eighteen things to keep in mind when Visiting  The view from the shard

Duration required

It will take at least two and a half hours to enjoy stunning views of London from the observatories at The Shard and try out the VR activities. And an extra hour to dine at one of the restaurants.

During the day

On a pleasantly clear day, you can see the city up to 65 Km (40 Miles) in all directions, and the reflecting glass panels make the view of the city more dazzling.

At Night

The Shard offers a unique experience of the lit-up skyline, which visitors can see only at night. However, iconic buildings aren’t visible, making it difficult to take pictures without a camera.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit The Shard is from 4 pm to 6 pm, when the viewing deck offers stunning visuals of the London skyline bathed in the setting sun’s colors.

Timed ticket

You must select a timeslot while booking the tickets. And must be at the entrance at least 10 minutes before the time mentioned on the ticket.

Check the weather

There is always the possibility of poor weather in the early mornings, so it is best to check the weather condition before your visit.

Beat the crowd

It is best to visit between 10 am to 2 pm for a quiet time with family and kids. Avoiding The Shard over the weekends is better because it gets crowded and stays until 7 pm, especially on a Saturday.

Restaurants & Bar

The Shard has a variety of bars and restaurants offering drinks and a small selection of bites, which you can enjoy while taking in the views. Be sure to book in advance if you plan to dine.

Photography 

The Shard offers many opportunities for great photos with stunning visuals of the London skyline, so remember to bring your camera or phone to capture moments.

Book in advance

Buying tickets to The Shard online in advance can skip the long lines at the ticket counter and quickly go through the security. Depending on the day and season, this saves you 15 to 30 minutes of waiting time.

Midweek Saver

Midweek Saver tickets are available only on Wednesdays and Thursdays and are the cheapest way to enter The Shard.

Essential ticket

The Essential ticket is available throughout the week and gets access to guaranteed views, a digital photo package, and a signature cocktail.

Deluxe ticket

The Shard’s Deluxe ticket includes fast-track entry, a guidebook, a view guarantee, a digital photo package, and a signature cocktail.

Family tickets

This ticket includes a digital photo package and a View Guarantee and is available for groups of 2 to 5 and must have at least one guest aged 15 or younger.