The Gherkin Tours and Activities

The Gherkin showing a castle, modern architecture and heritage architecture
The Gherkin
The Gherkin featuring a high-rise building, modern architecture and central business district
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.

Plan a trip to see The Gherkin

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Top The Gherkin Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
citizenM Tower of London

citizenM Tower of London

4 out of 5
40 Trinity Square, London, England
citizenM 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
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
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers 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
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

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

Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge

4 out of 5
45 Prescot Street, London, England
Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge
Hotel Saint

Hotel Saint

4 out of 5
9 Aldgate High Street, London, England
Hotel Saint
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

Discover the vibrant culture surrounding The Gherkin with a visit to nearby art museums showcasing local talent, enjoy shopping trips through trendy boutiques, and explore the London Visitor Trail for a taste of the city's rich history. Whether you're after a unique souvenir or a cultural experience, this area has something for everyone.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experiences to The Gherkin include Leadenhall Market, only 322m away, and Old Spitalfields Market, 644m away, both offering vibrant city vibes. Borough Market, a bit further at 1.3km, is also worth a visit for unique gifts and food treats.

Recreation

Head to O2 Arena for an exhilarating sports experience, only 6.4km from The Gherkin. Enjoy live events at ABBA Arena, just 4.8km away, for a lively musical atmosphere. For a serene escape, Hampstead Heath, located 8.0km away, offers lush greenery ideal for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 6.4km from The Gherkin, offering stunning views of London. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill is 3.2km away, providing an exhilarating outdoor adventure. Don’t miss the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km away, for some high-speed fun!

Nightlife

The Gherkin's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. The London Eye, just 3.2km away, offers thrilling views and family fun. For culture lovers, the Barbican Arts Centre and Globe Theatre, both within 1.3km, provide enchanting performances and a romantic atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Gherkin

Visiting The Gherkin in London offers a blend of culture and city life, perfect for families and tourists alike. Explore nearby attractions like local streets, historic churches, and urban parks for a taste of the city's charm. Don't miss the iconic Gherkin building itself, which provides stunning views of the London skyline and serves as a gateway to other popular London attractions.

  • Tower Bridge: A marvel of Victorian engineering, Tower Bridge offers a stunning blend of history and culture. Spanning the River Thames, its iconic bascules rise to allow ships to pass, providing a unique spectacle that embodies London’s maritime heritage.
  • Big Ben: This world-famous clock tower is a symbol of London. With its grand architecture and rhythmic chimes, Big Ben creates a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-see for visitors seeking the essence of the city’s culture.
  • Tower of London: Steeped in history and romance, this ancient castle has served many roles over the centuries. Explore its storied walls, see the Crown Jewels, and immerse yourself in tales of intrigue and royalty that shape London’s character.

Best time to go to The Gherkin

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 LowSlightly High
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 HighAverage
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, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Sundays are generally cheaper for stays compared to Wednesdays. Booking about a month in advance or checking for last-minute deals on Expedia can yield great savings. Utilise filters to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by price to uncover the best deals. Additionally, combining your hotel stay with flights and activities through an Expedia package can further reduce costs. For affordable transport, use London’s extensive public transport system or explore by walking.

  • 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 May to July, 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 Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Gherkin is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search wizard to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at The Gherkin with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.