Visit The View from The Shard
in London
At the top of London’s highest public observation platform, the triple-height gallery on the 69th floor and the partially open-air skydeck at 244 metres offer a 360° view across 60 km. The changing light over the Thames makes every time slot unique.
Ticket options
Prices and conditions
The View from The Shard: Entry Ticket
From 27,99 €.
Get your ticket for the Shard and enjoy the best view in London.
What visitors say
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"We visited the Skydeck on the 72nd floor one weekday morning. The wind was strong, but the 360-degree view over the Thames was worth it. The 7 m/s lift is impressive; you reach the top before even getting dizzy. The London Experts were great at helping us locate the landmarks."
"The queue was long because it was the weekend, but once inside, everything moves very fast. I enjoyed the champagne bar on the 69th floor to take a break. A bit pricey for a single glass, but the atmosphere with that stunning view is unforgettable for a couple."
"As a senior, I was worried about the height, but the lifts are stable and fast. The triple-height gallery on the 69th floor is very well designed. We could see up to 60 km to the horizon in clear weather. It’s more elegant than Sky Garden, without excessive crowds if you come early."
"I went alone for my birthday. The detail of the panoramic toilets made me smile; it’s a brilliant little touch. I took my photos on the outdoor skydeck, with no glass between me and the skyline. Mr Doodle’s artwork added a modern artistic touch to the place."
"The price of 28 euros may seem high compared to free options, but the experience is different. We benefited from the View Guarantee when the weather turned gray, which shows how serious they are. The official app lets you book your exact time slot, avoiding any surprises."
"Walking from London Bridge station (2 min) is ideal for avoiding crowded public transport. We were lucky with the sunshine. The guides on site helped us identify Big Ben and the City. The lift ride is quick, about a minute, perfect for impatient kids."
"It was our first time in London. The contrast between the historic base and the futuristic summit is striking. We booked the standard entry ticket, but I highly recommend choosing the 10am-11am slot. The morning light perfectly illuminates the Thames, unlike in the evening when details fade."
"A very nice experience, especially the outdoor part of the skydeck. You should bring warm clothes as the wind blows hard at 244 meters. The bar staff are welcoming and offer local cocktails. The total duration exceeds two hours including security, so patience is needed."
"As a family, the kids loved the speed of the lifts. We followed the London Experts advice to make sure we didn’t miss anything. The view of the Thames winding between the City and South Bank is magnificent. It’s a must-do if you’re visiting London, especially with this clear weather."
"I loved the Mr Doodle installation included in the ticket, a real artistic bonus. The ride up is quick and the service is professional. Although the price is close to 28 euros, the quality of the facilities and the cleanliness of the venue fully justify the investment for a day out."
"The view is indeed spectacular, but beware of the queues on Sundays. We had to wait 40 minutes. Once up there, the champagne bar offers a much-needed moment of relaxation. The staff are polite and competent. I’ll probably go back on a weekday morning for fewer people."
"The 2013 opening by Boris Johnson remains a memorable highlight of our visit. Being the highest public level in the UK at 244 meters is impressive. We used the app to check the schedules in real time. It’s a 'breathtaking' experience that far exceeded our initial expectations."
Practical info
Everything you need to plan your visit
Address
SE1 9SG London, United Kingdom
England
London SE1 · Metro: London Bridge (Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo) or Borough (Victoria), 2 min walk.
Opening hours
Sat : 10:00 - 22:00
Sun : 13:00 - 21:00
Hours vary by season and school holidays. Check the official website before visiting.
Fares
Free child entry depending on age (check variants). .
Visit duration
Photos
Audience
Accessibility
PMR
Easy access via adapted elevators and wide pathways for wheelchairs.
Family
Ideal for families with free ice cream for children and tailored explanations.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Weather in London
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Discover View from The Shard
An icon inaugurated in 2013
Key figures of London's highest observation platform.
244 m
Skydeck height
60 km
View range
7 m/s
Elevator speed
900k
Visitors year 1
The View from The Shard is the highest public observation platform in London, located between floors 68 and 72 of the skyscraper. Inaugurated on February 1, 2013, it welcomed 900,000 visitors in its first year alone. Its strategic position offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Thames and the City of London, providing a visual experience suited to all types of travelers.
History of The View from The Shard
Designed by architect Renzo Piano, The Shard draws inspiration from ship masts and the spires of London churches. Built between 2009 and 2012, this architectural gem stands 310 meters tall, making its top habitable floor, the 72nd, the highest point accessible to the public. The observatory was opened by Boris Johnson, then Mayor of London, marking a key step in the capital's modern urban development.
From its inauguration on February 1, 2013, the attraction captivated audiences with 900,000 visitors in just one year. This immediate success confirms demand for a large-scale immersive viewing experience. The building now houses offices and luxury residences, but the observation platform remains the beating heart of the tourist experience, attracting millions of curious visitors each year.
The 87-story glass structure dominates the urban landscape from Joiner Street, in the heart of Southwark. Its distinctive silhouette stands out clearly against the horizon, visible from many strategic points across the city. This imposing presence makes The View from The Shard not only a destination, but also a major visual landmark for anyone discovering London for the first time.
What to see on the observation platforms
Level 69 hosts the main indoor gallery, featuring triple-height ceilings that amplify the sense of space. Here, 'London Experts' guide visitors to identify key landmarks, from Big Ben to Tower Bridge, within a 40-mile radius. The atmosphere is convivial, with a champagne bar and gelato bar allowing you to enjoy the view while relaxing after the rapid ascent.
The skydeck on the 72nd floor, located at 244 meters, offers a unique partially outdoor experience. Exposed to the elements, visitors enjoy unobstructed photo angles, ideal for immersive skyline shots. It is here that the light shifts hue at sunset, turning the Thames into a golden ribbon. Proximity to the building's summit even allows you to admire the architectural design up close.
Access is via ultra-fast elevators reaching 7 meters per second, reducing the journey from the lobby to the 68th floor to about one minute. This logistical efficiency allows more time to explore the two main levels. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a contemporary art lover with the Mr Doodle artwork included, or simply a fan of urban views, every detail is designed to enrich your stay.
Accessibility and practical tips
Located two minutes' walk from London Bridge station, the entrance on Joiner Street is easily accessible via the Tube, DLR and National Rail. For visitors with reduced mobility, elevator access is direct and smooth, ensuring a comfortable visit. We always recommend checking specific accessibility details on the official website before traveling, to perfectly tailor your itinerary to your needs.
Visibility depends entirely on the day's weather conditions, making flexible booking essential. Tickets are dated and timed, so it is crucial to choose a suitable time slot for the season, ideally 1h30 before sunset to capture the golden light. Arriving 15 minutes early lets you pass through security without stress and start the climb in the best possible conditions.
What awaits you at the summit
Sensory experience at 244 meters
Tips for visiting The View from The Shard
Insider tips
Choosing the right time slot
Book your morning slot between 10 AM and 11 AM: the queue is divided by three and school groups only arrive after 11:30 AM. You will also have ideal natural light for photos under the dome, without the aggressive afternoon reflections.
Optimizing your photos at the skydeck
Use the 72nd floor skydeck for immersive photos with no glass between you and the skyline. The wind can be strong, so secure your camera well. The western angles offer the best views of the Thames during sunset, perfect for stunning shots.
Enjoy the champagne bar
A drink at the 69th floor bar lets you savor the view while relaxing after the rapid ascent. Staff offer signature cocktails inspired by the city. This is the perfect time to chat with other visitors and identify landmarks visible on the horizon together.
Arrive on foot from London Bridge
Arriving on foot from London Bridge station (2 min) allows you to discover the base of the building before the ascent. Take time to observe the glass structure from ground level, which enhances the impact of the height once up top. Avoid public transport just before to stay fresh.
Interact with the London Experts
Feel free to approach the London Experts on site to identify landmarks visible in 360 degrees. They know London's geography perfectly and can point out distant places invisible to the naked eye. These interactions personalize your visit and enrich your understanding.
Prepare your mobile visit
Download the official app before your visit to check real-time schedules and book your slot. Remember to charge your phone, as you will use the camera a lot. Interactive maps available on mobile help guide your gaze toward major points of interest.
Combine with other attractions
Pair your visit with Borough Market, a 10 min walk away, or the London Eye, a 15 min bus ride. This combination allows you to compare different perspectives of the city. Allow at least 2 hours for The View to fully enjoy both observation levels without rushing.
Book in advance essential
Tickets are dated and timed, so book your exact time slot in advance to avoid disappointment. The starting price is 27,98€, with premium options available. Check the modification conditions before purchase, as visibility depends on the weather conditions on the day of the.
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Little-known anecdotes
Historical opening
Inaugurated by Mayor Boris Johnson on February 1, 2013, the observatory immediately made a sensation. In its first year, it welcomed 900,000 visitors, generating a profit exceeding 5 million pounds sterling. This rapid success confirmed its status as a must-visit destination.
Elevator speed
The elevators ascend at 7 meters per second, a speed comparable to that of a car in the city. Including the transfer at the 33rd floor, the journey from the lobby to the 68th floor takes only about one minute, making the ascent as exciting as the view itself.
View range
From the 69th-floor gallery, you can see up to 40 miles (60 km) to the horizon on clear days. This exceptional expanse offers a unique perspective on the complete London metropolitan area.
Record height
The skydeck on the 72nd floor is the highest public level of the building, located at 244 meters (800 feet) above ground. This partially open-air platform offers 360-degree views unfiltered by glass, allowing total immersion in the urban atmosphere.
Panoramic toilets
The restrooms feature panoramic windows with views of the Thames and the City, equipped with electric blinds. This unusual detail turns even necessary breaks into moments of contemplation, proving that every aspect of the experience has been designed to maximize visual pleasure.
First-year attendance record
During its first year of operation, the site welcomed 900,000 visitors and generated a profit exceeding 5 million pounds sterling. This immediate commercial performance confirmed the massive public appeal for this new London destination, officially opened by Boris Johnson on February 1, 2013.
Integrate The View from The Shard into your trip to London
Three itineraries depending on available time
South-East London & Panoramic View
- Morning : Visit Borough Market, located 10 min away on foot, to discover local culinary specialties before the ascent.
- Noon : Lunch near London Bridge in a restaurant with a terrace facing the Thames to digest quietly.
- Afternoon : The View from The Shard during the 2pm-4pm slot to enjoy the end-of-day light over the City.
- End of day : Stroll along South Bank to contemplate the silhouette of The Shard from a different angle at sunset.
Skyline & River Thames
- Morning : Walk around the City of London to understand the historical and financial context of the area.
- Noon : Cross the Thames to South Bank via the London Eye or Tower Bridge to vary the perspectives.
- Afternoon : The View from The Shard during the 3pm-5pm slot to maximize the chances of catching the golden hour.
- Evening : Dinner with a view of the Thames to extend the visual experience in a more intimate atmosphere.
Classic & Modern London
- Day 1 : Visit Westminster, Big Ben and the Tower of London to cover the capital's must-see historical icons.
- Day 2 morning : Explore Covent Garden for its markets, theaters and Victorian architecture contrasting with modernity.
- Day 2 afternoon : The View from The Shard during the 4pm-6pm slot to close the day with the highest public view.
- Evening : Dinner with a view of the Thames and a relaxing evening on South Bank to savor London's nightlife atmosphere.
The London Pass
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From 115,42 €
See also
More must-see experiences in London
Interactive map
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Near View from The Shard
Make time to explore the surrounding area
Borough Market
10 min walk
Historic market ideal for a varied lunch before or after the ascent to the summit. Enjoy the stalls of London specialties.
London Bridge
2 min walk
Iconic bridge offering a unique perspective on the base of The Shard and the Thames, perfect for a photo at sunset.
Tower of London
25 min walk
Historic royal fortress located on the north bank, perfect for extending your visit to the City with its private gardens.
South Bank Restaurants
5 min walk
Selection of terraces facing the Thames to enjoy a drink with skyline views, including the Bankside bars and their cocktails.
St Paul's Park
15 min walk
Quiet green space near St Paul's Cathedral for a refreshing break in the cool, appreciated by tired travelers.
Maggie's Centre & Shops
8 min walk
Lively shopping area near Borough for souvenir shopping or a quick drink, ideal for a terrace café.
How to get to The View from The Shard
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Borough High Street (West) (3 min walk) Bus : London Bridge (2 min walk)
- From Victoria Station 4,2 km → 16 min
- From London City Airport 9,6 km → 29 min
- From London Heathrow Airport 25,8 km → 68 min
- From Waterloo 1,8 km → 10 min
- From King’s Cross 4,0 km → 16 min
- From Victoria Station 4,2 km → 25 min
- From London City Airport 9,6 km → 46 min
- From London Heathrow Airport 25,8 km → 111 min
- From Waterloo 1,8 km → 15 min
- From King’s Cross 4,0 km → 24 min
- From Victoria Station 4,2 km → 17 min
- From London City Airport 9,6 km → 35 min
- From London Heathrow Airport 25,8 km → 89 min
- From Waterloo 1,8 km → 9 min
- From King’s Cross 4,0 km → 16 min
- From Victoria Station 4,2 km → 21 min
- From London City Airport 9,6 km → 46 min
- From London Heathrow Airport 25,8 km → 121 min
- From Waterloo 1,8 km → 10 min
- From King’s Cross 4,0 km → 20 min
- From Waterloo 1,8 km → 22 min
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Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before your visit
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View from The Shard on video
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View from The Shard in pictures
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