In 2012, London gained a striking new landmark in the form of The Shard, a glass skyscraper over 300 metres tall. However, you may also come across the alternative names London Bridge Tower or Shard London Bridge.

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The height and appearance of the skyscraper

The building’s name says it all, really. The skyscraper is built with sharp lines that converge at the top to form a spire.

The architect was Renzo Piano, who drew inspiration from an 18th-century painting of the Tower of London by the Venetian artist Canaletto, as well as from the masts of sailing ships and the surrounding railway lines. With its slender lines reminiscent of church spires, the skyscraper is intended to complement the London skyline.

The striking façades, made of faceted glass panels that reflect light, gave the skyscraper its name: ‘The Shard’.

The skyscraper stands at310 metres, making it currently the 7th tallest building in Europe. In total, there are 95 floors and 36 lifts.

Observation deck

The Shard skyscraper naturally also offers a viewing platform, which is, unsurprisingly, the highest in the whole of London and ranks among the most popular. The public viewing platform is situated 244 metres above ground level on floors 68, 69 and 72.

Buy a ticket for the viewing platform for 28 gbp

The viewing platform on floors 68–69 is indoors only, with large windows offering a 360° view of the whole of London, whilst on the 72nd floor you can visit the outdoor viewing terrace. In good weather, you can see as far as 40 miles away.

Admission and opening hours

Opening hours vary depending on the day of the week, public holidays, events and the time of year. It is usually open from 11:00 or 13:00 until 19:00 or 21:00. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for most of the year.

A full list of opening hours can be found on the websitetheviewfromtheshard.com/plan-your-visit.

The ticket priceis the same for all age groups and amounts to 28 gbp.

You can book tickets online via the official websiteor via the GetYourGuide website, which has a user-friendly app (at the same price; it is one of the official sales channels).

Hotel and restaurant at The Shard

Fancy treating yourself to an extraordinary culinary experience with the best views in London? Then don’t be put off by the prices on the menu – book a table at one of the several restaurants or the bar. You can find a list of options and book online at the-shard.com.

Between the 34th and 52nd floors, you can stay at one of London’s most luxurious hotels. The 5*Shangri-La The Shard hotel offers accommodation here.

Prices per night for a double suite start at 822 eur, but if you’re looking for extraordinary accommodation with divine views, then you’ve come to the right place.

Availability and prices – Shangri-La The Shard

How do you get to The Shard?

The skyscraper stands practically on the banks of the Thames in the new, modern district around London Bridge and London Bridge station. It is easily accessible on foot via the promenade along the Thames, which you can walk along from the London Eye, stopping off at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Nearest Underground stations:

• London Bridge– 20 metres, Jubilee and Northern lines + many rail connections
• Monument– 350 metres across the bridge, District and Circle lines

Nearest bus stops:

• London Bridge– 20 metres, routes 17, 21, 35, 43, 47, 133, 141, 149, 343, 381, 388

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