The View from The Shard
London's highest observation deck offers breathtaking 360-degree views from 306 metres above the city.
Perched 306 metres above London on floors 68 to 72 of Western Europe's tallest building, The View from The Shard offers unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views stretching up to 40 miles across the capital. High-speed lifts whisk visitors skyward in 60 seconds to observation decks featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and an exhilarating open-air skydeck. On clear days, iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and Wembley Stadium are all visible. The experience combines breathtaking vistas with optional champagne service and knowledgeable guest ambassadors, making it an essential London attraction for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.
A brief summary to The View from The Shard
- 32 London Bridge St, London, SE1 9SG, GB
- +443444997222
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Luxury
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Thursday 11 am-7 pm
- Friday 11 am-7 pm
- Saturday 10 am-10 pm
- Sunday 11 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Visit during sunset or sunrise for the most dramatic lighting and fewer crowds than midday hours. Book your timed entry for late afternoon to capture the golden hour and transition into the city's evening lights.
- Dress warmly even during summer months, as the open-air skydeck on floor 72 exposes you to wind and temperature variations at height. Layers are essential for comfort throughout your visit.
- Use the hand-held electronic guides available at no extra cost to identify landmarks and learn historical context about visible sites. The knowledgeable guest ambassadors are also excellent sources for personalised recommendations.
- Arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before closing time to avoid feeling rushed and to fully experience all viewing levels without time pressure. Once inside, there is no time restriction on your stay.
- Check the official website before visiting, as opening hours vary seasonally and may change due to events or maintenance. Last entry occurs one hour before the advertised closing time.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
London Bridge Station on the Northern and Jubilee Lines is the closest underground station, located approximately 2 minutes' walk from The Shard's main entrance on Joiner Street. Exit the station and follow signs toward London Bridge; the building's distinctive glass pyramid is visible from the station forecourt. Journey times from central London zones vary: approximately 5–10 minutes from Bank or Monument stations, 10–15 minutes from King's Cross or Paddington, and 15–20 minutes from Victoria or Waterloo. Off-peak fares start from £1.75 for short journeys within zones 1–2.
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National Rail
London Bridge Railway Station serves Southern and Southeastern trains and is adjacent to the Underground station, also approximately 2 minutes' walk from The Shard. Regional services connect from Brighton, Hastings, and other South Coast destinations, with typical journey times of 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on origin. Standard off-peak fares from Brighton are approximately £15–25 return; from other regional stations, fares vary. The station has clear signage directing passengers toward Joiner Street and The Shard.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area surrounding The Shard, including routes 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 141, 149, 343, 381, 521, and RV1. Buses stop on Borough High Street and nearby streets within a 3–5 minute walk of the building. Journey times depend on origin and traffic conditions; typical cross-London journeys range from 20–45 minutes. A single bus fare within London costs £1.75 off-peak or £2.80 during peak hours (06:30–09:30 and 17:00–19:00 weekdays). The Hopper fare allows two bus journeys within 60 minutes for a single fare.
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Private Vehicle and Parking
The Shard has no on-site parking or drop-off facilities. The nearest car park is approximately 5 minutes' walk away; several multi-storey car parks operate in the surrounding Southwark area, with typical rates ranging from £3–8 per hour or £15–25 for all-day parking, depending on the facility and time of booking. Driving through central London incurs a Congestion Charge of £15 per day (Monday–Friday, 07:00–22:00). Given parking costs and congestion charges, public transport is strongly recommended for most visitors.
The View from The Shard location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The View from The Shard
London's Highest Vantage Point
The View from The Shard stands as London's most elevated observation platform, positioned on floors 68 to 72 of The Shard—a striking 306-metre glass and steel tower that dominates the city's skyline. At nearly twice the height of any competing viewing platform in the capital, this venue offers visitors an unmatched perspective of London's sprawling urban landscape. The journey begins the moment you step into the building's extraordinary high-speed lifts, which accelerate from ground level to the first observation deck on floor 68 in just 60 seconds, creating an exhilarating prelude to the experience ahead.A Multi-Level Viewing Experience
Once you arrive at the observation galleries, the experience unfolds across multiple levels, each offering distinct perspectives and atmospheres. Floor 69 features a fully enclosed observation deck with walls of windows providing 360-degree views of the city, allowing visitors to identify landmarks in every direction. Additional interior levels accessible by lift or stairs provide comfortable viewing spaces, while floor 72 culminates in an open-air skydeck where visitors stand exposed to the elements, creating an immersive and visceral connection to the London skyline. This progression from sheltered to exposed viewing spaces caters to varying comfort levels and photographic preferences, ensuring every visitor finds their ideal vantage point.Iconic Landmarks and Panoramic Scope
From The View, London's most celebrated landmarks appear in stunning clarity on clear days. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben dominate the western vista, while Tower Bridge frames the eastern approach to the Thames. Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, and the Walkie Talkie building are all identifiable from the observation decks. On exceptionally clear days, visibility extends as far as Southend-on-Sea and the Olympic Park in Brent. The building's location in Southwark, immediately adjacent to London Bridge, positions it perfectly to showcase the city's historic core, modern financial districts, and residential neighbourhoods in a single sweeping panorama.Atmosphere and Amenities Throughout the Day
The experience transforms dramatically depending on the time of visit. Daytime visits offer the clearest panoramic views, ideal for identifying specific landmarks and understanding London's geographic layout. As afternoon transitions to evening, the city takes on a golden glow during sunset hours, creating dramatic photographic opportunities. After dark, London transforms into a sea of lights, with illuminated bridges and buildings creating an entirely different aesthetic. The venue enhances the experience through optional champagne service, knowledgeable guest ambassadors stationed throughout the decks who share stories and insights about the city's history and landmarks, and hand-held electronic guides with headphones providing detailed information about visible sites. Bars serve drinks until approximately 30 minutes before closing, and restrooms are conveniently located on floor 68.Seasonal Events and Special Programming
Beyond the standard viewing experience, The View hosts regular programming that enriches visits. Every Wednesday from 2pm to 4:30pm, live music performances create an atmospheric backdrop to the panoramic vistas. Periodically, yoga classes are offered on the observation decks, allowing visitors to practice mindfulness and movement while suspended above the city. These special events, combined with the venue's weather guarantee—which offers complimentary return tickets if visibility prevents spotting at least three major landmarks—demonstrate a commitment to ensuring memorable experiences regardless of conditions.Architectural Significance and Design
The Shard itself represents a landmark achievement in contemporary architecture. Designed with a distinctive pyramidal form inspired by the spires of historic London churches and the masts of tall ships, the building's glass facade creates a shimmering presence on the skyline. The observation decks showcase this architectural vision intimately, with visitors able to appreciate the building's engineering and design from within. The contrast between the enclosed, climate-controlled galleries and the exposed open-air skydeck emphasises the structure's bold aesthetic, while the floor-to-ceiling windows frame views as if the city itself becomes the primary artwork.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Lively
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Futuristic Looks
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
