- 1️⃣ What is The Shard?
- 2️⃣ Why visit The Shard? - A luxurious vantage point with character
- 3️⃣ Views of London - what will you see from the terrace?
- 4️⃣ Ticket prices and discounts - how much does it cost to get into The Shard?
- 5️⃣ Restaurants and bars with panoramic views of the city
- 6️⃣ Opening hours and best time to visit
- 7️⃣ Location and access to The Shard
1️⃣ What is The Shard?
The Shard to Britain's tallest skyscraper and one of London's most recognizable symbols. It measures 310 meters high and is distinguished by its slender glass silhouette resembling a shard of glass - hence its name ("shard" means in English "splinter"). The building was designed by a famous architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2012.
Its interior features include. Shangri-La Hotel, exclusive restaurants, modern offices, private apartments and one of the highest viewpoints in Europe. The View from The Shard. It is a place that combines modernity, prestige and spectacular views. Unlike Sky Garden, admission to the observation deck is charged, but London skyline from above the 70th floor really makes a huge impression.
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2️⃣ Why visit The Shard? - A luxurious vantage point with character
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The Shard is not only Britain's tallest building, but also one of the most prestigious sites, from which you can admire the London skyline. It connects modern architecture, elegance and a unique visual experience. It is an attraction premium - ideal for unique opportunity, a romantic date or a dream trip.
💠 A view of London
From a level above 70th floor Enjoy views of the entire city. In sight are Tower Bridge, the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben, the London Eye and more. On a clear day, visibility reaches up to 60 kilometers - You can see the hills of Kent or Heathrow Airport.
💠 Exclusive space
The interior of The View from The Shard is an observation deck. elegant, atmospheric space with glass walls and the opportunity to have a drink with the London skyline in the background. This is no ordinary viewpoint - it's a classroom experience, which is impressive from the first moment.
💠 For those looking for something more
Although admission is paid, The Shard offers an experience that memorable. This is the place for those who want to feel the atmosphere of the metropolis from a new perspective -. high above the streets, in comfort and with an amazing view.
3️⃣ Views of London - what will you see from the terrace?
The Shard offers London's highest public viewing point, and perhaps throughout Western Europe. From the glass terrace on the 70-plus floor, you can enjoy a full 360-degree view of the city - regardless of the weather or time of day. This is the place where you really you can see all of London like the back of your hand.
💠 In the south There are views of the Thames, Tower Bridge, the historic City Hall, and the modern South Bank buildings. There is also an excellent view of London Bridge and the railroad branches running towards the southern districts.
💠 In the West You can admire the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, Parliament and Big Ben. Further on - Hyde Park, Kensington and in the distance the Richmond and Heathrow range of hills.
💠 In the east and north dominated by the City's modern buildings, the Gherkin skyscraper and the Canary Wharf office complex. Sports venues such as the Olympic Stadium and The O2 Arena are also visible.
💠 The terrace allows you to admire the city with great depth - Not only horizontally, but also vertically. From this height, cars and people look like miniatures, and the whole of London takes on a whole new dimension.
💠 In good visibility you can even see 60 kilometers away - All the way to the green outskirts of the metropolis, airports and the hills of the counties neighboring London. It's a view that really stays in the memory.
4️⃣ Ticket prices and discounts - how much does it cost to get into The Shard?
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Getting into The View from The Shard is not one of the cheapest attractions in London, but the a variety of ticket options allow you to tailor your visit to your needs - from economical solutions to premium versions with extras.
💠 The cheapest option - Summer Saver
On Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm there is a special promotion. The ticket then costs only £17, making it the best price bargain of the week.
💠 Standard tickets
The price of a basic ticket ranges from £22 to £32 - depending on the day and time of your visit. For the price, you get access to all viewing levels (68, 69 and the outdoor terrace on the 72nd floor), and you can stay as long as you like.
💠 All-Inclusive Entry - with champagne and extras
For those looking for something more special, an all-inclusive option is available. Priced from £36 to £48 you not only receive an admission ticket, but also a glass of champagne or a soft drink, a digital souvenir photo and a small credit to use in the gift store.
💠 Discounts and practical notes
Children under the age of 3 enter free of charge, and discounted tickets apply for children aged 4-15. The option to purchase a ticket at the ticket office is available on site, but the number of seats is limited - online booking is a safer option. In case of poor visibility, you can also take advantage of the so-called view guarantee and receive a voucher for a repeat visit.
5️⃣ Restaurants and bars with panoramic views of the city
The Shard is not only an observation deck, but also a culinary center with unique restaurants and bars on different floors of the skyscraper. It's the perfect place for a romantic dinner, a drink with a view or an exclusive meeting. Many venues offer spectacular panoramic views of London and authentic cuisine at the highest level.
Modern British cuisine served in spacious, elegant interiors on the 31st floor. The restaurant is famous for its panoramic windows and seasonal menu based on local ingredients.
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 12:00-15:00 (lunch), 18:00-22:30 (dinner)
- Saturday-Sunday: 10:00am-3:00pm (brunch), 6:00pm-2:30pm (dinner)
Smart casual dress code applies. Reservations required.
💠 Hutong
A Chinese restaurant inspired by the cuisine of northern China, known for its spicy dishes and red decor. It is located on the 33rd floor, with views of Tower Bridge, among others.
Opening Hours:
- daily: lunch 12:00-14:30, dinner 18:00-22:30
Children welcome at lunch. Dinner recommended for guests 12+. Reservations required.
💠 Oblix
The restaurant is divided into two concepts:
- Oblix West - Classic European cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a candlelit dinner.
- Oblix East - A more dynamic bar with a modern menu and cocktails.
Opening Hours:
- daily: lunch from 12:00, dinner from 18:00
- bar: until late at night
Table reservations strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
Located on the 35th floor, Shangri-La Hotel's elegant restaurant combines European cuisine with Asian influences. Possibility to book afternoon tea with a view.
Opening Hours:
- Daily: breakfast 6:30-10:30 a.m., lunch 12:00-14:30 p.m., dinner 18:00-22:30 p.m.
Children welcome. Dress code: smart elegant.
💠 GŎNG Bar
The highest bar in London - the 52nd floor. Famous for its original cocktails and sunset view. It is located in the Shangri-La Hotel.
Opening Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 17:00-00:00
- Friday-Saturday: 17:00-01:00
After 6pm, an 18+ policy applies. Reservations and elegant attire required.
A cozy space overlooking north London, ideal for coffee, tea or an afternoon snack. Popular with hotel guests.
Opening Hours:
- usually: 12:00-22:00 (exact hours dependent on day and availability)
Reservations recommended, especially on weekends.
6️⃣ Opening hours and best time to visit
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The View From The Shard's observation deck and the skyscraper's restaurants and bars are open to guests throughout the week. Whether you're planning a morning tour, brunch, afternoon tea or romantic dinner, you can easily plan a visit at a convenient time.
💠 Opening hours of the observation deck
The View from The Shard is open daily, usually from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Last entry is possible about an hour before closing. Exact hours may vary depending on the season, holidays and special events, so It is worth checking them in advance.
💠 Best time to visit
- Morning (10:00-12:00) - quiet atmosphere, few tourists and perfect conditions for taking pictures
- Sunset - The most popular time of day, when the city lights create a unique scenery
- Evening - A romantic panorama of nighttime London and fewer crowds than in the afternoon
💠 Dining hours at restaurants
- Lunch: Monday-Friday, 12:00-14:30
- Dinner: daily, 18:00-22:30
- Afternoon Tea: Every day and on holidays, 12:15-15:15
- Brunch: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 10:00-15:00
💠 Practice Tip
If you want a quiet tour without crowds, bet on morning hours during the week. For special occasions - such as an engagement or a romantic date - it's worth booking an appointment for sunset or evening And pair it with dinner or a drink.
7️⃣ Location and access to The Shard
The Shard is located in the heart of London, in the Southwark neighborhood, right next to London Bridge. It's not just a skyscraper - it's a true "vertical city" where you can work, live, eat, relax and enjoy the view. Its excellent location and great transportation make it one of the best accessible vantage points in the capital.
💠 Address:
The Shard
32 London Bridge Street
London SE1 9SG
💠 Access by public transportation:
The Shard is located right next to the station London Bridge, operated by:
- Subway (Northern Line and Jubilee Line)
- Overground rail (National Rail)
- numerous bus lines, including 17, 21, 35, 43, 47, 133, 141, 343
The entrance to The View from The Shard is located at the main square in front of London Bridge station. From the airport Heathrow can be reached directly by subway (about 1 hour), and from the Gatwick Thameslink train (about 30 minutes).
💠 An ideal starting point for a tour
With its location near the River Thames and historic central London, The Shard is perfect as a starting or ending point for an urban tour. In the immediate vicinity are, among others. Borough Market, Tower Bridge, Southwark Cathedral and waterfront boulevards.
💠 Accessibility and facilities
The facility is fully adapted for people with disabilities, offers elevators, toilets, baby changing facilities and a secure entrance from street level. A locker room and information desk are also available on site.
8️⃣ Practical tips for visitors
A visit to The Shard is a unique experience, so you should prepare for it properly. Whether you are going to the observation deck, to one of the restaurants or just for a drink, a few simple tips will help you fully enjoy your visit.
💠 Buy your ticket early
Tickets to the observation deck are best booked online in advance. This will help you avoid queues and take advantage of lower prices - especially if you plan to visit during popular hours (afternoons, weekends, sunsets). Consider promotions such as "Summer Saver" on Mondays and Tuesdays.
💠 Book a table at the restaurant
If you plan to dine at one of the restaurants, advance reservation is necessary. The restaurants in The Shard are very popular - especially in the evening and on weekends. Many of them offer tables by the window with a surcharge, which guarantees the best view.
💠 Dress appropriately
In most restaurants and bars it is obligatory dress code smart casual - Suits are not required, but sports clothes and flip-flops may not be acceptable, especially in the evening. There is no dress requirement on the observation deck, but it is advisable to dress comfortably.
💠 Take your time
Once you get to the observation deck, you can stay as long as you like. There is no time limit, so it is advisable to plan your visit so that you have a moment to quietly admire the panorama, take photos and drink something at the bar.
💠 Weather and visibility
The view from The Shard is impressive at any time of day, but can be limited in bad weather. The so called "sunrise" applies. guarantee of visibility - If you don't see a minimum of three well-known points of interest in the city, you can get a voucher for your next visit.
💠 Children and families
The observation deck is family-friendly for families with children. In restaurants, children are welcome during the day, but some bars only accept adults after 6 pm. It's worth checking the policies of individual establishments before visiting.
9️⃣ The Shard vs other viewpoints in London
London offers many viewpoints, but each provides a different experience. The Shard stands out not only for its height, but also for its character - a classy attraction that combines view, elegance and comfort in one place. How does it compare to the others?
💠 The Shard
- The highest observation deck in the UK - 310 meters
- 360° view From the 72nd floor, visibility up to 60 km
- Elegant interiors, express elevators, bar and rest area
- Paid admission (from £17), but no time limit and guaranteed visibility
- Ideal for romantic getaways, special occasions, dinner with a view
💠 Sky Garden
- Free viewpoint on the 35th floor
- Surrounded by lush vegetation, with access to restaurants and bars
- View limited by glazing and availability of seats at the balustrade
- Online booking required, often several weeks in advance
- Atmosphere looser, but often crowded and noisy
💠 London Eye
- Ferris wheel on the south bank of the River Thames
- View from a height of about 135 meters, the ride lasts 30 minutes
- Fully enclosed capsule - a good alternative in bad weather
- Less freedom - no possibility to stop, take pictures from different sides
- More of a tourist attraction than a viewpoint
💠 Skyline at Tate Modern, One Tree Hill, Primrose Hill
- Free points with views of the city from different perspectives
- Outdoor, often dependent on weather and field conditions
- Lack of amenities - it's more of a place to walk around than a longer stay
💠 Summary
If you care about highest point with full panorama, comfort and elegance, The Shard is second to none. For budget travelers, Sky Garden remains a great alternative, while the London Eye is a good option for families with children. The Shard is a go-to for those who want more than just photos from a height.
🔟 Summary - is it worth it?
A visit to The Shard is more than just admiring the view - it's a complete experience that combines modern architecture, a luxurious atmosphere and an unforgettable visual experience. It's a place that allows you to see London from a completely different perspective - not only literally, but also symbolically.
While ticket prices may seem high, they are compensated by the quality of the entire visit: no crowds, no time limit, the highest observation deck in the UK and perfect organization. In addition - if you opt for lunch, dinner or a drink with a view - the experience goes to an even higher level.
💠 Who is it worth it for?
- For couples who are looking for a romantic place for a date or engagement
- For travelers who want to see London from the highest point
- For those who value quality, aesthetics and unique memories
- For all those who want to look at the city ... from another height
The Shard is one of those attractions that is worth seeing at least once - and that you want to return to. Whether you're in London for the first time or the next - the this view stays in the memory for a long time.
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