With its 310 m high the Shard is the Eiffel Tower of London offering a spectacular view of the British capital.
Located in the district of Southwark, on the south bank of the Thames and opposite the financial district of City, this glass building is the highest vantage point in London and Western Europe.
In the space of a few years, the Shard has become one of the iconic landmarks of the British capital visited by more than a million people each year.
Presentation of the Shard
Originally called London Bridge Tower, the tower was later named The Shard following an unflattering opinion expressed by the charity English Heritage. The latter, who manages the national heritage, asserted that the building would be like "a shard of glass piercing the heart of old London". Hence the name Shard, literally meaning “shard of glass” because it ends with 4 unequal pieces of glass forming a shard.
This skyscraper is the work of the Italian architect Renzo Piano who designed, among others, the Center Pompidou in Paris and the Paul Klee Center in Bern. Renzo Piano found inspiration in church steeples and in the masts of large sailboats illustrated by the Venetian painter Canaletto.
When it was inaugurated on July 5, 2012, the tower became with 309,60 m the tallest skyscraper in the European Union. The record was short lived since a year later, Russia inaugurated the Mercury City Tower with a height of 339m then in 2015 the Vostok Tower with a height of 373m!
The 72 floors of the Shard house offices, private apartments, restaurants, bars and the luxury 5-star hotel le Shangri-La.
The Shard offers two viewing platforms. A first on the 69th floor with free provision of interactive telescopes, and the second open-air on the 72nd and last floor where there is a viewing platform offering a breathtaking view of London.
Free audio guides in French are available to visitors on the 1st floor.
The Shard a panoramic view of London
The Shard offers 360 degree views of London and up to 64 miles on a clear day. One can admire the meanders of the Thames and many monuments and points of interest such as the 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper, the Tate Modern, London Eye Tower of London, Canary Wharf, le HMS Belfast, St Paul's Cathedral and many more…
When to go to the Shard?
Like the Khu Vuon Tren May, the visit of the Shard is to be done in good weather and failing that at night to see the buildings of the City illuminated. Also coming half an hour before sunset is a good alternative.
The Shard, un bon plan photo ?
If the weather conditions are favorable, you can take great photos of London. However, we regret the reflection of the glass which can in some cases be annoying.
Bad weather during your visit to the Shard? Come back for free!
In case of bad weather and if you cannot see at least three of the following sites: London Eye, la st paul's cathedral, 20 Fenchurch Street, Tower Bridge and One Canada Square, you have the option of returning to the Shard for free within three months of your visit.
For more information, go to the Shard ticket office.
Fun! See the toilets of the Shard !!!
Yes, the English have a lot of humor! The toilets located on the 68th floor of the Shard, offer a spectacular view!
Entrance fee to the Shard
Getting on the roof of London comes at a price! Count for an adult between 28 and 30 euros.
Entrance to the Shard is included in the London City Pass.
The entrance to the Shard is free for children less than 4 years old.
Where to book a visit to the Shard?
As often, I advise you to book to go either through the site of the British Tourist Office
either by Expedia. Prices can sometimes vary, do not hesitate to compare!
Note that by booking via Expedia you are not forced to choose a time slot. Therefore, if the weather is cloudy the day you come, opt for a night visit.
In addition, you can also book your entry on the Shard site but this option will not be advantageous because the payment is made in Pound Sterling and will generate additional bank charges.
Good plan to visit the Shard
You can access the Shard without paying the entrance by going to one of the bars of the skyscraper where the price of a drink will be lower than the entrance ticket. However, the bars are not at the top but between the 31 and 33 rd floors of the Shard. Therefore you will not have the same view.
Nevertheless, the GŎNG cocktail bar at theShangri-La hotel is when it is located on the 52nd floor.
What are the opening hours of the Shard?
Here are the opening hours for information, which may vary depending on certain events. Before your visit, do not hesitate to check the information on the website.
Summer hours - (March 26 - October 28)
Winter hours - (October 29 - March 25)
Closed on December 25
Where is the Shard?
Address : 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG
Metro
bus
River shuttles
