The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate: London’s latest viewing gallery
The Lookout offers a fresh perspective of London from its free viewing gallery at 8 Bishopsgate.
Image: The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate. September 2023. © MTotoe.
London's skyline is constantly changing, and now there's a fresh way to take it all in – The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate. What's even better? It won't cost you a penny.
Situated on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate, The Lookout offers an unobstructed view of the city and no matter the weather, it promises a memorable experience. From this height, you'll get to see London's landmarks in a whole new light, including the historic Tower of London and the graceful arches of Tower Bridge. On clear days, Canary Wharf in the east comes into view, showcasing the city's ever-evolving skyline.
Image: The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate. September 2023. © MTotoe.
You'll also find a bird's-eye view of the winding streets leading to Bank junction, with St. Paul's Cathedral standing tall amidst it all. Plus, you can keep an eye on the unique Walkie Talkie building and Sky Garden in the distance and also view the ongoing construction at One Leadenhall.
Image: The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate. September 2023. © MTotoe.
The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate opens to visitors every day with extended hours Monday to Friday, offering a chance to see London's transition from day to night. In a nutshell, not only is The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate a great addition to London's skyline, it also provides both locals and tourists with yet another way to view the city's beauty too. Watch this space as it's not the only viewing platform popping up; 22 Bishopsgate will also open its own free viewing platform, Horizon 22, from 20 September.
Location: 8 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4BQ. Opening hours: Mondays and Fridays from 12pm to 9pm, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10.30am to 5.30pm, Saturdays from 11am to 6pm, and Sundays & Bank Holidays from 10am to 5pm. Price: Free. Book now.
Zurich Art Weekend returns from 12–14 June 2026, bringing together more than 70 museums, galleries, foundations and independent art spaces across the city…
London Gallery Weekend returns from 5–7 June 2026 for its sixth edition, bringing together 120 galleries across the capital for three days of exhibitions, performances, talks and special events. Here is our pick of art exhibitions to see during London Gallery Weekend…
June sees the return of several summer staples, such as the Serpentine Pavilion and the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, alongside Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre, curated this year by Harry Styles. London Gallery Weekend also returns, with more than 120 galleries across the city taking part…
The 61st Venice Biennale opened on 9 May 2026 in Venice, with this year’s edition shaped around In Minor Keys, a curatorial theme conceived by the late Koyo Kouoh. The Biennale once again transforms Venice into a sprawling international exhibition, with more than 80 national pavilions taking over the Giardini, the Arsenale and sites across the city. Sofia, our arts contributor, picks her five standout national pavilions from this year’s edition.
Masaki Sugisaki is the Executive Chef at Dinings SW3 in London, where he is known for his contemporary interpretation of Japanese cuisine shaped by both traditional training in Japan and years of experience in the UK. His cooking bridges cultures, seasons, and philosophies, drawing equally on heritage techniques and the possibilities offered by British produce…
South African abstract artist Zach Zono is known for his expressive, gestural paintings that blur the line between instinct and structure. Currently presenting works throughout Rosewood London as part of his Artist Residency…
Major institutional announcements and landmark cultural investments this week highlight the evolving landscape of contemporary art and public culture across the UK and beyond, from Nan Goldin’s long-awaited return to London to Rene Matić winning one of photography’s most prestigious prizes…
The theme for the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, In Minor Keys, and its artists, were selected by Cameroonian curator Koyo Kouoh. The final form of the exhibition, however, was realised by a committee following Kouoh’s death in 2025…
The prestigious Turner Prize continues its tradition of spotlighting groundbreaking creativity with the announcement of its 2026 shortlist. Revealed by Tate Britain, this year’s nominees, Simeon Barclay, Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau, and Tanoa Sasraku…
The Hayward Gallery has announced a major solo exhibition by acclaimed American artist and activist Nan Goldin titled You Never Did Anything Wrong. Opening on 24 November 2026, the exhibition marks Goldin’s first institutional UK show since 2002…
A guide to the key London art school degree shows in 2026, with confirmed dates to help you plan visits between May and July…
Mark Perkins is Executive Pastry Chef at Rosewood London, where he has played a central role in shaping the hotel’s pastry programme for more than two decades. With over 30 years’ experience in luxury hospitality, he is recognised for his highly creative, art-led approach to patisserie, particularly through Rosewood London’s celebrated Art Afternoon Tea series…
The Barbican Centre has unveiled its Outdoor Cinema 2026 programme, returning to the Sculpture Court this August with eleven nights of open-air screenings beneath the London skyline….
Rene Matić has been named the winner of the 2026 Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize…
Carmen Joubert is a curator at the Norval Foundation and recently curated Interior Weather, a collaboration with Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. We had a chat with her about the project, her approach to working within the Mount Nelson’s historic interiors, and her perspective on the current contemporary art scene in Cape Town…
Artist Ġulja Holland, whose life and practice have unfolded between Malta and the UK, has developed a practice that moves fluidly across geographies and disciplines. In her practice, this sense of in between is not a limitation but a generative force…