Table of Contents
London is a city with a rich and diverse history and community, reflected in its stunning and varied architecture.
History and modernity go hand in hand across the London landscape. Whether gracefully restored heritage buildings or valorous new forms that silhouette the London skyline, it is this rich architectural diversity that makes up the fabric of London.
From mediaeval churches to modern skyscrapers, the buildings that form the London skyline tell a story of the past, present and future of the capital.
By 2030, London’s financial district, the City of London, will witness the emergence of 11 striking new skyscrapers, surpassing the height of current structures. The City of London Corporation reveals that 500,000 square metres of new office space are either approved or under construction, and an additional 500,000 square metres are proposed. These committed projects collectively match the size of approximately 70 football pitches.
In this post, we’ll delve into the intriguing history and background of London’s iconic buildings, ranking them from highest to lowest popularity based on the count of their social media followers.
Discover new insights about the London skyline and things to do that you may not have known of! Follow the LBN magazine and the buildings to not miss out on London offers!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
1. 20 Fenchurch St / The Walkie Talkie
It stands 160 metres tall with 38 floors and is notable for its Sky Garden at the top, offering panoramic views of London. It has gained attention for its solar glare issue, reflecting intense sunlight onto the streets below. It is a significant architectural landmark, contributing to the city’s skyline and offering a mix of office space, retail, and public amenities.
Rating & Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars with 8007 reviews on Google.
Social Media Followers
Website
Contact Details (For Enquiry)
skygarden@20fenchurchstreet.co.uk
Events
Sky Garden offers beautiful event spaces for a variety of occasions! The space is perched at the top of the iconic 20 Fenchurch Street.
Location
20 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 8AF, United Kingdom.
2. Tower Bridge
Looking to watch this year’s #NewYearsEve fireworks in London? We’re urging people NOT to go to @TowerBridge or London Bridge as you can’t see the fireworks from there. Please stay away and help us and @CityPolice keep everyone safe. Read more: https://t.co/L36oDxMl7G pic.twitter.com/bMwglrLtWy
— City Bridge Foundation (@CityBridgeFndn) December 12, 2023
Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894. It crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and is one of the five London bridges owned and maintained by the City Bridge Foundation. The bridge is 800 feet (240 m) in length and consists of two 213-foot (65 m) bridge towers connected at the upper level by two horizontal walkways, and a central pair of bascules that can open to allow shipping.
Its construction was started in 1886 and took eight years to build. The bridge connected Iron Gate, on the north bank of the river, with Horselydown Lane, on the south – now known as Tower Bridge Approach and Tower Bridge Road, respectively.
Rating & Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars with 147058 reviews on Google.
Social Media Followers
Website
Contact Details (For Enquiry)
+44 (0)20 7403 3761
Events
Discover what is happening at Tower Bridge. When you visit London’s iconic landmark, there’s a lot to learn.
Location
Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom.
3. St Paul’s Cathedral
The cathedral features a classical façade, a stunning dome which was influenced by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The interior is adorned with intricate mosaics, carvings, and sculptures.
It is a popular tourist attraction, welcoming visitors to explore its history, architecture, and cultural significance. It has been the venue for important events like Prince Charles’s and Lady Diana Spencer’s weddings.
St Paul’s Cathedral stands not only as a place of worship but as a living testament to London’s rich history, architectural brilliance, and cultural heritage.
Rating & Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars with 40465 reviews on Google.
Social Media Followers
Website
Contact Details (For Enquiry)
020 7246 8350
Events
From special concerts to temporary art exhibitions, their What’s On page shows all the services and events happening at the Cathedral – and allows you to search and filter to find specific events.
Location
St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom.
4. The Lloyd’s Building
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The Lloyd’s Building, an architectural masterpiece in London’s financial district, is renowned for its distinctive design and innovative features.
Designed by architect Richard Rogers, the Lloyd’s Building is a pioneering example of Bowellism architecture, highlighting the exposure of structural and mechanical elements.
The building was completed in 1986 and stands as an exemplar of the high-tech architectural style.
The Lloyd’s Building has three main towers, each with a distinct purpose.
The facade of the building resembles the pipes of a massive organ, creating a visual spectacle and adding to the building’s distinct identity in the London skyline. One of the notable features is the external glass elevators that traverse the exterior of the building.
In 2011, the Lloyd’s Building received Grade I listed status.
It stands as a beacon of architectural innovation, challenging traditional norms and setting new standards in the world of modern architecture.
Rating & Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars with 667 reviews on Google.
Social Media Followers
Website
Contact Details (For Enquiry)
Events
Various social events are run to allow the members to catch up.
Location
1 Lime St, London EC3M 7HA, United Kingdom.
5. The Shard
Its glittering angled panes of glass reflect London’s skies from all over the capital. Its name derives from the scathing words of English Heritage, who deemed it ‘a shard of glass through the heart of historic London’.
The Shard was completed in March 2012 and is a mixed-use development containing homes, offices, a hotel, shops, restaurants, and bars. It also has a public observation deck on the 72nd floor, called The View from The Shard, which is one of London’s top attractions and offers breathtaking views of the city.
Its modern design and central location near London Bridge have solidified The Shard’s status as a symbol of contemporary London.
Rating & Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars with 36767 reviews on Google.
Social Media Followers
Website
Contact Details (For Enquiry)
+44(0)344 499 7222
Events
They host various events and celebrate various occasions!!
Location
32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom.
6. 22 Bishopsgate
The structure was later subjected to a redesign, out of which it became known by its postal address, 22 Bishopsgate. It is the second tallest building in the United Kingdom The building is characterised by its tapering form, transitioning from a wider base to a narrower top. It is primarily designed for commercial use, providing office space for various businesses and organisations.
It represents a modern and dynamic addition to London’s skyline, blending functionality and sustainability to create a vibrant urban space in the heart of the city.
Rating & Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars with 128 reviews on Google.
Social Media Followers
Website
Contact Details (For Enquiry)
Events
Experience the 22B Family Day on 22nd Dec and more fun.
Location
22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ, United Kingdom.
7. The Leadenhall Building
🏆 Thrilled to share our latest triumph at the PFM Awards! 🏆
On Wednesday, we proudly accepted the award for Partners in ESG alongside our partners at JPC by Samsic.
A huge thank you to everyone involved – here’s to continuing our journey with passion and perseverance! 💚 pic.twitter.com/oxl7pIBeNE
— Leadenhall Building (@CheesegraterLdn) November 6, 2023
The Leadenhall Building is a 224.5-metre-tall (738 ft) skyscraper in central London. It was opened in July 2014 and was known informally as ‘The Cheesegrater’ because of its distinctive wedge shape, similar to that of the kitchen utensil with the same name.
Designed by the architectural firm Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, The Leadenhall Building is characterised by its innovative and unconventional design.
Completed in 2014, the building stands out with its tapering shape, creating a unique and dynamic profile in the London skyline.
It has 48 floors and a total floor area of 908,730 sq ft and is mainly used as an office building, but it also has retail and restaurant spaces. A notable feature of the building is the public art installation titled “A Sculpture in the Sky” by artist Richard Wilson. This installation consists of a series of suspended steel and glass elements, creating an artistic focal point in the building’s atrium.
Rating & Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars with 670 reviews on Google.
Social Media Followers
Website
Contact Details (For Enquiry)
+44 (0) 20 7220 8950
Events
Leadenhall Live hosts a yearly lineup of exciting events for both the TLB community and the broader City.
Location
122 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 4AB, United Kingdom.
8. 30 St Mary Axe / The Gherkin
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One of the most recognisable buildings on the London skyline is 30 St Mary Axe, also known as The Gherkin.
The bullet-shaped skyscraper with its diamond-shaped windows was built in 2003 by renowned British architect Norman Foster, and it can be spotted from as far as Windsor Great Park.
The distinctive ‘lens’ atop the Gherkin pays homage to an iconic glass dome which was on the ground floor of the original building and is now displayed at the National Maritime Museum. Its distinctive cylindrical shape and glass exterior contribute to its unique and recognisable silhouette on the London skyline.
The Gherkin is 180 metres tall and has 41 floors, mostly occupied by offices. It also has a restaurant and a bar on the top floor, offering panoramic views of the city.
Rating & Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars with 4874 reviews on Google.
Social Media Followers
Website
Contact Details (For Enquiry)
+44 (0)20 7071 5000
Events
On the ground floor of the Gherkin, you will find The Sterling. It is a perfect venue for an NYE or business party.
Location
30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF, United Kingdom.
9. London Tower 42
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Today, Tower 42 accommodates a mix of offices, restaurants, and other businesses.
The tower is multi-tenanted and comprises Grade A office space and restaurant facilities, with restaurants on the 24th and 42nd floors. It was bought by South African businessman Nathan Kirsh in 2011.
The tower has a unique cantilevered floor plate design, starting at level 4, which allows for column-free spaces and flexible layouts. Its distinctiveness lies in its dark exterior and the triangular pinnacle that crowns the building, making it a notable feature in the London skyline. It is a hub for many events.
Rating & Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars with 1402 reviews on Google.
Social Media Followers
Website
Contact Details (For Enquiry)
020 7877 7720
Events
There is a fantastic range of amenities and services.
Location
Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, London EC2N 1HN, United Kingdom.
Conclusion
Each building contributes to a tapestry that tells the story of London’s economic prowess, cultural significance, and commitment to architectural innovation. The London skyline stands as a captivating testament to the city’s rich history, architectural diversity, and continuous evolution.
As the city grows and redefines itself, the skyline serves as a visual timeline, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity in this vibrant and ever-changing capital.
Author Profile
- Online Media & PR Strategist
- Senior Online Media & PR Strategist at ClickDo Ltd. | Editor in Chief at LBN | Summer Course Student at the London School of Journalism and passionate Digitalist.
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