Sky Garden, London

Sky Garden is located atop a lopsided skyscraper on 20 Fenchurch Street in London. It is nicknamed "Walkie-Talkie" by locals because of its odd radio handset shape. The top three floors are given over to the actual "Sky Garden."

The garden is made up of semitropical trees and succulent plants that form a kind of fringe around the bar, restaurants and broad walking areas scaling the 35th, 36th and 37th floors. The floors are open to the public but they are often crowded. Because only two lifts are available, access in or out is frequently slow.

Free access is provided in 90-minute shifts until six pm. After six only paying visitors are admitted.

The real draw of the sky garden is the 360-degree views of the city of London. There are observation decks and an open-air terrace.

The garden was designed by Gillespies, landscape Architects. The terraces are planted with different types of drought-resistant Mediterranean and South African plant species. Plantings bloom throughout the year. Flowering plants include African Lily, Red Hot Poker and Bird of Paradise among aromatic herbs, especially French Lavender.

The Sky Garden building at 20 Fenchurch Street was designed in 2004 by the famous Uruguayan architect Ra Vinoly. Reservations are recommended for busy times at the garden.