Do(n't) look down...

Recently, I had the opportunity to take a trip up the Shard (a birthday present), which is probably London's most expensive view (turn up on the day and it could set you back £100). is somewhat ludicrous, given the fact that some of the most incredible views can be experienced free of charge by simply going somewhere and, well, looking. London, for example, has a number of wonderful views which, provided you know where to find them, can be enjoyed without spending a single penny. This may spawn a series of other posts, but a few of my favourite examples include the top floor of One New Change shopping centre, the View Tube in Stratford and our loft window (no web link I'm afraid). 

However, having taken the unsettling rapid trip in the lift to the top of this imposing glass structure, I would not hesitate to say that this is the best view of London you could get. The building itself has not yet established itself as part of the London skyline, so you really do get a view of the whole city (unlike the Rockefeller or Empire State building, for example. The view of New York is missing the building that you are on top of.) The view of London is quite simply overwhelming, from every angle. With no time limit, it would be all too easy to spend hours looking at every single detail of the city below.