The Shard

4.3(12.6K Ratings)

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The Shard | The tallest building in Western Europe

The Shard is an iconic skyscraper located in the heart of London. The building’s distinctive glass façade is easily recognizable, and the building is one of the tallest buildings in London. The building is a mixed-use development, housing offices, restaurants, a luxury hotel, and residential apartments.

Things you need to know before booking your tickets to the Shard

  • Fully accessible: The Shard is fully accessible for wheelchair users. 
  • Choose the time and day that suits you: When booking your tickets for The Shard, choose a time and day that works best for you. 

Why visit The Shard?

  • Splendid views of London: The Shard provides unparalleled panoramic views of London from its observation deck, known as "The View from The Shard." Visitors can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, including landmarks such as the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Thames River, and beyond.
  • An architectural masterpiece in the heart of London: The Shard is an architectural marvel designed by Renzo Piano. Its modern and sleek design stands out in the London skyline, making it a significant landmark and a symbol of contemporary architecture.
  • The Shard's famous skydeck: The Shard's observation deck provides both indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, allowing visitors to experience the London skyline in different weather conditions. The open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor provides an exhilarating visitor experience. 
  • An unforgettable day and night experience: The Shard is an attraction that can be enjoyed during both the day and at night. The changing cityscape as the day transitions into night provides two distinct and captivating visitor experiences that cannot be missed! 
  • A plethora of cultural events: The Shard occasionally hosts cultural and entertainment events, adding an extra dimension to the visitor experience. Check for any special events or exhibitions that may coincide with your visit.

The Shard Highlights

The View from The Shard

The primary attraction at the Shard is the observation deck, which is aptly named "The View from The Shard." From here, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of London. The deck is located on the 69th and 72nd floors and offers both indoor and outdoor viewing platforms.

Panoramic Views of London

Take in iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Thames River, and many other famous sites across the city from your vantage point at the Shard.

The Shard Skydeck

Experience the open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor for an exhilarating outdoor viewing experience. This is a unique feature that allows you to feel the open air at such a height.

Interactive Touchscreens

Throughout the observation deck at The Shard, you'll find interactive touchscreen displays providing information about the landmarks and neighborhoods visible from The Shard. 

Virtual Reality Experience

The Shard also provides a virtual reality experience that allows you to virtually "shard dive" from the top of the building to the streets below, providing a unique and immersive perspective.

Plan your visit to The Shard

Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Tips and Guidelines
Dine
Stay

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Closed: Saturday and Sunday

Best time to visit: The best time to visit The Shard is at dusk. During this time, you can enjoy three different views of London-daytime, sunset, and nighttime, simultaneously. So plan your visit to The Shard between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM for a truly magical experience. 

Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom.

Find on maps. 

  • By tube: Jubilee or Northern lines

      Nearest stop: London Bridge

  • By bus: 43, 48, 141, 149, 521

       Nearest stop: London Bridge station

  • By train: Central Line or Docklands Light

       Nearest stop: London Bridge

  • By river bus: River bus from Thames

       Nearest stop: London Bridge City Pier 

  • By car: 30.1 km from London Heathrow

      Car parking: NCP London Bridge, Tower Bridge Parking, and Q-Park Tower Bridge

  • Washrooms
  • Baby changing stations
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Restaurants and shops 
  • Meeting and event spaces

  • Book your tickets for the Shard in advance since it is a popular attraction. 
  • Plan your visit to the Shard between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM for a truly magical experience. 
  • The observation deck at the Shard is located on the 72nd floor. 
  • Apart from guide dogs and hearing dogs, no other pets are allowed at The Shard. 
  • Carry a light sweater with you since the British weather is unpredictable and it does get a bit chilly at the observation deck of The Shard. 

You can choose from many dining options inside The Shard. Some popular eateries at the attraction are: 

  • Aqua Shard: Located on level 31, Aqua Shard offers a contemporary British menu with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant features a stylish and sophisticated ambiance, and its floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of London.
  • Oblix: Situated on the 32nd floor, Oblix is a New York-style grill and rotisserie, offering a menu inspired by the best of European and British dishes. Guests can enjoy both the restaurant and lounge areas with panoramic views of the city.
  • Hutong: Found on level 33, Hutong specializes in Northern Chinese cuisine, combining traditional flavors with modern presentations. The restaurant's decor and menu are inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Northern China, and its large windows offer breathtaking views.

Budget: St. Christopher’s Inn London Bridge (550 m), The Rose & Crown (800 m), Travelodge London Central Tower Bridge (2.9 km). 

Mid-range: Novotel London Tower Bridge (700 m), Mercure London Bridge (950 m), DoubleTree by Hilton (2.6 km). 

Luxury: The Ned London (1.5 km), Shangri-La The Shard (1.9 km), Four Seasons Hotel (2.5 km). 

Beyond The Shard

Borough Market

Located 450 m from The Shard, the Borough Market is one of the most famous markets in London. Borough Market is a great place to explore diverse culinary offerings, fresh produce, and artisanal goods.

Frequently asked questions about The Shard tickets

How much is a ticket to The Shard?

A ticket to The Shard will cost you around £28.50.  

How to book tickets to The Shard?

You can book your tickets for the Shard online or purchase them directly at the attraction. It is advisable to book tickets online since it helps save time and money.

Why should I book The Shard tickets online?
  • Cheaper rates: Online tickets are available at a cheaper rate than offline tickets for the same attraction. 
  • Time and cost-savings: Booking tickets online not only helps save time on the day of your visit but also helps save money. 
  • Guaranteed entry: Online tickets ensure that you can visit the attraction on the day and time chosen by you, irrespective of the tourist season. 
  • Cancelation policy: Tickets that are booked online can easily be canceled for a full refund. 
What do The Shard tickets include?

The Shard tickets give you access to the 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors of the iconic skyscraper. 

What is the cancelation policy for The Shard tickets?

Tickets for The Shard cannot be canceled or rescheduled.

How long does it take to complete a tour of The Shard?

A visit to the Shard can easily take you 2-3 hours.