Hold on, is it really worth going?
Yes! If you think The Shard looks cool from the outside, wait ‘til you get to the top. We'd also highly recommend a visit if you're into the following:
- Completing your London bucket list
- Sipping champers in the clouds
- Towering over literally everyone in London (bonus points if you’re taller than your fellow sightseers)
Okay, I’m convinced! How do I get there?
The good thing about The Shard is you’ll be able to see it poking out of the skyline as a point of navigation almost everywhere. Here are the best ways to get there:
By train or tube: Head to London Bridge Station – it’s practically glued to the base of the building. Whether you're arriving via the Underground (Jubilee or Northern line) or catching a National Rail service, you’ll pop out right at its feet. Just follow the signs… or look up!
By bus: Several routes stop nearby, including 43, 48 and 141. If you’re doing a Big Bus tour, hop off at stop 15.
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The Shard – almost impossible to not see it!
How do I get in?
The first thing you’ll need is a London Pass Plus for discounted entry to The View from The Shard, plus over 100 other London attractions. Once you’ve made a booking (see below for the best times to nab a slot), head to the main entrance on London Bridge Street. You’ll pass through a security check area before being guided through the turnstiles and toward the lifts.
What can I do inside?
With London Pass Plus entry, you’ll have access to all three viewing platforms. You’ll also get a free photo package comprising four pics thrown into the mix. How’s that for memory-making?
Level 68 – the View intro
As soon as you step out of the lifts you’ll be greeted with a taster of the Shard’s splendid views. Snap a few warm-up pics here and don’t forget to visit the loos – they boast floor-to-ceiling windows too!
Level 69 – the main event
Enjoy the magnificent, 360-degree vistas covering the entirety of London, and more. There are also two bars and an ice cream cart, tending to your snack and drink needs, and some seating areas where you can chill and take in the experience. Funnily enough – this one fast became our favourite as soon as we clocked the comfy seats and cocktail menus.
Level 72 – the breezy bit
Hold onto your hats! At this open-air skydeck, you can literally stick your head in the clouds (well sort of). Complete your Shard experience by feeling the elements at the highest point you can visit.
Cocktails on point – quite literally!
What’s the best time to visit The Shard?
It depends. Seeing the sun set over the city after a full day of sightseeing is a truly special experience and a memorable evening activity. However, it can get a little busy. If you want some crowd-free time to enjoy the views, we’d recommend heading up between 2-4 when it tends to be a little quieter (particularly during weekdays). We visited on a quiet afternoon and were able to take our time spotting as many famous landmarks as we could – would recommend.
What can I see from The View from The Shard?
The question is, what can’t you see? On a clear day, you’ll get views stretching up to a mega 40 miles.
You’ll also be able to see the River Thames curving through London and look down on Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe and much more.
Endless photo opportunities from above the city
What else can I do at The Shard?
Bet you didn’t know that The Shard was designed to be a ‘vertical city’ with options to shop, dine, sightsee and sleep!
Where can I eat and drink?
Aqua Shard (Level 31)
Head here for quintessential British fare and Bond-esque sophistication. Think hearty dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients and, of course, Sunday roasts – our fave!
Oblix West (Level 32)
This New York skyline-inspired restaurant gives 'Big Apple' energy while you’re, well… in London. Enjoy this metropolis mash-up featuring rotisserie dishes and laid-back luxury.
Hutong (Level 33)
Sample the height of Northern Chinese cuisine at this restaurant twinned with a much-loved counterpart in Hong Kong. It’s all 360-degree views paired with romantic vibes.
GŎNG (Level 52)
Sip sky-high cocktails in the highest hotel bar in Western Europe and enjoy The Shard’s sweeping panoramas late into the night.
TING (level 35)
Tuck into cool and contemporary Asian dishes that would sit comfortably on the ‘gram with their aesthetic appeal. And of course, views for days as standard.
Bar 31 (ground floor)
If you’re not a heights sort of person, but still want to visit The Shard, head to Bar 31 located on the ground floor. It has a cute terrace and is perfect for après work drinks.
Sky Lounge (level 34)
Pretend you’re staying at the Shangri-La by grabbing a cocktail at this sleek, exclusive-feeling spot boasting spy vibes and sophistication.
Where can I stay?
Yep you can enjoy a sleepover at Shangri-La at The Shard and, as you can imagine, it’s a verrry fancy place to have a kip. Every room boasts spectacular views from floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can soak in the experience from morning ‘til night. This place also has the highest hotel infinity pool in Western Europe. If you get the chance to try it out, do give us your verdict – we won't be jealous!
Where can I shop?
Okay we can’t promise a full shopping centre, but there’s a pretty impressive gift shop on the ground floor. So, if you’re after something Shard-shaped – and there’s everything from biscuits to chess sets here – you may be in luck! We were extremely tempted to buy this giant biscuit, but opted for a keyring instead.
London in biscuits
Anything else you can tell me about The Shard?
Plenty! Here are a few fascinating facts to get you geared up for your visit. Keep these in your back pocket to impress your friends.
- The Shard is made from 95% recycled materials, giving it serious green credentials.
- There are a whopping 11,000 glass panels on The Shard’s exteriors – imagine how long it takes to clean!
- The first design of The Shard was a scribble on a napkin by Italian architect Renzo Piano.
- Another first design fact: The Shard was originally planned to be taller but was scaled down so it didn’t look too crazy on the ol’ London skyline.
- The Shard’s first ever guest was a fox called Romeo who snuck inside whilst it was being built.
Enjoyed this? Read five records you’ll break just by visiting View from The Shard and a complete guide to visiting the Tower of London.
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