London's free views come at a cost

Soaring towers ignite new tourism interest amid concerns over city's changing skyline

Although it contains some hidden jewels to attract curious tourists, by and large, London's financial district, the City of London, is not high on most visitors' list of things to see and do.

For historical reasons, the west of the capital, which is home to its theaters and landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace, is more about pleasure, whereas life farther east is largely about business.

However, it is these very businesses that are the key to some of London's newest attractions, which are growing in number because the public viewing galleries at the top of some of the City's tallest buildings command some of the best views the capital has to offer and, crucially in such a pricey place, they are free of charge.