The Shard

The Shard
The Shard which includes a river or creek, modern architecture and a high-rise building
The Shard
The Shard featuring modern architecture, a ferry and a sunset
The Shard showing a river or creek, a skyscraper and modern architecture


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.

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Reviews of The Shard

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
203
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
162
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
40
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Order a cocktail

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Have afternoon tea at the Gong in the Shard. A special treat, spectacular views, excellent staff and although it is in the upper price range it was good value for money.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice walk across London Bridge

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Wanted to visit at night. It looked lovely in the distance all lit up. We had walked for miles & decided against it as others had told us it wasn’t worth trekking the distance. Sadly we never ended going!

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Things to do near The Shard

At The Shard, visitors can enjoy stunning views from the observation deck, offering a breathtaking panorama of London. Nearby, immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene, catch a captivating theatre performance, or indulge in some retail therapy at local shops. This iconic landmark serves as a gateway to a wealth of cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to explore the heart of the city.

Shopping

Discover Borough Market, a bustling public market just 322m from The Shard, offering fresh produce and local delicacies. Royal Exchange, located 966m away, features entertainment and family-friendly shops. For a unique experience, visit Fortnum & Mason, a renowned store 3.2km away, if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

At The Shard, you can enjoy wellness at Hampstead Heath, a serene park ideal for relaxation and nature walks, just 8.0km away. For a more dynamic experience, head to O2 Arena for sports events or the ABBA Arena for lively concerts, both 6.4km distant, offering vibrant entertainment vibes.

Adventure

The IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station offers exhilarating views as you glide above the city in a cable car gondola, situated 8.0km from The Shard. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, located 3.2km away, provides thrilling indoor climbing experiences. Enjoy karting thrills at Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km from The Shard.

Nightlife

The Shard offers an exciting nightlife with the London Eye nearby, providing thrilling adventure vibes. The Barbican Arts Centre adds a touch of culture and romance, perfect for a night out. For cinematic experiences, Cine Lumiere brings entertainment and romance just a short distance away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Shard

When visiting The Shard, you'll discover a vibrant array of attractions including charming streets, historic churches, and lively piazzas. The area offers a delightful blend of cultural and family-friendly experiences, perfect for all types of travellers. From exploring local art to enjoying the stunning views, The Shard and its surroundings promise an unforgettable adventure in the heart of London.

  • Tower Bridge: A magnificent feat of Victorian engineering, Tower Bridge stands as an iconic symbol of London. With its stunning bascule and suspension design, you can explore the glass-floored walkway for breathtaking views of the Thames below. Its rich history and striking architecture embody the vibrant culture of the city.
  • Tower of London: This historic castle, once a royal palace and prison, offers a glimpse into England's fascinating past. Home to the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London exudes a sense of romance and intrigue, with tales of intrigue and legend echoing through its ancient walls.
  • London Bridge: A modern marvel, London Bridge connects the bustling city with remarkable views along the Thames. Its contemporary design and urban atmosphere reflect the dynamic spirit of London, making it a perfect spot for city vibes and soaking in the vibrant surroundings.

Best time to go to The Shard

The best time to visit The Shard can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Shard falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Shard falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Shard

For a budget-friendly visit to The Shard, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, and look out for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays are typically the cheapest nights to stay. To save on transport, utilise the extensive London public transport system, which offers various passes for cost savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area, such as walking along the South Bank, to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Shard are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around The Shard is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Shard is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Shard is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences such as budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you have in mind. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at The Shard with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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