Whether you are visiting London on holiday, or a business trip, we all have an inherent desire to make the most of this beautiful city that is seeped in historical grandeur and breath-taking architecture. It’s a myriad of ancient beauty merged with modern technology and cutting edge designs, exuding a cosmopolitan, multi-cultural spirit. The city accommodates a variety of visitors and although we can’t literally get to each and every beautiful spot, a panoramic view gives a distinct feeling that you’ve embraced the city’s beauty as a whole.

Ideally, the best places to see the panorama of the city is from an elevated spot, without any restrictions or anything to hinder your view. This means you’ll need to find access to a tall building or structure that supports these kinds of 360˚ vistas. Imagine being atop a building that affords you a view of all that this dynamic city has to offer! In the evening, when the sun fades and the lights of the city begin to sparkle, there is something very special about London for every visitor to appreciate.

A View from the Top It really is no surprise that views from the tallest buildings in London are some of the most spectacular. What’s more, even though some of these sky scrapers house offices, many of them also enjoy sharing the beautiful views their spaces are afforded and boast bars or restaurants. Here, you could enjoy a cold glass of bubbly accompanied by canapés as you cast your eye over the city landscape.

Tower Bridge, one of London’s greatest attractions can be seen illuminated in the evening – a reminder of the old architecture now with a modern twist. If you’re lucky enough to have time to explore the Tower Bridge – be sure to go on the Exhibition Tour where you’ll be able to gaze down 42 meters to the flowing Thames below. Take a stroll along the walkways and educate yourself about the inner works of one of the most famous bridges in the world by visiting the Victorian Engine Rooms.

From one of the tallest buildings vantage points, following your eye across the skyline to the south bank of the Thames from Tower Bridge, you won’t help but notice the striking round glass building, the Greater London Authority. This environmentally friendly, distinctive glass globe acts as the City Hall and features a purpose-built assembly chamber and offices for the GLA. This spherical building, illuminated at night, provides a stunning addition to the London panoramic cityscape.

Another building that cannot be missed when observing the city from an elevated perspective is Guy’s Hospital, and on its right, the London Bridge, which goes over the river Thames. Illuminated at dusk, the bridge is truly magnificent sight. With champagne in hand and colleagues, family or lover by your side, you’ll find the twinkling light of the city mesmerizing as you gaze down from your skyscraper bar. Keep an eye out also for the distinctive large oblong building, the Tate Modern Art Gallery, which houses a collection of international modern art from 1900 to the present day.

The London Eye also forms an important part of the skyline – not only is it beautiful as a part of a panoramic view, but it’s well worth a visit as it also affords a 360˚perspective. This is one of the most popular London attractions as visitors are able to embrace the entirety of the city. It too sparkles in the night sky like a glowing cog that just keeps on turning. When admiring the panoramic views of London, you’ll also see another important part of the city’s skyline, St Paul's Cathedral. This historical cathedral, dedicated to St Paul has stood on this site since 604AD and still to this day remains a working church that sees thousands of visitors and worshipers visit annually. It’s highly advised to visit this monument if you have the time, as it also offers beautiful views. You can ascend 530 steps and admire the views of the city from the St Paul’s Golden Gallery.