The Shard is the glass-clad pyramid that rises above London Bridge on the south bank of the Thames, the tallest building in western Europe and the most arresting addition to the capital's skyline this century. Designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2012, it tapers to a fractured glass spire more than 300 metres above the city. For the visitor, its principal draw is The View from The Shard, a set of observation decks near the summit that offer an uninterrupted, 360-degree panorama across London and, on a clear day, for many miles beyond.
Why visit The Shard
The Shard offers the highest public viewpoint in London, a near 360-degree panorama from observation decks close to the top of western Europe's tallest building. From here the city reveals itself as a single legible map, with the river threading past landmark after landmark. It is the clearest way to grasp the scale and shape of London in a single visit.
Where ground-level sightseeing shows you London piece by piece, the view from above stitches it together. You can trace the Thames as it curves through the centre, pick out the dome of St Paul's Cathedral, follow the bridges in sequence and watch trains slide in and out of London Bridge station directly below. The building itself is a piece of contemporary design worth knowing: its faceted glass skin was conceived to reflect the changing London sky, so the tower looks different in morning light, under cloud and at dusk.
What to see at The Shard
The experience is built around height and the view, with a handful of distinct elements worth seeking out:
- The indoor observation gallery, set high in the building, where floor-to-ceiling glass frames the city on every side.
- The open-air upper deck, partially exposed to the elements through the building's open glass shards, for an unfiltered sense of the height and the wind.
- Landmark spotting across the skyline, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Canary Wharf and the green sweep of the royal parks.
- Digital telescopes that label what you are looking at and let you compare the view by day and night.
- The architecture itself, from the dramatic glass spire to the way the eight sloping facades lean inward but never quite meet, leaving the top open to the sky.
How to visit
The Shard stands at 32 London Bridge Street in Southwark, immediately beside London Bridge station. That station is the simplest way to arrive, served by the Jubilee line and the Northern line on the Underground as well as National Rail and Thameslink services, and the entrance to The View is only a short walk from the platforms. Several bus routes stop nearby, and the riverboat piers along the Thames put you within easy reach on foot.
Visiting the observation decks is a ticketed experience, and tickets are usually best booked in advance for a chosen time slot. Because prices, opening times and any special events change, check the official View from The Shard website for current ticketing and hours before you travel. The clearer the weather, the further you will see, so it is worth keeping an eye on the forecast and, where possible, choosing a bright day. For more on moving around the city, see our practical guide to visiting London.
What's nearby
The Shard sits in one of the most rewarding corners of the South Bank, with much to explore on foot. A few minutes away, Borough Market is among London's oldest and finest food markets, ideal for lunch before or after your visit; you will find more like it in our guide to the city's best London markets. The riverside walk leads quickly to HMS Belfast, the preserved warship moored on the Thames, and on to the medieval remains of Southwark Cathedral. Cross the river and you reach the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, while a westward stroll along the bank brings you to Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern. Browse more ideas in our roundup of London attractions.
The Shard FAQ
How tall is The Shard?
The Shard stands at just over 300 metres, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and in western Europe. Designed by Renzo Piano and completed in 2012, it has more than 70 usable floors. The View from The Shard observation decks are located high in the building, near the top of the tower.
Where is The Shard?
The Shard is on the south bank of the Thames in Southwark, at 32 London Bridge Street, directly beside London Bridge station. It sits within easy walking distance of Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral and the riverside, and faces the City of London across the river to the north.
How do I get to The Shard?
The easiest route is to London Bridge station, served by the Jubilee and Northern lines, National Rail and Thameslink. The entrance to The View from The Shard is a very short walk from there. Numerous buses stop nearby, and Thames riverboat piers are also within walking distance of the tower.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Visiting the observation decks is ticketed, and booking ahead for a timed slot is generally advisable, especially in peak periods. Prices and opening hours vary, so always confirm the latest details on the official View from The Shard website before your visit and, for the clearest panorama, aim for a bright day.
Plan your visit
Build The Shard into a wider day on the South Bank using our wider guides. Start with the full list of London attractions to pair it with nearby sights, dip into the city's markets for somewhere to eat close by, and consult our practical advice for transport, timing and getting the most from your trip.
