30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin): London’s Iconic Eco-Skyscraper
London’s iconic eco-friendly skyscraper with a unique aerodynamic shape and panoramic city views from its top-floor restaurant and bar.
Known as The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe is a 180-meter-tall, 41-floor commercial skyscraper in London’s financial district. Designed by Foster + Partners and completed in 2003, it stands on the site of the former Baltic Exchange. Its aerodynamic, egg-shaped design incorporates innovative natural ventilation and energy-saving features, making it a landmark of modern architecture and sustainability. While primarily office space, visitors can enjoy panoramic city views from its top-floor restaurant and bar.
A brief summary to 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
- 30 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BF, GB
- +442070715029
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book a table in advance at Searcys restaurant or Iris Bar on the top floors to enjoy panoramic views of London.
- Visit during sunset hours for magical light filtering through the diamond-shaped glass panels.
- Explore the public plaza around the building for great photo opportunities of The Gherkin’s unique exterior.
- Combine your visit with nearby architectural landmarks like the Lloyd’s Building and St Paul’s Cathedral.
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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Underground
Take the London Underground to Liverpool Street Station, approximately a 10-minute walk to 30 St Mary Axe. The station is served by Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines. Note that the walking route includes paved city streets and is wheelchair accessible.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including numbers 8, 25, 40, and 205, stop near St Mary Axe. Bus travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on starting point and traffic. Buses are wheelchair accessible, but check schedules for frequency during weekends and evenings.
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Taxi / Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at 30 St Mary Axe. Travel time from central London locations typically ranges from 10 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is limited in the area, so drop-off is recommended.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) 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 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
Architectural Innovation and Design
30 St Mary Axe, popularly called The Gherkin, is a pioneering example of high-tech and neo-futuristic architecture. Designed by Sir Norman Foster’s firm Foster + Partners, it was completed in December 2003 and opened in April 2004. The building’s distinctive tapered, cigar-like shape stands 180 meters tall with 41 floors, making it one of London’s tallest structures. Its aerodynamic form reduces wind load, allowing the tower to remain structurally stable without relying on internal columns, thanks to its revolutionary diagrid steel framework. The facade is covered with 24,000 square meters of glass arranged in a spiraling diamond pattern, which not only creates a striking visual but also maximizes natural light penetration deep into the interior.Eco-Friendly Features and Sustainability
The Gherkin was designed as London’s first ecological skyscraper, incorporating energy-efficient systems that reduce its environmental footprint. It features a natural ventilation system with shafts running through the building that trap and circulate air between double layers of glass. This passive system regulates temperature year-round by retaining heat in winter and expelling warm air in summer, significantly cutting energy use. The building uses approximately half the energy of a conventional tower of similar size. These sustainable design elements have established The Gherkin as a benchmark for green architecture in urban settings.Historical Context and Site Significance
The Gherkin occupies the site of the former Baltic Exchange and Chamber of Shipping, which were severely damaged by an IRA bomb in 1992. The original Baltic Exchange building was notable for its stained-glass dome, an element echoed in The Gherkin’s top-level panoramic glass dome known as the “Lens.” The design respects the City of London’s historic sightlines, particularly preserving views of St Paul’s Cathedral by maintaining a modest footprint at street level. The building’s base integrates a landscaped public plaza, providing an open urban space amid the dense financial district.Public Access and Visitor Experience
Primarily an office building housing companies like Swiss Re and Sky News, The Gherkin is not generally open for public tours. However, visitors can experience its iconic silhouette from the surrounding plaza or by booking a table at Searcys restaurant and Iris Bar on the 39th and 40th floors, which offer breathtaking 360-degree views of London’s skyline. The bar is known for its creative cocktails and atmospheric lighting that enhances the cityscape at sunset. Special events and the annual Open House London occasionally provide limited interior access.Location and Urban Impact
Situated at 30 St Mary Axe in the heart of London’s financial district, The Gherkin has become a defining feature of the city’s skyline. Its unique form contrasts with the surrounding traditional and modern buildings, symbolizing London’s blend of heritage and innovation. The building’s presence has influenced subsequent skyscraper designs in London and contributed to debates about urban development and architectural identity in the city center.Technological Marvels and Structural Details
The Gherkin’s lifts are capable of transporting 378 people simultaneously at speeds of 6 meters per second, reflecting its high-tech design ethos. The building’s diagrid structure eliminates the need for internal columns, creating open, light-filled office spaces. Its glass dome at the top serves as an observation point and social hub for tenants, enhancing the building’s function beyond mere office use. Over 35 kilometers of steel were used in its construction, underscoring the scale and complexity of this architectural feat.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
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.
Lloyd's of London
0.2 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
0.2 km
Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
182 Bishopsgate
0.4 km
Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Northumbria University - London
0.4 km
Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
Cornhill Fountain
0.4 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
0.5 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.
Royal Exchange
0.4 km
London’s historic Royal Exchange: a grand neoclassical hub where centuries of commerce and culture converge in the heart of the financial district.
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
1.0 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.
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
0.8 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.
Barbican Shop
1.1 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
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 Bell
0.4 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
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.
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
0.4 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
0.9 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
2.7 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
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Futuristic Looks
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
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
- 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
