The Gherkin

The Gherkin which includes a city, heritage architecture and modern architecture
The Gherkin
The Gherkin which includes a high-rise building, modern architecture and city views
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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Things to do near The Gherkin

Near The Gherkin, visitors can indulge in a vibrant mix of art, theatre, and shopping, making it an ideal starting point for city explorations. From captivating galleries to lively performances and bustling markets, there's something for everyone. Embrace the charm of London as you discover its rich culture and enjoy the diverse activities the city has to offer.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at the Royal Exchange, only 483m away, offering a mix of entertainment and family vibes. Close by, Borough Market, 1.3km away, provides a lively atmosphere for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit the Twinings Tea Shop and Museum, located 1.6km away.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, a vibrant sports facility, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 6.4km from The Gherkin. The ABBA Arena, 4.8km away, presents lively music concerts, perfect for entertainment lovers. For relaxation, Hampstead Heath, 8.0km distant, provides expansive green spaces and serene walking paths.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, a cable car gondola offering stunning views, located 6.4km from The Gherkin. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, 3.2km away, provides an exhilarating climbing experience. Alternatively, embrace the excitement of karting at Oasis Go-Kart Track, situated 4.8km away.

Nightlife

Experience the thrilling vibes at the London Eye, a ferris wheel just 3.2km from The Gherkin. For a blend of culture and romance, visit the Barbican Arts Centre, a theatre 1.1km away. End your night with a film at Everyman Cinemas Screen on the Green, also 3.2km away.

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

Find the best attractions near The Gherkin

When visiting The Gherkin in London, tourists can explore a variety of popular attractions, including charming streets, historic churches, and urban parks. These points of interest provide a rich cultural experience suitable for families and city enthusiasts alike, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant city life.

  • Tower Bridge: Tower Bridge is a stunning historic landmark, just 966m from The Gherkin. Its iconic bascules and Victorian Gothic architecture provide a unique blend of culture and history, making it a must-see for visitors.
  • Tower of London: Located only 805m away, the Tower of London is a magnificent castle steeped in romance and culture. Explore its rich history, from royal palaces to the Crown Jewels, and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere.
  • London Bridge: A modern bridge located 966m from The Gherkin, London Bridge offers vibrant city vibes. Its contemporary design contrasts beautifully with the historic surroundings, making it a great spot for photos and a leisurely stroll.

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 RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly 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 RainMostly 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 on your visit to The Gherkin, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to March, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Sundays are the least expensive days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, including eco-friendly options. Look out for last-minute deals, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Exploring the area on foot or utilising public transport can also help keep costs down.

  • 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: Book your hotel around The Gherkin about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • 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.

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