The Shard
Western Europe's tallest building with an observation deck on floors 68–72, offering 360-degree views across London from 244 metres up
Western Europe's tallest building with an observation deck on floors 68–72, offering 360-degree views across London from 244 metres up
The View from The Shard puts you 244 metres above London — higher than any other public viewpoint in Western Europe. On a clear day you can see up to 64 kilometres in every direction, from Wembley Stadium to the North Downs.
The experience spans three levels across floors 68-72 of Renzo Piano's 310-metre glass tower. Floor 72 is partially open to the elements, so you feel the wind and hear the city far below — a very different sensation from sealed glass.
You start on the ground floor with a brief multimedia exhibit covering the building's construction and the history of London Bridge. A high-speed lift then takes you to floor 68 in under 60 seconds — your ears may pop on the way up. The initial viewing gallery is fully enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass and digital telescopes that overlay landmark names on the view.
From floor 68 you climb a short staircase to floor 69, home to the champagne bar and a slightly higher vantage point. The real draw is floor 72 — a partially open-air platform where the glass panels are replaced by open-air gaps. Wind, rain and city noise reach you directly, and the sense of height is immediate.
The panorama covers every compass point. To the west, the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament line the river. Directly north, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge sit below you, with the cluster of City skyscrapers — the Gherkin, the Walkie Talkie, the Cheesegrater — at near eye level. To the east, Canary Wharf and the Thames Barrier are clearly visible.
Looking south, the suburban sprawl stretches towards the Surrey hills and, on a clear day, Gatwick Airport. At night the view transforms entirely — the Thames becomes a ribbon of reflected light and the grid of streets reveals just how vast London is.
The Shard sits directly above London Bridge station, so access is effortless. Borough Market is a two-minute walk and makes a natural pairing — visit the market first, then head up for afternoon or sunset views. The area around Bermondsey Street and Tooley Street has dozens of restaurants and pubs within five minutes.
Allow at least 15 minutes before your time slot for security and lift queues. There is no strict time limit once you are on the viewing platforms, so linger as long as you like. Most visitors spend 60–90 minutes, especially if they stop at the bar.
Included with London Pass
Included with London Pass — save up to 50% across 80+ London attractions.
Book online at least a day ahead for the cheapest rates — walk-up tickets cost significantly more
Sunset tickets let you watch London shift from daylight to a sea of lights. These slots sell out weeks ahead in summer, so book early.
Visibility makes or breaks the experience. Check the forecast and aim for a weekday when the platforms are less crowded — Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are quietest.
Most visitors linger on floor 68. Go directly to the open-air platform on 72 while it is empty, then work your way back down.
Borough Market is a two-minute walk from the entrance. Visit for lunch before your afternoon slot — the market closes at 5pm on most days.
The interactive telescopes on floor 68 overlay building names and historical views on the panorama. They are free to use and surprisingly detailed.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 6, 2026
