Duration
1 hour
Best Time
Afternoon
Price
€€€€
Closures
Closed on Monday, Tuesday
About The View from The Shard
The Shard's viewing galleries sit 244 meters above London Bridge, giving you the city's highest public viewpoint across three floors. You'll see St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Thames snaking east toward Canary Wharf, with the Surrey Hills visible on clear days up to 40 miles out. The real draw is level 72's open-air Skydeck where London wind hits you properly and the glass barriers don't interfere with photos or that stomach-dropping sensation.
Your visit starts with high-speed lifts shooting you up in 60 seconds flat, then you work your way through floors 68 and 69's indoor galleries before heading to the outdoor deck. The views genuinely change throughout the day as London's light shifts from morning haze to golden afternoon glow. Level 72 can get properly windy - people shriek with delight and grab onto railings, which adds to the thrill but makes it tough for steady photography.
Tickets cost £32 for adults during peak times, dropping to £25 off-peak, which makes timing crucial for your wallet. Most visitors rush straight to the top deck and miss the best photo opportunities on floor 69 where you're protected from wind shake. Skip the overpriced champagne bar unless you're celebrating something major - you're paying restaurant prices for airport-quality drinks.
Insider Tips
Enter through the dedicated Shard entrance on Joiner Street rather than the main London Bridge Station entrance - it's faster and less confusing with clearer signage
Most people ignore the digital telescopes on floor 68, but they're actually brilliant for spotting specific landmarks and reading historical overlays about what you're seeing
Book late afternoon slots around 3-4pm when you can see both daylight views and stick around for sunset without paying twice - they don't kick you out at your time slot
Practical Details
Getting There
Address
32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, UK
Neighborhood
South Bank & BanksideNearest Metro
Skip the queue: Book tickets online to avoid the ticket line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for about 1 hour.
The View from The Shard is in the South Bank & Bankside neighborhood of London. The address is 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, UK. The area is well-served by metro.
This works well at any time of day, though mornings tend to be quieter. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, especially in shoulder seasons.
Closed on Monday, Tuesday. Check the official website for holiday closures and special hours.
Nearby in South Bank & Bankside
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