The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate

The lowdown

The Lookout is the free public viewing gallery on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate, one of the City's newest towers. Floor-to-ceiling windows give sweeping views across the cluster of City towers, out to the river, St Paul's, the Shard and far beyond, all without spending a penny.

Booking works in weekly drops. Free tickets are released on Mondays, up to two weeks ahead, through the booking site linked from 8bishopsgate.com, for up to ten people per booking. Security checks your QR code at the ground floor reception. Walk-ins are accepted when the gallery has space, so it is worth trying on the day if you could not book.

Know before you go: a standard visit lasts 45 minutes. Only bottled water is allowed inside, with no food or alcohol, under 16s must be with an adult and the gallery is wheelchair accessible, with help available if you email ahead. It opens late on Mondays and Fridays until 9pm, the best bet for the city lights. The Lookout closes to the public on some dates, which are listed on its booking page.

Nearby and also free: Horizon 22 is a few doors along, 58 floors up, and the Sky Garden and the Garden at 120 are a short walk south. Details checked against 8bishopsgate.com and its booking site on 15 October 2026.