The Lookout — Attraction in London

The overall security check process was seamless upon entrance, the staff were helpful, and the view at the top is amazing, albeit slightly lower than Horizon 22 and you can tell if you've visited Horizon 22 prior to this.

The main disappointment were the lifts. There are two lifts but one is usually fenced off which is used for staff only. Only one operating lift for such a tall building is ridiculous during busy times and you have to wait ages to enter the lift. The lifts are fairly small and seemed to have a lot of issues when I visited. Firstly, although the lifts are high spec, they are considerably slower than the model's usual speed. They are slow for the number of floors and it takes over a minute to reach the top or bottom. Secondly, the lift's capacity has also been reduced. When returning back to the ground floor, around eight people (including myself) entered, but the lift signalled that it was overloaded and two people had to get off, so these lifts can only take about six passengers at a time, which is much lower than what the lift's capacity plate indicates. I believe that the speed and capacity have been reduced intentionally because of ongoing issues with the lifts.

Overall, a decent experience, but the lifts have a lot of issues. Expect to wait ages at the ground floor after the security check process because of only one lift operating, the lift's slow speed, and the lift's low capacity. If you had to choose between the two viewing towers, go to...

Absolutely worth taking the time to visit. First off, unlike the Shard or Battersea Power Station it is completely free. It is also higher than the viewing area at the Sky Garden a short distance away - you're looking down on them. The entrance is right on Bishopsgate and very obvious to first time visitors. Lift is fast and direct - no change of lift is required halfway up as in some tall buildings. Both the lady in the reception area on the ground floor and the gentleman supervising the viewing floor were very polite and friendly - management take note.

The views are fantastic, with direct views of the Shard, St Pauls, Tower Bridge, the Thames, the Bank of England, Tower 42, the Lloyds Building, Tate Modern, 22 Bishopsgate (right next door) and many, many more landmarks. The room has a high ceiling, glass curtain walls, and is entirely empty, meaning that the view is an unobstructed and clear as possible.

The only slight downside (which can't be helped) is that the view isn't in all directions - the north eastern corner of that floor of the building has another use. The best views are to the west and south in any case.

Note that you do need to book a (free) spot online, but I did overhear staff saying that walk in slots are...

We were only in London for the evening and decided to see if we could find a viewing platform to watch the sun set over the city. We were so lucky to find The Lookout and the security man on the door was so kind and helpful as we hadn't booked tickets we just chanced our luck. Security checks done and we were into the lift and up to floor 50. As we walked out the lift I was speechless, there was this endless and amazing view of the city beneath us, lights twinkling as the sun was setting. It was a lovely open space, not too many people and huge windows which you could walk up to gaze out of. The lighting was soft, there were some benches set back for people to use and it was lovely and clean. We spent sometime just watching the city and taking in views of the Shard and St Paul's (and other landmarks). There didn't appear to be any time restrictions but I guess it wasn't a peak time so anyone visiting during the day time you might want to check this out. Tickets can be booked on their website but the best thing is that this viewing platform is free and only 5 mins from Liverpool Street train station 😊 We will definitely...