Gallery
30 St Mary Axe, otherwise known as The Gherkin or the Swiss Re building. Taken from Leadenhall St by myself with a Canon 5D and 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. This is a 4 segment vertical panorama.
Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The Gherkin is an exterior. For a view, use Sky Garden or Horizon 22. Next is Horizon 22 — do not also stack the Shard the same day.
Analysis
Split the exterior of 30 St Mary Axe from the interior. Exterior all day; the top is not a public gallery. Security queues start outside the door; wear flats. On a day the exterior is free, do not buy the interior just for a photo. Leave via Aldgate.
Best time
Morning reflection
How to go
Aldgate or Liverpool Street
Transit
At Aldgate for 30 St Mary Axe, match the street name before you walk. With luggage, do not change at a deep-stair station. Keep one train before the last one back to the hotel.
Season window
Guard changes, ceremonies and public holidays close roads around 30 St Mary Axe. Summer noon glare is harsh; winter dusk is early — take the exterior in the morning.
Tips
- · Tickets: Exterior free. Plan about 10 minutes.
- · The plaza is windy
- · Large liquids fail security at 30 St Mary Axe. Coach parties take the pavement; walk in from the side street.
Next stop
Where this line goes next
Walk or one Tube ride to the next stop. Do not rebound.
Next-stop map →Visit moments
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