The View from The Shard versus Sky Garden : lequel visiter ?
The View from The shard and Sky Garden each located on one of the banks of the Thames offer a panoramic view of London and its finest landmarks.
While the first is with its 309,60 m the tallest building in Western Europe, the second located at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street, better known as the Walkie-Talkie, because of its curved shape is considered to be the top public garden of London.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of these two skyscrapers and which one to visit?
The View from The Shard versus Sky Garden : caractéristiques
The View from The Shard versus Sky Garden: the panoramic view of London
The view from the Shard
When it opened in July 2012, the Shard is with its 309,60 m the tallest skyscraper in the European Union offering a breathtaking view of London and the meanders of the Thames.
If due to bad weather conditions, you are unable to see at least three of the following sites: London Eye Saint Paul's cathedral, 20 Fenchurch Street, Tower Bridge and One Canada Square, you'll receive a free ticket to use within three months.
Sky Garden
The Sky Garden terrace offers a direct view of the Shard and the cruiser HMS Belfast, the opportunity to take wonderful photos. We also enjoy a bird's eye view of the Tower of London from where one can discover the extent of this fortress extending over nearly 5 hectares.
But the visit is not limited to the terrace and its view of the Thames. Head towards the north face of 20 Fenchurch Street where you will see the Gherkin, The Cheesegrater and Tower 42 lined up like chess pieces. You will be as close as possible to these skyscrapers and enjoy a view remarkable that the Shard does not offer!
Winner : With its 310 m high against the 160 of Skygarden, the Shard offers a view of up to 64 km on a clear day and therefore more extensive. However, the view from the Sky Garden is just as spectacular ...
The View from The Shard versus Sky Garden: the setting, the atmosphere, the bars and restaurants
The view from the Shard
The Shard's observation deck is not very spacious and offers few places to sit. The bar in the image of the platform for its size offers a limited range of drinks at a somewhat affordable price. In view of the price of entry, the place seriously lacks user-friendliness and does not invite to sit down to contemplate the panorama. What a pity !
Sky Garden
On your arrival, you will undoubtedly be dazzled on the one hand by the magnificent glass roof offering a panoramic view of London, and on the other hand by the presence of a landscaped garden made up of a shady forest and heliophilous plants.
Two bars located on either side of the building offer a wide choice of cocktails, drinks and snacks for a more affordable price than the Shard. Prefer the Sky Pod Bar facing the panoramic terrace to enjoy the view and relax on one of the sofas!
The Sky Garden offers two restaurants, namely the Fenchurch a gourmet restaurant with an elegant setting and the Darwin a relaxed brasserie - chic. Both offer a modern setting and a beautiful view of the capital.
Finally, as soon as night falls, the glass roof lights up in pink and electro music resounds every weekend 😉 If you want to impress your other half, remember to book a table in the evening at the Sky Pod Bar between 18 p.m. and 15 p.m. You will be able to access the Sky Garden beyond the standard opening hours. Information and reservations on the Sky pod bar.
Winner : The Sky Garden offers an elegant, trendy, cozy and spacious setting inviting visitors to sit down and contemplate the view. Plus, with a choice of two bars, two restaurants, an outdoor platform, plenty of seating and live music, the Sky Garden is more than just a sight. What a flop for the Shard!
The View from The Shard versus Sky Garden : prix
The view from the Shard
To climb on the roof of London, you will have to pay between 28 and 30 € for an adult. You can book your visit and compare prices on the website of the British Tourist Office
or Expedia.
Note that by booking on Expedia you are not forced to choose a time slot.
Book on Visit Britain Book on Expedia
Sky Garden
Good plan ! The entrance to the Sky Garden is free ! The visit can be booked directly on the Grand Site website from the Sky Garden, where tickets go online every Monday, up to 3 weeks in advance. Anticipate your arrival, especially on sunny days when places are taken by storm.
Winner: Unsurprisingly, the Sky Garden is the best plan!
The View from The Shard versus Sky Garden : localisation
The View from The Shard
Address : 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG
Metro
bus
River shuttles
