The Shard

The Shard
The Shard showing a river or creek, modern architecture and a skyscraper
The Shard
The Shard showing landscape views, a city and modern architecture
The Shard which includes a high rise building, a city and a river or creek


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.

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Things to do near The Shard

When visiting The Shard, immerse yourself in a variety of activities nearby, including exploring captivating art galleries, enjoying spectacular theatre performances, and indulging in a delightful shopping experience. The area boasts a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking both cultural enrichment and leisure.

Shopping

Borough Market, a vibrant public market just 322m from The Shard, offers an array of local delicacies and unique gifts. Fortnum & Mason, located 3.2km away, is perfect for luxury treats. If you're up for a drive, explore Columbia Road Flower Market, also 3.2km away, for beautiful blooms.

Recreation

At The Shard, enjoy wellness at Hampstead Heath, a serene retreat for relaxation and nature walks. For an energetic vibe, visit the O2 Arena for thrilling sports events, or immerse yourself in live music at the ABBA Arena, both offering a lively atmosphere just a short distance away.

Adventure

At IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, experience the thrill of soaring over the Thames in a cable car gondola, 8.0km from The Shard. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, located 3.2km away, offers exhilarating indoor climbing experiences. Alternatively, enjoy high-speed racing at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km from The Shard.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near The Shard with a ride on the London Eye, offering thrilling views and family fun. For a touch of romance and culture, enjoy a performance at the Globe Theatre or Aldwych Theatre, both within a refreshing stroll from your location.

*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, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture by exploring nearby attractions such as London Bridge and the historic Tower of London. Enjoy a stroll through the charming piazzas and streets, or take in the views from The Shard itself. This area offers a delightful mix of experiences for families and culture enthusiasts alike, making it a perfect destination for your vacation.

  • Tower Bridge: A symbol of London, this iconic historic bridge boasts stunning Victorian architecture. You can walk across its glass-floored walkway for breathtaking views of the Thames River below, immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage.
  • Big Ben: Renowned for its remarkable clock tower, Big Ben stands as a quintessential landmark of London. Its majestic chimes echo across the city, providing a cultural and urban atmosphere that enchants visitors with every tick of the clock.
  • London Bridge: A modern marvel, this bridge connects the vibrant City of London with Southwark. Experience its sleek design and buzzing city vibes, making it a perfect spot for photographs and enjoying the lively riverside scene.

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, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Sundays are the least expensive nights to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tools to refine your options and look for green-certified hotels. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can secure better rates. Don’t forget to check for special offers and discounts near The Shard for even more savings.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around The Shard is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to refine your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at The Shard with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.