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
Managed to book tickets last minute, it didn’t disappoint, fabulous views, toast a special occasion or no reason 🤗 with a glass of bubbly in the bar at the top.
We were very lucky it was a clear day. Interesting view from the loo, prepare to queue for this. Only 30 minutes max from King’s Cross - head for London Bridge station. Definitely worth a visit.
Paul Bird - a week ago
You have to book tickets – which we did online to reserve a time slot for our entry. Once you are up there, you can stay for how long you want, or until they throw you out, as they did with us. One good thing about these tickets is that they give you a weather guarantee – which means that you will be able to return with your ticket if the weather conditions are too bad.
I can truly only say that the view from above was just impressive and fantastic. The rest of the experience, though, was a bit of a disappointment. For this high price, I expected a bit more, a bit fancier presented drinks, more comfortable seats, or seats at all. But it’s basically just a viewing platform where you can get quite expensive cocktails with which you either need to sit on the floor or basic stools. Sure, this is high up and the view is amazing. But there are other, also really amazing viewing platforms in London which are actually for free and offer a similar or even better experience.
Flynn On Tour - 3 weeks ago
The place to get a birdseye view of London. The open roof terrace is a nice addition to the closed part. Staff is friendly, area is clean. Oh and don't forget to go to the toilet for an amazing view while you... Yeah you get it.
Comes at a premium price, but 100% worth it.
Radjoe Ramautar - 4 weeks ago
If you are a skyscraper aficionado, this is the place to be. London’s tallest and coolest building is worth a visit. If you choose to go on the viewing platform, come a non-cloudy day and approx. 1.5 hrs before sunset. And don’t skip the (hourly?) tours. They’re fun and informative. Obviously, going to one of the bars or restaurants is the better deal but you’re not that high up.
Thomas Fröhlich - 2 weeks ago
We went to The Shard on 23 Dec 2024 but the weather was cloudy so we did not to see the spectacular view as promised by the signature landmark in London. However, we were pleasantly surprised that The Shard gave us complimentary tickets till 31 Mar 2025 to return to the place again when the weather is good! We were so impressed with the excellent service by The Shard. Coincidentally, there was clear blue sky on 2 Jan 2025 so we decided to use the complimentary tickets given to us. This time, we were rewarded with the BEST view from the top of The Shard and took many beautiful pics and videos. 😍😍😍
Tiramisooo Tiramisooo - 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: 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 -
Photo Credit: Martin Pettitt - cc license via Flickr
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