The Fenchurch Building, commonly referred to as The Walkie-Talkie, is an iconic skyscraper located in the heart of London. Completed in 2014, its distinctive bulbous shape stands out on the skyline, offering spectacular views of the city from its Sky Garden on the 35th floor. This public garden provides a lush, green space along with restaurants and observation areas, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The building has garnered attention not just for its design but also for its sustainable features, including a unique solar shading system.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.7 11,422
- Tripadvisor 4.5 44
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location and Access The Fenchurch Building is easily accessible via public transportation, close to the Monument tube station. This central location makes it a convenient destination for tourists and locals alike.
- Free Admission with Booked Ticket The Sky Garden offers free access to stunning city views, provided you book a ticket online in advance. This makes it a budget-friendly alternative to other observation points in London.
- On-Site Dining and Drinks The Sky Garden features bars, restaurants and cafes, offering a range of options for refreshments. You can enjoy cocktails, coffee, or a full meal while taking in the views.
- Spectacular Panoramic Views Enjoy 360-degree views of London's iconic landmarks from the Sky Garden's high vantage point. The viewing areas provide ample space to take in the scenery and capture memorable photos.
- Unique Indoor Garden Ambiance Experience a beautiful landscaped indoor garden within the Sky Garden. The combination of lush greenery and city views creates a relaxing and visually appealing environment.
Criticised
- Booking Required and Limited Availability You must book tickets online in advance, and availability can be limited, especially during peak season. Spontaneous visits are difficult without a reservation.
- Expensive Food and Drinks While entry is free, food and drinks at the Sky Garden's bars and restaurants are relatively expensive. Be prepared for higher prices compared to ground-level establishments.
- Overcrowding The Sky Garden can get very busy, especially during popular times. This can make it difficult to fully enjoy the views and navigate the space comfortably.
- Potentially Confusing Entry Navigating to the correct entrance and understanding the entry process can be a bit chaotic due to a lack of clear signage. Some reviewers found the staff unhelpful in guiding visitors.
- Security Checks and Queues Expect airport-style security checks and potential queues, even with a pre-booked ticket. This can add to the overall time and effort required for your visit.
The longer read
The Fenchurch Building, nicknamed the Walkie-Talkie, offers a unique experience centered around its Sky Garden, a free public space boasting panoramic views of London. Many reviewers highlight the ease of booking free tickets online, though it's essential to do so weeks in advance due to high demand. Some reviewers suggest that walk-in entry is possible, but not guaranteed. Booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Once inside, visitors are treated to 360-degree views of the city, with comfortable seating areas available to relax and take in the sights. Reviewers appreciate the opportunity to spot famous London landmarks from above, creating memorable photo opportunities. The Sky Garden itself features landscaped indoor gardens, though some found the garden aspect smaller than expected.
The attraction also includes bars and restaurants, with cocktails and dining experiences frequently praised. However, some reviewers found the food and drink prices to be high, which is common for attractions with such views. The atmosphere is generally described as lively, with live music adding to the ambiance in the evenings.
Accessing the Sky Garden involves airport-style security checks, which some reviewers found slow, with queues of up to 45 minutes. The lift journey to the top is quick, though the lifts themselves are smaller than anticipated. Signage upon arrival could be improved, as some visitors found the initial entry process confusing.
Overall, the Walkie-Talkie's Sky Garden offers a memorable and mostly positive experience, with the stunning views being the main draw. The free entry makes it an attractive alternative to other tall buildings like The Shard. However, planning is crucial, with advance booking being essential to secure a visit. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy the views, gardens, and refreshments, making for a worthwhile addition to any London trip. The helpfulness of the staff is also commended in a number of reviews.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7337 2344
- Website
- skygarden.london
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Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 against a median of 4.5 across the 2,371 venues we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is Trafalgar Square.
Still deciding?
- What can visitors expect to see and do in the Sky Garden at the Fenchurch Building?
- When is the best time of day or year to visit the Walkie-Talkie for the best views and experience?
- Is it necessary to book tickets in advance to enter the Fenchurch Building's observation areas?
- What other attractions or landmarks are close to the Walkie-Talkie in London?
- What is the architectural significance and history behind the Fenchurch Building’s design?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.