Willis Building London
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Willis Building London

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

A 125m-tall, 26-storey stepped skyscraper in London's financial district, completed in 2008.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays during business hours

For potential event access

CrowdMedium
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Willis Building London

Willis Building London

Best Time

Weekdays during business hours

For potential event access

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 125m-tall, 26-storey stepped skyscraper in London's financial district, completed in 2008.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Admire its striking modern architecture and its place among London's iconic skyscrapers."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check for Public Access

The Willis Building is mainly offices. Look for advertised events or exhibitions for potential public entry.

Explore Nearby Landmarks

Admire its architecture from the outside and explore adjacent buildings like The Gherkin.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Modern Architectural Marvel

Modern Architectural Marvel

City of London

A striking 26-storey skyscraper completed in 2008, known for its distinctive stepped design.

Proximity to Iconic Structures

Proximity to Iconic Structures

Lime Street, London

Nestled amongst other famous skyscrapers like The Gherkin and Lloyd's Building.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Willis Building

The Willis Building is a modern skyscraper in London's financial district. While it offers impressive city views, access to upper floors is typically restricted to office occupants or for specific events. Plan your visit around any advertised public access or consider nearby buildings with observation decks for panoramic cityscapes.

Understanding Access and Views

The Willis Building itself is primarily an office space, meaning spontaneous visits to its highest floors for general sightseeing aren't usually possible. Keep an eye out for special events or exhibitions that might grant public access. For guaranteed skyline views, research other accessible landmarks in the City of London.

Best Times

When
Weekdays during business hours
Why
For potential event access
Crowd
Medium
When
During special exhibitions
Why
When public access is granted
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to Ipswich #foryou (For Entertainment Purposes Only)
@imznation
143K likes • 1.5M views

Check for Public Access

The Willis Building is mainly offices. Look for advertised events or exhibitions for potential public entry. Instagram

Explore Nearby Landmarks

Admire its architecture from the outside and explore adjacent buildings like The Gherkin. Instagram

A handy guide to #ipswich in #suffolk the 26th worst place to live in the country. #britishhumour #PlacesToVisit #ukcomedy #LearnOnTikTok #satire
@philc84
76.4K likes • 960.9K views
Great views of the London skyline from the 15th and 20th floor of The Willis Building in the centre of the city next to the scalpel and the Lloyd’s Building. Thanks to Frank Jennings for inviting me to the HCR law new office launch!
david_terrar
15 likes • 190 views

Consider Event Invitations

Access to higher floors is often via invitation for business events. Instagram

The Gherkin, The Cheesegrater, Lloyd’s Inside Out Building, Willis Building, The Scalpel in London City
jeromeingaroundtoronto
2 likes • 386 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check for Public Access

The Willis Building is mainly offices. Look for advertised events or exhibitions for potential public entry. Instagram

Explore Nearby Landmarks

Admire its architecture from the outside and explore adjacent buildings like The Gherkin. Instagram

Consider Event Invitations

Access to higher floors is often via invitation for business events. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Willis Building is primarily an office space, so public access to its upper floors is limited. While its modern architecture is appreciated, it's not a typical tourist destination. Visitors often admire its exterior and its prominent position within London's skyline of contemporary skyscrapers.

What People Like

Striking modern architecture
Prominent city location
Part of iconic skyline

What People Dislike

Limited public access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Willis Building is located at 51 Lime Street, London. It's easily accessible via public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Monument and Tower Hill, both within a short walking distance. Numerous bus routes also serve the area. Instagram

Parking in the City of London is generally limited and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport. If driving is necessary, research nearby car parks in advance, but be prepared for high costs.

Monument and Tower Hill stations on the Circle and District lines are the closest. Liverpool Street station is also a viable option, offering access to the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, as well as National Rail services.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Willis Building is primarily an office building, so general public entry to its upper floors is not typically free or available. Access is usually restricted to tenants and their guests. Instagram

No tickets are required to view the exterior of the Willis Building. If there are any public events or exhibitions held within the building, specific ticketing information would be announced separately.

As an office building, the Willis Building operates during standard business hours for its tenants. Public access, if granted for specific events, will have its own designated hours.

The Willis Building is not a traditional tourist attraction. While its architecture is notable, public access to its interior and views is generally limited to those with business purposes or attending specific events. Instagram

🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience

When public access is granted for events, the upper floors offer panoramic views of the London skyline, including landmarks like The Gherkin and Lloyd's Building. Instagram

Its architectural significance makes it interesting to see from the outside. For interior views, it depends on whether there's a public event or if you have a business reason to visit. Instagram

The Willis Building is surrounded by other iconic modern skyscrapers, including The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe), Lloyd's Building, and The Scalpel. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos of the exterior of the Willis Building from street level. Interior photography would depend on the specific access granted and any event rules.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Architecture Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by modern design, the Willis Building is a must-see from the exterior. Its unique stepped profile and its placement among other architectural icons like The Gherkin and Lloyd's Building make it a key part of the City of London's skyline. Instagram

While interior access is limited, studying its form from street level and understanding its design by Foster + Partners offers significant insight. Consider visiting during daylight hours for optimal viewing and photography opportunities of its facade.

Business Travelers

If you have a business meeting scheduled at the Willis Building, take the opportunity to appreciate its modern design and the surrounding architectural landscape. The building's location in the financial district means it's well-connected and surrounded by other corporate hubs. Instagram

Be sure to check for any specific entry requirements or visitor protocols provided by your host to ensure a smooth arrival. The building's contemporary facilities are designed to support a professional environment.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

The Willis Building, located at 51 Lime Street in London, is a prominent example of contemporary skyscraper architecture. Completed in 2008, this 125-meter tall, 26-storey structure was designed by Foster + Partners. Its distinctive stepped profile is a key feature, creating a series of terraces as the building rises. This design not only adds visual interest but also allows for more natural light penetration and offers potential outdoor spaces on higher levels. Instagram

The building is situated in the heart of London's financial district, placing it in close proximity to other renowned architectural landmarks. It stands near the iconic Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) and the distinctive Lloyd's Building, creating a cluster of modern architectural marvels. This dense concentration of innovative design makes the area a fascinating spot for architecture enthusiasts. Instagram

While the Willis Building primarily houses office spaces, its striking design and strategic location make it a notable part of the evolving London skyline. Its presence contributes to the dynamic and modern character of the City of London, showcasing cutting-edge design principles in a historic urban setting.

Access and Public Perception

Unlike many observation decks or public landmarks, the Willis Building is predominantly an office complex. This means that spontaneous visits to its upper floors for general sightseeing are not typically permitted. Access is usually reserved for the building's tenants, their clients, and visitors attending specific business meetings or events. Instagram

However, there are occasions when the public might gain access. These are usually through organized events, exhibitions, or open days that are advertised in advance. Keeping an eye on local event listings or the building's management announcements can be key to experiencing the interior and any potential views. Instagram

Social media content often highlights the building's presence alongside other famous City skyscrapers, emphasizing its role in the modern London skyline rather than as a standalone tourist destination. Travelers interested in the building's views often find themselves appreciating its architectural form from the outside or seeking out publicly accessible viewpoints in nearby structures. Instagram

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