The Shard
About The Shard
Western Europe's tallest building, a soaring 310-metre glass spire beside London Bridge station, home to offices, restaurants, a hotel and the capital's highest public viewing gallery.
History & Heritage
The Shard was designed by the celebrated Italian architect Renzo Piano, who sketched the concept of a shard of glass rising from the Thames. Completed in 2012, it stands 310 metres tall with 95 storeys, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and, at the time of completion, in Western Europe. Its tapering form is clad in 11,000 panes of angled glass designed to reflect the changing London sky.
Built on the site beside the historic London Bridge station, the tower was conceived as a vertical city, combining offices, restaurants, the five-star Shangri-La hotel, residential apartments and public viewing galleries. Its inauguration was marked by a spectacular laser and light show, and it has rapidly become one of the defining symbols of 21st-century London.
What to Expect
Expect the highest views in the city from The View from the Shard on floors 68 to 72, reached by high-speed lifts, with an open-air skydeck where you feel the wind at nearly 245 metres. On a clear day the panorama stretches up to 64 kilometres. Book timed tickets in advance for the best prices, or experience the heights over a meal or cocktail at one of the tower's restaurants and bars, several of which require only a reservation.
Known For
Highlights
- Highest viewing gallery
- Open-air skydeck
- Fine dining
- 360-degree views
- Champagne bar
- Renzo Piano design
Frequently Asked Questions
- How tall is the Shard?
- The Shard stands 310 metres (1,016 feet) tall with 95 storeys, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom.
- Is the view from the Shard worth it?
- The View from the Shard offers London's highest public viewpoint, with a partly open-air deck and views of up to 64 kilometres on a clear day. Visiting a restaurant or bar can be an alternative way to enjoy the heights.
- Do you need to book the Shard in advance?
- Booking timed tickets online in advance is recommended, as it is usually cheaper than buying on the day and guarantees entry at your chosen time.
More London Landmarks
Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament
The iconic clock tower — officially the Elizabeth Tower — rising above the Palace of Westminster on the banks of the Thames, home to the UK Parliament and one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world.
Tower Bridge
The instantly recognisable Victorian bascule and suspension bridge over the Thames, famous for its twin Gothic towers, high-level glass walkways and a lifting roadway that still opens for tall ships.
Buckingham Palace
The London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch, famous for its balcony appearances, the Changing of the Guard ceremony and the opulent State Rooms opened to visitors each summer.