The Shard, or the View from The Shard, is a 92-story multi-use skyscraper that stands tall at 310 meters (1016 ft).
The Shard is a striking feature of the London skyline. From its observation decks, visitors can enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the Thames.
Visitors can visit three decks – the indoor viewing galleries on the 68th and 69th floors and the open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor.
This article shares everything you must know before buying tickets for The Shard.
Top Tickets
# Tickets for View From The Shard
# London PassIt’s highly recommended to book your The Shard tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Where to book tickets & how do they work?
You can purchase tickets for the View from The Shard online or directly at the attraction. However, buying tickets online is often more affordable and helps you skip the queues at the ticket counters.
During peak seasons, more than 10,000 visitors visit The Shard daily, which is why the best time slots may sell off early. Booking early helps you secure your preferred slots as well.
Once you purchase tickets, they get emailed to you immediately. There’s no need to print them. You can show your e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and walk in.
Visual Story
18 must-know tips before visiting The View from The Shard
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The View from The Shard ticket prices
From Sunday to Friday, the ticket for The View from the Shard costs £32 for visitors over three years old. On Saturdays, it costs £37.
From Sunday to Friday, the entry ticket with champagne costs £47 for adults over 18. On Saturdays, it is £52.
Children under three years old can enter for free.
General Entry ticket
This Shard ticket offers access to the glass-walled observation deck on floors 68 and 69 and the open-air Skydeck on floor 72.
It is the cheapest and most popular way to enjoy the views of London.
Cancellation is possible until 24 hours before your visit.
Ticket Prices
Sunday to Friday (3+ years): £32
Saturdays (3+ years): £37
General Entry + Champagne ticket
The General Shard entry with champagne ticket offers a luxurious experience as you can savor a chilled glass of champagne while you take in the breathtaking cityscape.
This ticket includes access to the 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors, as well as a glass of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne, which is why only 18+ visitors can opt for this option.
Non-alcoholic alternatives are available for those who don’t drink.
This ticket is perfect for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or romantic dates.
Ticket Prices
Sunday to Friday (18+ years): £47
Saturdays (18+ years): £52
Note: After selecting the preferred date and timeslot, choose the ticket option ‘General Entry with Champagne’
Buy This TicketCombo Tickets
Since it takes only an hour to 90 minutes to explore The View from The Shard, many visitors add one more nearby attraction to their itinerary. Here are some popular combo tickets –
| Combos | Cost |
| The Shard + River Thames Cruise | £45 to £47 |
| The Shard + Thames Cruise: Tower of London | £48 to £50 |
| Frameless Immersive Art Experience + The Shard | £54 |
| The Shard + St Paul’s Cathedral | £54 |
View Guarantee Policy
The View Guarantee Policy at The View from The Shard ensures you’ll have a great experience, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
If you can’t see at least three specified landmarks (such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, or Tower Bridge) due to poor weather conditions, you can return for free on another date.
How to Use It: If visibility is poor, notify a staff member before leaving the attraction. They will validate your ticket for a return visit within three months.
The London Pass
The London Pass Save up to 50% on tickets using this popular discount card if you are in London for over two days.
Opening Hours of The Shard
The Shard is open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm and on Saturday, it is open from 10 am to 10 pm.
The last entry is always one hour before the closing time.
It remains closed on Monday and Tuesday.
How long does the tour take
You need at least an hour or an hour and a half to experience the stunning views of London from the Shard’s three observatories.
Visiting during non-peak hours allows you to bypass the 30 to 45 minutes of waiting time and complete the experience in just one hour.
Dining at one of the restaurants will require an additional hour.
The London Explorer Pass
Go City: London Explorer Pass: Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions and tours from a list of 80+ attractions and see London’s best at your own pace. This pass is a great way to save money if you are a big family or group.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit The Shard is half an hour before sunset. That gives you enough time to reach the observation deck before the sun goes down and you can see the colourful hues of the golden hour over the London skyline. If you stay on a little longer, you can see the nightfall and the London city glowing in the dark.
If you can’t make it for the sunset, the next best time to visit The Shard is as soon as it opens at 10 am so that you can beat the crowd.
Is The Shard better at day or night?
Visiting The Shard during the day and night offers two very different but equally breathtaking experiences.
If you want a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and admire the iconic landmarks of London from above, visit the Shard during the day.
If you want to see the magical glitter of London’s lights and utter a dramatic ‘wow,’ visit the observation deck at night.
View from the Shard during the day
In the daytime, you can see the panoramic view of London up to 40 miles (65 km) on a clear day.
You get to witness iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and even Wembley Stadium on the horizon.
You can also admire the city’s layout and the River Thames flowing through it.
However, there is always the possibility of poor weather in the early mornings, so it is best to check the weather conditions before your visit.
Visiting the Shard during the day is best for first-time visitors, photography enthusiasts, and families exploring nearby attractions.
View from the Shard at night
The View from the Shard at night is a different experience with the London skyline illuminated by thousands of city lights.
You get to witness the famous landmarks like The London Eye and The Big Ben glowing beautifully at night.
The Shard offers a romantic, intimate and dramatic atmosphere at night.
Visiting the Shard at night is recommended for those who want to see the city in a different, magical light.
Also, it is best for couples who are seeking a romantic outing or for celebrating special occasions.
Our Recommendation
The best time to visit the Shard is right before sunset. You can enjoy the best views of the day and witness the city transition from day to night, with the London skyline glowing.
The tickets for the sunset hours sell out first, so book the Shard tickets right away.
The Shard vs. London Eye
Many tourists compare the Shard and the London Eye because they are two of the highest platforms in London to take in the city’s panoramic views.
At its highest point, the London Eye is 443 feet (135 meters) tall, and the observation deck of The Shard stands at a glorious height of 800 feet (244 meters).
The London Eye offers a view of around 40 km (25 Miles), while The Shard’s observation deck provides sights of up to 65 km (40 miles) in every direction.
However, one full rotation of the London Eye takes 30 minutes, so you have limited time to enjoy the view from the highest point—when your pod is at its most elevated position.
The Shard has no such time limit. You can stay for as long as you want and enjoy the London skyline.
Another significant difference between the two attractions is the waiting time.
A visit to the London Eye involves a lot of waiting time because of the crowd it attracts, while the waiting time at the Shard doesn’t exceed 30 to 45 minutes during peak times.
Our recommendation
The Shard’s tickets might be more expensive than the London Eye’s, but it offers unlimited time at the top, and the waiting times are also much less.
We recommend you visit both, but if you have to choose only one vantage point to see stunning views of London, The Shard certainly has the edge over the London Eye.
Restaurants in The Shard
Aqua Shard (Level 31) – A modern British restaurant with a stylish ambiance, serving seasonal dishes and creative cocktails. Enjoy stunning floor-to-ceiling views and a popular weekend brunch.
Oblix (Level 32): This restaurant is Split into Oblix West (fine dining) and Oblix East (casual bar/lounge). It offers contemporary European cuisine and signature steaks. Live music and afternoon tea enhance the experience.
Hutong (Level 33) – A Northern Chinese restaurant known for its Peking duck and spicy Sichuan dishes. The dramatic decor and skyline views create a unique and authentic dining atmosphere.
TĪNG Restaurant (Level 35, Shangri-La Hotel) – A luxurious dining spot blending modern European and Asian flavors. Ideal for fine dining or an elegant afternoon tea with breathtaking views.
Bars in The Shard
GŎNG Bar (Level 52, Shangri-La Hotel) – London’s highest sky bar, offering craft cocktails, premium champagne, and an intimate setting. Perfect for a romantic or exclusive night out.
TĪNG Lounge (Level 35) – A relaxed yet elegant lounge serving light snacks, teas, and cocktails. Great for a peaceful afternoon or a casual drink with a view.
Bar 31 (Ground Floor) – A lively and casual bar perfect for after-work drinks, offering beers, cocktails, and light bites. A great place to soak in the city vibe before heading up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a time limit for my visit to the Shard’s viewing platform?
No, there is no time restriction on your visit to the Shard. You can enjoy the experience at your own pace, all the way up until the closing time for the day.
What if I’m running late for my visit to the View from the Shard?
If you arrive up to 15 minutes after the time stated on your ticket, you can still enter The Shard. However, if you are later than that, you may be required to pay a re-booking fee.
Is parking available at the Shard for visitors traveling by car?
No, there are no parking or drop-off facilities in The Shard. However, privately owned car parks are available in the local area. The nearest one is approximately a five-minute walk from the attraction.
Is the Shard’s viewing gallery accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the Shard is wheelchair accessible, offering facilities and assistance for visitors with disabilities. For specific needs, it’s advisable to contact them (+44 0844 499 7111) in advance.
What landmarks can you see from The Shard?
You can spot iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, Big Ben, and even Wembley Stadium on a clear day from The Shard.
Is The View from The Shard worth visiting during bad weather?
Even in bad weather, the views can be dramatic and atmospheric, and tickets include a “weather guarantee,” which allows you to return for free if visibility is poor.
Are there restaurants or bars at the top?
No food or drinks are served on the observation deck, but The Shard has multiple fine-dining restaurants and bars on lower floors, including Aqua Shard and Oblix. These restaurants also offer excellent views of the city.
Are there facilities for families?
The Shard is family-friendly, and baby-changing facilities are available.
Are there toilets available at the top?
Yes, restrooms are available on the observation deck in The Shard.
Is photography allowed?
Absolutely! Visitors are encouraged to take photos, but tripods are prohibited without prior approval.
The viewing platforms are well worth a visit, offering great views and a well-organized experience. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. While the bar is expensive, you can stay as long as you like. After walking around and enjoying the views, you’re pretty much done, but if you could leave and return for free in the evening, it would be fantastic to see the city in the dark too.
Our kids gave us a Virgin gift for a visit to The Shard and a meal at the steakhouse. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the views were fantastic. We both enjoyed a cocktail, and I loved the ice cream cone. There was a short 25-minute tour by a funny and knowledgeable guide named Chris, who explained The Shard in simple terms. We weren’t rushed at all and even saw Tower Bridge open twice. I highly recommend this attraction to everyone.