The View from The Shard is the highest public viewing platform in London. It sits on the upper floors of a 310-metre glass tower beside London Bridge. This guide shows US visitors how to plan the visit, when to go and what you can see from the top.
You do not need a head for heights to enjoy it. Most of the viewing space is indoors and glazed. One level is open to the sky, so you can feel the wind if you want to. And on a clear day, the whole city lies at your feet.
What Is the View from The Shard?
The Shard is a skyscraper that Italian architect Renzo Piano designed. It stands about 310 metres tall, which is roughly 1,017 feet. Builders finished the tower in 2012, and the public viewing floors opened the following year. The building is mixed use, so it holds offices, restaurants, a hotel and homes as well.
The View from The Shard is the public attraction near the top. It has three levels: 68, 69 and 72. Levels 68 and 69 are indoors. Level 72 is open to the air, and it is the highest point you can reach. Check the official View from The Shard website for current tickets, opening hours and any closures.
Why the tower has that shape
Piano wanted a spire, not a box. The glass faces tilt inward and meet at the top, like the sails of a ship. The design also lets the tower catch the light. At dusk the glass turns pink, then silver, then dark.
Why Visit the View from The Shard?
There are three good reasons to go. First, the view is wide and clear. Second, the tower sits on the south bank, so you see the famous north-bank sights in one frame. Third, the lift ride is fast and part of the show.
From the top you can pick out St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. You can follow the Thames as it bends east to Canary Wharf and west to the London Eye. On a clear day the view stretches for miles beyond the city. Our guide to the Tower of London helps you plan the sights you spot from above.
Who enjoys it most
First-time visitors love it as an orientation. You learn the shape of the city in ten minutes. Photographers love the sunset hour. Families with older children enjoy the lift and the open-air level. It suits solo travellers too, because you can go at your own pace.
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How to Plan Your View from The Shard Visit
A little planning makes a big difference. Here are the main points.
Book ahead online
Buy a timed ticket on the official site before you travel. Walk-up tickets usually cost more. Popular slots, such as sunset and weekends, sell out first. Pick your slot a few weeks ahead if you can. The official site also lists any bundle offers, so check there rather than relying on a third-party seller.
Choose the right time of day
Sunset is the most popular choice. You see the city in daylight, then watch the lights come on. Arrive early, so you can find a good spot at the glass before the sky changes. If you want fewer people, try a weekday morning. Clear weather matters most, so check the forecast on the day. Our guide to the best time to visit London explains how the seasons change daylight hours and weather.
How long to allow
Plan on about an hour. The lift ride takes under a minute, and most people spend 45 to 60 minutes on the viewing floors. Add time for security checks at the base. If you visit at sunset, stay a little longer for the lights.
Getting there
The Shard stands above London Bridge station. The Jubilee and Northern lines stop there, and National Rail trains arrive from across south-east England. Plan your journey on the Transport for London website. The walk from the station to the ticket entrance takes only a few minutes.
What to wear and bring
Dress in layers, since the open-air level feels cooler than the street. Bring a small bag, because the venue may limit what you carry. Check the official site for its current bag and access rules. Charge your phone, too, as you will take more photos than you expect.
What You Can See from the Top
Look north first. The dome of St Paul’s sits in the heart of the City, with modern towers around it. Look east, and Tower Bridge crosses the river with the Tower of London beside it. Look west to spot the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye along the water.
Look down, too. The streets of Southwark spread out below you. You can see railway lines fanning out from London Bridge, old brick warehouses and church spires. At dusk the car lights draw bright streaks along the roads.
Photography tips
Glass reflects light, so press your lens close to the window. Wear dark clothes, as this cuts reflections. Try a short exposure at dusk, then a longer one once it is dark. The open-air level has no glass, so you can shoot without reflections there.
What to Do Near The Shard
The Shard sits in one of the best-served areas of the South Bank. Make a half day of it.
Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral
Borough Market is a five-minute walk away. It is a good place for lunch before or after your visit. Read our Borough Market guide for what to try. Next door, Southwark Cathedral is a calm stop with centuries of history.
Walk the river
From the tower, stroll along the Thames towards Tower Bridge or Tate Modern. Our guide to the best Thames walks maps out the route. You can also read about Westminster and the South Bank, and see why Shakespeare’s Globe is worth a stop on the way.
Other high places
If you want a second view, try the free viewing level at Tate Modern. Our Tate Modern guide explains how it works. Sky Garden, in the City, is another option. Check the Sky Garden website for how to book. For an evening plan, see our guide to London at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is the View from The Shard?
The Shard stands about 310 metres tall. The public viewing floors are on levels 68, 69 and 72, with level 72 the highest and open to the air.
How long should I spend at the View from The Shard?
Allow about an hour on the viewing floors. Add time for security and the queue at the base, especially at sunset.
When is the best time to visit the View from The Shard?
Sunset gives you daylight and city lights in one visit. A clear weekday morning is quieter, so choose it if you dislike crowds.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking online ahead is the safest plan. Popular slots sell out, and the official website shows the latest ticket options and hours.
How do I get to The Shard from central London?
Take the Jubilee or Northern line to London Bridge station. The tower stands right above the station.
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