The lift shoots upwards so smoothly that your ears pop before you realise how fast you're moving. A minute later, the doors open onto a room of glass, and London lies spread out more than 240 metres below. The Thames twists through the city like a silver ribbon. Tower Bridge looks like a toy, and the Tower of London a little model. In the distance, the hills of the countryside rise on the horizon. Above you, the shards of glass at the top of the building rise into the sky, open to the wind.
The Shard, on the south bank of the Thames near London Bridge, is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and one of the most recognisable modern landmarks in Europe. This guide explains its story and how to enjoy the view.
A sketch on a napkin
The Shard was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, famous for co-designing the Centre Pompidou in Paris. According to a popular story, he sketched his first idea for the building on a napkin during a meeting with the developer. Piano was inspired by the spires of London's churches and the masts of the ships that once crowded the Thames, and he imagined a tower that would taper to a point and seem to dissolve into the sky.
Building the Shard
Construction began in 2009, and the building was completed in 2012. It rises about 310 metres, with 95 storeys, and is covered in thousands of panes of glass that reflect the changing light and weather. At the top, the glass shards do not meet, leaving the summit open to the sky. The building contains offices, restaurants, a hotel and private apartments, as well as the public viewing gallery near the top.
The View from The Shard
The public viewing gallery occupies floors 68 to 72, the highest in the building. On floor 69, an indoor viewing level offers a 360-degree panorama of London, with telescopes that help you identify the landmarks. On floor 72, an open-air level, partly exposed to the elements, lets you feel the wind and hear the sounds of the city below, surrounded by the shards of glass at the top of the building.
On a clear day, the view extends up to around 60 kilometres. Look for Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Canary Wharf, the Olympic Park and the winding Thames.
Dining with a view
Several restaurants and bars on the middle floors of the Shard offer meals and drinks with spectacular views, an alternative to the viewing gallery. Book in advance, especially for sunset.
Things not to miss
- ✓Visit the open-air level on floor 72.
- ✓Watch the sunset over London from the viewing gallery.
- ✓Spot Tower Bridge and the Tower of London below.
- ✓Return after dark to see the city lights.
- ✓Have a drink in one of the Shard's high-level bars.
- ✓Explore Borough Market at the foot of the tower.
How to get there
The Shard is next to London Bridge station, served by trains and the Jubilee and Northern lines of the tube. The entrance to the viewing gallery is on Joiner Street.
Tickets and opening hours
Tickets for the viewing gallery are usually cheaper when booked online in advance, with timed entry. Some tickets include a guarantee for a return visit if the view is obscured by cloud. Check current prices, hours and conditions before you go.
Best time to visit
Clear days give the best views. Late afternoon allows you to see London by day, at sunset and after dark in a single visit.
Around the Shard
At its foot, Borough Market, one of London's oldest food markets, is perfect for lunch. Nearby, Southwark Cathedral, the Golden Hinde replica ship, and the riverside walk to Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe are all worth exploring.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the Shard? About 310 metres.
Is the View from The Shard worth it? On a clear day, it offers the highest public viewpoint in London.
Can I visit for free? The viewing gallery is paid, but the bars and restaurants are an alternative if you buy food or drinks.
Stand on the open-air terrace high above the city, with the wind around you and London glittering below, and you'll see why the Shard has become a modern symbol of the capital.
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