The Shard
Enjoy the incredible views from The Shard glass skyscraper, the highest public viewing platform in London
The Shard is appropriately named after the shards of glass that glisten off the beautifully defined elegant looking pyramid shaped building that seems to rise up from the River Thames and peter out into the clouds. The height of this magnificent building is 310 meters (the equivalent of 95 storeys) from base to summit.
The occupied floors reach up 72 storeys with London's highest public viewing platform situated on the top floors. The remaining floors are filled with restaurants, bars, the luxurious Shangri-La hotel, offices and apartments that are strategically structured to give their occupants a spectacular 360° view of the city as well as the viewing platform that boasts breathtaking views that are second to none. Visitors to the viewing gallery will enjoy stunning 360 degree panoramic views reaching out up to 40 miles. There is even a weather guarantee; if you happen to be visiting on a day when the visibility is obscured due to overcast, your next visit is free (terms and conditions apply). It is a good idea to book your tickets in advance from their official website listed below otherwise you can take your chances as tickets are subject to availability.
The Shard had its beginnings in the late 1900s when the government of the United Kingdom began to encourage high-density buildings that were close to transport interchanges. The Shard's part owner and developer Irvine Sellar (whom had shortly before purchased Southward Towers as an investment) envisioned a vertical city to house a multitude of functions. He then sought out the help of award - winning architect Renzo Piano and flew out to Berlin for a business lunch. Though Renzo's first comments were about his disapproval and dislikes of tall buildings, he soon warmed up to the idea, given that the location was superb - bustling with energy due to the railway lines as well as on the banks of the picturesque Thames river offering a naturally beautiful setting. Renzo Piano promptly sketched on the back of his menu a drawing that resembles the Shard building as it stands today.
The light and bright building is the perfect design to give all who use it an exceptionally grand panoramic view. Whether you are inside enjoying a nice meal or relaxing drink in one of the bars or restaurants, working in the offices that are so well thought out that even the blinds automatically adjust to the time of day giving full benefit to those inside, staying in the luxurious Shangri-La hotel, living in one of the high rise apartments or sightseeing from the viewing gallery, you will really enjoy this truly magnificent building.
If heights are not your thing, you can still enjoy the view from the ground up. The way the elegant shards of glass are brilliantly imposed on by the ever changing colours of the sky throughout the day and different times of the year alters both the colour and mood of the building.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes - Note that tickets cost more at the door and are subject to availability.Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, UK
Phone: 0344 499 7222
Official Website: The Shard
The Shard Reviews
Rated out of 5
Fantastic experience. All staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a good chat with a lad who was a tour guide and pointed out some interesting places and told us some history of the buildings and areas.
Overall we stayed “up” The Shard for around 90 mins. The views kept changing due to the weather/clouds/mist so I was worthwhile not rushing the visit.
We also stayed for the talk from 2 very good members of staff, discussing The Shard, from conception to now.
If you are thinking visiting, then do, you won’t be disappointed.
Mark Gregory - a month ago
Main Tourist attraction and a must if you want to view London areas from high up. Access was easy and purchased tickets on line beforehand. There was no que and we visited on a Wednesday at 1400. There's two viewings Floors one is open air. There's a bar on floor 68 and seating. There's an option to have photos taken and purchase them on leaving.The Shard also has 3 restaurants access is via a different entrance to the main areas.
Mike Rawding - a month ago
Loved it. Caution to anyone that has a fear of heights though, it was much higher than I anticipated. Please make sure you pick a clear day to visit, unfortunately it was overcast on our visit and didn't experience the attraction to its full potential. Staff were great and definitely worth a visit. Cocktails yummy too.
Connie Stevenson - 3 weeks ago
Visiting The Shard was an unforgettable experience. From the moment you arrive, everything feels world-class and well organised. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking London stretches endlessly in every direction, and seeing iconic landmarks from such height is truly magical, especially at sunset.
The glass walls make you feel like you’re floating above the city, and the atmosphere is calm, elegant, and inspiring. Staff were professional and welcoming, and the overall experience felt worth every moment. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this is a must-visit place to truly appreciate the beauty of London from above. Highly recommended!
Mohammad khan - 2 months ago
Got given 3 tickets for Secret Santa and ashamed to say that I have lived in London for 25 years but never thought of actually doing this experience.
The pics taken at the beginning turn out to be really good , we paid £20 for 15 digital photos, decently priced.
The experience in itself is really nice , we had a guide that explained few things as we were going up with the lifts and then it’s down to you to go ,explore and enjoy.
Water price is a bit ridiculous, £3.50 a bottle for a 500ml and doesn’t justify the price when the ticket price would have costed £32/person.
It’s nice for a one time experience and for a tourist I highly recommend it.
For a Londoner ,well , once it’s done ,maybe return in 10 years.
Alina Marcut - a month ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Northern and Jubilee Line | London Bridge | 1 Minutes |
How to get to The Shard by Tube
Take the Tube to London Bridge station via the Northern or Jubilee Line. Exit the station via Joiner Street and look for the signs for The Shard.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near The Shard:
Photo Gallery
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People enjoying the spectacular view from the viewing platform of the Shard cc licensed photo by Martin Pettitt -
A dramatic view of The Shard looking up from the ground cc licensed photo by Romano -
Photo Credit: timo_w2s - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: itmpa - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: itmpa - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: itmpa - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: itmpa - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: itmpa - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: timo_w2s - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: itmpa - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: itmpa - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: itmpa - cc license via Flickr
