The Shard is one of London's most iconic landmarks and features on countless London sightseeing wishlists. So, to make your trip run a little more smoothly, we've put together a cheat sheet with everything you need to know when visiting this sparkling skyscraper, plus some fun facts.
What are the View from the Shard opening times?
The View from the Shard is open between 10:00 and 22:00 during the summer and closes at 19:00 Sunday to Wednesday in winter.
How do I get to The Shard?
London Bridge Underground Station gets you right underneath the Shard. You can’t miss it. It’s really tall. Southern and South Eastern train services terminate at London Bridge Station. Head to the exit, and the Shard’s right there.
There's a bus station conveniently located just outside the entrance to London Bridge Station. Buses that stop and depart from here include 43, 48, 141, 149, 521.
If you're travelling by car, you'll need to park it somewhere else, as there are no parking spots or drop-off points at The Shard.
How tall is The Shard and how high up is the viewing platform?
The Shard stands at a towering 309.6 metres. It’s the tallest building in Western Europe. The open-air Skydeck is 244m up on the 72nd floor. There are indoor viewing platforms on floors 68 and 69.
What can I see from The View from the Shard?
A 360-degree panoramic view of London, stretching 40 miles into the distance. Top sights include Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
How much do tickets cost for The View from the Shard?
General admission costs £28.50, but it's included on The London Pass®. If you're travelling with a child aged three or under, they can come with you for free.
Do I have to climb lots of steps? Is it accessible to those with disabilities?
No, there’s a lift to take you up. It travels at 6 metres a second and is among the fastest in London. The Shard is fully accessible from the ground floor, right up to the Skydeck on Level 72. Disabled toilet facilities can be found on Level 1 and Level 68.
What if the weather’s really bad?
London weather is notoriously changeable, but there’s normally still plenty to see in bad weather. For an extra fee, you can buy a Weather Guarantee with your ticket. With this additional insurance, you get the chance to come back another day for free if certain key landmarks aren’t visible that day.
Is there a time limit for how long I can spend at the View from the Shard?
Nope. You’re free to enjoy the View from the Shard for hours at a time.
What kind of special events do they have?
All sorts. Silent discos. Non-silent discos. Swanky champagne evenings. Check their website for details.
What are the bathrooms like?
You’re in luck. The toilets have floor-to-ceiling windows, offering some of the best public toilet views on the planet.
Can I buy my ticket on the day?
You can, either online or at the desk. But they may be sold out if you leave it too late. We recommend using The London Pass to book a slot
I’m running late. What do I do?
Don't worry. Entry is guaranteed for up to 30 minutes after the time booked.
Is there anything to eat or drink in The Shard?
Plenty. There are two bars, serving cocktails, champagne, beers and hot drinks. They’re the highest in London. You can also buy a whole range of snacks.
I’d like a souvenir of my visit. What do you recommend?
You’re going to get pretty snap-happy during your trip up to The View from the Shard. And there’s an awesome gift shop too. You can get books about The Shard, mugs, keyrings, posters, DVDs, toys, puzzles...all sorts.
What else can you tell me about The Shard?
The Shard was designed by Italian architect, Renzo Piano. His other works include the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, which he co-designed with Richard Rogers and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.
95% of the construction materials are recycled. Its exterior is made up of 11,000 glass panels, the total area of which is 56,000 sq metres. The ‘shards’ of glass that make up the building don’t actually touch one another, allowing the spire-shaped building to ‘breathe’.
Construction workers found a fox living on the 72nd floor. He was living off their packed lunches. They called him Romeo.
Hopefully, we've illuminated you on The Shard opening hours and so much more. If we haven't satisfied your curiosity just yet, check out some more facts on this attraction.
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