The Shard Tours and Tickets

The Shard is a skyscraper in London, located just south of the River Thames. Designed by architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2012, it’s not just the tallest building in London but in all of Western Europe. True to its name, the sharp, reflective skyscraper looks like an enormous shard of glass.

The Shard stands a whopping 1,016 feet (310 meters) high, and spans 95 floors (72 habitable), offering some of the best views of London. Its creator, Renzo Piano, described the skyscraper as a “vertical city,” and it brings together everything from office spaces and hotels to restaurants and bars. Its observation deck is the landmark’s highlight attraction for visitors.

Yes, you can visit The Shard, and there are several ways to enjoy this iconic skyscraper. The most popular attraction is The View from The Shard, featuring an open-air observation deck on the 72nd floor. It’s open daily, with hours that vary depending on the season. The main indoor viewing platform on the 69th floor offers breathtaking 360-degree views, stretching up to 40 miles on clear days.

You can also dine at one of The Shard's bars or restaurants, which combine stunning cityscapes with world-class cuisine. Many London Shard tours include skip-the-line tickets and pair your visit with a walking tour to other top London landmarks for a complete experience.

Conveniently, the Shard stands right above one of London’s busiest transit hubs: London Bridge Station. The Station serves the Northern and Jubilee lines of the London Underground and also hosts numerous mainline trains, offering excellent connections throughout London and beyond. A number of local bus lines also serve the area, offering one more way to get there.

The Shard offers stunning views overlooking London; it’s best to aim for a clear, bright day so you can see as much as possible. The best time to visit The View from The Shard observation deck is at dusk when you can enjoy stunning views of London as the city lights up.

Yes, there are a number of dining options at The Shard. Popular choices include Hutong (which serves Chinese fine dining), Oblix (modeled on New York), and Aqua Shard (which specializes in contemporary British fare). For a refined afternoon tea, head to TĪNG at the Shangri-La Hotel on the 35th floor. There are also high-end cocktail bars, relaxing lounges, and more casual dining options, too.