Best for
Photographers, first-time visitors wanting London's highest view
Time needed
60–90 minutes
Worth it?
Yes — the highest publicly accessible viewpoint in the city
Skip if
It's a foggy or heavily overcast day — check the visibility forecast before booking
About The View from The Shard
The Shard, designed by architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2012, rises 310 metres (1,016 feet) above London Bridge station — currently the tallest building in the United Kingdom and, at the time of construction, the tallest in Western Europe. Its faceted glass exterior, tapering to an open, irregular spire rather than a single point, was deliberately designed to evoke a shard of glass, giving the tower its name.
The View from The Shard occupies floors 68 to 72, reached by high-speed lifts that cover the climb in under a minute. Floors 68 and 69 hold indoor viewing galleries with interactive telescopes and information panels identifying landmarks in every direction; floor 72 is a partially open-air Skydeck, exposed to the weather and sky, that pushes the experience well beyond a standard indoor observation deck.
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At more than twice the height of the London Eye, the views reach roughly 64 kilometres on a clear day — taking in the City, Tower Bridge, the Thames snaking through Docklands, and on the best days as far as the countryside beyond London's edges. Tickets are timed but once inside, there's no restriction on how long you stay at the viewing levels.
The Shard also holds restaurants, a hotel and offices in its lower and middle floors, but for most visitors the observation deck is the sole reason to come, and it sits directly above London Bridge station and a short walk from Borough Market and Tower Bridge.
What to See: Highlights
- 1Viewing galleries on floors 68 and 69, plus the open-air Skydeck on floor 72
- 2310-metre height — the tallest publicly accessible viewpoint in London
- 3Views reaching roughly 64km on a clear day
- 4Renzo Piano's faceted glass exterior, an instantly recognisable addition to the skyline
- 5No time limit once inside — stay as long as you like at the viewing levels
Skip the Queue — Book Tickets Online
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Insider Tips
Book a timed slot online in advance — prices and availability are better than walk-up
Check the live visibility forecast on the website before booking — fog or low cloud can ruin the view
Sunset slots are the most popular and sell out first — book well ahead for those
The Skydeck on floor 72 is open-air, so dress for the weather and wind
Combine with a walk to nearby Borough Market or Tower Bridge, both a short walk away
Book a Guided Tour
Get the most from your visit with a local expert guide.
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Getting There
32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG
Open in Google Maps →- 1London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern lines) — the Shard sits directly above the station.
Where to stay
Hotels in London
Compare prices across hundreds of hotels near this attraction — from budget hostels to luxury stays. Free cancellation on most rooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
Is The View from The Shard worth visiting?+−
How long does a visit to The View from The Shard take?+−
Who is The View from The Shard best for?+−
Do I need to book tickets in advance for The View from The Shard?+−
Is The View from The Shard included with the London city pass?+−
Should You Visit?
Visit if...
- You want the highest publicly accessible view in London
- You're happy paying a premium for a longer, higher and less crowded viewpoint than the London Eye
- You want to visit at sunset for dramatic skyline photos
- You're already near London Bridge, Borough Market or Tower Bridge
Skip if...
- The forecast shows fog, heavy cloud or rain on your visit day
- You're on a tight budget and the London Eye or a free viewpoint (Sky Garden, Primrose Hill) would do
- You've already been up a comparable London viewpoint recently
Ready to Book Your Visit?
More to See in London
Tower Bridge
London's iconic Victorian bascule bridge, free to cross on foot, with a paid glass-floor walkway 42 metres above the Thames and Victorian engine rooms below.
London Eye
A 135-metre observation wheel on the South Bank, built for the Millennium and now a permanent fixture — 30-minute rotations in glass capsules with views stretching up to 40km on a clear day.
Borough Market
London's oldest food market, trading in some form since at least 1014, now a dense warren of artisan food stalls, cheesemongers and street-food vendors under Victorian ironwork by London Bridge.