20 Fenchurch Street – The Walkie Talkie Tower with Sky Garden
Iconic London skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie, featuring a stunning three-floor Sky Garden with panoramic city views and rooftop dining.
20 Fenchurch Street, famously known as the Walkie Talkie, is a striking 38-storey skyscraper in London’s financial district. Completed in 2014 and designed by Rafael Viñoly, it features a distinctive top-heavy shape and a public Sky Garden spanning three floors at the top, offering panoramic views, landscaped gardens, restaurants, and bars. This iconic building combines cutting-edge architecture, sustainability, and a unique urban green space in the heart of the City of London.
A brief summary to 20 Fenchurch St
- 20 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 3BY, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book your free Sky Garden tickets online well in advance to secure access, especially on weekends.
- Consider dining at one of the rooftop restaurants or bars for guaranteed entry and spectacular views.
- Visit during clear weather for the best panoramic views of London’s skyline.
- Explore the landscaped plazas and pocket park at ground level to enjoy the building’s integration with the city.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Monument station, approximately a 4-minute walk from 20 Fenchurch Street. Alternatively, Bank, Cannon Street, and Tower Hill stations are within a 10-minute walk. Tube fares range from £2.50 to £6 depending on the zone and ticket type.
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Train
London Fenchurch Street railway station is a short 5-minute walk away, providing regional train services. Tickets vary by route but typically start around £5 for short journeys.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop you directly at 20 Fenchurch Street. Travel times vary with traffic but typically range from 10 to 30 minutes from central London. Expect fares from £10 upwards.
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Walking
If staying nearby in the City of London, walking to 20 Fenchurch Street is convenient and enjoyable, with pedestrian-friendly streets and nearby landmarks. Walking times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point.
20 Fenchurch St location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about 20 Fenchurch St
A Bold Architectural Statement in London’s Skyline
20 Fenchurch Street stands as one of London’s most distinctive modern skyscrapers, rising 160 meters (525 feet) with 38 floors. Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 2014, the building’s unique top-heavy silhouette resembles a walkie-talkie handset, earning it the popular nickname “The Walkie Talkie.” Its highly innovative form expands outward as it rises, creating additional floor space on the upper levels and a striking contrast to the more traditional rectangular towers nearby. The building’s design was guided by principles of maximizing views and sunlight while integrating with the surrounding Eastern Cluster of skyscrapers.The Sky Garden: London’s Highest Public Green Space
Atop the tower is the Sky Garden, a three-level public space that redefines urban green areas. Opened in January 2015, the Sky Garden offers 360-degree panoramic views of London, including iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, The Gherkin, and the River Thames. This elevated garden features landscaped terraces, tropical plants, and open-air spaces, complemented by two restaurants and a bar. While access requires advance booking or dining reservations, it remains one of the few free public observation decks in London, blending nature with cityscape in a unique setting.Engineering and Sustainability Innovations
The building exemplifies advanced engineering and sustainability. Its façade includes 32,500 square meters of aluminium and glass curtain walling, with 8,000 sunshades tailored to reduce solar gain on east and west elevations. The Sky Garden is supported by 34 structural steel arches clad with double-glazed units, creating a light-filled environment. The building achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, incorporating a fuel cell tri-generation system that simultaneously produces electricity, heat, and cooling, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 270 tons annually. These features make 20 Fenchurch Street a model for energy-efficient commercial architecture.A Vibrant Hub of Commerce and Leisure
Primarily an office building, 20 Fenchurch Street houses 34 floors of Grade A office space serving London’s financial district. The ground floor features a double-height lobby and landscaped plazas that enhance the pedestrian experience. The Sky Garden’s restaurants and bars add a social and leisure dimension, attracting visitors and workers alike. Its location places it near other City landmarks such as The Monument, Leadenhall Market, and the Bank of England, making it a focal point for both business and tourism.Urban Integration and Public Realm Enhancement
The building occupies most of the block bounded by Fenchurch Street, Eastcheap, Rood Lane, and Philpot Lane. The slender base allows for open landscaped plazas and pedestrian pathways, including a public pocket park connecting nearby lanes. This thoughtful urban design contributes positively to the City of London’s public realm, offering accessible green space and improving connectivity in a dense commercial area.Visitor Experience and Access Considerations
Visitors to 20 Fenchurch Street can enjoy the Sky Garden’s spectacular views and greenery, though entry requires booking a free ticket or reserving a table at one of the rooftop restaurants. The building’s lifts include two express lifts to the Sky Garden and fourteen double-deck lifts serving office floors. While the Sky Garden is celebrated as a public space, some debate exists about its accessibility and whether it qualifies as a true public park. Nonetheless, it remains a unique destination blending architecture, nature, and city views.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.2 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Custom House
0.2 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Lloyd's of London
0.2 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Cornhill Fountain
0.3 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.4 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
113 Cannon St
0.4 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.4 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.4 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.4 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.4 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.5 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
Historic England
0.5 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
London Wall
0.5 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.6 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Wakefield Tower
0.6 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
Unmissable attractions to see
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
0.1 km
Discover the whimsical Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture, a quirky landmark in London that showcases the city's creative spirit and vibrant history.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
0.1 km
Explore the historic St Margaret Pattens in London, a serene church brimming with stunning architecture and rich history, perfect for a peaceful visit.
Pudding Ln
0.2 km
Pudding Lane: Historic street where the Great Fire of London ignited, shaping the city’s future and urban heritage.
Leadenhall Market
0.2 km
Discover Leadenhall Market’s stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant heritage in the heart of London’s financial district.
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
0.2 km
A peaceful historic garden oasis in the heart of London’s financial district, blending Gothic ruins with lush greenery and tranquil charm.
The Garden at 120
0.2 km
Discover London’s largest free rooftop garden with serene greenery and iconic 360° city views atop 120 Fenchurch Street.
Fish St Hill
0.2 km
Historic street leading to London Bridge, shadowed by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, blending centuries of London’s history.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
0.2 km
Explore one of London’s best-preserved Roman private homes and bathhouses, revealing ancient luxury beneath the modern city streets.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.3 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill offering seasonal classics and craft ales in a setting steeped in London's dramatic past.
St Michael Cornhill
0.3 km
Discover centuries of history, architecture, and music at St Michael Cornhill, a serene medieval church standing atop Roman London’s ancient basilica.
Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr
0.3 km
A historic sanctuary at the foot of London Bridge, where centuries of faith and city life converge in a Baroque masterpiece.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
0.3 km
Discover the serene beauty and rich history of St Olave's Church, a hidden gem in the heart of London, perfect for history enthusiasts and peace-seekers alike.
Lombard St
0.3 km
Discover Lombard Street, London’s medieval banking hub where historic signs and financial legacy meet in the heart of the City.
Change Alley
0.3 km
Historic passageway in London’s financial heart, where coffee houses sparked the birth of modern stock trading and commerce.
St Mary Abchurch
0.3 km
Discover the tranquility of St Mary Abchurch, a historic church designed by Sir Christopher Wren in London's financial district, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Essential places to dine
14 Hills
0.2 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.4 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.7 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.7 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.8 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Madison
0.9 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
George
0.9 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Restaurant Story
1.0 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Lyle's
1.5 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
St. John
1.6 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Nomadic community
1.7 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.7 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.7 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.8 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.8 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Traders Gate
0.4 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
0.5 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Hay's Galleria
0.6 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Middlesex Textiles
0.7 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.8 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Borough Yards
0.8 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
One New Change
0.9 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
0.9 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Commercial St
1.1 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Fashion St
1.1 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Spitalfields Market
1.1 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Sclater Street Market
1.2 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Barbican Shop
1.2 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.3 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
The Truman Brewery Markets
1.3 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Bootlegger
0.1 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.2 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.5 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.5 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bell
0.8 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Dirty Dicks
0.8 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.8 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Discount Suit Company
0.8 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.9 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Nine Lives
0.9 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.1 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Aviary
1.2 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.2 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
The Old School Yard
1.2 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.5 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
E1
1.5 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
XOYO LONDON
1.6 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Hoxton Pony
1.6 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
1.8 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
London Best Night Clubs
1.9 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Ministry of Sound
1.9 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.0 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
Corsica Studios
2.2 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Proud Late
2.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.5 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.5 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.5 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Carwash Nightclub
2.6 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.7 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
