Located across the top five floors of The Shard, a 72-story skyscraper standing on the south bank of the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge not far from the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, and Tate Modern, The View from The Shard offers visitors stunning views of London for miles. The View from The Shard contains an Open-Air Skydeck, a multi-floor indoor viewing gallery, and two full-service bars.
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History of The View from The Shard
The Shard takes its idiosyncratic name from its iconoclastic appearance: this striking skyscraper resembles nothing so much as it does an enormous fragment of glass emerging from the streets of London and pointing skyward. The Shard was designed by world-famous architect Renzo Piano, the award-winning visionary behind such other distinguished buildings as the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, just to name a few of his acclaimed works.
Work on The Shard began in the spring of 2009, and was complete by the end of 2012. Rising to a height of approximately 1,000 feet in the air, the exterior of The Shard is covered by some 11,000 glass panels. The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom, and one of the tallest in all of Europe. In addition to The View from The Shard, the 72 occupied floors of The Shard are comprised of office space, restaurants, hotel rooms, and apartments.
The View from The Shard Highlights
For many visitors, the highlight of their The View from The Shard experience is going to be the time they spend within the attraction’s Open-Air Skydeck, located on The Shard’s 72nd floor. This unique space lets guests actually feel the wind on their faces as they luxuriate in the splendor of The View from The Shard’s unforgettable London vistas.
The experience of observing London from within The View from The Shard’s indoor viewing gallery is no less remarkable, as the city is visible here in 360 glorious degrees. Any questions you have as you behold the city below can be answered by one of The View from The Shard’s guest ambassadors. These trained experts are available to help you locate local landmarks and prominent London attractions as you gaze upon them from the air.
Visitors desiring to make their time at The View from The Shard all the more magical will want to consider raising a glass at the attraction’s Champagne Bar. The View from The Shard features two full-service bars: one on the 69th floor, and one within the Open-Air Skydeck on the 72nd floor. Each one of these establishments serves snacks and an array of beverages.
More to See and Do at The View from The Shard
The View from The Shard is one of London’s most popular attractions. Here are several additional things to note as you plan your visit.
•Given its immense popularity, The View from The Shard is the sort of attraction where it’s always a good idea to reserve your admission slot in advance of your visit. Children three years old or younger do not need a ticket.
•Though you should reserve your entry time at The View from The Shard or risk standing in a substantial line, you can relax and enjoy yourself as soon as you enter the attraction, for there’s no time limit: you can spend as much time as you’d like enjoying these spectacular views of London from above.
•A small, on-site gift shop sells a mixture of The View from The Shard-branded merchandise, including clothing, games, figurines, models, and more.
•The View from The Shard is the sort of place where even the elevator ride proves to be a notable experience. That’s because the elevators here travel almost 20 feet-per-second, which means you’ll reach the attraction’s entrance on the 68th floor in less than one minute.
•The View from The Shard offers visitors a “View Guarantee.” If, on account of weather, you are unable to see at least three of the following five attractions during your visit—London Eye, The Walkie Talkie, Tower Bridge, One Canada Square, and St. Paul’s Cathedral—then you’ll be entitled to claim a voucher permitting you to book another ticket to The View from The Shard absolutely free of charge. This complimentary voucher is typically good for three months, and it must be claimed before you leave the attraction on the day of your initial visit.
Why The View from The Shard Should Be on Your Must-See List
Simply put, The View from The Shard offers guests unparalleled views of London and its immediate surroundings, so if you want to gain a panoramic perspective on the city during your visit, this is the place to go. Throw in the attraction’s View Guarantee, as well as the fact that The Shard is the tallest building in all of England, and it’s tough to beat The View from The Shard when it comes to London-area observation decks.