30 St Mary Axe – The Gherkin, London’s Iconic Eco-Skyscraper
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
30 St Mary Axe, famously known as The Gherkin, is a 40-storey skyscraper in London’s financial district. Designed by Foster + Partners and completed in 2003, this distinctive, bullet-shaped tower is celebrated for its innovative sustainable design, natural ventilation system, and striking spiral glass façade. It stands 180 meters tall, offering panoramic city views from its upper floors and serving as a landmark symbolizing modern architecture and environmental responsibility in the heart of London.
A brief summary to 30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
- 30 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BF, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the top-floor restaurant or bar for stunning 360-degree views of London’s skyline, including St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Explore the landscaped public plaza at the base, a peaceful urban green space amidst the financial district.
- Notice the building’s unique spiral atria visible through the façade, which provide natural ventilation and daylight.
- Learn about the site’s history, including the Roman remains found during construction, commemorated at the tower’s base.
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 Liverpool Street Station, approximately 10 minutes’ walk from 30 St Mary Axe. The station is served by Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines. Frequent services run daily, and single fares cost around £2.50-£5.00 depending on the ticket type.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near 30 St Mary Axe, including routes 8, 25, 35, and 40. Bus travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes from central London locations. Buses operate frequently during the day with standard Transport for London fares applying.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Licensed London black cabs and rideshare services can drop you directly at 30 St Mary Axe. Travel times from central London vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £10 and £25.
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Walking
If you are nearby, walking to 30 St Mary Axe is a pleasant option, with well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. Walking times range from 10 to 20 minutes from Liverpool Street or Bank stations, across mostly flat terrain.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re 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 30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
A Revolutionary Design in London's Skyline
30 St Mary Axe, popularly known as The Gherkin, redefined London’s architectural landscape when it was completed in 2003. Designed by the acclaimed firm Foster + Partners, it replaced the Baltic Exchange building, which was severely damaged in a 1992 bomb attack. The tower’s unique bullet-shaped, tapering form was inspired by natural spirals such as pinecones and is instantly recognizable for its smooth, curving silhouette. Its circular plan widens at the middle and tapers at the base and crown, creating a slender profile that respects the surrounding historic buildings and reduces wind turbulence at street level.Innovative Environmental and Structural Features
The Gherkin is London’s first ecological tall building, embodying a highly progressive environmental strategy. Its aerodynamic shape maximizes natural light and ventilation, significantly reducing energy consumption. The building’s double-glazed façade incorporates a diagrid steel structure with a distinctive diamond pattern, which supports the tower without internal columns, allowing flexible, open office spaces. Six spiraling atria run vertically through the building, acting as natural ventilation shafts that draw fresh air and circulate it efficiently, reducing reliance on air conditioning. This system, combined with daylight-optimized floor plates and sensors controlling artificial lighting, allows the building to use roughly half the energy of a conventional office tower.Historical Layers and Cultural Significance
The site holds deep historical significance. During construction, the remains of a young Roman girl buried over 1,600 years ago were discovered and respectfully reinterred at the base of the tower. The Gherkin stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal, rising from a site marked by tragedy to become a beacon of innovation and sustainability. It also marks a turning point in London’s approach to skyscrapers, overcoming earlier resistance to tall buildings in the city center and setting a precedent for future high-rise developments.Interior Experience and Public Spaces
Inside, the building features column-free floors connected by open balconies overlooking the central atria, fostering natural social interaction and collaboration. The entrance lobby impresses with sweeping seven-meter-high aluminum panels flowing from the plaza into the interior. At the top, a double-height viewing gallery, restaurant, and bar offer spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of London’s skyline, including iconic landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral. The public plaza at the base provides landscaped green space and retail outlets, integrating the tower with the urban fabric.Engineering Excellence and Construction Highlights
Constructed with over 35 kilometers of steel and 24,000 square meters of glass, the Gherkin’s build was a feat of engineering and logistics, completed on time and within budget despite the site’s constrained urban setting. Advanced 3D modeling guided the precise assembly of its complex façade and structure. The building’s diagonal steel exoskeleton distributes loads efficiently, while its tapered form enhances structural stability and aesthetic elegance.A Lasting Symbol of Modern London
Today, 30 St Mary Axe stands as a prestigious address for global businesses and a celebrated icon of sustainable architecture. It has won numerous awards, including the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize in 2004, and continues to influence skyscraper design worldwide. The Gherkin is not just an office building but a landmark that embodies London’s blend of history, innovation, and environmental responsibility.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
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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)
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A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
Lloyd's of London
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A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
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Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
182 Bishopsgate
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Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Northumbria University - London
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Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
Cornhill Fountain
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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
0.5 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.6 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
London Wall
0.6 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.6 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Custom House
0.6 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.6 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Christ Church Spitalfields
0.7 km
Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, an iconic Anglican church in the heart of London.
113 Cannon St
0.7 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bevis Marks Synagogue
0.1 km
Discover the oldest continuously used synagogue in the UK, a serene Sephardic sanctuary nestled in London's historic heart since 1701.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.1 km
Experience the tranquil beauty and rich history of St Helen's Church, a captivating tourist attraction in the heart of London.
Moonshine Saloon
0.2 km
Experience the Wild West at Moonshine Saloon, London's premier cocktail bar offering unique drinks in a captivating atmosphere.
Mitre Square
0.2 km
Mitre Square blends medieval heritage and Victorian crime history, marking the chilling site of Jack the Ripper’s fourth victim in London’s historic core.
Devonshire Square
0.2 km
A tranquil blend of Victorian heritage and modern elegance in London’s bustling financial heart.
The Garden at 120
0.3 km
Discover London’s largest free rooftop garden with serene greenery and iconic 360° city views atop 120 Fenchurch Street.
St Botolph without Aldgate
0.3 km
Historic Anglican church at London’s ancient eastern gate, blending centuries of architecture, community stories, and the oldest working organ in the UK.
Leadenhall Market
0.3 km
Discover Leadenhall Market’s stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant heritage in the heart of London’s financial district.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant history and diverse culture of Petticoat Lane Market, East London's iconic hub for textiles, fashion, and street food.
Liverpool Street
0.4 km
A historic and bustling transport hub linking London’s financial heart with vibrant East End culture and beyond.
St Michael Cornhill
0.4 km
Discover centuries of history, architecture, and music at St Michael Cornhill, a serene medieval church standing atop Roman London’s ancient basilica.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
0.4 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.
Threadneedle St
0.4 km
Discover Threadneedle Street, the historic financial artery of London, home to the Bank of England and centuries of economic heritage.
20 Fenchurch St
0.4 km
Iconic London skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie, featuring a stunning three-floor Sky Garden with panoramic city views and rooftop dining.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
0.4 km
Explore the historic St Margaret Pattens in London, a serene church brimming with stunning architecture and rich history, perfect for a peaceful visit.
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.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.4 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.4 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.
La Dame de Pic London
0.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Madison
1.1 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Lyle's
1.1 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Nomadic community
1.2 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Restaurant Story
1.3 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
George
1.3 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.4 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
The Clove Club
1.4 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
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.
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.
Brawn
1.8 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Middlesex Textiles
0.3 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Traders Gate
0.6 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.
Commercial St
0.7 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Spitalfields Market
0.7 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Fashion St
0.7 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Tower of London Shop
0.7 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
1 Poultry
0.7 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Sclater Street Market
0.8 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
DPUS Designer Outlet
0.9 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
0.9 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
0.9 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
Backyard Market
1.0 km
Discover handmade treasures and vibrant street culture at Backyard Market, Brick Lane’s creative heart.
Hay's Galleria
1.0 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
One New Change
1.1 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
1.1 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.1 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bootlegger
0.4 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 Bell
0.4 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Dirty Dicks
0.4 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.4 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.4 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Discount Suit Company
0.4 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
0.5 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.6 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Aviary
0.9 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
0.9 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Flight Club Shoreditch
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
The Old Blue Last
1.1 km
Historic Shoreditch pub and iconic live music venue where London’s grassroots artists rise amid a raw, vibrant atmosphere.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Shoreditch
1.1 km
Experience East London's vibrant nightlife with inventive cocktails and bold Japanese-inspired art at The Cocktail Club Shoreditch.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.8 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
The Hoxton Pony
1.2 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
XOYO LONDON
1.3 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Trafik
1.4 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
E1
1.4 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.6 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
London Best Night Clubs
1.8 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
2.3 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Corsica Studios
2.6 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Proud Late
2.7 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.
Carwash Nightclub
2.8 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.8 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.8 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.8 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.9 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
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
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
- Locally Managed
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
