The Shard Vs Sky Garden - Which Is Better? | The London Pass®

By Go City Expert
Published: July 17, 2024
London skyline

by Mia Russell

Battle of the Views: The Shard vs. Sky Garden - Which is the Best?

London is a city that never fails to amaze, and what better way to take in its spectacular sights than from high above? And, while there are plenty of amazing London attractions to choose from, when it comes to breathtaking views of the city, two iconic landmarks immediately come to mind: The Shard and Sky Garden.

Both offer unforgettable experiences, but which one is worth your time and money? Let us take a closer look at both buildings and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next London adventure. Get ready to soar high and see London in a whole new light!

 

The Shard

This towering skyscraper boasts the title of the tallest building in the United Kingdom, standing at95 stories tall, and is an iconic feature of the London skyline! The views from The Shard are nothing short of incredible - you will see some of the most iconic landmarks in London, such as the Tower Bridge, the River Thames, and St. Paul's Cathedral. From the observation decks on the 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors, you can see all the way to the horizon on a sunny day.

The views

The Shard boasts several different viewing platforms, each with a unique perspective of London. The Skydeck on the 72nd floor provides panoramic views of the city and lets you feel the wind in your hair as you take in the sights. The elegant champagne bar on the 68th floor is a fantastic spot to sip a glass of bubbly and drink in the views!

 

Dining

The Shard in London is not just a place to enjoy breathtaking views; it's also a hub for delicious dining experiences. From high-end restaurants to casual cafés, there is something for every taste at this iconic landmark.

Look no further than Aqua Shard if you are in the mood for an unforgettable fine dining experience. Located on the 31st floor, this restaurant serves modern British cuisine with the freshest and finest ingredients. The menu is as breathtaking as the view, with dishes like seared Orkney scallops and salt marsh lamb loin. Their extensive bar menu of cocktails will not disappoint either.

For something more casual, head to the 32nd floor and grab a bite at Oblix. This modern European restaurant boasts a lively atmosphere and serves dishes like grilled octopus, roast Cornish brill, and wagyu beef burgers. It's the perfect spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a romantic evening out.

You have two great options if you're looking for a quick bite or a cup of coffee. The Sky Coffee on the 68th floor is perfect for a mid-morning pick-me-up, while the L'A mina del Gusto on the ground floor serves Italian pastries, sandwiches, and gelato.

 

Attractions

For a totally unique and thrilling experience, head to The Slide on the 72nd floor. This 40-second ride down the building's exterior is not for the faint of heart, but it is sure to get your adrenaline pumping and provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

The Shard can be a bit on the pricey side. Tickets to the observation decks can be expensive, especially during peak tourist season, and the champagne bar is on the higher end of the price scale.

 

Sky Garden

Located in the heart of the city, Sky Garden is a beautiful public space that offers 360-degree views of the city's skyline. Also known as the Walkie Talkie building, Sky Garden has a spectacular curved glass façade, which gives it a distinctive look. The Sky Garden is located on the top three floors of the building, and its floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views of the city.

The Sky Garden is divided into three levels. The first level is the main entrance, and the second level is the Observation Deck, which offers a 360-degree view of the city. The third level is the Sky Garden itself, which is a beautifully manicured space with an indoor garden.

 

The views

As you might expect, the views from Sky Garden are breathtaking. From the Observation Deck, you'll see some of London's most iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Thames River.

Dining

If you're feeling peckish, several dining options are available at Sky Garden. From casual cafés to upscale restaurants, there's something for every taste and budget.

Located on the 36th floor, Darwin Brasserie is the main restaurant at Sky Garden and offers contemporary British cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu features a range of dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, all prepared to the highest standard, emphasizing sustainability.

For a more upscale dining experience, head to Fenchurch Restaurant. Located on the 37th floor, this fine-dining establishment offers stunning views of the city alongside a delicious modern European menu. Expect sublime dishes like roasted scallops, duck breast, and poached rhubarb.

If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, Sky Pod Bar on the 35th floor is the perfect spot. Boasting a relaxed atmosphere and a broad selection of drinks and snacks, it's the ideal place to unwind and take in the spectacular views of London.

Located on the 36th floor, City Garden Bar offers handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, craft beers, and bar bites. The outdoor terrace is a trendy spot in the summer, with its relaxed seating and gorgeous views.

 

Attractions

Sky Garden isn't just about the view - there's plenty to see and do inside as well. Take a stroll through the exquisitely landscaped gardens and admire the carefully curated tropical greenery and blooming flora. You'll feel like you've been transported to a lush oasis in the heart of the city.

You can also enjoy live music performances throughout the week, making it a great place to take in some entertainment while taking in the views. From jazz to acoustic, there's something for every music lover.

One of the remarkable things about Sky Garden is that it's completely free to visit, which makes it a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere inside Sky Garden is more relaxed and laid-back than at The Shard, which some visitors might appreciate.

 

Final thoughts

The Shard and Sky Garden offer incredible views of London and are worth a visit. If you're looking for a high-end, luxurious experience, The Shard might be more up your street . On the other hand, if you're after a more relaxed, budget-friendly option, Sky Garden could be just what you're looking for. Ultimately, the choice is up to you! And if you've got time, why not pick up London sightseeing pass and see both, as well as other top London attractions?

 

Go City Expert
London Travel Expert

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The British Museum Vs National Gallery | The London Pass®

by Mia Russell London's Cultural Showdown: British Museum vs. National Gallery Are you ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of one of the world's greatest cities? Then look no further than London's world-class museums and galleries! From the British Museum's ancient artifacts to the National Gallery's iconic masterpieces, there's something for everyone in this cultural wonderland. Plus, general admission to both is free! Two of the most famous museums in London are the British Museum and the National Gallery. Both world-renowned institutions have loads on offer, so let's take a closer look at what you can expect from each. The British Museum The British Museum is home to more than 8 million objects from around the world and is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums on the planet. This massive institution is particularly well-known for its collection of ancient artifacts, ranging from Egyptian mummies to ancient Greek statues to Mesopotamian pottery. One of the most famous items in the collection is the Rosetta Stone, which helped scholars decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs. But that's just the beginning - there is so much to see here that you could easily spend an entire day (or more!) exploring the exhibits. One of the things that sets the British Museum apart from other museums is the sheer scope of its collection. With objects from every corner of the globe, it is a true celebration of human culture and history. Whether you're interested in ancient Rome or modern-day Japan, there's something here for everyone. Another unique aspect of the British Museum is the way it is organized. Instead of being arranged by region or time, the exhibits are arranged thematically. This means you can explore topics like religion, money, or technology and see how they have been represented in different cultures and periods. It is a fascinating way to think about how human society has evolved. You can wander the galleries at your own pace or enjoy a guided tour led by experts who can provide context and insights into the objects on display. The museum offers free maps to help you navigate and plenty of benches and rest areas if you need a break. The British Museum also has a dedicated children's area if you are visiting with kids. Here, kids can learn about history and culture in a fun, interactive way. Games, puzzles, and activities are designed to engage curious minds and inspire a love of learning. And let us not forget about the amenities! The British Museum has plenty of places to eat and drink, including cafes and restaurants. There is also a gift shop to pick up souvenirs and books about the exhibits. And if you need a break from the crowds, there are plenty of quiet spots where you can relax and take in the beauty of the building itself. The British Museum is a great institution that is well worth a visit. It's a celebration of human culture and history and a testament to the incredible diversity of our planet. The National Gallery If you're a fan of art and culture, visiting the National Gallery in London should be on your bucket list. This world-renowned museum is home to some of the most iconic famous works of art in history, and it's a true feast for the senses. The National Gallery's collection spans more than 700 years, from the Middle Ages to the present day. The focus here is on Western European art, so you will find works by some of the world’s most famous artists, like Van Gogh, Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci. The National Gallery is home to the most extensive collection of paintings by Van Gogh outside of Amsterdam, so if you're a fan of his work, you will not want to miss it. The National Gallery’s collection is also organized by style and theme. This allows you to explore different movements and techniques more effectively. For example, you could explore the Baroque period and see how artists like Caravaggio and Rubens used light and shadow to create dramatic effects. One of the most famous paintings in the National Gallery's collection is undoubtedly ‘The Arnolfini Portrait’ by Jan van Eyck. This stunning piece from the 15th century is a masterpiece of realism, with every detail of the room and the figures depicted in the painting meticulously rendered. But that is just one example - there are countless other masterpieces to discover here. The National Gallery offers free guided tours daily, so that's a great option if you're seeking expert guidance. Alternatively, you can meander around the galleries and take in whatever catches your eye. The National Gallery is in Trafalgar Square, one of London’s many famous landmarks. This means there's always plenty of buzz and activity in the area, making it a suitable place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere. The National Gallery has several cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat and a gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs and books about the exhibits. There's also a free Wi-Fi network to stay connected while exploring. The National Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture. It's a true treasure trove of masterpieces and a testament to the enduring power of human creativity. British Museum vs. National Gallery Ultimately, deciding which museum to visit (or whether to visit both!) will depend on your interests. If you're more interested in history and artifacts, the British Museum is the obvious choice. But if you are more of an art buff, you'll want to spend some time at the National Gallery. You will undoubtedly have a fantastic time regardless of which museum(s) you choose to visit. The British Museum and the National Gallery are world-class institutions offering a unique glimpse into the past and present. Can't decide? That's no problem either, they're in walking distance from one another (or an easy tube ride if you prefer) and both totally free to enter so pick both and enjoy a culture filled day in London - spiffing!
Go City Expert
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London Date Ideas: Activity Edition

Let’s go out. What do you want to do? Pub? No, let’s do something. Dinner? No, let’s do do something. Can’t we do dinner? No, something more active. Like do doing something? Yes, that’s what I said. I don’t have any London Date Ideas which involve doing things active. We need a list, a list of London Date Ideas which skews towards activities. A list of London Date Ideas which skews towards activities, including... The pick of the London activity bars best designed to impress Our favourite London immersive experiences, just waiting for a dating A smattering of evergreen London date ideas And much, much more London Date Ideas: Activity Bars Swingers The first of the big hitter activity bars on the list, Swingers is an adult-oriented rejig of crazy golf. As with all the activity bars on this list, it depends how competitive you feel like being on your first, second, or five hundred and fifty third date. It’s very pretty in there, with wooden course decorations, low lighting and fake grass. It certainly isn’t as gaudy as your traditional seaside town crazy golf. It’s like if Amelie was commissioned to design a crazy golf course. And the holes are well-designed, created to be open to all, letting everyone’s competitive streak flourish. But they require some nouse and, if you want to take it seriously, the pair of you could have quite the game on your hands. West End and City locations. For more information and to book, head HERE.  Flight Club Next up on the activity bar rundown, Flight Club is doing for darts what Swingers is doing for crazy golf: making it a night out activity and a game that feels like an event. Where Swingers is rescuing crazy golf from seaside town, broken windmill kiddydom, Flight Club are taking darts out of the you’re-kind-of-getting-in-everyone’s-way, only-one-dart-board nature of the pub dart setup. They call it ‘social darts’ and it’s helping make darts a more than acceptable date night activity. It looks the business in each of the Flight Club venues. That kind of curated look and atmosphere that seems delightfully thrown together, but definitely isn’t. Their cocktail menu features inventive ice slushies and plenty of classics given a thoughtful twist or two. Food-wise, the most popular items they offer are sharing board pizzas, along with international mix and match small plates, such as salmon ceviche tacos and veggie gyoza. They’ve got a good policy when it comes to walk-ins too. So, as long as you’re not rocking up at peak time on a Friday or Saturday, you should be able to get a board in a couple drinks’ time. They’ve also made the below high energy video showing just what social darts is all about. Bloomsbury, Islington, Victoria and Shoreditch locations. For more information and to book, head HERE. Bounce Table tennis. Ping-pong. Whiff-whaff. Whatever you want to call it, the fast-paced mini-tennis game finds its after-hours home at Bounce. The atmospheric basement venues have become popular for work-dos, birthdays and dates in the years since they opened. The music is loud, the lighting is right, there are balls flying everywhere. Sure, it’s pretty chaotic with all the dinging of the hollow balls on the tables, the clinking of hollow balls on the hard floor, the hollow balls now trampled under your feet. But they’ve made these spaces well, so you never feel like you’re in anyone’s way or like you’re playing on Centre Court, assembled masses surrounding you, critiquing your every shot, questioning your thin grip on the rules of the game. You’ve got space to focus on your game and, in between sets, your opponent/date. McEnroe and Borg might have had a better relationship were they to have played out their rivalry in a place such as Bounce. Farringdon and Old Street locations. For more information and to book, head HERE.  All Star Lanes The ultimate in date night activities, bowling has been given the London revamp at All Star Lanes. That is to say, it’s not a bowling alley on an industrial park beside an A-road with an Ikea on its left and a KFC on its right. And it looks the business inside. No sticky floors, too-loud arcade or too-bright lighting here. Nope, it’s all thoroughly retro-looking, drawing from a shared nostalgia for a 1950s American bowling scene we never knew, but we want desperately to return to. We’ve been plenty of times, and each visit there have been plenty of new couples taking to the lanes. All of them working out how seriously to take it. Once the things start falling down and the little animations come up on the screens—mocking you—it’s hard not to be swept up in the atmosphere of All Star Lanes. It’s a blast. Even if the date doesn’t go as planned, it’s a fun way to strike out. Westfield Stratford, Westfield White City, Holborn and Brick Lane locations. For more info and to book, head HERE.  London Date Ideas: Immersive Experiences Secret Cinema Take the pressure out of choosing what to wear, by going somewhere which demands you come in fancy dress. Secret Cinema are behind some of the biggest budget and most beloved immersive experiences London has to offer, themed around your favourite TV and movies. The whole place is made up to look like the setting from Blade Runner or Stranger Things or Star Wars or Romeo + Juliet or whatever nostalgic cultural behemoth they’ve chosen this time. Actors are there, doing their thing all around you. Get involved, follow your individual story for the evening, exploring all there is to explore with your date. At the end of the evening, there’s a screening of the film to enjoy. It really is an experience best shared. And if you pick the right event, you could be exploring a world that means a whole bunch to the pair of you. Check out our review of Secret Cinema Presents Stranger Things HERE. And find out which Secret Cinema event is on next HERE. Pedley Street Station Pedley Street Station provides the setting for the creations of Funicular Productions, who come up with train-set immersive theatre pieces. Well, you would too, if you had a train carriage set like they do at Pedley. Join them for mystery theatre pieces, like The Jewel of the Empire and The Murder Express, which take you back to the age of steam train travel...when anyone who was anyone was getting murdered on a train. Or doing the murdering. Think Agatha Christie, pencil moustaches and genius detectives. Take your date along for the ride and try to solve the mystery together, before it’s too late, before the killer strikes again, before...the food arrives. And the food is pretty special aboard this train. At Pedley, they get guest chefs (usually recent MasterChef finalists) to come up with four course dining experiences that take you on a journey. Pedley Street Station, Arch 63, Pedley St, London E1 5BW. For more details and to book, head HERE. London Date Ideas: Evergreens Portobello Electric Cinema An oldie and a goodie: the cinema trip. But who needs armrest dividers when you’re on a date? Whisk someone off to the Portobello Road Electric Cinema in Notting Hill and you’ll be watching from the comfort of your very own private sofa or bed. The whole place looks stunning, with the cinema tracing its history back to the early 20th century. And they’ve got an impressive cocktail menu too, as well as a diner-style restaurant for before or after the flick. A trip to the Portobello Electric Cinema is as fancy and refined as cinema-going gets. Electric Cinema, 191 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2ED. For more details and to book, head HERE. St. Paul’s Cathedral Whispering Gallery Whisper sweet nothings in one of the most visited London attractions...and have no one but your date hear them. A quirk of Whispering Gallery of St. Paul’s means that a word whispered into one side of the dome will reach a listener on the other side. Remember, you’re trying to impress here, so be mature. No fart noises. Whisper it (actually, just shout it), but entry to St. Paul’s (including the Whispering Gallery) is included with The London Pass. Find out more about The London Pass below. St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD. For more info, head HERE. Banya No. 1 Getting thwacked with bunches of twigs and leaves doesn’t sound very pleasant. But do it with someone you’re dating and suddenly it doesn’t sound so bad. Because you’ll be getting violently attacked by bunches of branches together. Head to Banya No. 1 for this authentic Russian spa treatment, entering a sauna that’s kept at about 80 degrees and getting the twig treatment. Then dip into the cold tub for a bracing finale. Relationships are built on shared experiences. Sometimes those experiences involve overcoming challenges together. This is one of those times. It’s meant to be seriously good for you too, heart healthy and replenishing and such. Banya No. 1, 17 Micawber Street, London N1 7TB. For more info and to book, head HERE. Royal Observatory Greenwich Sometimes in a relationship, you just need some space. Head up to the Royal Observatory Greenwich for a dose of the cosmic, taking a look through their ludicrously powerful telescope, touch a 4.5 billion year old asteroid and catch a show at the planetarium. Stars are romantic—it’s a fact. And the view from up here on the hill in Greenwich Park is phenomenal. You can gain entry to the Royal Observatory Greenwich with The London Pass. Find out more about that little shooting star below. Columbia Road Flower Market Pick up a bouquet for your beau or belle at Columbia Road Flower Market. The historic market has an idiosyncratic feel to it, part relaxing, sweet smelling lazy Sunday, part chaotic, salt of the earth East London fun. It’s a combination that works at this Sunday flower market, where you can pick up cut flowers, readymade bouquets, houseplants, bedding plants, pot plants and herbs. Columbia Road is rich in independent businesses too. Family-owned restaurants, cute coffee shops and one-of-a-kind clothing, antique and gift stores. Head there early and make a day of it. Or go later if you’re thrifty. Plenty of stuff comes down to a fiver the closer you get to 4pm. Every Sunday, 8am - 4pm. Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG Kew Gardens There are few dreamier London date locations than Kew Gardens. Superbly beautiful walking routes to explore, wonderful areas of flowers and trees and succulents and water features, inside and out. And special events on throughout the year, highlighting the change in seasons, showcasing flora from across the planet. It’s a well-trodden path, for sure, but what a path. Entry to Kew Gardens comes included with The London Pass. Find out more about The London Pass below... That’s your lot, when it comes to activity-based London date ideas. That’s a wrap. Finito. Done and dusted. Got some active London date ideas to add to the mix? Let us know in the comments below. As ever, we’d love to hear from you. And, as ever, we’d love for you to check out what else we’ve been writing about recently. So here's our article, London Date Ideas: Drinks and Eats edition.
Matthew Pearson
The London Eye
Tower of London

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