The View from The Shard: Is It Worth It?
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead
- Reserve now, pay later
- Wheelchair accessible
Yes — worth it, particularly at dusk. The altitude gives you a perspective you simply can't get from the Eye or any other viewpoint: you're looking down at the Eye, across the full sweep of the City, east to Canary Wharf, north to Hampstead Heath on a clear day. The open-air terrace on floor 72 is one of the most dramatic physical spaces in London. Book the champagne experience for a special occasion.
Highlights
- Step onto Western Europe's highest viewing platform, floor 72 of The Shard
- 360-degree views across London from 800 feet, visibility up to 40 miles
- No time restrictions — stay as long as you like once you're up
- Learn the city's history through multimedia exhibits along the way
What to expect
You arrive at London Bridge station, walk to The Shard's entrance on St Thomas Street, and take a high-speed lift to floor 33, then another lift to floors 68–72. The main observation area is enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass; floor 72 has an open-air terrace (weather-dependent). Telescopes are provided. There's a bar selling champagne and soft drinks.
The views span 360 degrees. On a clear day visibility extends to approximately 40 miles — Windsor Castle, the North Downs, and the Chiltern Hills. More typically you'll see Central London in detail, the Thames winding east to the Estuary, and the full skyline of Canary Wharf. The panorama from this height makes London's scale genuinely legible for the first time.
Best time to visit
Evening visits (one hour before sunset): The best light, warm tones on the buildings, and the transition from day to night all happens within a 30-minute window. The city looks its best when half-lit.
Clear winter mornings: Fewer crowds, low sun creating long shadows, and often the longest visibility of any season. The building is open at 10am and winter mornings are noticeably quieter than summer.
Avoid: Overcast days with low cloud (the view disappears entirely), weekends between noon and 4pm in summer (most crowded), and same-day tickets (you'll pay significantly more and lose the best time slots).
Time slots at dusk sell out first — booking ahead is the only way to guarantee the best light.
From £33The champagne experience
A glass of champagne served on the open-air terrace on floor 72. Worth the upgrade for a birthday, anniversary, or first visit — the terrace itself is a remarkable space and sipping champagne 244 metres above London is, objectively, excellent. Book this time slot at sunset for maximum effect.
Which Shard ticket should you book?
- Floors 68–72 viewing gallery
- Open-air terrace on floor 72
- Audio guide included
- Pre-booked timeslot
- Valid all day once checked in
- Everything in standard entry
- Glass of champagne on floor 72
- Priority check-in lane
- Exclusive viewing area access
- Best at sunset
Getting there
The Shard is at 32 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG. London Bridge station (National Rail and Jubilee/Northern lines) is a 2-minute walk. The entrance to The View from The Shard is on St Thomas Street, around the corner from the main building entrance.
The Shard: Frequently Asked Questions
The Shard stands 309 metres tall — the tallest building in London and the fifth tallest in Europe. The observation deck (The View from The Shard) is on floors 68–72, at around 244 metres above street level.
Standard adult tickets start from £33 online. Prices vary by time slot — weekday mornings are cheapest; weekend evenings are the most expensive. The champagne experience starts from around £55. Booking online is always cheaper than buying on the day.
There's no time limit on your visit once you're inside. Most people spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. If you're having champagne on the terrace, budget at least an hour. The queues at entry are minimal if you've booked a timed slot in advance.
They serve different purposes. The Shard at 244 metres gives you a true birds-eye view of the city including the Eye itself. The Eye at 135 metres offers a 30-minute rotating experience in a capsule with more of an event feel. For photography, The Shard wins. For the experience, the Eye. Both are worth doing on a long visit.
An hour before sunset on a clear day is ideal. The light is warm, the views are at their best, and by the time you've been up there 30 minutes the city's lights start to come on. Avoid midday in summer when the light is harsh and crowds are at their peak.