About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve spent a decade watching the London skyline get increasingly crowded, and honestly, half these new "skyscrapers" are just overhyped glass boxes trying to fix their occupancy rates. But The Shard? It’s different. While other landmarks feel like they’re just trying to squeeze every pound out of a lead, Renzo Piano actually built something that breathes. It’s the kind of spot that makes you question why we ever settled for the London Eye. Most tours in this city are scripted to death, but up here, the view does the talking without the corporate fluff. If you're tired of the "tourist traps" and want a perspective that actually delivers on the RevPAR of your emotional investment, this is it. It’s high, it’s windy, and yeah, it's pretty damn magnificent.
About the Tour
Forget the gritty pavement and the rush-hour chaos for a moment. As you ascend to the 72nd floor of Western Europe’s tallest building, the city below starts to look like a meticulously detailed model kit. The Shard isn't just a building; it’s a vertical city that reaches a staggering 1,016 feet (310 meters) into the clouds.
Experience the Heights
- The 72nd Floor: This is where things get real. You can choose to stay behind the glass or head to the open-air viewing platform. Feeling the wind at that height is a wake-up call you won't get in a museum.
- 40-Mile Visibility: On a clear day, you aren’t just looking at London; you're looking at the curvature of the earth. You can see all the way to the outskirts, covering nearly 40 miles in every direction.
- The Design: Architecturally, it’s a marvel. Those glass facets incline inward but never actually touch at the top. This "breathable" design is what gives the building its iconic, splinter-like silhouette.
What’s Inside? If the height gets your heart racing a bit too fast, you can settle your nerves at the champagne bar. Nothing beats sipping a glass of Moët while watching the Thames snake through the city like a silver ribbon. For the history buffs, there are plenty of multimedia displays that explain exactly what you're looking at, so you won't just be staring at "that old bridge" without knowing its story.
Before you head back down to reality, there’s a boutique for the usual keepsakes. Is it a bit cliché? Maybe. But when you’ve just seen London from the highest point possible, you might actually want that souvenir photo to prove you didn’t blink.
Highlights
- Step out onto Western Europe's highest viewing platform, on the 72nd floor of The Shard
- Enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of London from 800 feet above
- Learn about London's history through multimedia exhibits
- Explore The Shard at your own pace - there are no time restrictions on your ticket
Know before you go
- The View from The Shard will be carrying out essential improvement works between February and May 2026 to ensure the continued delivery of an exceptional guest experience.
- During this period, certain areas of the attraction will be temporarily closed at selected times. While disruption will be kept to a minimum wherever possible, guests are advised to note the following:
- There will be no step-free access between Levels 68 and 69 from 06 April to 31 May 2026.
- There are approximately 19 steps between Level 68 and Level 69.
- This may impact guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users, as no alternative step-free routes will be available during this time.
- Additional partial closures within the viewing platforms may also occur.
- Level 72 will remain closed throughout the full maintenance period.
- The View from The Shard apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates guests’ patience while these enhancements are completed.