1. The Shard
Alternative Names: Shard London Bridge, The Shard of Glass, London Bridge Tower
City: London
Location: London Bridge
Height: 310m
Number of floors: 95 (72 habitable)
Year completed: 2012
This iconic skyscraper, completed in 2012, is a symbol of architectural excellence in London. With its sleek and striking design, The Shard has become a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. Its 95 floors house a variety of functions, including offices, a luxury hotel, restaurants, and observation decks. The building’s exterior is adorned with a glass curtain wall, reflecting the changing sky and providing breathtaking views of the city from within. The viewing platforms on the upper floors offer panoramic vistas, allowing visitors to witness London’s sprawling beauty from a unique vantage point. The Shard has become a beloved landmark, showcasing both the city’s rich history and its modern ambitions.
2. 22 Bishopsgate
Alternative Names: The Helter Skelter, Twentytwo, The Pinnacle
City: London
Location: Financial District
Height: 278m
Number of floors: 62
Year completed: 2019
This awe-inspiring skyscraper, completed in 2019, epitomizes contemporary architecture and innovation. Its 62 floors house a variety of amenities, including office spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational areas. With a focus on sustainability, the building incorporates advanced technologies to minimize its environmental impact. Its sleek glass exterior not only provides breathtaking panoramic views of London but also fills the interior with natural light, creating an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. Inside, occupants can enjoy state-of-the-art conference facilities, fitness centres, communal lounges, and exquisite dining options. The building also features an exquisite outdoor terrace on the 25th floor, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city below.
3. One Canada Square
Alternative Names: Canary Wharf, DS7
City: London
Location: Canary Wharf
Height: 235m
Number of floors: 50
Year completed: 1990
One of the UK’s most iconic skyscrapers, One Canada Square is famed, among other things, for its appearance in the title credits of the British reality TV show “The Apprentice”. At the time of its construction in 1991, it was the tallest building in the United Kingdom, a status it retained until The Shard was completed in 2012. The building’s iconic pyramid pinnacle is unusual for UK architecture, in that it contains a flashing aircraft warning light. It is home to a wide range of businesses from the private sector.
4. The Landmark Pinnacle
Alternative Names: The Pride, City pride
City: London
Location: Canary Wharf
Height: 233m
Number of floors: 77
Year completed: 2020
This modern skyscraper stands tall in Canary Wharf, one of the city’s most prestigious business districts. Completed in 2020, The Landmark Pinnacle offers a mix of luxury residential apartments and exceptional amenities. Its sleek and contemporary design, characterized by a dynamic façade and striking vertical lines, captivates the eye. The building’s glass exterior not only creates a sleek aesthetic but also fills the interiors with natural light, providing a sense of spaciousness and warmth.
5. 110 Bishopsgate
Alternative Names: Salesforce Tower, Heron Tower
City: London
Location: Financial District
Height: 230m
Number of floors: 47
Year completed: 2010
Located a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street Station, Heron Tower is the tallest building in the City of London. The tower is home to a wide variety of private sector businesses, including Salesforce, a number of law firms, a recruitment firm, and many more. There is also a bar at the top of the tower, which is open to the public.
6. The Leadenhall Building
Alternative Names: 122 Leadenhall Street, The Cheesegrater
City: London
Location: Financial District
Height: 225m
Number of floors: 48
Year completed: 2013
The second tallest building in the City of London, this commanding structure is a commercial property, home to various financial businesses including insurance giants AON. Nestled right in the centre of the City of London, it is one of the most recognizable structures in London’s financial district. Its wedge shape has led to it being nicknamed the Cheesegrater.
7. Newfoundland
Alternative Names: Diamond Tower
City: London
Location: Canary Wharf
Height: 218m
Number of floors: 59
Year completed: 2020
Completed in 2021, Newfoundland boasts a unique and contemporary design that sets it apart. The building’s distinctive twisted façade and irregular balconies create a visually captivating effect. Its sleek glass exterior reflects the surrounding cityscape, while the thoughtfully designed interiors offer modern and stylish living spaces.
8. Hampton Tower
Alternative Names: South Quay Plaza Tower 1, Valiant Tower
City: London
Location: Isle of Dogs
Height: 215m
Number of floors: 68
Year completed: 2021
Completed in 2021, Hampton Tower stands as a symbol of modernity and sophistication. Its sleek and elegant design, characterized by a glass façade and contemporary lines, blends harmoniously with the surrounding cityscape. The building’s exterior not only provides stunning panoramic views of London but also allows an abundance of natural light to flood the interiors, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
9. One Park Drive
Alternative Names: Wood Wharf
City: London
Location: Isle of Dogs
Height: 205m
Number of floors: 57
Year completed: 2021
The design of One Park Drive is a testament to innovation and elegance. Its cylindrical shape, with a distinctive ribbed exterior, adds a sense of uniqueness to the city’s skyline. The building’s floor-to-ceiling windows allow abundant natural light to fill the spacious and modern interiors, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
10. 8 Bishopsgate
Alternative Names: The Jenga
City: London
Location: Financial District
Height: 204m
Number of floors: 51
Year completed: 2022
The building is situated on the corner of Bishopsgate and Leadenhall Street, where it neighbours 122 Leadenhall Street and 22 Bishopsgate, two taller skyscrapers also constructed as part of a recent wave of high-rise development in the Bishopsgate area, caused by growing demand for office space in the City of London. The skyscraper was designed to be ‘visually striking’, incorporating high-quality warm building materials such as wood and marble to welcome visitors inside.
11. Deansgate Square South Tower
Alternative Names: Owen Street Tower A
City: Manchester
Location: Castlefield
Height: 201m
Number of floors: 64
Year completed: 2018
Completed in 2020, Deansgate Square South Tower is the only building one the list that is situated outside of London. It showcases a sleek and modern design, its glass façade reflects the vibrant cityscape, while the distinctive crown-like structure at the top adds a touch of elegance. The building’s expansive windows allow for breathtaking panoramic views of Manchester and its surroundings.
12. (tied) 8 Canada Square
Alternative Names: Canary Wharf DS2, HSBC World Headquarters
City: London
Location: Canary Wharf
Height: 200m
Number of floors: 45
Year completed: 2001
Completed in 2002, 8 Canada Square features a sleek and distinctive design. Its reflective glass exterior reflects the changing sky and surrounding buildings, creating a visually captivating effect. The building’s interior offers contemporary office spaces equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, catering to the needs of businesses and organizations.
12. (tied) 25 Canada Square
Alternative Names: Citigroup Centre
City: London
Location: Canary Wharf
Height: 200m
Number of floors: 45
Year completed: 2001
25 Canada Square is a building that makes up part of the Citigroup Complex along with 33 Canada Square. The complex is home to investment bank Citigroup’s European, Middle East, and African operations, as well as a host of other private and public companies. Construction began in 1998, and finished in 2001.
14. The Scalpel
Alternative Names: 52 Lime Street, W. R. Berkley Corporation European Headquarters
City: London
Location: Financial District
Height: 190m
Number of floors: 39
Year completed: 2018
Completed in 2018, The Scalpel boasts a sleek and distinctive design. Its slim, tapering form and sharp angles give it a unique and recognizable appearance. The building’s glass façade reflects the surrounding cityscape, while its height grants breathtaking panoramic views of London.
15. Wardian East Tower
Alternative Names: Arrowhead Quay East Tower
City: London
Location: Isle of Dogs
Height: 187m
Number of floors: 55
Year completed: 2019
Completed in 2019, Wardian East Tower captivates with its sleek and elegant architecture. The building’s striking glass façade and distinctive terraced balconies create a visually stunning presence. The tower’s innovative design incorporates greenery, with private gardens on select balconies, promoting a connection with nature.
16. (tied) The Madison
Alternative Names: Meridian Gate, Amory Tower
City: London
Location: Isle of Dogs
Height: 184m
Number of floors: 53
Year completed: 2019
Completed in 2020, The Madison is a residential building that takes centre stage in one of the capital’s newest and most exciting living and working environments. Set in a landmark location with Canary Wharf, The Madison raises sophisticated city living to new heights of excellence.
16. (tied) West 54
Alternative Names: One West Point, Portal West Building A
City: London
Location: North Action
Height: 184m
Number of floors: 54
Year completed: 2021
One West Point is a defining architectural statement – a unique signature building where fabulous, landscaped gardens, intricate courtyards and dedicated outdoor space give way to soaring, skyward elevations that rise to symbolise the pinnacle of new era, elite London living. Rising almost 600 feet, One West Point is tied for the tallest residential building outside of Canary Wharf.
18. Tower 42
Alternative Names: Formerly known as NatWest Tower
City: London
Location: City of London
Height: 183m
Number of floors: 47
Year completed: 1980
Tower 42 is one of many London skyscrapers designed by the late, great Richard Seifert. The third tallest building in the City of London, it was once wholly owned by banking giant NatWest. However, following an IRA terrorist attack and subsequent heavy repairs in the 1990s, NatWest sold the building. It is now occupied by a vast array of businesses, primarily in the financial sector.
19. St George Wharf Tower
Alternative Names: Vauxhall Tower, No. 1 The Tower
City: London
Location: Vauxhall
Height: 181m
Number of floors: 52
Year completed: 2014
St George’s Wharf, a residential building in Vauxhall, South London was completed in 2014. The cylindrical floor plan on each floor is divided into five apartments from the centre, with each flat shaped like a wedge or pizza slice. The building features business amenities, a gym, a spa, and a swimming pool, as well as a sky garden for residents to enjoy.
20. 30 St Mary Axe
Alternative Names: The Gherkin, Swiss Re Tower
City: London
Location: Financial District
Height: 180m
Number of floors: 41
Year completed: 2003
The Gherkin’s distinctive cylindrical style makes it one of the most iconic buildings in the London skyline. The design of the building was a joint venture between Norman Foster and the Arup Group. The commercial building is occupied by a wide variety of private sector businesses, and is heavily dominated by companies in the financial sector.