Views & landmarks
30 St Mary Axe
30 St Mary Axe
Located in the financial district of central London, this skyscraper is recognized by its distinct curved, tapered shape. Travelers visit the site to view its unique architecture and eco-friendly design, which utilizes a structure that allows natural light to penetrate deep into the building's interior.
Getting There
The building is situated in the City of London. From the city centre, it is accessible via the London Underground or bus. Depending on your starting point, the journey typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Duration of Visit
Since the primary interest for most visitors is the exterior architecture and the surrounding plaza, allow 30 to 60 minutes for a visit. If you have arranged access to the interior, allow more time accordingly.
When to Visit
The area is a major business hub, meaning it gets very crowded during weekday working hours. To avoid the heaviest commuter traffic, visit during the weekend or early morning. The building is visible year-round in all seasons.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, you can combine a visit here with other nearby landmarks:
- Tower of London: 0.7km
- Barbican Centre: 1.2km
- St Paul's Cathedral: 1.2km
- Globe Theatre: 1.3km
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors