30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), London’s Iconic Sustainable Skyscraper
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
Known as The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe is a 180-meter tall, 41-floor skyscraper in London’s financial district. Designed by Sir Norman Foster and completed in 2004, this architectural marvel features a distinctive curved shape, energy-saving ventilation shafts, and extensive glass cladding. It houses offices, a restaurant, and a bar with panoramic city views, making it a landmark of modern London and a symbol of innovative design and sustainability.
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
- Visit the top-floor bar or restaurant for exceptional panoramic views of London’s skyline.
- Explore nearby attractions like Leadenhall Market and The Monument to complement your visit.
- Check for Open House London events to gain special access to the building’s interior.
- Admire the building’s energy-efficient design features visible in its glass facade and ventilation shafts.
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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London Underground
Reach The Gherkin via Liverpool Street station, Aldgate, or Bank Underground stations. Travel times vary from 15 to 25 minutes from central London zones. Stations are well connected with frequent services, and walking from any of these stations to the building takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
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Bus
Multiple London bus routes serve the area around 30 St Mary Axe. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with typical journey times from central London between 20 and 40 minutes depending on traffic. Bus stops are within a short walk of the building.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at 30 St Mary Axe. Travel times from central London range from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Note that parking is limited and expensive in the City of London.
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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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
A Landmark of Modern London Architecture
30 St Mary Axe, popularly known as The Gherkin, stands as one of London’s most recognizable modern skyscrapers. Rising 180 meters (591 feet) with 41 floors, it dominates the City of London’s financial district skyline. The building occupies the site of the former Baltic Exchange, which was severely damaged in a 1992 bombing. Designed by Sir Norman Foster and his firm Foster + Partners, the tower was completed in 2003 and opened in 2004. Its unique, rounded, bullet-shaped form earned it the affectionate nickname “The Gherkin” due to its resemblance to a pickled cucumber.Innovative Design and Sustainable Engineering
The Gherkin’s design incorporates high-tech architectural principles and neo-futurism, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency. The building features a spiraling pattern of diamond-shaped glass panels covering 24,000 square meters—equivalent to five football pitches. It uses a natural ventilation system with six shafts running through the floors, allowing fresh air to circulate and reducing reliance on mechanical air conditioning. This system also creates a double-glazing effect that insulates the interior, helping the building consume only half the energy of a comparable tower.Structural and Aesthetic Features
Constructed with over 35 kilometers of steel weighing 10,000 tonnes, The Gherkin’s structure is both robust and elegant. Remarkably, it uses only one piece of curved glass—the lens at the top dome. The floors rotate approximately 5 degrees from the one below, creating its distinctive twisting shape. The building’s aerodynamic form helps it withstand high winds, while its glass facade allows natural light to flood interior spaces, enhancing the working environment.Public and Private Spaces
While primarily an office building hosting major companies such as Swiss Re, The Gherkin also features public amenities. The 38th floor houses private dining rooms, the 39th floor a restaurant, and the 40th floor a bar with panoramic views over London. These spaces offer a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and are prized for their atmosphere and design.Historical Context and Cultural Significance
The site’s history as the former Baltic Exchange headquarters adds depth to The Gherkin’s story. The original building’s stained-glass dome inspired the design of the current tower’s top dome, known as the "Lens." The Gherkin has become a symbol of London’s prosperity, architectural innovation, and commitment to sustainable urban development. It has received numerous awards, including the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize in 2004 and the Emporis Skyscraper Award.Visitor Experience and Surroundings
Located near landmarks such as Leadenhall Market, The Monument, and the Bank of England Museum, The Gherkin is accessible by multiple London Underground stations and bus routes. Its presence enriches the City’s architectural diversity, contrasting with more traditional buildings. Visitors appreciate its striking silhouette, especially when illuminated at night, and the opportunity to glimpse London from its high-level restaurant and bar.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
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Iconic London skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie, featuring a stunning three-floor Sky Garden with panoramic city views and rooftop dining.
Royal Exchange
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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
- Lively
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Futuristic Looks
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
