The Shard Tours and Activities

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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

Baglioni Hotel London - The Leading Hotels of the World
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites and Residences
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of The Shard

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
137
" "5 - Excellent 42.679127725856695%
4 - Good
136
" "4 - Good 42.36760124610592%
3 - Okay
43
" "3 - Okay 13.39563862928349%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1.557632398753894%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 24, 2019

Walkable

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
Nov. 27, 2018

Not worth the price of admission - waaay overpriced for a trip up the building. Staff at the counter not helpful and didn't take people in the line up in proper sequence (left us waiting). Staff the rest of the way up the tower were excellent and made up for the poor service below. It was on our London Pass but I would've been pissed if I paid for this alone.

4/5 - Good

Muni
Nov. 17, 2018

Expensive but worth a visit:)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Oct. 3, 2018

Have a meal there. It is amazing to eat with a view.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Oct. 2, 2018

The view is great but the last floor is not exactly an outside floor. It’s open air in the sense that the “ceiling” is open air, not the walls; so there’s not a open air side view.  For that the best place I’ve found was The Monument , although it’s not a very high building anymore so it’s not an unobstructed view of the city.

4/5 - Good

RobW.
Sep. 19, 2018

It's an OK attraction, it was part of our London Pass.  The Moet champagne is crap.

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