The Shard Tours and Activities

The Shard
The Shard featuring a river or creek, modern architecture and a city
The Shard
The Shard showing a sunset, a ferry and landscape views
The Shard showing modern architecture, a city and a river or creek


Ascend to the observation deck of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe for unparalleled views of the London cityscape.

The Shard is a 95-story pyramidal tower with upscale restaurants, a luxury hotel, offices and a viewing gallery. Admire the futuristic design of this glassy skyscraper and its distinctive splintered summit.

Find out about the history of the tower, which was completed in 2012. Architect Renzo Piano designed it as a glass spire whose appearance would change according to the weather.

Take the elevator to the city’s highest viewing deck, which is on the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors. See for 40 miles (64 kilometers) into the distance on a clear day from this lookout. Attend an event, such as an album launch, a silent disco or a yoga class, in the View from the Shard area.

Capture photos of the impressive view, which includes the nearby sites of Tower Bridge, the HMS Belfast museum ship and Shakespeare’s Globe as well as suburban neighborhoods.

Use the interactive touchscreen telescopes to focus in on sites of interest. The screens hold intriguing information about roughly 200 landmarks. Stay at sunset for a particularly romantic view of this historic city. Browse the Sky Boutique, which is one of the highest shops in London, for guidebooks, souvenirs and other items.

Stay in the exclusive Shangri-La Hotel that occupies many of the floors. Office space and luxury apartments also take up much of the skyscraper’s space. Peruse the range of stores in the Shard Arcade at the foot of the tower.

Dine at one of the Shard’s ritzy restaurants, some of which belong to the hotel. Enjoy drinks at the Aqua Shard on the 31st floor and go for Chinese food at Hutong on level 33.

Book tickets to the View from the Shard online. The observation deck opens daily, though times vary so check ahead. If clouds obscure views of major landmarks during your visit, check with staff as you may be entitled to a free return visit.

The Shard is in southeast London. Ride the London Underground to London Bridge, Borough or Monument stops. Take the train to Cannon Street railway station and walk south over London Bridge or get a bus.

Plan a trip to see The Shard

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Best Lodging Options Near The Shard

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
Apex City of London Hotel

Apex City of London Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Seething Lane, London, England
Apex City of London Hotel
Shangri-La The Shard, London

Shangri-La The Shard, London

5 out of 5
31 St Thomas Street, London, England
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
citizenM Tower of London

citizenM Tower of London

4 out of 5
40 Trinity Square, London, England
citizenM Tower of London
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

4 out of 5
8-14 Cooper's Row, London, England
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's

4 out of 5
24 Ludgate Hill, London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Paul's
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Shard

At The Shard in London, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring the Skylark Galleries and taking part in a thrilling tower tour for breathtaking views. Additionally, the area offers exciting day trips and vibrant shopping experiences, making it a fantastic destination for tourists seeking culture and entertainment. Don't miss the nearby theatre scene for an enriching evening out!

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Borough Market, just 322m from The Shard, offering a vibrant array of local produce and gourmet treats. If you're up for a drive, visit Brunswick Centre and Columbia Road Flower Market, both 3.2km away, featuring family-friendly shops and beautiful blooms.

Recreation

Explore the O2 Arena for an energetic sports experience, only 6.4km from The Shard. Enjoy live performances at the ABBA Arena, also 6.4km away, for a lively night out. For a serene escape, Hampstead Heath, located 8.0km away, offers relaxation and beautiful natural scenery.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near The Shard, try the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, offering stunning views 8.0km away. Alternatively, challenge yourself at Vertical Chill climbing, located 3.2km away, or feel the thrill of racing at Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km away.

Nightlife

Experience the stunning views from The Shard, then take a short stroll to the London Eye for a thrilling ride. For a cultural evening, catch a show at the Barbican Arts Centre or the Globe Theatre, both offering rich entertainment and romantic atmospheres just 1.6km away.

Find the best attractions near The Shard

Visiting The Shard in London offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Explore the vibrant streets, historic churches, and charming piazzas surrounding this iconic landmark. Whether you're interested in the city’s rich history or simply enjoying the stunning views, there’s something for everyone in this bustling area. Don't miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture while taking in the breathtaking sights from The Shard.

  • London Bridge: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern bridge, located a mere 322m from The Shard. Enjoy city vibes as you stroll across, taking in the stunning views of the Thames and the surrounding architecture.
  • Tower Bridge: Situated 805m from The Shard, this iconic historic bridge boasts rich cultural significance. Explore its fascinating exhibitions and marvel at the panoramic views of London from its walkways.
  • Tower of London: Just 805m away, this historic castle offers a romantic and cultural experience. Discover its intriguing history, view the Crown Jewels, and enjoy the captivating stories that echo through its ancient walls.

Best time to go to The Shard

Visitor numbers around The Shard is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit The Shard can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Shard falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Shard falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Shard

Visiting The Shard can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free entry to The Shard and explore nearby attractions like Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus without spending a dime. For the best hotel rates, plan your visit between January and March, book about a month in advance, and consider Monday stays for lower prices. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly accommodations and package deals that combine flights and hotels for added savings. Be sure to check for last-minute deals and bank offers for the best prices on your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Shard are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around The Shard is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Shard is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around The Shard is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at The Shard with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.