30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) in City of London, Westminster

Even though I didn't make it to the top of the impressive Gherkin during my 2024 Christmas visit, the view from below was absolutely magical! The Christmas lights adorning the building during this time were truly breathtaking and created a wonderful festive atmosphere in the surrounding area. A great place to get into the Christmas spirit, even if you're "just" admiring the architectural masterpiece and the glittering lights from the outside. I'd love to come back and hope to enjoy the view from the top one day!

Stylish building, just in the centre of the financial district in London,. I was truly impressed by the combination of old and new, glass and old architecture around it. Shape is smooth and it's tall, shiny and looks great on the cityscape of London. You should definitely visit it!

Beautiful building but a shame it is hidden away by the rest of the buildings around. Would have been lovely with some sort of information or background presented for such an iconic building. Not possible to get in to the building sadly.

A Modern Icon with Easter Flair London’s iconic Gherkin, with its sleek, futuristic design, offers a striking contrast to the city’s historic landmarks. Visiting during Easter weekend adds a festive twist, blending architectural wonder with seasonal cheer. What to Expect: Easter Skyline Views – The building’s private viewing gallery (accessible via events or dining) provides breathtaking panoramas of London—perfect for snapping Easter sunrise shots over the Thames. Easter Brunches & Dining – The Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar on the top floors often host special Easter menus (think: gourmet lamb, chocolate desserts, and champagne). Book ahead! Architectural Wonder – Admire the building’s eco-friendly design (no AC needed!) and its glittering glass façade, which catches spring sunlight beautifully. Nearby Easter Activities – Just steps away, explore: Leadenhall Market (decorated with Easter bunting) for artisanal chocolates. Tower of London for Easter-themed medieval tours. Why Visit at Easter? Fewer Crowds – While tourists flock to churches and parks, The Gherkin remains a sleek, relaxed escape. Spring Aesthetics – The building’s curves mirror Easter eggs, and the surrounding financial district feels quieter during the holiday. Exclusive Events – Check for Easter cocktail nights or architectural tours (some require pre-booking). Pro Tips: Dress Smart-Casual – Most venues here have a dress code. Sunset Visits – The Gherkin’s exterior glows golden at dusk—magic for photos. Combine with Easter Walks – Stroll along the Thames to Southwark Cathedral for Easter services. Verdict: A chic, unconventional way to celebrate Easter—pair history with modernity, and toast to spring atop London’s skyline!

The Gherkin - officially known as 30 St Mary Ax stands proudly over the London cityscape, a striking symbol of modern architecture dominating the City of London skyline. Anyone who approaches it can hardly help but admire its unmistakable, almost futuristic shape. The building stands like a shining finger towards the sky, smooth and shiny, as if it wanted to challenge the city's past with its modern form. The building, completed in 2003, is a masterpiece by Norman Foster, one of today's most renowned architects. Even from a distance, the striking, almost curved silhouette catches the eye. The structure of the Gherkin is reminiscent of an oversized, glass cucumber. An idea that is reinforced by the delicacy of the form and the glass facade that spirals upwards. The form was deliberately chosen to combine both aesthetics and functionality, making the building appear both unobtrusive and fascinating in the skyline. The innovative energy efficiency of the design is particularly noteworthy. The shape of the building is not only an aesthetic expression of modern design, but also a response to the constant challenge of finding sustainable solutions in urban spaces. The glass facade is designed to maximize natural ventilation and light penetration, significantly reducing the building's energy consumption compared to other high-rise buildings. It is an architecture that stands out not only for its visual presence, but also for its environmental awareness. When you approach the Gherkin, you can see the special structure of the facade. Glass panels arranged in triangular shapes, which not only gives the building an almost organic, flowing aesthetic, but also helps to distribute wind loads efficiently. This design choice is as practical as it is aesthetic, and it is immediately clear that every detail of the structure has been carefully considered to meet both architectural and functional requirements. Viewed from below, you can see the fine details of the glass and steel structure, which runs along the high steel beams along the outer facade, making the building appear like a fascinating construct of modern building materials and technology. The tower itself reaches an impressive height of 180 meters and, with its 41 floors, plays a central role in the financial district. The view from the upper floors, especially from the panoramic bar on the 40th floor, is breathtaking. From here you can look over the city's rooftops, over the dense network of historic buildings that spread out beneath the Gherkin's gleaming modern structure. The Gherkin has long since become a symbol of London's modern identity, a symbol of the balance between innovation and tradition. It is an architectural masterpiece that impresses not only with its form and function, but also with its integration into the vibrant, ever-changing fabric of the city. The building is not only a part of the skyline, but also a central hub of international finance, which has occupied a distinctive place in London's history with its striking appearance and innovative construction. As of: April 19, 2025 “Modern architecture is the stage on which bold ideas made of concrete, steel and glass appear. Sometimes as a diva basking in reflective facades, sometimes as a rebel who taunts gravity with shrill angles. It is an attempt to bring order into the chaos of the urban world and at the same time an invitation to get lost in the labyrinth of lines and shapes. It fascinates because it dreams bigger than ourselves and inspires because it sometimes makes us believe that even an office building can have the soul of an adventurer.”

Don't forget to see the leaden hall on the way.

I’ve been to this amazing, stunning building multiple times over the years for various functions, and it never fails to impress. The architecture, breathtaking views, top-tier amenities, and well-equipped meeting rooms make it a standout venue and definitely a go-to spot for events or professional gatherings. Unfortunately, what consistently falls short is the front-of-house experience. On both recent and past visits, the welcome has been cold, and the customer service from the FOH teams has been noticeably poor. It’s disappointing that despite the prestige of the space, the attitude and hospitality haven’t improved over time. A bit more warmth and attentiveness from the staff would truly elevate the overall experience to match the quality of the surroundings.

The contrast that you can see there is worth visiting this place, a combination of old and new. It's impressive ;)

It is a very nice and modern area for work and shopping.

Glamorous and iconic building to take pictures and videos. Restaurant and bar available on the top floor. Booking required for the restaurant/bar

Mother’s Day treat - Searcys My daughter gave me a special treat on 30/03/25. I enjoyed the food however, I asked for my steak to be well done but it was pink. I asked the waiter to return it and make it well done. The steak was returned burnt I had a word with the waiter about the steak and he said it is burnt because you asked for it to be well done. This ruined my Mother’s Day treat. The waiter was very rude.

Impressive area of ​​London full of spectacular buildings where it mixes the current with any monument.

Absolutely incredible building, a sight to behold. We wanted to visit the restaurant at the top which sadly was closed to a private event that day. But taking a stroll through the financial district, this building really stands out as a true masterpiece amongst great building.

It's like a giant cucumber, I couldn't get in even though we went on a Sunday and it said it was possible to go up, it wasn't possible, the entrance was closed

Oh, 30 St Mary Ax - THE CUCUMBPER - is not just a building, no, it is a revelation, an architectural masterpiece that pierces the London sky like a glorious monument to modernism! When you walk through the streets of the city and suddenly see this majestic silhouette, it takes your breath away. It's as if someone planted a gigantic, shiny cucumber from outer space on Earth just to show us what true beauty means. It's the best thing that has ever happened to humanity - yes, I'll say it: THE CUCUMBLER IS THE ULTIMATE BUILDING!

Incredible shape, very particular, beautiful to look at and a panoramic point from which to see all of London...

It Really is a great place for a cappuccino and cake to watch the madness of the world that is Central London.

Cool to see in person. Beautiful architecture

Favourite tall building in London. Fantastic restaurant. Still excellent.

Was lucky enough to visit here yesterday 22nd Feb 2025 for a wedding. Amazing view from the top. The food was very tasty and well presented. All the staff were very helpful, professional and polite.

Not great security guards, rude who asked to stay away from the tower

Lovely staff, helpful and welcoming 🙏🏻

Nice building, I have seen it only from outside.

An obvious choice for an unusual photo opportunity. The cleverley named 'Gherkin' is a standout architectural design in the heart of the City of London. It does almost reflect a Green colour, or is that just an illusion? The stucture itself is much bigger, close up, than it appears from a distance.

It is a representative building of new buildings in London and a landmark building in London. The locals say he is a small cucumber, but no matter how you look at him, he still looks like a cannonball. The architectural form is very distinctive and impressive, representing the new era of commercial buildings in London.

The Gherkin as it is popularly known, is one of London’s most well-known skyscrapers. Cool as a cucumber and uniquely shaped. it has earned itself a coveted place in the hearts of Londoners and among the enduring icons of Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, St Paul’s, and Big Ben as one of London’s great buildings its actual name is the name of the street where it is: 30 St Mary Axe. It’s in the financial heart of London known as the City Of London. It was opened in 2004 and it’s 180m tall. It’s not the tallest building in London but it’s definitely one of the most interesting ones.

Visited Super Financial Limited London City office. One of the London's iconic buildings.

What an experience, beautiful views elegant atmosphere.

The most photogenic and instagrammable place. But remember no Uber can find it. We missed 4 cars and froze before fifth driver was smart and found us.

Enjoyed a lovely birthday meal at Searcy’s. Certainly a great experience but recommended visiting in the day than at night due to views being more limited in the dark.

not edible but at least it was a good watch

Gorgeous building. Inside and out

Will they be inspired by this building to make the dragon eggs in Game of Thrones??? Divine architecture. Go and take your photo.

Londoners call him "the cucumber", in fact I would call him more "the suppository". Norman Foster's skyscraper is a beautiful work that, despite appearing in all the photos, is a little hidden among the other skyscrapers around, still worth a visit

I learned about this Lump from the title sequence of the series about Sherlock Holmes, so I went here first. It's a pity that there is no observation deck or anything at all for tourists. In fact, a completely cleaned building in the business center of London

Such a cool building. The mix between new and old buildings is my favourite.

Did not go in. But just loved the architecture. What a masterpiece’s

The "Gherkin" was once the tallest building in the City of London and should also be visited in London! The **Gherkin** (officially known as **30 St Mary Axe**) is an iconic high-rise building in London's financial district. It was designed by renowned architect Norman Foster and completed in 2004. The name “Gherkin” comes from its distinctive cucumber-like shape, which sets the building apart from others on the London skyline. With a height of 180 meters, the Gherkin is a landmark of modern architecture. The building features a striking glass facade and a tapered shape reminiscent of a cucumber. It is also known for its eco-friendly design elements, such as natural ventilation and energy-saving technologies. The building serves as an office building and offers breathtaking views of the city. Due to its unusual shape and innovative construction, the Gherkin quickly gained recognition and is now one of London's most famous buildings.

30 St Mary Axe, commonly known as 'The Gherkin,' has become an icon for the business centre of London City. It is very distinctive outside, and has great views from inside, as I discovered when I had to do business there recently.

The 30 St Mary Axe, commonly known as “The Gherkin,” is an iconic skyscraper in London’s financial district. Designed by Norman Foster, its unique spiral design and energy-efficient structure make it a marvel of modern architecture. Standing at 180 meters, it offers stunning views of the city and symbolizes innovation in urban design. A must-see for anyone exploring London’s skyline!

Years ago it was more special as it was one of the few skyscrapers in that area and stood out when you saw it. Now it is surrounded by much taller buildings and it is not the same. Although it is equally impressive.

Very unusual shaped building in the city of London.

Enjoyable experience at company Christmas party. Nice food, good service.

Worth seeing Only passing through if you are nearby. However, it is possible to see it from other skyscrapers

It's one thing to see it in photos or on TV, and another to meet it in person. I promise you that you will love both that building and the surroundings.

Great bar, thanks a lot to Lorene for the great service.

Ultra modern building that certainly catches the eye due to its shape. If you are in the area it is worth a look.

Lovely, but a bit chilly up top on a cold day

The Gherkin or The Shard? My opinion: Gherkin. For intimacy. Personal Service. A Very Special treat. It felt like we had the whole gorgeous place to ourselves. We were very well looked after. Try it. You will thank me later. ❤

Iconic building in London but you won't be able to go up there, it's only offices

The Gherkin on 30 St Mary Axe a nice modern building.

It is a very famous building in London. He is so original. It is located around ancient monuments but finds its place in the urban outlook. Gorgeous

Beautiful architecture, one of a kind

Building better known under the nickname Cucumber, very evocative of its shape, which offers pretty plays of reflections with the surrounding structures.

Security guard was unnecessarily unwelcoming and unfriendly. Silly rule about making reservations 1 day prior prior to visiting the helix restaurant or the iris bar. Not everyone knows this. If space is available, why not allow walk ins?

A very beautiful building, always…

To visit London and not see Gherkin? A must see destination!

A beautiful area, worth a visit.

Some very dirty streets 2 corner down in the heart of London

30 St Mary Axe, commonly known as The Gherkin, is one of London's most iconic modern buildings. Designed by Foster and Partners and completed in 2004, it stands out with its unique, curvilinear shape that resembles a gherkin. Located in the heart of London's financial district, this 180-meter skyscraper is celebrated for its innovative design and environmental features, which include energy-saving measures and natural ventilation systems.

St Mary Axe, commonly known as The Gherkin, is a distinctive skyscraper located in the financial district of London. Completed in 2003 and officially opened in 2004, it has become one of the most recognizable modern landmarks in the city. Key Facts about The Gherkin: Address: 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8EP Architect: Norman Foster and the architectural firm Foster + Partners Height: 180 meters (591 feet) Floors: 41 Design: Its curved, cylindrical shape resembles a gherkin (pickled cucumber), giving the building its nickname. The design minimizes wind load, enhancing structural efficiency. Sustainability: The building incorporates eco-friendly elements, such as natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning by 50%. Purpose: Primarily an office building, with companies in finance and insurance occupying much of the space. Architecture and Legacy: The Gherkin stands out for its sleek, spiraling pattern of glass panes and steel framework. The building sits on the former site of the Baltic Exchange, which was damaged by an IRA bomb in 1992. Its modern appearance contrasts with the older architecture in the surrounding area, highlighting London’s blend of historical and contemporary designs. Due to its striking design and central location, The Gherkin has become a symbol of modern London, often featured in films, advertisements, and tourism campaigns.

One of the Iconic buildings in the Central London. Has been shown a lot of movies and symbol of London city. Also Fast and Furious : Hobbs and Shaw movie was filmed here.

The most stunning building in the world

Beautiful to look at with its different shape than normal

Of the modern, high-rise buildings in London, unfortunately, beneath them are beautiful old, historical buildings that you no longer see except by the grace of God when you see them isolated in one of the streets. Attacking buildings is not evidence of civilization or sophistication, but rather running after the imposed money. I am not against these buildings, but rather in their locations. The City of London is required not to give Licenses are granted to you except in the outskirts of London. Some archaeological buildings are underneath. What is this that is around me? I hope to God Almighty that I have conveyed some information about you. Amen. Prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace. Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds alone, with no partner.

Excellent food. Fantastic views and great service. Thank you for making my daughter's birthday special.

I shot a wedding at the Gherkin a few weeks ago. Nice venue and the view across London from the top floor is spectacular.

Original and memorable architecture.

The view from this building is just spectacular!

Visited for a corporate event. Nice event space in the top of the building.

Nice view from outside for skyscraper fans!

Lovely venue, lovely staff and amazing views

Landmark building in Central London.

The famous Gherkin skyscraper was officially inaugurated in 2004. It is a spectacular structure, built of steel and glass, 194 meters high with 40 floors and 48,000 m2 of usable surface area. This impressive tower was designed by Norman Foster and built by Skanska. It is London's first eco-sustainable skyscraper. It is the most ingenious and elegant skyscraper ever built in the world in the last 30 years The entire impressive structure was created to be energy efficient and incorporates a number of solutions designed to reduce energy consumption. For example, six glazed ventilation ducts conduct warm air out of the building in the summer and heat it in the winter. Ducts also make rooms more comfortable and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Great looking building. Distinguished/ different.

I recently dined at the restaurant in The Gherkin, and it was nothing short of amazing. From the moment I stepped into the iconic building, I knew I was in for a unique experience. The ambience at the restaurant is both elegant and modern, with panoramic views of London that simply take your breath away. Dining at such a height, surrounded by the city’s skyline, creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and grand. The service was impeccable. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable and made sure every detail of our meal was perfect. They had a deep understanding of the menu and were happy to make recommendations, which were spot on. As for the food, it was absolutely exquisite. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. The chef clearly has a talent for balancing textures and flavours, creating dishes that are as satisfying to look at as they are to eat. I particularly enjoyed [mention a specific dish you loved]—it was a true highlight of the meal. The wine selection was equally impressive, with a diverse range of options that perfectly complemented the food. The sommelier's recommendations were excellent and added to the overall experience. In summary, dining at the restaurant in The Gherkin was an unforgettable experience. The combination of breathtaking views, exceptional food, and top-notch service makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night of fine dining in London. I can’t wait to return!

Bought some veggie gyoza, sat on the wall and admired this insane building 😲

30 St Mary Ax, better known as The Gherkin, is one of London's most striking and recognizable buildings. Its unique design and futuristic shape make it more than just an office building, but a true architectural icon, a symbol of modern London. At first glance at this building you get the feeling that you are in one of the world's major metropolises. Its streamlined shape and glass façade give it a light and modern feel despite its impressive size. The Gherkin literally stands out from other skyscrapers, attracting attention and causing admiration with its unusual appearance.

A beautiful structure with Attractive exterior

known as The Gherkin, my favorite building in London, many thanks to its architecture.

Crazy view, beautiful surroundings too

After many years, I can still feel the power of this building.

You should pass by here and walk between the other buildings. There is a lot to see. Modern architecture and antiquity. Very nice. 🤩

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All these skyscrapers...biutiful...

This is an architectural masterpiece. It was built to look like the Russian egg

Great beautiful place. Wonderful panorama. You can admire the views and relax completely free of charge. I liked it very much, I recommend it

Intriguing building and worth going for a look.

Very impressive building, nothing to do around

Went to a nice coffee shop on the ground floor called Notes and spend an hour just chilling watching people go by. Great way to kill some time while you wait for a train at Liverpool Street station, which is a 4 min walk.

What a great venue , got 4 more functions left can’t wait to go back , the food is absolutely amazing.

How interesting it is to come to places where you have been and be surprised, and admire, and enjoy new buildings introduced into old ones.

It's in downtown London, so it's a building worth seeing if you happen to pass nearby. If you are majoring in architecture, make sure to include it in your course. It seems that you can only go inside if you make a reservation at the restaurant on the 40th floor.

Architecture and architecture. Glass and metal next to beautifully decorated monuments.

Usual tall building in the centre of london

Interesting building in London. It's worth seeing😉

I went here for a birthday dinner for my partners mom. The atmosphere was amazing and views were spectacular as to be expected at the gherkin. The food options were based on set menus and the portion sizes were very small. While the food tasted really good it wasn’t as filling. The service was amazing and the staff were great. As per policy and to keep in mind there is a minimum sitting time and they do start to tell you that your time is up due to other bookings (at times but not always felt a bit rushed).

A very interesting architectural skyscraper in the business district of London.

Amazing views, nice cocktails, average food. Don't bother eating.

Very gherkin shaped, which would be a good thing as I love gherkins, except I can't stop thinking about how the window cleaners go about the building. Is it up and down? But the windows are diamonds so that hardly seems efficient. Is it diagonally with the pattern? How would that even work?