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.

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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
citizenM Tower of London

citizenM Tower of London

4 out of 5
40 Trinity Square, London, England
citizenM Tower of London
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
Apex City of London Hotel

Apex City of London Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Seething Lane, London, England
Apex City of London Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel London City

Club Quarters Hotel London City

4 out of 5
7 Gracechurch Street, London, England
Club Quarters Hotel London City
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
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers 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
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

Near The Shard, visitors can explore captivating art exhibitions, indulge in world-class shopping, and enjoy vibrant theatre performances. The area is home to some of London's best attractions, providing an exciting blend of culture and entertainment. Whether you're admiring artwork or catching a show, there's something for everyone to experience at this iconic landmark.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Borough Market, just 322m from The Shard, where you can find unique gifts and local delicacies. Additionally, visit Brunswick Centre, 3.2km away, offering family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Columbia Road Flower Market, also 3.2km from The Shard, for vibrant blooms.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at O2 Arena, where you can catch exhilarating sports events. For a musical escape, head to ABBA Arena, just a short distance away. For tranquility, visit Hampstead Heath, a beautiful park perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature's beauty.

Adventure

Embark on an adventure at IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, a thrilling cable car gondola experience located 8.0km from The Shard, perfect for families. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill offers exhilarating indoor climbing 3.2km away. Alternatively, feel the rush at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, located 4.8km away.

Nightlife

The Shard offers a vibrant nightlife with the London Eye, a thrilling adventure just 1.6km away. For a cultural experience, the Barbican Arts Centre and Globe Theatre, both within 1.6km, provide entertainment steeped in romance and family-friendly vibes, perfect for an unforgettable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Shard

During your visit to The Shard in London, explore the vibrant streets, charming churches, and lovely piazzas that surround this iconic landmark. Engage with the local culture and enjoy family-friendly experiences, while also visiting the historic London Bridge nearby. Embrace the city's hospitality to make your trip memorable, as you soak in the breathtaking views and unique attractions that The Shard and its surroundings have to offer.

  • Tower Bridge: A historic drawbridge that combines stunning Victorian architecture with modern engineering. Tower Bridge, located 805m from The Shard, offers cultural vibes and breathtaking views of the River Thames.
  • Tower of London: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this iconic castle steeped in history features the Crown Jewels and fascinating tales of intrigue. Just 805m away, it emanates a romantic and cultural atmosphere.
  • London Bridge: A modern marvel that connects the bustling city, London Bridge is 322m from The Shard. Its vibrant city vibes make it a perfect spot for leisurely walks and people-watching.

Best time to go to The Shard

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
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 RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
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

If you're visiting The Shard on a budget, consider travelling during the off-peak months from January to March, when hotel prices are lower. Book a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Sundays, which are cheaper. Use public transport, as London has an efficient and affordable system. Look for free activities around The Shard, and combine your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package for better deals. Always compare prices and filter for the best offers to ensure you get the most value for your money.

  • 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 May to July, 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 Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Shard is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: Consider saving some money by combining your hotel stay at The Shard with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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