The Gherkin Tours and Activities

The Gherkin featuring heritage architecture, modern architecture and a city
The Gherkin
The Gherkin featuring city views, modern architecture and a high-rise building
The Gherkin
The Gherkin


Marvel at this innovative building with a spiral design that resembles a pickled cucumber in the centre of London’s skyline.

The Gherkin is a skyscraper in the financial district of London with an innovative spiral design that resembles a pickled cucumber. It is now one of the most recognizable structures in London’s skyline due to its curious appearance and importance to the economy. The 590.5-foot (180-meter) tall structure’s design enables the tower to use around half the power of most buildings of its size. The majority of the building is used for offices and residences.

Capture photos of the Gherkin from the River Thames. It has become an important and easily recognizable feature of London’s skyline. As it is mainly used for offices and residences, it is not always open to the public. Guests of residents can enjoy the restaurant and bar at the top of the tower, which has an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city.

The general public can tour the building during the annual Open House Weekend London. Reserve an Open House Weekend ticket in advance to look around the building.

At any time of the year you can stroll around the adjoining plaza to gaze up at the towering structure. Despite its rounded appearance, the only curved piece of glass in the building is the arch at the top. Dine at one of the restaurants in the square or enjoy a coffee at a café as you watch business associates walking past.

The official name of the building is 30 St. Mary Axe, but it is commonly referred to as The Gherkin, the British word for pickled cucumber, due to its shape. It stands on the site of the former financial building, Baltic Exchange, which was destroyed by a bomb detonated by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1992. The Gherkin was completed in 2003 and opened in 2004.

The Gherkin sits in the financial district of London. There are several London Underground and many bus services in the area.

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Best Lodging Options Near The Gherkin

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
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Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

4 out of 5
8-14 Cooper's Row, London, England
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
Apex City of London Hotel

Apex City of London Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Seething Lane, London, England
Apex City of London Hotel
citizenM Tower of London

citizenM Tower of London

4 out of 5
40 Trinity Square, London, England
citizenM Tower of London
Point A Hotel London Liverpool Street

Point A Hotel London Liverpool Street

3.5 out of 5
13-15 Folgate Street, London, England
Point A Hotel London Liverpool Street
Hotel Saint

Hotel Saint

4 out of 5
9 Aldgate High Street, London, England
Hotel Saint
Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge

Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge

4 out of 5
45 Prescot Street, London, England
Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Gherkin

The Gherkin, an iconic landmark in London, offers a vibrant blend of activities nearby, including engaging theatre performances and diverse shopping experiences. For an exciting day, consider taking a Gherkin tour to explore its unique architecture and stunning views of the city. This combination of culture and exploration promises a memorable visit for any tourist.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping scene near The Gherkin with Borough Market (1.3km) and Columbia Road Flower Market (1.6km) offering unique finds. For a family-friendly outing, visit the Royal Exchange, just 483m away. If you're up for a drive, explore larger shopping centres beyond this area.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at O2 Arena, just 6.4km from The Gherkin, for sports events and activities. Alternatively, enjoy the entertainment vibes at ABBA Arena, located 4.8km away. For a peaceful escape, head to Hampstead Heath, 8.0km away, offering wellness and relaxation in nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, a cable car gondola 6.4km from The Gherkin, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, located 3.2km away, provides exciting outdoor climbing adventures. Don't miss the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km away, for exhilarating kart racing fun.

Nightlife

The nightlife around The Gherkin is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy the thrilling views from the London Eye, just 3.2km away, or immerse yourself in culture at the nearby Barbican Arts Centre and Globe Theatre, both under 1.6km away, perfect for a romantic or family outing.

Find the best attractions near The Gherkin

The Gherkin in London offers a blend of cultural and family-friendly attractions, including nearby streets, churches, and urban parks. Visitors can explore iconic sites like the Gherkin building and tower, all while soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a unique architectural experience or a leisurely stroll in the city centre, The Gherkin and its surroundings provide a memorable vacation for tourists from Canada.

  • London Bridge: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of London Bridge, a modern marvel that connects the bustling streets and offers stunning views of the Thames. The surrounding area is filled with shops, restaurants, and lively street performances, making it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the city's energy.
  • Tower Bridge: Tower Bridge, a historic gem, showcases Victorian engineering and stunning architecture. The glass-floored walkway offers a unique perspective of the Thames below, while its exhibition reveals the fascinating stories of London's past. This iconic bridge is a cultural symbol that beautifully represents the city.
  • Tower of London: Discover the enchanting history of the Tower of London, a castle steeped in romance and culture. Explore its impressive architecture, view the Crown Jewels, and hear tales of intrigue and royal history that bring this ancient fortress to life.

Best time to go to The Gherkin

Visitor numbers around The Gherkin is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit The Gherkin can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Gherkin falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Gherkin falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Gherkin

To save money during your visit to The Gherkin, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia's last-minute deals for potential discounts. Mondays typically offer the best prices, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Take advantage of free nearby attractions like Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus, and consider booking a package deal that includes flights, hotel, and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to look for options with free cancellation to keep your plans flexible!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Gherkin are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around The Gherkin about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Gherkin is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around The Gherkin is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at The Gherkin with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.