London has some of the most beautiful architecture, masonry, design and examples of modern engineering that the world has to offer. Seeing this city from a bird’s eye view is a spectacular thing, and certainly an activity that both locals and visitors could never possibly tire of.  Some of the best views, however, don’t come with a price tag. Here’s how you can get the sights from above without a sky-high price…

The Tate Modern has incredible views over the South Bank and River Thames. It’s free entry, and of course, houses some of the greatest modern art to have ever been made. The restaurant is reasonably priced and the food reflects the creative nature of the building itself – simple, but rich with lovely presentation. It has glass walls on all sides but one, do you will be able to admire the view from anywhere you sit.

If you’re planning on sharing a bottle of wine or having a few beers whilst gazing upon the city, then check out The Paramount Bar at Centre Point. The only price they ask of you is to buy drinks – a very small exchange for the beautiful panoramic views of the entire city on offer.

A little known fact is that London has a cable car. For just £4.30 (or £3.20 with an Oyster Card), you can enjoy the bizarre sensation of sailing close to famous skyscrapers, the O2 Arena, and over The Thames, on a journey between Greenwich and The Royal Victoria Docks. Both these areas have a lot on offer – Greenwich with its funky boutique craft shops and wide open parks, and the Docks are on the doorstep of Canary Wharf and the O2.

If you’d like a picnic with a view, head on up Parliament Hill. With a n epic view over the London Skyline, but with trees and grass worthy of the countryside, this peaceful haven is a perfect place to chill out and do your own thing for a while.

If after all that, you’re still craving something even more dramatic, you can pay £20 to go on the London Eye. The best time to do this is just on the daylight side of dusk – by the time you’ve gone round the eye, you’ll have seen the city transform from day to night, which is something quite moving. Or, you could pay £25 to go to the top of The Shard. The reputation is well deserved; this really is the most incredible view of London on offer.