The View From The Shard in London

What It is Really Like Going Up The Shard

We finally visited the View from The Shard and we are here to tell you exactly how it went.

In this guide, we will walk you through our personal experience, from booking, and getting here to the incredible breathtaking views at the top. Visiting The Shard has been on our bucket list for quite some time and we are very excited to share our experience.

Collage showing our visit to The View from The Shard.

Our Visit To The Top Of The Shard

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☰ Index

Navigate Your Visit with This Quick Index

🏙️ Quick Facts About The View From The Shard
🚇 Getting to The Shard in London
🎟️ Booking The Shard
🗺️ Shard Map
🌆 Our Visit to The Shard
💡 Tips For First-Time Visitors
🤔 Questions We Asked Ourselves Before Going
🤯 20 Mind-Blowing Facts About The Shard
📍 What Can I Do After Visiting The Shard?
❓ FAQ – Visiting The Shard

Note: Here we are demonstrating our personal experience of visiting the view from the Shard. What is mentioned here is based on our experience, so things might be different when you are there.

Quick Facts About the View From the Shard

Before we begin, here are some of the basic and quick facts about the Shard.

📍 Location: The Shard, Joiner Street, London SE1 9QU

🕒 Opening Hours: The opening hours vary depending on the season and if there are special events. Before booking it will ask for the time you will visit.

🎟️ Admission: There is a fee to go up to see the view from the Shard.

🚇 Nearest Tube: London Bridge Station (Jubilee and Northern Lines).

🍴 The View On-Site Amenities: Bar, Gift Shop, Facilities, Lift, Outdoor Deck

📸 Photo Friendly: Yes.

The Shard In London

Getting to the Shard In London

Despite its location near London Bridge station, The Shard's entrance to The View is within steps of the escalators. The Jubilee and Northern lines both stop here, making it super convenient to get there - though taxis, trains, and taxis are also available.

🚇 By Tube: Take the Jubilee (Grey) or Northern (Black) lines from central London to London Bridge Station. The entrance is just outside the station.
🚆 By Train: The shard is located beside the London Bridge Train Station where several lines such as the Southern, Thameslink and Southeastern pass through. However, if you cannot reach this station, you can stop at another station and either get the metro or a taxi.
🚊 By Tram: No tram service is available in central London.
🚌 By Bus: Several bus stops just outside the Shard. Visit the Transport for London's website for live bus updates.
🛥️ Uber Boat by Thames Clipper: You can take the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers along the Thames with a stop every 20 minutes, including London Bridge City Pier just 5 minutes from The Shard. Contactless and Oyster are accepted.
🚗 By Car: There are no parking or drop-off facilities on-site or nearby.
🚖 By Taxi: Taxis are available all over the city to catch. Also afterwards, there is a taxi stand as soon as you exit the building. Always take note of the high fees and distances involved.
🚐 By Shuttle Bus: There is no shuttle service available.

🔗 Read More: Dive deeper into how to get around London easily with our complete transport guide.

Entrance To London Bridge Station

How to Book The View From The Shard

Pre-booking your ticket for The Shard is highly recommended to ensure your entry. Buying tickets on-site may land you in unnecessary queues, especially during busy periods, which will only add delays.

You may still have to wait before passing through security despite having a ticket, but arranging it in advance saves you time and stress.

When we visited, we chose the 5:00 PM time slot and encountered no queues.

By clicking the booking link below, you will be directed to GetYourGuide, our trusted partner.
Decide on the date and the number of participants.
Choose your preferred time slot.
Choose 'Book Now'.
Please fill out any requested details.
Proceed to payment.
Payment can be made now or later (no extra charge). You can cancel or change time of your reservation up to 24 hours in advance.
Enter your card details and click 'Complete Booking'.
✅ Booking confirmed! Check your email for a mobile ticket and confirmation.

🔒 BOOK YOUR SHARD TICKETS HERE

GetYourGuide is a trusted partner we’ve personally used for years to book tours and activities around the world. We love it because it offers a “pay later” option, and free cancellation, and their website and app are fast and easy to use.

The Tower of London seen from the view from The Shard.

Tower Of London Spotted From The Shard

The Shard in London Map

Use the Google Maps below to help you find your way to the Shard. We marked the necessary landmarks and transportation options around the Shard to give you an idea of what is around visually.

Our Visit to The Shard: What It Was Like

Our visit to The Shard was simply amazing. Reaching the 72nd floor which was nothing short of mind-blowing.

Now, we have to admit, there was one downside that’s hard to avoid: rain. On the day of our visit, the weather turned, and just as we began our climb, it started to drizzle. We honestly thought our experience was ruined... but to our surprise, once we reached the 68th floor, the view was still absolutely stunning, even through the misty skies.

🛂 Arrival & Security

We arrived by metro and upon leaving the station, there was one of the entrances to the Shard (Viewing Gallery Entrance). We were immediately greeted outside the entrance by two security guards who double-checked we were in the right place for The View from The Shard. Inside, we passed through a modern lobby where our pre-booked tickets were checked, then made our way through security.

💡 Tip: There are ticket booths on site, but we highly recommend pre-booking to skip any queues. We visited at 17:00 and it wasn’t too busy lucky timing!

Moody views of City Of London from The Shard

📸 Your Photo Moment

Right after security, a staff member invites you to pose for a photo against a backdrop. You’ll get a photo ticket which can be redeemed in the souvenir shop at the end which is optional, no pressure.

🚀 The Elevator Experience

There are two lifts to get to the top:

Lift 1: Takes you up to the 33rd floor
Walk a short corridor
Lift 2: Zooms you to floor 68

The lifts are very fast and smooth. Due to the sudden increase in altitude, you might encounter some ear pressure or even a slight headache (I got one!). A staff member accompanied us up, which was a nice touch.

🌆 The First View — Floor 68

Stepping out of the lift, we were immediately greeted by floor-to-ceiling glass with a 360-degree view of London. Rain or no rain, it was jaw-dropping.

We spent time walking around, spotting landmarks and trying to capture every angle. Despite the drizzle, visibility was still good — but some of the windows had rain droplets, which made photos a bit tricky.

Inside this floor, there was a bar and small stands selling drinks and snacks, which added to the experience.

🪜 Climbing to the Top — Floor 72

To reach the final viewing deck, we walked up the stairs. This is an open-air deck (yes, it’s exposed!). Although out in the open, there are parts of it covered for shelter. Since it was raining, it wasn’t very comfortable to stay for an amount of time and also, the bar up here was closed due to the weather.

Still, being out in the sky, with the wind and rain, was kind of thrilling in its way.

🚻 The Most Instagrammable Bathroom?

According to one of the staff members, they say that in this building the bathrooms are a favourite on Instagram. Yes… we found out that The Shard has one of Instagram’s favourite bathrooms, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. Just check the photos below 👇

Bathroom view from the view from The Shard.

The Bathroom At The Shard

👻 Ghost Stories at the Shard?

A representative casually mentioned that there have been ghost sightings in the building. True or not? Who knows, but it added a mysterious little twist to our visit.

🍸 Final Thoughts

We stayed for just under two hours and took in the views, had a drink, and soaked in the whole atmosphere (quite literally, thanks to the rain). Despite the weather, we left feeling wowed.

Would we do it again? Most Definitely!

🔒 We Booked It — You Should Too

A Story Teller Up At The Shard

Tips For First-Time Visitors to the Shard

Just before visiting, here are a few tips to consider if you are going for the first time.

🎟️ Before You Go

Book your ticket online to skip the queue.
Check the weather forecast to see if it is going to rain. If rain is scheduled, try to find another day.
The Shard is located near London Bridge Station with easy access by tube, train and bus.
Read a bit about the Shard beforehand to know what to expect.
Familiarise yourself with the entrance locations and opening hours.
There is no dress code for the View of the Shard unless you are visiting a restaurant or the hotel.

🧭 While You Are There

Give yourself at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore and have a drink.
Take as many photos as you can from different angles.
Have a drink at the bar while admiring the views.
Don’t miss the famous Instagram-worthy bathroom on the upper floors!
Visit the souvenir shop which is on the exit floor after going down with the lifts. Here you can purchase the photos which you took after passing through security and a small souvenir.

🔒 BOOK YOUR SHARD TICKETS HERE

Gifts and souvenirs at the shop near the exit of the view from The Shard.

The Shard Shop In London

Questions We Asked Ourselves Before Going

📷 Will I be able to see landmarks from up there? Which are the best photo spots at the shard?

Surprisingly enough, even though it was raining, we could still see several landmarks clearly from the top. Make sure to walk around the full 360° perimeter as each angle gives you a fresh photo opportunity. Some corners offer perfect views like the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. We used both a camera and our phones, and all the photos you see on this page were taken during our visit.

🌧️ Is it worth visiting during the rainy day?

We honestly thought it might be a waste of money when it started to rain. Once we were up there, we realised this type of weather gave the view a different ambience.

The clouds were not too low, so we still had good visibility. Would we have wanted a sunny day? Yes of course, but we still felt like we had a magical vibe. So from speaking from experience, if you find yourself in the same situation still take the opportunity to enjoy yourself, don't just cancel.

🧍‍♀️ How It Felt Being Up There

If tall building is not something you are used to, then this will amaze you. This experience genuinely felt like we were standing on top of the world, looking down on the city, hearing only the quiet conversations around us. It is a place to have a pause from the everyday chaos.

💸 Was it worth the price?

Yes, definitely!

Before booking, we asked ourselves: "Is it worth paying just for the view?" But the truth is, you're not just paying for the view, you're paying for the experience.

The design, the elevator ride, the atmosphere, the moment you step into the glass space, it all builds up to something that feels worth it. We booked without hesitation, and we would do it again.

View from The Shard showing Tower Bridge and the Thames.

Rainy Day View Over Tower Bridge

18 Mind-Blowing Facts about the Shard

🚀 The Lifts Travel at 6 Metres per Second! From bottom to top, you will reach it in roughly one minute. You must hold your ears though!

🏙️ The Tallest Building in the UK and Western Europe. Standing proud at 310 meters, it's the highlight of London's skyline.

🌍 Views Stretch Up to 40 Miles on a Clear Day. You can see amazing spots far out and also spot the top landmarks.

🪞 11,000 Glass Panels Wrap the Building! The total glass façade is approximately 56,000 sq metres (602,779 sq ft) which equates to eight football pitches.

🧊 Inspired by a Shard of Glass. The design of London is a shard of glass through the heart of London. The landmark was designed by Renzo Piano.

🛠️ Built Using Over 1,200 Workers. An entire workforce brought the building to life in 3 years between 2009 and 2012.

🌬️ The Shard Can Sway Up to 20 Inches in the Wind. During heavy winds, the building can sway up to around 20 inches. Don't worry, it is very safe.

🧼 Takes 17 Abseilers 3 Months to Clean the Glass. It takes a strong team to clean these windows year-round.

🐾 A Fox Named Romeo Was Found on Floor 72. During its construction, a furry guest was found surviving off builders' scraps.

Cloudy view from the view from The Shard.

The London Eye Spotted From The Shard

💰 The Penthouse Costed Over £50 Million. A million-dollar penthouse which stood empty for 5 years.

🕌 95% of the Building Is Owned by Qatar. The Gulf State holds a near-total stake in London’s tallest tower.

♻️ Built with Over 50% Recycled Materials. It’s surprisingly green, with sustainability at its core.

🔌 Has Its Own Power Plant (CHP). The building generates its own energy on-site for efficiency.

💡 The Viewing Floors Are Spread Across 68, 69 & 72. Each level offers unique views, from telescopes to open-air platforms.

🧑‍🎤 Climbed by Greenpeace Activists in 2013. Six women scaled it to protest Arctic oil drilling—no easy feat!

🎥 Featured in Films & TV Shows Worldwide. You’ve probably seen it in Spooks, Doctor Who, or Spider-Man.

🧠 Includes AI-Powered Interactive Telescopes. Tap into augmented reality while spotting famous London landmarks.

👻 Rumoured Ghost Sightings Have Been Reported by Staff. During the fun talk by one of the staff, it was said that ghost sightings have been rumoured.

🔒 Don’t Miss the View – Reserve Today

The Shard in London from The Tower Bridge.

The Shard From The Tower Bridge

What can I do After Visiting The Shard?

In our opinion, The Shard sits in a part of London that feels slightly removed from the city’s big-ticket sights like Big Ben or the London Eye. But don’t be fooled as this area has its own charm and is packed with hidden gems. It has a more relaxed vibe compared to the buzz of Westminster. Below, we’ve listed some of the best things we actually did within walking distance of The Shard.

🍴 Visit Borough Market

You'll find delicious street food, artisan bites, and rainy-day treats undercover in London's iconic food haven.

🌊 Stroll Along the Thames Path & Potters Fields Park

Views of the river, photo opportunities of Tower Bridge, and peaceful green space are all within steps of the Shard.

🌉 Discover Tower Bridge & Its Engine Rooms

Experience the iconic drawbridge, walk the glass floors*, and explore the Victorian engineering history within. (*Entrance Fee Applies).

⛪ Step Inside Southwark Cathedral

An architectural gem tucked beside Borough Market, perfect for quiet reflection and architecture.

⚓ Visit HMS Belfast

Learn about life at sea on the River Thames as you climb aboard this historic WWII warship.

🛍️ Explore Hay’s Galleria

Restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and a giant statue of a steampunk ship are all located in this stunning covered arcade.

🏙️ Walk into the City of London

Discover hidden historical corners, Roman ruins, and the heart of the financial district when you cross London Bridge or Tower Bridge.

🔗 Encountered a Rainy day? Here are some activities in London to do when the weather is not in your favour.

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Where is the View from The Shard In London?

The Shard is located near London Bridge, however, the view is located between levels 68 to 72.

Is there a dress code to visit the view from the Shard?

No, to visit the view from the Shard there is no dress code. However, always dress decently. Dress codes only apply when visiting the hotel and restaurants.

Is there security at the entrance of the shard?

So before entering the lift to go up to the Shard, you will be required to pass through security.

How long should my visit take at the Shard?

On average it will take around 2 to 3 hours, depending on what you wish to do whilst up there. There is a bar, so you can sit down look at the view, have a drink and let the time pass.

Can I visit the view from the Shard at any time with my ticket?

No, when booking your ticket online, you must select a specific time slot.

What are the opening hours of the Shard?

The opening hours do vary from day to day due to specific events and seasons. It is best to check from their official website, or when booking the ticket.

Can I take photos inside the Shard?

Yes, photography and videography are allowed.

Is there a shop or café inside the Shard?

Yes, there is a shop as soon as you enter the entrance of the Shard and a café on the top levels.

Can I leave and re-enter the view from Shard on the same day?

No, you have a specific time slot on your ticket and you must abide by that.

Is the view from the Shard suitable for children?

Yes, it is and it is completely safe. Your children can walk around and see London from high up.

That wraps up our full experience of The View from The Shard in London.

Visiting the Shard was one of those experiences we will never forget despite that it rained. From the moment we stepped inside to that final look across London's skyline, it felt truly special and unforgettable.

Whether it is your first time in London or you are a local looking for a new perspective, we genuinely recommend adding this to your list of things to do. Don't forget to book ahead to make the most of your visit.

🔒 Reserve Your Spot Like We Did