The Shard
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
The Shard is worth visiting for the sheer perspective it offers over London. Plan your trip between May and September to ensure clear visibility, and allow about two hours for the experience.
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Allow two hours to get through security and take in the view.
The building is located directly above London Bridge station, which is served by the Northern and Jubilee lines.
Book your tickets online in advance to avoid high walk-up prices.
Buying tickets on the day of your visit is significantly more expensive than booking ahead.
The experience
You go up in two high speed elevators to reach the observation levels. The space is mostly glass, which makes the scale of the city feel immediate and flat beneath your feet.
It is quiet compared to the street level. Most people spend their time circling the platform to identify landmarks like the river, the bridges, and the distant parks.
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Timing your visit
London weather is unpredictable, but your odds of a clear day improve significantly from May through September. Fog and low cloud cover can obscure the view entirely during winter months.
Sunset is a popular time to arrive. You can watch the city transition from daylight into the evening lights, though this slot often fills up weeks in advance.
Managing the cost
A typical trip will run you around 200 GBP when you account for tickets, a drink at the bar, and transport. It is an expensive hour or two.
The entry fee is a major part of this budget. You can save a significant amount by booking your tickets online well before your travel date.
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What visitors get wrong
Many people assume they can walk up and buy a ticket at the entrance for a standard price. Doing this results in paying a premium rate, if tickets are even still available.
Visitors often underestimate how much the reflection on the glass impacts photography. If you are serious about taking photos, wear dark clothing to minimize glare in your shots.
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Booking tickets on the day of visit costs significantly more than in advance.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
The Shard, also referred to as the Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower, is a 95-storey mixed-use development supertall pyramid-shaped skyscraper, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, in Southwark, London, that forms part of The Shard Quarter development. Standing 309.6 metres (1,016 feet) high, The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and Western Europe; and the seventh-tallest building in Europe. The Shard replaced Southwark Towers, a 24-storey office block built on the site in 1975. The Shard's construction began in March 2009; it was topped out on 30 March 2012 and inaugurated on 5 July 2012. Practical completion was achieved in November 2012. The tower's privately operated observation deck, The View from The Shard, was opened to the public on 1 February 2013. The glass-clad pyramidal tower has 72 habitable floors, with a viewing gallery and open-air observation deck on the 72nd floor, at a height of 244 metres (801 ft). The Shard was developed by Sellar Property Group on behalf of LBQ Ltd and is jointly owned by Sellar Property (5%) and the State of Qatar (95%).
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Questions people ask
Can I eat at The Shard?
There are several restaurants located on the floors below the observation deck. These require separate reservations and have their own dress codes.
Is it worth the money?
It is worth the cost if you want a clear aerial view of the city layout. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, other buildings in London offer similar views for less.
What happens if it is cloudy?
The observation deck remains open even when visibility is low. You may end up looking directly into a cloud, which can be frustrating given the ticket price.
Are there time limits on my visit?
There is usually no set time limit once you are on the viewing platforms. You can stay as long as you like until the building closes for the night.
Is there an outdoor area?
The uppermost level is partially open to the elements. It feels cooler up there, so bring an extra layer even if it feels warm on the ground.