London: The View from The Shard

Key Points

• Price: Tickets cost approximately $45.78 per person with no fixed time, allowing flexible visits.
• Main Highlight: Standing on Western Europe’s highest outdoor viewing platform on the 72nd floor of The Shard.
• Indoor and Outdoor Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas from inside or step outside onto the open-air viewing platform.
• Additional Experiences: Learn about London’s history through multimedia exhibits and purchase souvenirs, including photos.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages, with no strict time restrictions on tickets.
• Best Time to Visit: Clear weather offers the most spectacular views, and visiting during sunset can provide particularly memorable scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring The Shard’s Iconic Location in Greater London

The tour begins at London Bridge, with the entrance on Joiner Street, right next to the London Bridge Underground station. This prime location makes it easy for visitors to find and access. The building itself is a modern marvel, with a sculpted design featuring glass facets that incline inward and reach a height of 1,016 feet (310 meters). It’s a defining feature on London’s skyline, instantly recognizable and a symbol of the city’s architectural innovation.

Once inside, visitors are guided to the 72nd floor, where the viewing platform offers breathtaking vistas of London stretching up to 40 miles. The experience is designed to be flexible, with no time limit on how long you can stay, allowing for a relaxed, unhurried exploration of the city from above.

Standing on Western Europe’s Highest Outdoor Viewing Platform

The highlight of this experience is definitely stepping out onto Western Europe’s highest outdoor observation deck. At 800 feet above street level, the open-air platform provides a thrilling sensation of height combined with incredible photographic opportunities. The outdoor area is perfect for those who want to feel the wind and take in unobstructed, panoramic views of London’s iconic landmarks, including the Thames, Tower Bridge, and the Shard’s neighboring skyline.

This outdoor space offers an exhilarating experience for visitors willing to test their comfort with heights, while inside, the views are equally striking. The interior viewing areas are equipped to keep you comfortable in all weather conditions, providing an excellent alternative if the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor viewing.

Multimedia Exhibits Revealing London’s Past

As part of the tour, visitors learn about London’s history through engaging multimedia exhibits and displays positioned throughout the viewing levels. These exhibits add context to the spectacular scenery, helping to deepen your understanding of the city’s development and iconic sites.

The multimedia guides are designed to be informative yet accessible, making this an enriching experience whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about London’s story. The exhibits are integrated into the space to complement the vistas, not detract from the view, making for a well-rounded visit.

Enjoying The Shard at Your Own Pace

Without strict time restrictions, visitors have the freedom to spend as long as they like exploring the platform. This flexibility means you can linger to capture the perfect photos, relax with a drink at the champagne bar, or simply sit back and take in the sights.

Many reviews highlight the friendly and attentive staff, who guide visitors through the experience and provide interesting insights about the building and the city. The bar offers a selection of cocktails and drinks, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your visit. Keep in mind, though, that food and drink purchases are not included in the ticket price.

More Great Tours Nearby

Step Outside onto the Open Viewing Platform

What sets this tour apart is the option to venture outside onto the open-air platform. Many visitors appreciate the exhilaration and panoramic views from this outdoor space, which offers a different perspective compared to indoor viewing areas.

The outdoor platform is accessible and offers a chance to feel the wind and gaze across London’s rooftops and landmarks. This feature appeals especially to those who seek a more adventurous experience or want to take spectacular photos with the cityscape in the background.

The Practicalities of Visiting The Shard

The tour is highly accessible, with wheelchair access available, accommodating visitors with mobility needs. Entry times vary depending on the day, so it’s advisable to check availability and plan accordingly. Lines can sometimes be long, so it’s best to avoid booking another tour immediately after your visit.

Infants under 3 years old do not require a ticket, making this experience suitable for families with young children. The meeting point is straightforward to reach, and the activity concludes back at the same location, simplifying logistics.

Viewing the City During Different Times of Day

Many reviews mention that lighting and weather conditions dramatically influence the experience. Visiting during daylight offers clear, expansive views, while the sunset can provide an especially magical backdrop to London’s skyline. Some reviews note that evening visits allow for a beautiful view of the city lit up at night.

The best time depends on your preferences, but in general, clear days promise the most extensive visibility. Since the closing time is typically around 9:00 or 10:00 pm, planning your visit to coincide with sunset or early evening can enhance the experience.

The Cost and Value of the Experience

The ticket price of around $45.78 offers unlimited time on the platform, multimedia exhibits, and indoor/outdoor viewing options. While some reviews mention that the entry cost is higher than free attractions, many consider it worth the expense for the spectacular vistas and the unique opportunity to stand on Western Europe’s highest outdoor platform.

Additional purchases, such as souvenir photographs, are available for an extra fee, with many visitors opting to buy digital images of their experience. The free cancellation policy allows flexibility, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

The Unique Experience of The Shard’s Architectural Design

The Shard’s sculpted glass facade is a visual marvel, and visitors appreciate how its design breathes naturally, with glass facets inclining inward. The height of over 1,000 feet makes it one of the tallest buildings in the world, and standing on the 72nd-floor platform provides a perspective few other London attractions can match.

Many reviews note how easy it is to reach the viewing areas from the entrance, and they praise the well-organized security process. The building’s architecture itself adds to the overall impression, making a visit to The Shard both a visual and cultural experience.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

To maximize enjoyment, visiting during clear weather is recommended. Plan to arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds and catch the best lighting conditions. If you’re interested in photos, take advantage of the digital package and the outdoor platform.

It’s also helpful to check the website for specific entry times and to be aware of security procedures, which are necessary before reaching the viewing platform. Allowing enough time for your visit means you won’t need to rush and can truly appreciate the spectacular views at your leisure.

The The Sum Up: Is The Shard Worth Visiting?

This tour provides a striking view of London from a vantage point that’s as impressive as it is iconic. The flexible ticketing and indoor/outdoor options make it a versatile choice for different weather conditions and preferences. Many reviews highlight the friendly staff, interesting multimedia exhibits, and breathtaking vistas as the key strengths.

While the ticket price may be higher than some other attractions, the outdoor platform and panoramic views justify the expense for those wanting a special experience. The accessibility and relaxing pace make this suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Overall, The View from The Shard is a must-visit for anyone wanting to see London from a truly remarkable height. It offers a memorable mix of architecture, views, and learning, making it a worthwhile stop on any trip to the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does a ticket to The Shard cost?
  About $45.78 per person, with no fixed visiting time, offering flexibility during your day.

• Can I visit the outdoor viewing platform?
  Yes, you can venture outside onto Western Europe’s highest outdoor platform on the 72nd floor for an exhilarating experience.

• What can I learn during the visit?
  Multimedia exhibits provide insights into London’s history, complementing the panoramic views.

• Is the experience suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
  Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and infants under 3 do not need a ticket.

• What’s the best time of day to visit?
  Clear weather, especially sunset, offers stunning views. Visiting early or late in the day can also help avoid crowds.

• Are there food and drinks available?
  There is a champagne bar where you can purchase cocktails and drinks, but food is not included in the ticket.

• How long can I stay inside the viewing platform?
  There are no time restrictions, so you can enjoy the experience at your own pace.

• What should I bring or prepare for the visit?
  Dress appropriately for the weather, especially if planning to step outside, and consider booking your tickets in advance to secure your preferred time.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
  More Great Tours Nearby