London is a city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and impressive architecture. As the capital of England, it has been a hub of trade, commerce, and politics for centuries.
Over time, the city has grown and evolved, with new buildings and structures being added to its skyline.
In recent years, London has become home to some of the tallest and most impressive towers in the world.
From historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers, these towers are a testament to the city’s growth and development.
List of the biggest towers in London:
- The Shard
- One Canada Square
- Heron Tower
- The Leadenhall Building
- 22 Bishopsgate
- Citigroup Centre
- St George Wharf Tower
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1. The Shard
At 310 meters (1,017 feet) tall, The Shard is currently the tallest building in London and the European Union.
Completed in 2012, the building is located in Southwark and has 87 floors. It was designed by architect Renzo Piano and is primarily used for offices, restaurants, and a hotel.
The Shard is known for its unique shape, which tapers as it rises, and is made up of glass panels that reflect the sky and surrounding buildings.
The building’s observation deck, located on the 72nd floor, offers visitors stunning views of the city, including landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.
Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom
2. One Canada Square
One Canada Square is a 50-story skyscraper located in Canary Wharf, East London.
Completed in 1991, it stands 235 meters (771 feet) tall and was designed by architect Cesar Pelli.
The building is primarily used for offices and was the tallest building in London until the completion of The Shard.
One Canada Square is known for its distinctive pyramid-shaped roof, which is illuminated at night, and its location in the heart of Canary Wharf, a major business and financial district in London.
Address: London E14 5AB, United Kingdom
3. Heron Tower
Heron Tower, also known as Salesforce Tower, is a 46-story skyscraper located in the City of London.
Completed in 2011, it stands 230 meters (755 feet) tall and was designed by architect Kohn Pedersen Fox.
The building is primarily used for offices and includes a public sky bar on the 38th and 39th floors, which offers stunning views of the city.
Heron Tower is known for its unique diagonal bracing, which gives the building a distinctive look, and its location in the heart of the City of London, which is home to many of the world’s leading financial institutions.
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, UK
4. The Leadenhall Building
The Leadenhall Building, also known as the “Cheesegrater,” is a 47-story skyscraper located in the City of London.
Completed in 2014, it stands 225 meters (737 feet) tall and was designed by architects Richard Rogers and Graham Stirk.
The building is primarily used for offices and includes a public viewing platform on the 42nd floor, which offers panoramic views of the city.
The Leadenhall Building is known for its distinctive wedge shape, which tapers as it rises, and its location in the heart of the City of London.
Address: 122 Leadenhall Street, 122 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 4AB, United Kingdom
5. 22 Bishopsgate
22 Bishopsgate is a 62-story skyscraper designed by architects PLP Architecture.
Completed in 2020, it stands 278 meters (912 feet) tall and is the second tallest building in London after The Shard.
The building includes a public viewing platform on the 58th and 59th floors, as well as office spaces, restaurants, and a wellness center.
Address: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ, UK
6. Citigroup Centre
Citigroup Centre is a skyscraper located in London, UK. It was completed in 2001 and has 45 floors, making it one of the tallest buildings in the city.
The building serves as the European headquarters for Citigroup, a multinational investment bank and financial services corporation.
The Citigroup Centre was designed by architect Cesar Pelli and features a distinctive curved shape that tapers toward the top.
The building is clad in stainless steel and glass, giving it a modern and sleek appearance.
It has a total floor area of over 200,000 square meters and includes office space, retail units, and a public plaza.
The Citigroup Centre has been the recipient of several architectural awards, including the 2002 Emporis Skyscraper Award for Best Office Building.
However, the building has also been controversial due to its impact on the surrounding area.
It was built on a site previously occupied by St. Augustine’s church, which was demolished to make way for the skyscraper.
The building has also been criticized for its size and its impact on the historic skyline of London.
Despite the controversies, the Citigroup Centre remains an important landmark in the city of London and a symbol of the global financial industry.
Its location in the heart of the city’s financial district and its iconic design have made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Address: 33 Canada Square, London E14 5LB
7. St George Wharf Tower
St George Wharf Tower is a skyscraper located in Vauxhall, London, UK.
It is a residential building and, at the time of its completion in 2014, was the tallest residential building in the UK.
The tower is 181 meters (594 feet) tall and has 50 floors. It was designed by architects Broadway Malyan and constructed by the main contractor Brookfield Multiplex.
In addition to its impressive height and striking appearance, St George Wharf Tower is known for its luxury amenities and high-end apartments.
The building features a private gym, pool, spa, and 24-hour concierge service for its residents.
The apartments themselves are spacious and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the River Thames and the London skyline.
The construction of St George Wharf Tower was not without controversy, however.
In 2013, just months before the building was due to open, a helicopter crashed into a nearby crane, killing two people and causing significant damage to the building.
The incident led to concerns about the safety of tall buildings in London and prompted a review of the city’s aviation rules.
Despite this tragedy, St George Wharf Tower remains a prominent feature of the London skyline and a sought-after address for those looking for luxury living in the heart of the city.
Address: The Tower, 1 St. George Wharf, London, SW8 2DU