The Shard

The Shard featuring modern architecture, a river or creek and views
The Shard featuring modern architecture, a river or creek and views
The Shard showing a city, modern architecture and a river or creek
The Shard featuring modern architecture, a bridge and a high rise building
The Shard showing a city, a river or creek 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.

Tours & day trips

See all 485 activities
London Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour & Thames River Cruise

London Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour & Thames River Cruise

Activity duration is 1 day
8.0 out of 10 with 1690 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was ฿1,238 and current price is ฿1,113 per adult
London Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour & Thames River CruiseOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 126 activities
London Sightseeing Private Black Cab Tour with Hotel Pick Up

London Sightseeing Private Black Cab Tour with Hotel Pick Up

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 68 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿13,567 per traveller*
London Sightseeing Private Black Cab Tour with Hotel Pick UpOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 75 activities
London Afternoon Tea Bus with Prosecco

London Afternoon Tea Bus with Prosecco

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
8.4 out of 10 with 12 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿2,090 per adult
London Afternoon Tea Bus with ProseccoOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 41 activities
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter with Return Transfer

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter with Return Transfer

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 2212 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿2,602 per adult
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter with Return TransferOpens in new tab

Shows & concerts

See all 31 activities
ABBA Voyage Tickets in London

ABBA Voyage Tickets in London

Activity duration is 1 hour and 40 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 37 reviews
Price is ฿2,108 per adult
ABBA Voyage Tickets in LondonOpens in new tab

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!

Popular places to visit

View of the Shard and Guy's Hospital with Canary wharf in the distance.

Guy's Hospital

If Guy's Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of London.

Guy's Hospital
London which includes a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

Hay's Galleria

During your trip to London, you can do some window-shopping at Hay's Galleria. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Hay's Galleria
#Aquatrove on the Thames, with HMS Belfast, the tower of London & Tower Bridge in view.

London Bridge City Pier

After visiting London Bridge City Pier, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in London. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this vibrant area.

London Bridge City Pier
Borough Market featuring markets and street scenes as well as an individual male

Borough Market

5/5(32 reviews)

Get tips from traders and browse the artisanal food and healthy smoothies packing the stalls of this London stalwart that dates back more than 1,000 years.

Borough Market
Southwark Cathedral showing interior views, a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Southwark Cathedral

The founder of Harvard University was baptized in this oldest Gothic church in London. Marvel at its stained glass and opulent chapels.

Southwark Cathedral
The Golden Hind in dry dock , London

Golden Hinde

You can browse the exhibits at Golden Hinde, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in London. Visit the notable monuments and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.

Golden Hinde

Top Hotel Deals

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way London England
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Shangri-La The Shard, London

Shangri-La The Shard, London

5 out of 5
31 St Thomas Street London England
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road London England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand London England
Strand Palace Hotel
The Royal Horseguards, London

The Royal Horseguards, London

4 out of 5
2 Whitehall Court London England
The Royal Horseguards, London
Royal National Hotel

Royal National Hotel

3 out of 5
38-51 Bedford Way London England
Royal National Hotel
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground London England
Sea Containers London
citizenM Tower of London

citizenM Tower of London

4 out of 5
40 Trinity Square London England
citizenM Tower of London
Premier Inn London Southwark - High St

Premier Inn London Southwark - High St

3 out of 5
135 Borough High Street London England
Premier Inn London Southwark - High St
See all 26,954 properties in The Shard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Shard

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near The Shard, visit Borough Market, a vibrant public market just 322m away. Royal Exchange, located 966m away, offers a mix of shopping and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore Twinings Tea Shop and Museum, 1.6km away, for a unique gift.

Recreation

At The Shard, indulge in wellness activities by visiting the Royal National Theatre, offering captivating performances just 1.6km away. Experience the glamour of the London Palladium Theatre, located two miles from The Shard, or enjoy the enchanting shows at Apollo Victoria Theatre, also two miles away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the London Eye, a magnificent ferris wheel located 1.6km from The Shard, offering breathtaking views. For an exhilarating ride, head to IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula Station, a cable car gondola 6.4km away. If karting is your passion, TeamSport Go Karting North London awaits 12.9km away.

Nightlife

The Den, a charming drinking pub located 3.2km from The Shard, offers a romantic atmosphere with vibrant entertainment vibes. Enjoy a selection of craft beers and cocktails while soaking in the lively ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a memorable night out in London.

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

Find the best attractions near The Shard

Explore the vibrant area surrounding The Shard, where you can enjoy charming streets, historic churches, and lively piazzas. Ideal for those seeking cultural experiences or family outings, attractions nearby include the Shard itself, where you can purchase tickets for breathtaking views of London’s skyline. Don't miss the opportunity to take in iconic sights and immerse yourself in the city's rich tapestry.

  • Tower Bridge: An iconic symbol of London, Tower Bridge is a stunning Victorian drawbridge that offers breathtaking views of the River Thames. Its glass-floored walkway gives visitors a unique perspective of the river below, while the exhibition inside reveals the fascinating history of this architectural marvel.
  • London Bridge: A modern structure that serves as a vital crossing over the Thames, London Bridge is surrounded by vibrant city life. The area boasts contemporary cafés and eateries, making it a perfect spot to take in the bustling atmosphere of the capital.
  • Tower of London: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic castle is steeped in history and intrigue. Explore its ancient walls, view the Crown Jewels, and immerse yourself in tales of royalty and treachery, all set against a backdrop of stunning architecture.

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 LowAverage
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 HighSlightly High
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

Tips to save on your trip to The Shard

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to The Shard.
  • Consider traveling to The Shard during the low season (January to March) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.