The View from The Shard

★ 4.6 (8,174)$$$ · Expensive

Renzo Piano's Shard, completed in 2012, tops out at 310 metres, and The View occupies floors 68 to 72, giving visitors an open-air deck and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Thames, the City skyline and, on a clear day, well beyond London's edges. Reviews are positive at 4.6 from over 8,000 ratings, but several specifically flag that it gets crowded and that the top floor's viewing area is smaller than expected relative to the ticket price, so expectations matter here. It suits visitors who specifically want the highest vantage point in London and are willing to pay for it, more than those simply looking for a good skyline photo.

✨ Reasons to go

1Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the Shard reaches 310 metres, making its viewing floors the highest public vantage point in London.
2The View spans floors 68 to 72, including an open-air deck at the top of the building.
3Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sightlines over the Thames and City skyline that can extend beyond London's boundaries on clear days.

💡 Good to know

1Book online well in advance for the cheapest tickets and to lock in a preferred time slot
2go at early_evening to see the city in daylight and then watch it transition to lit-up night views without paying twice
3check the weather forecast first, since cloud cover can seriously limit what you see.

⏱️ Typical visit

45 min

🕰️ Best time

morning, lunchtime, afternoon, early evening or evening

🚶 Walking intensity

Easy pace

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Address

32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, UKGoogle Apple

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Booking

Booking required

What people say

"The View from The Shard offers one of the most spectacular views of London. From the observation levels, you can see many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the River Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and much more. The panoramic views are breathtaking, and the floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos. We enjoyed taking our time identifying landmarks and seeing London from an entirely different perspective. The staff were friendly, and the experience was well organized. Tickets can be expensive, but the incredible views make this a memorable experience, especially for a first visit to London. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance and visiting on a clear day if possible. 🇬🇧🏙️✨"

— Verified Travel Reviews

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