If you’re looking for the second tallest building in London, say hello to 22 Bishopsgate, nicknamed Twentytwo. It scrapes the sky at 278 metres (912 feet)—almost as tall as The Shard, but with a refreshingly different vibe. Opened in 2026, it was built to fill the gap left by the 9/11-inspired height restrictions on the original “Pinnacle” design.
25 Tallest Buildings in London: Where Innovation Meets the Sky - Arch2O.com
Here’s the best part: the top floor (level 60) is free to visit. Yes, free. The “Horizon 22” viewing gallery offers a 360-degree panorama that competes directly with The Shard, minus the price tag. You just need to book a slot online—and it’s incredibly popular, so plan ahead.
Want to feel like a true Londoner? The farmers’ market on Bishopsgate runs every Thursday morning. Grab a coffee and a pastry, then take the elevator up to level 60 for a morning view that beats any yoga class.
The Gentle Giants: Heron Tower and The Leadenhall Building
Heron Tower (now officially called Salesforce Tower) is a sleek, 230-metre (755-foot) skyscraper in the City. It’s home to the famous Sky Garden—wait, no, that’s 20 Fenchurch Street. Let me clarify: Heron Tower has a rooftop bar called Sky Garden as well, but it’s a separate, private space. The confusion is part of its charm.
Right next door is The Leadenhall Building (nicknamed the Cheesegrater for its wedge shape). At 225 metres (738 feet), it’s a little shorter but a lot more distinctive. Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour, it’s like a giant, glassy wedge of cheddar leaning to the east to protect the old St. Paul’s Cathedral views.
Fun fact: the Cheesegrater has a public roof garden on level 36—access is free but you need to check their website for opening hours. And if you’re standing at the base, look up: the building is tilted so dramatically that it feels like it might topple over. It won’t, but your knees might wobble.
25 Tallest Buildings in London: Where Innovation Meets the Sky - Arch2O.com
The Newcomer: 1 Undershaft (The Trellis)
Currently under construction, 1 Undershaft will become the third tallest building in London at 290 metres (951 feet) once completed around 2029. It’s been nicknamed The Trellis because of its steel lattice exterior, which is designed to carry vertical gardens. Yes, skyscrapers are going green—literally.
The building will include a public viewing platform at the top, replacing the much-missed City of London Museum. For now, you can only see the construction site, but that’s a good reason to bookmark 2029 on your calendar.
Practical tip: if you want to feel the pulse of London’s future, grab a coffee at the nearby Paxton & Whitfield (a famous cheese shop) and watch the steel skeleton rise. It’s the most exciting show in town that doesn’t charge a ticket.
