The Shard, one of the tallest buildings in Western Europe, stands out as a prominent London landmark thanks to the breathtaking panoramas it provides. On the upper floors of the Shard is an observation deck called The View, which offers a breathtaking vista of the city below. This article will explain why London’s best panoramic view is found at The View from the Shard and offer advice on how to make the most of your visit.

 

The History of The Shard

In just three short years, the magnificent Shard was built from ground to sky and stands at a majestic height of over a thousand feets. It is not only the tallest building in London, but also the whole United Kingdom and is the fourth-tallest in Europe. The glass clad exterior of this Renzo Piano structure is designed to echo a reflection of its beautiful home city. With its magnificent skylabs offering unbeatable views of London, it is no wonder that The Shard has become one of the most sought-after tourist attractions since it opened its observation deck in 2013. Londoners are lucky to have such an impressive monument right at their fingertips!

 

The View from The Shard Experience

Visitors can choose between an indoor gallery and an outdoor skydeck at The View from the Shard. Indoors, on Floor 69, is a gallery with panoramic views of London’s skyline. All of London’s famous landmarks are clearly visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and guests can get up close and personal with them using interactive touchscreen telescopes.

The outdoor skydeck can be found on Level 72 and is the city’s highest public observation deck. Tourists can see the entire city from every angle, including the River Thames and the London Eye, Big Ben, and other famous landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. The open-air viewing platform offers a one-of-a-kind vantage point over the city that won’t soon be forgotten.

 

The Best Views from The Shard

The view of London from the top of The Shard is spectacular. Tourists will get a bird’s-eye view of the city’s most well-known attractions, as well as a chance to spot some lesser-known sights that are inaccessible from the ground. At The Shard, you can take in some of the best views of:

1. London from All Angles
   Visitors to London will not find a better vantage point than The View from the Shard. From Wembley Stadium in the west to Canary Wharf in the east, the cityscape is on full display for tourists. When the sun goes down, the sky turns orange and pink, and the city lights begin to twinkle, the view from The Shard is truly breathtaking.
2. Major Tourist Attractions Viewed from the top of The Shard
   Guests at The Shard have a one-of-a-kind vantage point from which to take in some of London’s most recognizable landmarks. They can also see the Tower of London and Tower Bridge as they travel along the Thames River through the city. From The Shard, you can see all the way to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Parliament, and the London Eye.
3. Picturesque vistas of the Thames
   Visitors to The Shard will get a new perspective on one of London’s most famous landmarks, the River Thames. The river can be seen winding through the city and passing under some of London’s most well-known bridges, all visible from the observation deck at the top of The Shard.
4. Photographs Taken Throughout the Day in London
   Depending on the time of day, the View from the Shard presents a new angle on London. When tourists visit, they can witness the city as its inhabitants make their way to work in the morning and as its skyline is illuminated at night.

 

Tips for Visiting The View from the Shard

Here are some things to keep in mind to make the most of your time at The View from the Shard:

1. When to Go: Mornings or Evenings
   Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, the best time to visit The View from the Shard is entirely subjective. Going early in the morning or late at night will help you avoid the crowds. The best time to visit, however, is in the late afternoon or evening, when the sun sets and the city lights come on. Note: Opening times may vary. Please check opening times on their page before you visit.
2. You should buy tickets in advance
   Tickets purchased in advance can help you skip the lines and enter the attraction at your convenience. Tickets can be purchased online, and there are several different types available, such as general admission, priority entry, and a champagne experience.
3. Maintain a Respectable Attire
   Dress warmly if you plan on spending time on the outdoor skydeck at The View from the Shard. It’s also important to know that there are limits to what visitors can bring with them onto the observation deck, so it’s best to check the website in advance.
4. Wander Around the Neighborhood
   The Shard can be found in the center of London, close to many of the city’s most well-known attractions. Take a stroll along the Thames or see some of the city’s other famous landmarks like the Tower of London and Borough Market after your visit.
5. Possibilities for Food and Drink
   Aqua Shard and Hutong are just two of the many restaurants and bars at The Shard, both of which provide breathtaking panoramas of the city as a backdrop to your meal or drink. If you want to eat at or drink at one of the restaurants, you should make a reservation in advance, especially for popular times of day.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

What’s included in the ticket price?

All tickets include access to The Shard, London’s tallest structure and viewing platform, which houses the city’s highest viewing gallery.

Visit their Tickets & Prices page for details on their various ticket options.

Can I take photos?

Taking photos of your Shard View experience is highly encouraged! With the hashtag #ShardView, you can share your shots of the breathtaking views with friends and family. However, for the safety of all their visitors, Note that tripods and monopods must be left at home. That being said, hand-held cameras and video equipment are allowed onsite so you’re sure to capture your favourite moments.

Are we allowed to bring food or drink?

The viewing gallery of The View from The Shard is only allowed to have food and beverages that have been purchased there. On Level 69 and the outdoor Skydeck on Level 72, you can buy hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals.