See & do · Landmarks & architecture
The Shard
Images provided by Google Places
87-floor glass skyscraper with a jagged peak, with restaurants, offices, hotel & a viewing platform.via Google
Western Europe's tallest building, offering panoramic views extending up to 40 miles on a clear day.
- Good to know
- Paid entry (€€€); an alternative is to book a drink at one of the bars on the middle floors to enjoy the view.
Reviews from Google
The Shard is one of London’s most striking modern buildings and a real highlight on the skyline. At around 310 metres tall, it is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and a must see if you enjoy architecture, city views, or skyline photography. The classic tourist experience is The View from The Shard, the official observation area located on the upper levels, offering impressive 360 degree views over London and many of its famous landmarks. Tickets are quite expensive, usually around £30 per person, which may not appeal to everyone. A very useful tip is that you do not actually need to buy a sightseeing ticket to enjoy great views from inside The Shard. There are bars and restaurants within the building that allow access without paying the observation deck fee. Places like Aqua Shard on level 31 or the GŎNG bar on level 52 let you enjoy panoramic views simply by ordering a drink or food. This is a much smarter option if you want the experience without the high entry cost. Do note that drinks and meals in these venues are still expensive, and reservations are recommended, especially around sunset or on busy days. That said, you are paying for the view and the atmosphere, which makes it worthwhile for many visitors. Whether you choose the official viewing platform or opt for a bar visit instead, The Shard remains a must visit London landmark. The building itself is beautiful, and seeing the city from this height, especially at night, is a memorable experience.
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.
The Shard is without a doubt one of the most iconic and impressive landmarks in London. From the moment you arrive, the entire experience feels modern, luxurious and unforgettable. The architecture alone is breathtaking, especially seeing the glass skyscraper standing above the London skyline both during the day and beautifully illuminated at night. The views from the top are absolutely spectacular and easily some of the best in the UK. On a clear day you can see across the whole of London, including Tower Bridge, the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf and many other famous landmarks. Watching the city from such a height feels surreal and gives you a completely different perspective of London. Inside, everything feels very well organised and elegant, with friendly staff and a calm atmosphere despite how popular the attraction is. The viewing platforms are spacious and perfect for photography, especially during sunset when the city lights begin to appear across London. The surrounding area around London Bridge is also fantastic, with restaurants, cafés and riverside walks nearby, making it easy to spend several hours exploring the area. Whether you are visiting London for the first time or have lived in the city for years, The Shard is definitely an experience worth doing at least once. A truly unforgettable place with incredible views, stunning architecture and one of the best panoramic experiences in London. ⭐️🌆
Last minute decision to visit! From booking to getting out of the doors were amazing. I wasn’t expecting to be impressed, but I have to say I am impressed Very organized, clean, not crowded, the food and drink is great especially if you have kids! They have something for everyone. Very relaxed atmosphere. And then one of the best and cleanest restrooms Pictures were great ( I never ever buy pictures from any touristy places) I did buy theirs! Gift shop was clean and organized again like the rest of the place. I would definitely recommend to visit
The Shard itself is stunning. The views across central London are absolutely breathtaking. From the moment you arrive, the staff on the ground floor are pleasant, professional and welcoming, guiding you smoothly through the security checkpoint. The automatic lift that takes you directly up to the 32nd floor, where the restaurants are located, is seamless. No stop-start interruptions, just a swift glide into the sky. I always enjoy visiting this spectacular piece of architecture in the heart of the city. It feels undeniably posh walking in… and I cannot lie, it is quite satisfying casually mentioning that that’s where you are headed.