St. Paul’s Cathedral Dome
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Website: https://www.stpauls.co.uk/
Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard
Contact details: +44 20 7246 8350
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM – 6 PM
A 360-degree view of the city at sunrise or sunset awaits you as you climb to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s a historic site where you can witness services, special performances, talks, workshops, and more.
As you watch the sunrise or sunset at the dome, you’ll be surrounded by Sir James Thornhill’s gilded murals. The light creates a beautiful effect on the art, highlighting its intricate details.
The cathedral also gives out free tickets for sightseeing to disabled visitors and their accompanying carer or assistant. Meanwhile, wheelchairs are available upon request for added accessibility.
Pro tip:
Crowds typically start arriving at St. Paul’s Cathedral around 10 AM when the cathedral opens for tours. So aim for an early morning visit, preferably before 9 AM for a quieter and more peaceful sunrise experience.