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All about The Shard

The Shard is London’s glass giant—95 stories of sleek, sky-piercing vibes! Designed by Renzo Piano, it’s home to fancy eats, luxe hotels, and jaw-dropping views. Bonus: it’s basically London’s best selfie spot. Iconic much?

Also Known As

Shard London Bridge

Founded On

2012

Founded By

Renzo Piano

About

Quick Information

ADDRESS

32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, UK

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

11:00–19:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

1750000

TICKETS

From £ 32.50

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Did you know The Shard is one of the UK’s greenest skyscrapers? Over 50% of its materials are recycled, and 20% of the steel used comes from reused sources. Talk about sustainable chic!

A fox named Romeo once called The Shard home during construction! He set up shop at the top, living off food scraps from workers until he was rescued and relocated. Guess he liked the view too!

The Shard made its big-screen debut in the 2006 movie Children of Men! Even though construction didn’t start until 2009, filmmakers used early sketches to feature it in their dystopian future.

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The Shard Tickets and Tours

The View from The Shard Tickets in London

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£32.50

Combo (Save 10%): The View from The Shard + London Eye Tickets

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£62.25

Combo (Save 10%): The View from The Shard + Tower of London Tickets

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£60.57

What is The Shard?

Say hello to London's tallest celebrity—The Shard! It is a 95-story glass rocket that pierces the city skyline with style! Dreamed up by Renzo Piano, this beauty opened in 2012 and became an instant icon. Inside, it's a vertical hub: think fancy restaurants, swanky offices, a luxurious hotel, and jaw-dropping views from The View from The Shard. It's not just a skyscraper; it's a city within a city, redefining how London does "epic." Who wouldn't want to hang out here?

Quick facts about The Shard

Official name: The Shard
Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom
Date of opening: July 5, 2012
Timings: 10am to 10pm (Summers) and 10am to 8pm (winters)
Architect: Renzo Piano
Architectural style: Modernist & Contemporary
Number of visitors per year: 1.5 to 2 million visitors
Function: Iconic skyscraper

Plan your visit to The Shard

Timings

Getting there

Opening hours:

Summer: 10am to 10pm (Daily)
Winter: 10pm to 8pm (Wednesday to Sunday)

Note: The timings may vary on some days due to specific events.

Last entry: 1 hour before closing time

Closed on: December 25 & 26

Best time to visit: For the ultimate Shard experience, visit between 4pm and 6pm. You'll see London shift from sunlit beauty to twilight magic, with unbeatable photo ops along the way!

Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom

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Located beside London Bridge, The Shard is a striking centerpiece in central London, offering easy access to nearby attractions like the London Bridge, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, etc.

Nearest attraction: The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs (0.3 km)

Things to see at The Shard

The View from The Shard

The View from The Shard is like London's ultimate aerial show! Up on floors 68 to 72, you get 360-degree views from the triple-height 69th-floor gallery, stretching up to 40 miles! And just when you think it couldn't get better, the partially open-air 72nd floor lets you soak in the city breeze, all while feeling like you're on top of the world. It's London, but cooler.

Skydeck on Level 72

Welcome to the Skydeck on Level 72—London's coolest perch! At 800 feet, it's the highest accessible level, offering unbeatable bird's-eye views of London's sprawling metropolis. The best part? You'll feel the wind in your hair and hear the city buzzing below you. With safety glass ensuring you're secure, it's the perfect blend of open-air thrills and immersive sightseeing, giving you a whole new way to experience London!

Interactive digital telescopes

The telescopes or tell:scopes at The Shard are like having a personal tour guide but with a cool, techy twist! These digital telescopes let you zoom in on 200+ landmarks and explore London from a fresh angle. With a touchscreen to switch between live and recorded views, plus bite-sized historical tidbits in ten languages, you'll get the lowdown on every iconic sight—no guidebook required!

The Champagne Bar

Pop, fizz, clink—The Champagne Bar on Level 69 is the ultimate place to sip bubbles while enjoying London's stunning skyline. With Moët & Chandon in hand, you'll feel fancy from every angle. There are no time limits, just a sophisticated spot to unwind with breathtaking views. It's the perfect excuse for a glass (or two) of champagne while you take in the city like a VIP.

Multimedia displays

Ever wondered what Margaret Thatcher and Karl Marx would look like riding a tandem bike? Well, the multimedia displays at The Shard bring London's past to life with cheeky charm! From playful depictions of famous figures to video walls and an orchestral soundtrack, you'll be laughing while learning. These interactive exhibits make sure you're not just looking at London from above but also diving into its vibrant, quirky story.

The Slide

"The Slide" is not for the faint-hearted, but if you're into thrills, this virtual reality experience is your new best friend! Zooming down The Shard at 100 mph with London sprawling beneath you, it's like a helter-skelter ride through the city. The VR headset and moving chair combo make it feel shockingly real—so get ready to scream and giggle as you twist and turn through the skies!

History of The Shard

The Shard's roots go back to Irvine Sellar, a property entrepreneur who wanted to trade in Southwark Towers for something snazzier.

Enter architect Renzo Piano, who dreamt up a sleek, spiky structure that drew inspiration from towering church spires to the masts of grand sailing ships. With some seriously clever engineering, The Shard shot into the sky, topping at a dizzying 309.6 meters in 2012.

By 2013, it officially opened, and London's skyline got a stunning new member. Now, The Shard is a true icon, forever changing the city's skyline!

Construction of The Shard

Who built it?

Renzo Piano – the Italian mastermind behind The Shard – is no stranger to big ideas. Born in Genoa in 1937, this architectural wizard studied at the Politecnico di Milano and then learned from some of the best, including Louis Kahn. Renzo's big claim to fame? The Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris! But the crown jewel? The Shard, of course. Rising 309.6 meters, this glassy beauty shows Renzo's trademark style—slick, sustainable, and light-reflecting. It's like a vertical city in the sky! No wonder this design legend bagged the Pritzker Prize in 1998. Talk about leaving a legacy!

Architecture of The Shard

The Shard is like a gorgeous, giant glass arrow that pierces the London sky! Designed by Renzo Piano, it's got that stunning pyramidal shape, with eight sloping glass façades that rise like a shimmering skyscraper. With 11,000 glass panels that reflect the ever-changing weather, this building practically shifts with the seasons. It's inspired by London's spires and the masts of tall ships, making it a perfect blend of old and new. Standing tall at 309.6 meters, The Shard doesn't just look good—it's energy-efficient too, with a double-skin façade and materials like steel and concrete ensuring it stays strong no matter what!

Frequently Asked Questions about The Shard

Can I visit The Shard with my pet?

Unfortunately, pets aren't permitted, but service animals are always welcome!

Is Wi-Fi available?

Absolutely! Free Wi-Fi is available throughout The Shard so that you can snap, share, and brag about those incredible views right away!

Are there any hidden floors in The Shard?

Yes! Six floors at the top are purely for architectural flair—no access, no purpose, just looking cool up there!

Is there a dress code for restaurants in The Shard?

There is no formal dress code, but if you're dining at places like Aqua Shard, smart casual is your best bet to blend in with the stylish crowd!

Can I bring my food or drink to the observation deck?

Unfortunately, outside food and drinks aren't allowed. But don't worry—you can sip on something fabulous at the Champagne Bar on Level 69!

Can I feel the building sway?

Yes, The Shard can sway up to 20 inches in the wind—totally normal for tall buildings!

Will I get dizzy at the top?

It's possible! The height and sweeping views might make you feel a little lightheaded. Just take your time to adjust and soak it all in!

What if it rains during my visit?

No need to stress! The viewing galleries are indoors, so you can enjoy the stunning views no matter the weather. Just make sure to bring an umbrella for your trip to The Shard!

Are there any age restrictions for The Slide VR experience?

Yes, to hop on The Slide, you'll need to be at least 1.2 meters tall. Safety first, but the thrill's all yours!