The Shard Tours

The Shard featuring modern architecture, a river or creek and views
The Shard showing a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city
The Shard featuring modern architecture, a bridge and a high rise building
The Shard featuring a river or creek, modern architecture and a ferry
The Shard which includes a city, a river or creek and modern architecture
Ascend to the observation deck of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe for unparalleled views of the London cityscape.

The Shard is a 95-story pyramidal tower with upscale restaurants, a luxury hotel, offices and a viewing gallery. Admire the futuristic design of this glassy skyscraper and its distinctive splintered summit.

Find out about the history of the tower, which was completed in 2012. Architect Renzo Piano designed it as a glass spire whose appearance would change according to the weather.

Take the elevator to the city’s highest viewing deck, which is on the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors. See for 40 miles (64 kilometers) into the distance on a clear day from this lookout. Attend an event, such as an album launch, a silent disco or a yoga class, in the View from the Shard area.

Capture photos of the impressive view, which includes the nearby sites of Tower Bridge, the HMS Belfast museum ship and Shakespeare’s Globe as well as suburban neighborhoods.

Use the interactive touchscreen telescopes to focus in on sites of interest. The screens hold intriguing information about roughly 200 landmarks. Stay at sunset for a particularly romantic view of this historic city. Browse the Sky Boutique, which is one of the highest shops in London, for guidebooks, souvenirs and other items.

Stay in the exclusive Shangri-La Hotel that occupies many of the floors. Office space and luxury apartments also take up much of the skyscraper’s space. Peruse the range of stores in the Shard Arcade at the foot of the tower.

Dine at one of the Shard’s ritzy restaurants, some of which belong to the hotel. Enjoy drinks at the Aqua Shard on the 31st floor and go for Chinese food at Hutong on level 33.

Book tickets to the View from the Shard online. The observation deck opens daily, though times vary so check ahead. If clouds obscure views of major landmarks during your visit, check with staff as you may be entitled to a free return visit.

The Shard is in southeast London. Ride the London Underground to London Bridge, Borough or Monument stops. Take the train to Cannon Street railway station and walk south over London Bridge or get a bus.

Reviews of The Shard

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
702
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
490
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
151
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
11
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We had planned to take a ride on the London Eye, when a couple told us to safe our money and go to the shard. Best view of London, plus great drinks and seating. Staff were kind and helpful. It was a much better way to spend some time in London.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Nice view, if visibility permits. Anything less than 10 miles visibilities is a wasted view.

3/5 - Okay

Tom

Shard was interesting and had great views but not sure it’s worth the price and the crazy long lines to get in. Waited at least an hour in line and then only stayed on observation deck for about 35 minutes. We used a London Pass form access and there was no front of line benefit. If not included with London Pass would not have waited in the line.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Closes too early.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure to do the Mary Poppins Tea in the Aqua Shard located on the 31st floor. Spectacular views, amazing service and outstanding food.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Salieri's next door is a good, convenient restaurant.

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Best Lodging Options Near The Shard

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4 out of 5
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4 out of 5
40 Trinity Square, London, England
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Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Shangri-La The Shard, London

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5 out of 5
31 St Thomas Street, London, England
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Club Quarters Hotel London City

Club Quarters Hotel London City

4 out of 5
7 Gracechurch Street, London, England
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Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

4 out of 5
8-14 Cooper's Row, London, England
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Apex City of London Hotel

Apex City of London Hotel

4 out of 5
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Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
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Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
See all 27,519 properties in The Shard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Shard

When visiting The Shard, don’t miss out on the vibrant activities nearby, including exploring captivating art galleries, enjoying performances at the theater, and indulging in a shopping spree at chic boutiques. The area offers a blend of cultural experiences and retail therapy, making it a perfect destination for a memorable day out in London.

Shopping

Discover Maltby Street Market, a vibrant public market only 966m from The Shard, perfect for unique gifts. Nearby, the Royal Exchange offers a mix of entertainment and shopping vibes, also 966m away. For a classic experience, Fortnum & Mason is 3.2km from The Shard.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, located 6.4km from The Shard, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. KoKo London, 4.8km away, provides a lively music scene perfect for entertainment lovers. Lord's Cricket Ground, also 6.4km distant, invites you to enjoy traditional cricket in a historic setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, offering breathtaking views 8.0km from The Shard. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill is a fantastic outdoor climbing venue only 3.2km away. Additionally, enjoy the adrenaline rush at Oasis Go-Kart Track, located 4.8km from The Shard.

Nightlife

The Shard offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with the thrilling London Eye just 1.6km away for family fun. For a touch of romance and culture, enjoy a performance at the Royal National Theatre or the captivating London Dungeon, both also located a mile from The Shard.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Shard

When visiting The Shard in London, you can explore a variety of attractions including local streets, churches, and piazzas. This area offers cultural experiences perfect for families and city lovers alike. Don't miss iconic sites like the London Bridge and the historic Tower of London. Whether you're enjoying the views from The Shard or wandering nearby, there's plenty to see and do during your trip.

  • Tower Bridge: This iconic drawbridge, located 805m from The Shard, is a stunning blend of Victorian engineering and cultural history. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Thames River and explore its fascinating museum that tells the story of London’s development.
  • Big Ben: Situated 3.2km away, this iconic clock tower is synonymous with London. With its impressive Gothic architecture, Big Ben not only marks the time but also symbolizes the city’s rich heritage, making it a must-see for any visitor.
  • London Bridge: Just 0.3.2km from The Shard, this modern bridge offers a sleek design and vibrant atmosphere. It connects the bustling city life with scenic river views, making it a perfect spot for photos and a leisurely stroll.

Best time to go to The Shard

The best time to visit The Shard is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Shard

To save money during your visit to The Shard, plan your trip between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Booking around a month in advance often yields the best rates, and Sundays typically offer the cheapest stays. Utilize Expedia's search tool to filter for budget options, eco-certified hotels, and special deals. Consider combining your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially those marked with a green banner, to snag the best prices on accommodations near The Shard.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Shard are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around The Shard about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Shard is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Shard is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at The Shard with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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