London is one of the most economically and technologically advanced cities in the world. Because of this it means its skyline its constantly changing to accommodate development and investment in the heart of the city and financial districts. To keep up with our amazing capitals fantastic buildings, here is a list of the tallest currently occupying the skyline. We encourage you to visit them on your own or with a guide on a free walking tour!
30 St Mary Axe, The City of London
Widely known as “The Gherkin”, this postmodern structure was complete in 2003 and reaches 180m (591ft). It was previously known as the Swiss Re Building due to its occupants, and isn’t the only structure in this list to have been erected by architects Foster and Partners. While it is the 10th tallest, it remains one of the most recognisable in the London cityscape.
St George Wharf Tower, Vauxhall
Unlike many of the structures in this list, this monster which stands at 181m (594ft) contains 223 flats. Unfortunately, a grim tale lives within the Tower’s construction. In January 2013 one of the constructions cranes was hit by a passing helicopter, killing two of its passengers.
Tower 42, City of London
Completed in 1980, Tower 42 is an impressive 183m (600ft) and was originally called the National Westminster Tower because it was intended to house the National Westminster Bank’s international division. It held the title of London’s tallest building for 30 years until the Heron Tower was completed.
8 and 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf
Build pretty much in tandem, 8 and 25 Canada Square stand at 200m (656ft) tall and are both recognisable in their own right. No.8 is the headquarters of HSBC bank and was completed in 2002. It can be spotted from miles around because of their distinctive logo on the top of the building. No.25, is otherwise known as the Citigroup Centre, was completed in 2001 and both were constructed by the same architects, Foster and Partners.
The Leadenhall Building, City of London
If you join a free walking tour around the City, you will be surprised to learn that this avant-garde-looking area is, in fact, the oldest in London! And, among all the tall buildings in sight, one is particularly noticeable. Known affectionately as “The Cheesegrater” because of its wedge shape, The Leadenhall stands at 225m (738ft) containing 48 floors and is mostly used as an office block. This structure which was completed in 2013 replaced another tall office block which was demolished to make way for the 5th tallest building in London.
Heron Tower, Bishopsgate
Falling just short of One Canada Square is another structure pushing its way into the top 10 from Bishopgate. Heron Tower was completed in 2011 and stands at 230m (755ft), making it the current tallest building in the City of London’s financial district.
One Canada Square, Canary Wharf
One Canada Square was completed in 1991 and ruled the London skies until the Shard was completed. Standing at a staggering 235m (770ft) tall, One Canada square has become easily recognisable not just by its height, but by its distinctive pyramid peak. The London giant was the vision of architect Cesar Pelli, has also worked on a number of other Canary Wharf buildings and the colossal Landmark in Dubai.
The Pinnacle (Bishopsgate Tower)
The unfinished tower technically isn’t the second biggest but soon will be when it is completed. When finished the Pinnacle will stand as the second biggest building in London at a massive 278m (912ft). Initially planned to be in working order by 2015, construction was only completed in 2020.
The Shard, Southwark
The current king of the London Skyscrapers is the fantastic looking Shard. Standing at 309.6m (1016ft) tall it is considerably bigger than anything else completed and currently in operation and is currently the tallest building in the EU. Constructed in the Neo-futurism style by architect Renzo Piano, the Shard was finished in July 2012 and contains 73 floors and 44 lifts.
To see these buildings together with a guide, and many more, check out some of the free tours of London.
